2011 Event

The event goes ahead as planned on Saturday. Please try to arrive early with coins jangling in your pocket. Depending on numbers we may send you off in groups as usually a scrum develops around the official start time of 1000.

The route has been surveyed more than once and it's in only fair condition. The Council hasn't repaired the previous winter's ravages so little changed. It's mainly dry but sunken lanes never dry out until late Spring. So those on slicks may experience wheelspin and bikes will need a clean on Sunday. Thankfully no more rain is forecast.

Early finishers may encounter duathlon competitors on the upper slopes of Box Hill; that event is scheduled to finish around noon.

Tips for newcomers

1. This event attracts a wide range of riders and bikes; a few will be back within two hours; many from planet Earth take twice as long. We don't record times and it is NOT a race - go at your own pace and enjoy the day and views. It's no shame to walk! The seven arrows on OS maps don't do it justice. But don't take it too casually; it's expected the oldest rider will be 83 - could you live with the shame?

2. The start is Ryka's Car Park (TQ171520 for map readers; RH5 6BY if coming by car). Refreshments, toilets and parking are on hand at the start and at the finish which is beside the cafe on top of Box Hill. On Sundays Rykas caters to the leather brigade - you may smell it before you see it.

3. The nearest railway station is Boxhill and Westhumble but the service is hourly. Dorking (or possibly Leatherhead) is better served and just over one mile away; the A24 has a cyclepath.

4. At the start you will be given a map/route sheet but there will be few if any marshals and no course signage. Our website is cyclingswlondon.org.uk and links on the C&M page lead to a route sheet, a Google Map (with StreetView) and GPS files.

Careful study may prevent you from discovering that villages like Cranleigh, Shere and Peaslake are not on the route! With orange squash selling for up to £2.20 a pint you may not want to stop either at a pub.

5. On single track lanes (like Logmore (especially), Sheephouse, Hoe, Whitedown) expect to stop if you meet a Chelsea tractor.

6. The A24 is crossed twice - please take care.

7. An unusual and early hazard is a three-quarters tour of the Dorking one way system. Keep to the right approaching the traffic lights at the junction of West Street and South Street. Leave (left then right) just after a pedestrian crossing signed "Coldharbour/Leith Hill".

8. The only indicator to Logmore Lane is a turn right sign and it's a steep twisty descent on a poor surface.

9. Confusingly you'll turn twice into Hoe Lane (A and B). It could be described as Y-shaped.

10. Approaching Dorking and Wescott are junctions where you could turn in either direction. The official advice is bear right.

11. The event emergency number is 07905273262. Keep your expectations low - we're a small club.

12. Expect more than 80% of the takings to be donated to a broad based cycling charity.