What: Summer evening gravel rides
When: Thursday June 16, Thursday July 7
Start time: 7.00pm
Start point: Inn on the Pond, Merstham
Distance: 30km (approx, route may vary a little)
Ability level: All welcome, some technical sections, but it’s a social ride
OUR NEXT TWO RIDES WILL START AT THE EARLIER TIME OF 7PM
Oxford loop
Come and join the Norwood Paragon and discover some new off-road routes between Reigate and Oxted this summer. Our evening gravel rides are social affairs lead by a member of the Paragon. Most of the route will be riding is off road along bridleways and paths so a chance to ride and chat as you discover sections of the Greensands and North Downs way.
There’s one big hill climbing out of Oxted up to the North Downs that is quite technical but the rest is not particularly technical. The ride takes around 1.45 minutes at an average of 10mph. They stop taking food orders at 8.45pm, so if you want to eat when we get back to the pub, please place your order for food before leaving.
Parts of the route may change slightly from the map displayed below which is to give a general idea of where we’ll be going.
Outwood loop
Our Outwood loop takes you off the beaten track, taking in some nice, hard packed trails around fields and through woods giving the impression you’re miles from civilisation. And all this just a stones throw from the Bletchingley TT circuit. It’s all flat until we get back up to Godstone. Depending on time available we’ll then head up to Caterham view point and either head back to the Inn on the Pond or do an extra loop around Caterham and Chaldon.
How to get to the start point
The ride starts and finishes at the Inn on the Pond in Merstham which is on Sustrans route 21, just east of Redhill. You can pick up this marked route in Noke Drive, just behind Redhill train station. From there it’s a short ride to the start point. From Merstham station it’s a ten minute ride south toward Nutfield, past Mercer’s Lake. There is parking at the pub, although it’s for customers, so you’ll need to buy a drink before or after.
What you’ll need
An off road bike with all the usual spares including tubes, pump, tyre levers and multitools. Lights will also be needed as it’ll likely be getting dark when we get to the finish point. Water is essential, and bring food if you think you’ll need it for a 1.30hr ride. Dress according to the weather and keep in mind it will get cold quickly once the sun goes down. We recommend a gravel bike, but mtbs and ‘cross bikes would be fine.
