The North Downs of Surrey and Kent have plenty to offer for a cyclo-cross rider, our twenty four mile loop takes in some serious climbs too.
Skirting the edge of the chalky hills of south-east England, the ride begins West Wickham and travels south past Biggin Hill, a still operational airport which was used by the RAF during the war.
Two tough short mud and chalk ascents crop up leading you to the summit of Jewels Hill. The ride then continues through a few farmers fields before turning south towards Titsey, the site of a climb used for the infamous Bec Hill Climb competition, luckily you don't have to navigate the 20% Titsey Hill on this occasion just pass the top of it and onwards to Botley Hill. A lengthy off-road descent follows and once at the bottom there is an wide off-road ascent to bring you back in the direction of London.
Watch out for the odd flying golf ball when you reach the singletrack through Farleigh Court Golf Club, there is a fast and furious descent to finish the section with loose stones towards the end. The route then winds its way north through residential streets taking in a few sections of woodland and popping out at South Norwood Country Park.
Download top-tube cue sheet and profile
Download the TCX route for Garmin Edge units
Spitfire Bridle Way Climb
Length: 1.45 miles
Elevation gain: 200 ft
Enter the woodland singletrack reached after turning of Jackass / Blackness Lane. There is an initial quick descent before the climbing begins off road and transition to woodchiping and then chalk surface.
Upland Road Off Road Climb
Length: 0.7 miles
Elevation gain: 311 ft
Climb begins after passing through the paragliding school on a hard packed gravel surface.
