AGM proposal - sounder for alternative CR

[Marek]

I think there are some really good things being brought out in this thread. I think there is a need for a standard route as this really does help to drive the membership for newbees. It took me ages to learn the routes around the lanes as when you first start you are just concentrating on following a wheel and trying to keep up.

We did used to have a 'Sunday' club run which went a different 'standard' route out over to Westerham. I don't think that this happens any more, but that was a good route, although did also go up the A23. (which I think is less of an issue to be honest than some of the smaller lanes around Newdigate where the locals seem to be against cyclists in a big way). Has a few more hills in it, but on the whole avoids most of civilisation, those who are doing road racing should think about taking up this route as it has more challenging hills in it than the standard club run, all good training. Am happy to teach anyone this route over Winter.

When Ibbo used to come out over the Winter we also had an extended club run route on Saturdays which went a standard way. Pretty much normal club run to Rusper and then we turned off and went over to Ockley, Whitedown and then Box Hill where we would have a cuppa. We would then cycle on to Fanny's Farm shop and have another cuppa.

The thing is that people have different priorities and uses for the club run. I really like to know that it is going on and that I can rock up at CSS and know that something will be happening that I will enjoy. I also know that if I post up on the Forum a week before that I want to do a longer ride that involves all the hills in Surrey at breakneck speed, that I will at least attract two other crazies, if not more willing to join me.

What I would say though, is that you guys really should come with me one day on a ride around the Ashdown Forest, it is not that far away from CSS, and there are some great climbs, fantastic views and generally some great roads to cycle on. Some of the most enjoyable cycling I have done this year has been on a summers evening after work in Ashdown Forest.

So, in summary I would say that the current club run route is not broken (so why bother trying to fix it), but people can organise themselves to do what they like, if it sounds tempting then I reckon others will join in.

Cheers

Marek...

[PeteS]

[quote="Andrew G"]I appreciate that it may not be everyone's cup of tea particularly newer riders and those with less experience.

[djembi]

to me it's just plain obvious which route to take. i fear that one day there might be a terrible accident and if it can be avoided then why not.

[Marek]

I used to live very close to CSS, and in my opinion the right turning you have to make to get onto Farthing Down is much more dangerous than the A23/M25 Junction. You have traffic whizzing behind you coming off the A23 and you have to move across the narrow road quite quickly, on the normal route you can take your time and give plenty of time to signal and warn the traffic of your intentions. There are lots of potholes on the left if my memory serves me right which has people dodging about even before they have got to the turning. The oncoming traffic is hard to judge as you are on the brow of a small hill, it makes it hard to clip in etc and cars have had to slow down for me in a big way as I have turned that corner on a couple of occasions.

For a beginner rider how confident would you be at going up hill over a cattle grid in the wet?

I agree that the Farthing Down route is much more pleasant, I don't agree that it is safer. But do what you like.

Cheers

Marek....

[Amy]

It's nice to know that people are discussing it and getting people to think about alternatives. I've noted the concerns about the hill start, the turn to get to Farthing Downs and the cattle grids. I think there will always be problems with whatever route we pick but you can go down the A23 to what is now Starbuck's and turn up that little lane there to avoid at least a couple of the problems noted on my (sorry, Sweet Pete's) route.

PS Pete, couldn't you have let me know! I'm dying for some faster rides and if they're on alternative routes I'll be there!!