Edenbridge

First ride today since last Sunday due to family commitments,weather cold but dry so I decide on the Van Nicholas Yukon with triple chainring. I also fit my Garmin 800 gps for a trial run.
Arriving at Three Bridges Station, Richard is already waiting and shouts snap as he spots my Garmin - the same model as the one nestling on his bike. Peter and Marion then arrive closely followed by J.V. We set off through the back streets then through the Industrial estate cycle path and finally out onto the Balcombe road near the Black Corner garage where I drool over the BMW's for sale. Turning right at the next roundabout we hammer over the motorway and make good progress down to Burstow village. It's always nice to hit this lane after the busy roads around Gatwick.

Getting too far ahead, I slow down at the Smallfield road and trundle through Horne till I arrive at the A22, a short section of A22 is unavoidable before turning left onto the back road to Godstone. Before Tilburstow Hill looms into sight we turn right at the pub cross the A22 again and arrive at Broadham Green where we stop for a drink and remember this place as my first ride with J.V. on my retirement from work all of six years ago. Setting off again we zig-zag through Oxted where Al Fayeds son Dodi is buried in the grounds of Oxted mansion Barrow Green Court. Al Fayed only flys in by helicopter and the gates are locked so you cant see anything. Also, Ronnie Biggs went to school here and Adam Faith still lives in or near Oxted.
Skirting Pains Hill we said goodbye to Richard and arrive at Edenbridge High Street just on opening time. The King and Queen, a 16th century pub near the Eden river looked inviting so in we went. Britains oldest brewery (Shepherd Neame) supplies this establishment and very nice the beer tasted too and together with the bar food we had an enjoyable hour or so.

We returned to Crawley via Lingfield Hospital school and Horne. Total mileage today 39.
J.C.