PEDDLE, PEDDLE, PEDDLE
Although this might not be ideal cycling weather that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan ahead. British summers (when they’re not being hijacked by torrential rain or extreme heatwaves), can be pretty spectacular, and a ride through the English countryside is a great way to keep fit while enjoying the best of what the landscape has to offer. Living in Surrey means you’re spoilt for choice, after all this is the county whose famous hills are “a magical enclave of quiet valleys” and which has kept its open spaces despite its proximity to London. In other words, there’s plenty to explore and anyone planning a two wheel adventure might want to consult Jack Thurston’s Lost Lanes 36 Glorious Bike Rides in Southern England before taking off. Jack Thurston might not be a household name but to hard core cycling enthusiasts this journalist and broadcaster is a bit of a legend, and when you read his book it isn’t hard to see why. It overflows with enthusiasm, and has an easy going tone that makes you feel as if you’re talking with him rather than reading his thoughts off a page.
Descriptions are affectionately sentimental and there’s the obligatory sprinkling of the kind of historical nuggets that often show up in pub quizzes: Victorian mathematician Ada Lovelace (who wrote the world’s first computer programme) lived at Ockham Park: Queen Elizabeth 1 was a regular visitor to Pyrford where John Donne wrote many of his poems: the church over the road from Ripley’s Anchor Inn (once run by sisters Annie and Harriet Dibble), has a plaque commemorating the record-breaking achievements of Herbert Liddell Cortis, who in 1882 became the first man to ride 20 miles in less than an hour.
This is a book that unashamedly celebrates the glory of England’s southern counties and the great outdoors, with keen observations and gorgeous photography. There are map routes, terrain descriptions, distances (in miles and kilometres), suggestions on how to get started, as well as tips for those into wild camping, local history, or who simply want a relaxing weekend. However, beware: in life there’s no gain without pain, so if you’re thinking of tackling the Surrey Hills be prepared for a “leg-buster” of a ride which also happens to be “aerobically challenging”. Never fear, because for the not so athletic amongst us respite is never too far away and Thurston’s routes are helpfully footnoted with the names of various pubs and pit stops.
There’s no doubt that cycling is growing in popularity (more than 80% of bike riders also own cars), although I’m not sure I would support Thurston’s assertion that the friction between motorists and cyclists is “overblown”. That aside the bike does have an obvious advantage over cars, especially in lanes less than 4m wide. So, do I feel inspired enough to hit the road with my bicycle? Absolutely, although my starting point would have to be Windsor Great Park (perfect for novice riders and home to a 100ft totem pole designed by a Kwakiutl chief). Box Hill (a key stretch of the Olympics Road Race), is also in my sights although I’ll save that for another day.
Reviewed by Juliette Foster
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