Alternative route to Charlwood 2mrw

[Amy]

that's if I don't make a wrong turn - I usually do...

[quote]me = So, how about a different route to Charlwood, starting by going up over Farthing Down and dropping into Charlwood via Bletchingly, Outwood and Salfords. It means doing the usual club route in reverse from where Lonesome Lane turns into the road between Meath Green and Reigate - so I thought we could continue with the route reversal and head out via Russ Hill all the way back to Coulsdon or go with the Box Hill lot - your choice

Jon CC Bianchi = Definitely up for the ride down - sounds good. usual time at CSS?? Want to keep something in my legs for Sunday so might just go for the shortest route back but also thought I might have a look at the Evans warehouse clearance sale. I'll play that bit by ear.

[Andrew G]

Got a 25 on Sunday so very tempted. It's been ages since I last did a CR though so I'll probably leave it. Depending on your timing you might be able to hook up with Rob et al in Bletchingley, as they are leaving early to have a shufty at the inter-club TT course, and expand your group there.

[Jon C C on a Bianchi]

a deafening silence! come on you conservative, reactionary, comfort zone lot - try something different!

[Andrew G]

[quote="Jon C C on a Bianchi"]a deafening silence! come on you conservative, reactionary, comfort zone lot - try something different!

[djembi]

Well done Amy that was good fun (save for ian's chatter) I think that route is far far superior to the usual one, roll on next week

[Roy Green]

I only did Amy's return run, but found it good fun. The outward run her group did would make a fine Charlwood return, and that way, you'd find out what the folk valiantly challenging the dreaded Paragon in the Sporting 10 (and a bit) this Tuesday have to suffer over the Outwood-Bletchingley drags.
Next time, I'll try the Farthing Down start-out too, though with my sluggish climbing, I'd better give myself five minutes' start so I'm waiting for the group on top of the Down, rather than hold them up for my catch-up!
The J4F run out was nice and sociable, as ever. New lady Gemma (Sp?) will be giving the bike shop that sold her the new bike an ear-bashing about the indexing on her triple-ring set, as she had big problems finding any sort of useful gear ratios!

[Roy Green]

Just noted the full thread title - what does "2mrw" mean?

[Amy]

Sorry Roy, text speak for 'tomorrow' - I was feeling lazy

Anyway I thought that was a pretty good route all round - even if I say so myself I think it even has potential for future runs as you can vary it quite a bit to add extra loops on - perhaps the through and off'ers might like to look into the possibility of adding on a through'n'off section?

Djembi, I obviously must know you by sight or even name - but who are you??!! I'm afraid I'm not out for the next two Saturdays as I'm off on my CTC touring holiday (that's heavy touring bike plus panniers ) in Perthshire. I'll try and stick the actual route on the routes section before I go away but I think someone else can try leading a group next week!

PS Anyone note the actual distance - I haven't got a speedo fitted to my new bike - ?

[Jon C C on a Bianchi]

Nice one, Amy

So good we did it TWICE!! There and back!

90 kms door to door - 24kms SE25 and back = 66 kms

800m + of climb, average 3%, max 14% !!

This was meant to be a gentle spin before the Reigate Sportive tomorrow!

Good fun - thanks everyone.

[Alex P]

Amy,

The route certainly looked interesting and thinking that perhaps we should work some of these into the regular club run routes to break it up a bit; I like the idea of going over Farthing Downs so that we miss the m/way junction at the beginning.

[Amy]

Oh it was nice not doing that motorway junction - in fact we hardly saw a car most of the route down. Even if you don't want to lose the usual club run route, you can climb up Farthing Downs and then drop back down to Merstham either down the B2031 from Chaldon or Rockshaw Lane. Or else keep the usual club run down as the return route or else let the group leader decide which way they want to go out of a range of options! Hey, how about the training group using the whole race circuit before turning off for the cafe??

I did the shortest, easiest route option (for me anyway) but there are some other options I was considering. I also changed the route back, using the more direct route between Charlwood and Leigh (road's a bit rough through Mynthurst unfortunately) for reasons of time.

Jon, I assume that 14% was that nice little kick on the climb back up to Chaldon! Hope you have a good ride today and thanks for giving my route such a vote of thanks

[TimNick]

Give us a shout next time you're planning the route - sounds a great route. Would've joined you all on Sat but only had 2 hours out and back so had to do a bunk from the J4Fun/15s group anyhow. Roy, if you read this I did end up going back up over Reigate hill!....so much for my keen sense of geography!

On the talk of diff routes/trips has anyone considered a run out towads Hever way /Edenbridge down towards Ashdown (including Toys Hill etc)?

See you all on Sat and have a great hols Amy.

P.S Jon - I promise to do the extra 8 miles next Brighton run to get the 100 miles ticked off!

[Jon C C on a Bianchi]

We found the sportive very tough today what with the rain, rain, wind, wind and more wind. Still despite it all we did reasonably well and picked up a silver on the short course. But completely soaked and completely knackered!

Anyway, have a good break, Amy...

and Tim, don't forget...the road to hell is paved with good intentions... have you thought that one way of ensuring the ton is to move house - 4 miles north and viola 100 miles door-to-door! worth thinking about.

Cheers

Jon

[Amy]

TimNick, the club used to do a ride to Westerham, particularly in winter, a similar route could be resurrected - and not just for winter! Go on, you know you want to lead a ride