Surrey Hills Glorious Gravel

The strapline for the event was “the Surrey Hills but not as you know it” and that certainly proved to be the case with Sportive Break's newest glorious gravel event with its mix of pale yellow and chalky white gravel plus the occasional sand/mud trap.

As a resident roadie of the Surrey Hills for many years, I had been looking forward to the opportunity of exploring some off-road gravel goodness. Whilst I had come across some of the planned off-road sections previously, I had not joined them up like the planned event route. I just hoped that we would manage to avoid the damp conditions brought on by heavy rainfall of the previous few days.

Thankfully the morning of the event dawned bright and clear. There was a sharpness to the dawn light that called out to the adventurous spirit of the intrepid few who gathered at the start line. With the promise of new undiscovered routes waiting to be explored in the hills, there was a palpable sense of anticipation amongst us.

The roll out started from Cranleigh and after an initial section along the High Street we were soon away from the village climbing up and into the woods of Farley Heath. It was not long until we diverted from tarmac to bridleway making our way northwards towards Abinger Hammer. Crossing over the A25, we passed by the famous clock at Abinger Hammer that portrays the figure of Jack the Blacksmith, who strikes the hour with his hammer.

The route then followed the North Downs Way. Sharing the route with dog walkers, hikers and the occasional horse rider, it was invaluable to have a bell on the bike. I was keen to play my part in showing consideration and courtesy in line with Cycling UK's "Be Nice, Say Hi!" campaign.

We were then up and into Denbies Vineyard where the conditions varied between compact gravel, loose rocky scree and grassy banks demanding concentration and a good level of bike control.

Mechanical 1

Soon after an exhilarating descent to the bottom of the valley, I suffered the first of two mechanicals of the day. My rear tyre began spraying sealant everywhere and after removing a sizeable stone from the tyre I was concerned that my day would be over. However, despite the loss of some pressure, the tubeless tyre sealant eventually sealed the hole and I was able to carry on.

Skirting round the town of Dorking, we then started the major climb of the day up to Coldharbour. The drag up lasted for about 7km including some tasty off-road sections kicking up at around 15% gradient. Our efforts were rewarded with some amazing views from the Leith Hill tower viewpoint.

The route dropped down via an undulating and technical section through the Pasture Wood. It was a thrilling and sometimes bumpy ride through the woods and a dropper seat post plus some suspension to dampen the vibrations would have been welcome. Just when my hands were wringing from the effort of maintaining control, we emerged from the woods into Holmbury St Mary and a well earned coffee stop at The Heartwork cafe. By now the day had become overcast and after quickly downing a hot flat white and a few snacks, it was on to the Winterfold Woods and the Hurtwood. Usually the preserve of mountain bikers, the gravel bikes held their own on some fantastic fire roads.

Mechanical 2

There was then a fast tarmac section until my second mechanical misadventure. Pulling over to the side of the road, I was convinced I was the hapless victim of another puncture. Fate intervened with two of the organisers Adam and Guy cycled past just at the right time. My limited technical prowess was no match for the brilliant Guy Pearson who identified that some of the bolts on the rear seat stay had worked themselves loose and were grating against the frame. Guy is a fifth generation Pearson of Pearson Cycles, the oldest bike shop in the world with his forefathers starting out in 1860!

After tightening the offending bolts, we carried on southwards towards Ellens Green and Cox Green. Crossing over into West Sussex, we soon came upon our third and final feed stop of the day at Firebird Brewery at Rudgewick. The free session IPA was very drinkable and but for my ride home it would have been tempting to sample a few more beers.

The route looped northwards away from the road and took us along the Downs Link. A railway line until the 1960s, the Downs Link is now a long distance bridleway that connects the North Downs Way and South Downs Way National Trails. With the promise of a hot shower and a hot meal I sped along making my way back home after a brilliant day out.

Ride highlights

Exploring new routes in the Surrey Hills with a glorious a mix of trails including pale yellow and chalky white gravel plus the occasional sand/mud trap
Three feed stops
Free coffee at Heartwork Coffee
Free beer at Firebird Brewery
Take a bell when riding along bridleways

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Surrey Hills Glorious Gravel

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