Hi All
Just want to flag this up.
Here are the details of next Saturday's Alternative, if the weather's nice it's a really lovely route.
We start by going over Farthing Down, always a good start if a bit of a shock to the legs and lungs, we then head down through the quiet Surrey lanes to Bletchingley, Crowhurst, the edges of Lingfield before taking a beautiful road that seems to have been left behind by time; this takes us up to the top of the Ashdown Forest and once at the top it's downhill to Hartfield in Sussex where we will probably stop for some great cake and coffee. Depending on the weather and the group's enthusiasm we may go on a few extra miles to Duddleswell Tearooms which also has a good selection of cakes. Returning a different way which may involve a very scenic section of disused railway, we should be back by around 2-2.30.
The Alternative rides are varied, relaxed and fun and we always wait for anyone dropped on hills. The routes are usually hillier than the ride to Charlwood but you'll be rewarded by some great views and some quiet lanes with a selection of cafes chosen for their welcome, coffee and cake. It's impossible to put a speed on our group as the hills will lower our average but if you can manage the 17's then you'll be fine. Why not give it a try, you'll be very welcome.