It’s something we have thought about for a while, could we fit in a round trip to Mogdaor and the Sportsman pub on a Wednesday night ride and still make it home at a sensible time; well the answer is certainly yes.
18 of us gathered on the Green in Westcott for the off on all manner of bikes, I back on leading duty for this ride on my rigid singlespeed. We started off with the climb up Hole Hill Lane which was dispatched in record time for me at least. From there it was up the old coach road towards Ranmore but we carried on under the road going back down towards Dorking before taking the sharp left and steep climb back up to the top of Ranmore.
With only a couple of miles done we'd already done two decent climbs and after descending down to Westhumble via red, white and rose and proceeding onto Ryker’s it was time to face Box Hill and the bridleway path. Not everyone’s favorite climb but it does the job. A re group at the top was required before heading on our way. We went over to the Smith & Western then took a path around the back of it that descends then climbs via a short sharp run of steps. After this and a short straight bit of trail on an old road it’s time to tackle the steps decent.
Everyone had their own way of doing this and eventually we re gathered at the path that runs along the bottom of the downs. We followed this past the old Brockham quarries and onto the Pebble Hill road. A short bit of tarmac here the back off road as we continued towards Reigate. Having been delayed by 2 chains braking in quick succession we continued on our way. This part of the ride was new to a lot of our group which was great, it’s one we haven't done for quite some time but in the current conditions was really enjoyable.
Eventually we came out on the edge of Reigate then faced the pig of a climb up Colly Hill. In have to admit to having to walk the middle chunk of this but I reckon with fresh legs and on a very good day I may just be able to singlespeed it, I must have a go one day. At the top we again regrouped and were joined by George just in time for the last 10 mins of riding to the pub.
Good beer and chat was had by all, again many of the group had never been there before and I think all enjoyed it. Soon it was time to head home which involved quite a lot more riding than we'd normally do after a pub stop. We made our away across the golf courses then over the M25 and up to Headley Heath, a quick run down SS and then over the road and around to Mickleham down. A bit more cheeky singletrack then across the grass at the top before heading down Paranoid and Tankslapper to come out at Juniper Hall. A final ride back down the cycle path, through denbies and around the bottom of Ranmore saw us back to Westcott - great ride in fab conditions and top company, a perfect evening.
