Took the road bike out today. It’s been a while. And I’ve not done much riding apart from work riding since getting back from Scotland a couple of weeks ago. Put together a route from my favourite bits of “close to London” Kent. Although couldn’t face the ride through Croydon so took a train to Coulsdon and started ride from there. Farthing Down, through to that tangle of lanes south of Bletchingly, Oxted with lovely odd names, Guildables, Dwelly, Dairy. Up Trevereux Hill, which must be the smoothest best kept bridleway anywhere. Through Limpsfield Chart, those wooded lanes golden glowing green at this time of year. Used Clacket Lane to get back up to the Pilgrims Way, brief coffee stop at The Velo Barn

Parked the Sabbath September outside amongst a fair smattering of carbon. Pinarellos, Colnagos. You know that sideways, speedy glance we all cast over another rider or group of riders bikes when we think the owners aren’t looking? The Sabbath got a few of those. Often slightly puzzled ones as I’ve removed all trace of what it is from the frame. People tend to think it’s an old gun metal grey steel road bike. it’s the down tube levers I expect.

Back on the road for a lovely roll along the Pilgrims Way. Perfect day for it. Made my way to the Otford turn off, then chose Filston Lane to head to Shoreham and then up Fackenden Lane to Magpie Bottom. Bumpy rough descent and climb, descend and climb and finally twisting and turning through another tangle of old Kent lanes till I got to Knatts Valley. Perfect day for that. Then Farningham, Sparepenny Lane and in no time at all the green lanes became lined with houses and shops with a brief respite in Jubilee Park . Before you know it you’re in Bromley, Beckenham Place Park then home.

60 miles. Good day to be back on road. A real Londoners Kent Classic

The route