I hadn’t been out for a long bike ride for ages, and so was tempted by the fine early autumn weather of Sunday 14 October 2012 to go out with the Anerley Bicycle Club on a ride down to Chiddingstone Castle in Kent. The Anerley is one of Britain’s oldest cycling clubs, having been founded in 1881, and has regular Sunday rides into the Kent and Surrey countryside, plus Tuesday trips too.
Over a dozen people showed up, most of them regulars but one or two new faces or, like me, those returning after a prolonged absence. The pace of the rides averages about 12mph, so not too strenuous, even for the novice. We left the usual meeting place of 501 Brighton Road in Purley and headed towards the North Downs via Riddlesdown Common, then through the picturesque valley of Woldingham School and, in the main, along quiet country lanes towards Chiddingstone. Upon arrival, we invaded the café and filled up. Later we were joined by John Turnbull and his wife Meike; John was a ABC regular until an illness laid him low. His road to recovery was helped by the Wheels for Wellbeing team at the South Norwood Arena, and he features in the video backing their National Lottery funding bid.
After that, a few went on to the pub stop at The White Rock in Underriver but most headed back home, with a wearing climb past Chartwell, rewarded with a long coast into Westerham.
This was followed by another climb up towards Titsey Hill via Pilgrim’s Lane, home to the Godstone Vineyard if I’m not mistaken, before riding the B269 homeward bound.
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