1 February 2022

As our active members look to plan their season ahead, here is an extract from 1937

and our club history – superbly compiled by the late Keith Butler.  Worth noting that

a ‘bit’ of cold weather was no deterrent to our racers.

The club history section on our website is exhaustive, so please do take a look.

The racing season started with a Bang! On a cold day that turned to heavy snow for 

the later starters Fred Willett won the Balham Rough-stuff ’25’ in 1.43.45 and Stan 

Butler was 2nd only 24” behind.  Unfortunately, our only other finisher was Frank 

Cleeve who got round in 2.4.14 allowing the Addiscombe, of all Clubs, to win the 

Team race.  Only 75 of the 100 entries started and 57 made it to the finish to underline 

the severity of the morning.  In the Archives is a picture of a snow covered Stan 

Butler in this event.  We also have a copy of the course.  Try this some day when you 

have nothing better to do. 

 

Balham Rough-stuff ’25’ course details: 

Start at Little Farleigh Green and head south-eastwards. At the T-junction turn left to 

pass Chelsham Church. Turn right at the T-junction and go straight on down and then 

up through Beddlestead. Turn right at the main road to Botley Hill. Turn left down 

Titsey Hill and at the bottom of the hill turn left at the Church. (We kid thee not!). 

Go along the Pilgrims Way to Westerham Hill. Turn left and climb the hill then turn 

right and take the right fork by the Spinning Wheel restaurant (Hawleys Corner). 

Continue to Scotts Lodge and turn left to Cudham. Opposite the Church drop left 

down the hill, taking the right fork on the bend, to Downe. In Downe turn left to 

Single Street. At the T-junction turn left, descend the hill and take the 1st right and 

return to Hawleys Corner. Go straight over all junctions to ‘The Ship’ at Tatsfield. 

Bear right past the pub onto a rough path that descends rapidly. Bear left at the 

bottom and then turn right up Polesteeple Hill. (Today one would have to walk as it is 

a One-Way street but then so did most of the Competitors). Over the top turn sharp 

left and drop back into the valley. Take the rough track (Crown Ash) to the junction 

with Saltbox Hill. Turn left down Saltbox and up the other side and straight on at the 

crossroads through New Addington to Addington Church. (New Addington was not 

there in 1937 but the through roads were). Turn left at the Tram and Bus Station over 

the roundabout at the bottom of Gravel Hill and up the drag to Selsdon. Turn left at 

the traffic lights towards Farleigh then left back to Little Farleigh Green. Piece of cake!    

 

More details here. Photo credit: Cycling Weekly archive

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