Rough Stuff rides for LFGSS folk, join regular rides that avoid tarmac

what's the road/off road distribution like roughly?

Err, I don't record my rides im afraid and so I cant be sure. I do try and avoid the tarmac as much as possible though so after the initial roll out it's probably at least 75% non tarmac

that's a good enough ratio to make it worthwhile to drag my mountainous gravel bike to croydon after work. might show up

from the one n only TORC ride I’ve been on, it definitely seems to be an ‘as much off-road as possible’ vibe. Weird cut through reigning supreme over road diversions.

If you’re cutting through central-ish and want some company for the slog to Croydon given me a shout, I’ve got a chill route there

Cheeky cut-throughs 4eva

i'd be coming from the office in charlton, happy to ride your way from there

I enjoyed that!

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solid evening, cheers again man!

I did this yesterday, which covered some new ground for me. I had intended to do another 15 miles, by continuing east of Sevenoaks and then back via Knatts Valley and Lullingstone golf course, but the route took longer than expected so I cut it short.

The section from Oxted to Sevenoaks Weald was great, lots of wooded sections but barely any road buts once you're out of Oxted.

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GPX attached. I accidentally let Strava route finding make a change, which routed me down a footpath off Gangers Hill instead of the bridleway. I'd recommend you use the bridleway as the footpath was unrideable unless you were on full suspension.

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• May 26th Exploration.gpx

Is the bit East of Oxted part of the newish North downs way cycle route?

I believe so, yes.

Thanks, I was thinking of doing that bit on way out to the coast in a couple of weeks

It’s good, fair few hike a bike sections though, although none of them are of any significant length.

June 10th, 8:30am, south entrance to Hollow Pond, 115km-ish social ride to Cambridge for anyone interested.

More info on instagram post

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I'm not around for TORC this week but if anyone else would like to lead/make it up as they go along then it would be great to keep it rolling

Ah that’s a shame!

Not necessarily volunteering to lead but I’m keen for it still

Side note,

Anyone have any big south London start loops? Talking like 160-200km, as much off-road as is possible, big day out vibes

I did a route with @youramericanlover about 6 years ago that meets your criteria. It was based on one of the Sunday Echapee routes I think. I can share a gpx later today.

@andyp and I did the main loop of this and then cut out some of the extra loop out to the right. It's not exactly what we did but the Sunday Eschappee people made a few years later - I am not sure about using a loop from 2016, might be out of date etc. Anyway was a wicked ride, and absolutely a big day out. I'm sure there are sections where you can add in more off-road, this was a "gravel" thing rather than pure off-road. Also big loop to the East is mostly road.

May I suggest no higher than 66gi, and take off your mudguards otherwise you'll annoy your riding partner.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26787422

May I suggest no higher than 66gi, and take off your mudguards otherwise you'll annoy your riding partner.

I don't remember being annoyed. Amused definitely, bemused possibly, but not annoyed.

Here's the gpx of the ride @youramericanlover mentions. I can't recall how much of it was offroad, but there are definitely bits you could add to increase the proportion.

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• Longish gravel ride.gpx

Confirming Town-to-Gown.
yrs
Frowning clown.

Ah yes turn that frown into a… crown?

Yeah think it should be fun, nice weather, stole Gio’s route there but instead set the start point at the south side of Hollow Pond for anyone interested - 8:30am this Saturday.

And thanks Andy and YAL for the route help, I ended up more or less following the 21 route down south, into the Downs, Brighton, Shoreham, downslink to Guildford for a 190km day. Definitely firmly over the downslink after that, will be a long time before that seems appealing again.