Sunday 17 June 2012 saw a few of us meet at East Croydon station for a ride out to the borough’s edge and beyond.
After some deliberation, we set off via the back of the County Court to Park Hill, and from there to Lloyd Park. This took in part of the planned Connect2 route from Wandle Park
Crossing Lloyd Park via the allotments, we took the long haul up Farley Road, before taking a sneaky detour via the Selsdon Park Hotel and bombing down Old Farleigh Road. We then veered off to climb up through Kings wood, before heading back towards Farleigh via Crewe’s Lane.
Arriving early at our first pit stop, the Harrow Inn, we had to wait with the other hardened boozers before the doors were opened on the stroke of 12, where upon we got a drink and had a chat.
Refreshed, we headed on via some very muddy bridleways off Daniels Lane.
We did a bit more off-road riding after leaving Ledgers Road, as we made our way towards Clarks Lane, before doubling back to Beaver Water World near Tatsfield, which has a cosy greasy-spoon type cafe.
After lunch, we rode through nearby Tatsfield, which boasted Olympic themed flower displays
The return to Croydon took in the vicinity of Biggin Hill, with some fine views after a steep climb up Norheads Lane.
It was a fairly steady ride from there along some quiet roads towards Featherbed Lane.
There was a minor altercation at Kent Gateway, where one of our number was clipped by a car – but no damage was done, no bones were broken, and after five minutes of discussing animatedly what to do next, the matter was resolved with a handshake.
Thanks to Vince and the wonders of GPS, you can follow our route via http://j.mp/LRuMUn
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