Ride Report:

BROCKHAM BONFIRE NIGHT RIDE 04/11/06

What an adventure! A late afternoon start for 9 intrepid adventurers
and a fairly standard but direct ride to Nonsuch Park where we had a
quick stop, just in time before the cafe closed. As we moved off
towards Epsom Downs, the sun started to set. By the time we reached
Langley Vale, it was dark. Night time isn't a problem in the city and
other built up areas but night time on unlit country roads with tree
cover is DARK! We resolved to ride slowly together as one unit and if
one person wanted to walk up a hill, then we all had to walk.

I've never led a ride in the pitch black before. I couldn't tell who
was behind me but I knew there was a bike there. The back marker had
the brightest front light plus a bright headlamp so I could always tell
how fast or slow we need to go to avoid getting spread out. I'd
attached a torch to my panniers to assist in lighting the road. When
motorists approach from the opposite direction with their lights on
full beam, it becomes impossible to gauge the edge of the road. Despite
the difficulties, we were perfectly safe. Both leader and back marker
wore reflective clothing and we were lit up like a mobile Christmas
tree.

After a couple of miles of unlit road, we reached our meal stop, the
Hand in Hand at Box Hill. Most pubs near Brockham were very busy and
couldn't accommodate such a large group for an early meal but no one
had thought of venturing up here. The food was patchy but cheap for a
country pub. We just ate and then carried on.

The steep descent off Box Hill required some care and attention. The
volume of traffic helped to light the road and any descent is easier
than a climb. As soon as we hit the lanes we came across the car parks
which signalled the start of the road closures and the end of the road
for motorised vehicles. Although there were thousands making their way
to the bonfire, we were able to weave in and out and get there a bit
quicker.

We opted to stay at the edge of the green for a quick getaway. The
bonfire was about to be lit although that entailed several minutes of
amplified self-importance from a commentator. Then the build up to the
fireworks. It was claimed that this is the largest display in the UK.
Could that be true? A small village south of Dorking with two pubs, a
village shop and a church? Possibly. With an attendance of 10,000+ and
£40,000 worth of fireworks, I felt it could well be true. And all for a
£2.00 donation on the way in.

Everyone agreed the display was spectacular. We weren't quite so
military-quick on the getaway but no problem because we were out on the
A25 in minutes, despite the crowds. After that, it was a couple of
miles to the railway station at Dorking and back to Mitcham Junction
for 10pm.

Out for 7hrs 30m, 23 miles. See the pix on Flickr at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pollardshillcyclists/sets/
72157594361967962/
or
http://tinyurl.com/vma2f

===

Next week's ride is definitely worth doing. Look out for any changes
though as it may be a bit on the short side. Jim is hoping to ride the
route in the week and any change will be announced on the PHC list.
Details on the website.

We're short of a leader for the ride on the 19th. The route is a piece
of cake. Any volunteers?

No one on the Quest ride this week but it started a long way out. That
one was always going to be the difficult one. I don't think we're
reaching out to people who live near Farleigh. But you have to try
these things. A few went on the Sustrans ride to the Stop Climate
Change demo.

Nice ride today with Central London CTC. I was surprised to find that
it was virtually identical to our route to Claygate but with some
clever bits thrown in. I wasn't aware of the nice garden centre where
we morning stopped, between Claygate and Long Ditton. Good choice of
cafe-type food in there. Lunch was at Ham at the untested Royal Oak who
only had meat roasts on offer although they looked very nice. The
vegetarians ate sticky toffee puddings instead! I led a breakway group
back over Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common to avoid going back
towards Sutton. Check our Resources page on the website for details of
other group's rides. There are quite a few to choose from most weeks.
Central London CTC's one star rides are comparable with ours in terms
of pace. Look out for the next PHC/CTC joint ride in January.

Cheers
Mark
PHC Co-ordinator
http:www.pollardshillcyclists.org.uk
07711 688189