BACK TO THE FUTURE
The route for this Club Ride is inspired by references from both the 1932 & 1949 BCC Ride handbooks, both featuring Shoreham and Eynsford. We will be following roads used by club members from years gone by.
We’re heading East to Knatts Valley. First it’s up to Crystal Palace, down to Elmers End, West Wickham, then following Gates Green Road towards Biggin Hill. You’ll find these roads familiar from our Biggin Hill SR…but in the opposite direction. It’s then up to Knockholt, Halstead, followed by a lovely descent to Shoreham before crossing the A225, then climbing again to Cotman Ash. The landscape then opens up to reveal the Knatts Valley.
We then head for home past Lullingstone Park, up to Well Hill, Chelsfield then on to Downe before retracing our outward route back to Wickham and some suburban slalom to Balham.
Overall distance 90km/56miles.
Coffee stops:
Shoreham. The Honey Pot Cafe ( duck off the route along Castle Farm Rd @km 53/ mile 33 to Shoreham cafe (opens 10am )
Holwood Farm @km 66/mile 41. (opens 10am)
Points to note:
After Shoreham and then again after Eynsford we briefly ride on the A225, take extra care.
Despite our route only just taking us outside the M25, it’s surprisingly quiet so be sure to bring drinks/snacks to get you to the first stop.