| 1. Mainly staying on A roads don't be intimidated by traffic. There are lots of cycle lanes running parallel with the roads. Using a road bike instead of a mountain bike due to the condition of some the cycle routes i stuck to the roads. Not being a super fit cyclist as a returning 54 year old after a 15 year absence i found it suprisingly easy.
Reaching the Epsom Downs (or what seemed mainly UP's) were not that bad either i maintained an average of 18 mph. On reaching Box Hill i stopped @ Ryka's Cafe a popular meeting point for Bikers, cyclists on and off road variety, and walkers. Usual fare on offer mainly of the fried variety.
Then the climb. I had no idea what i was letting myself in for. I was averaging 8 mph and didn't mind the Kingston wheelers zooming past me it was a personal test for me. With the views on the way up it was all worth it. Having completed the climb it was a fairly easy ride on the way back to Battersea. Mainly dual carraigeway with cycle paths following along side. Completed in 3 Hours 20 mins. |