I'll stand up to be shot at too.
Wherever it is discussed and agreed, or not, with large (70-100) CRs I am in favour of running more than one route every week. (I was going to suggest something along these lines without knowing where it should be sounded out - thanks for drawing initial fire Amy
).
3 route options:
1)Amy's
2)Current CR
3)CR reverse (heading out via Chipstead Valley)
I've taken groups out on 3 and it has been well received. I just think that splitting people over more roads (options 1 & 3 are quieter from the off too) makes more sense with such large numbers. In the event of punctures there is less likely to be group merging, and we will endear ourselves to other traffic more if there is less concentration of numbers.
All 3 options allow meeting and chatting at cafe, but will stagger arrival slightly, and also enable a choice of return routes (Box Hill, Redhill, current CR out route in reverse).
Variety is the spice of life and a number of regular routes would allow people to switch from one to t'other on alternate weeks, including the VC who is leading.
I appreciate that some people have different time limitations to others but this way people would still get home at a similar time each week and would not have routines disrupted.
Sorry of you feel a bit hijacked Amy, I would probably favour the Farthing route as a "usual" except perhaps in certain conditions as Tim says the cattle grid can be a bit leathal when icy.
[quote="mrP(Boonen)VT"]the current route is one that I devised along wih John Smith many years ago
Nothing against it per-se Paul but perhaps over time the increased traffic levels on the A23, and increased CR numbers, mean a re-think is needed.
Right that's me done, I'll be the one in the corner with the target painted on my shirt.
N.B. Only mentioning this so I don't get told off for stirring something and not continuing with it, but I will be doing long rides from winter onwards and some as alternate CRs for small groups so won't necessarily be doing any of the above some weeks
.