Why is Surrey so popular with cyclists?

[Fiona N]

I'm from the right side of the Pennines but agree with Globalti that the cycling around Lancs is pretty good too.

I also lived in Woking for 3 years back in the day (late '80s/early '90s) and did enjoy the variety of cycling in the Surrey/Berks/Oxon axis as well as down to Sussex and Kent. I'm even more surprised that it's still not bad - the main roads are desperate but the back roads are OK. The drivers do seem more stupid and impatient than up north (with the exception of Lake District where the hooligan rich retiree element and hooligan rich tourist element - both in oversized 4x4s - combine to make for road hell around the honey pots) but apart from that, the cycling's good - for down south

 

[martint235]

I'm from the right side of the Pennines but agree with Globalti that the cycling around Lancs is pretty good too.

Sorry but this sentence just doesn't make sense. Surely it should read:

"I'm from the right side of the Pennines but agree with Globalti that the cycling around Yorkshire is pretty good too."

 

[Beebo]

my parents live in surrey. they have noticed an increase in cyclists since the olympic road race route was announced. it goes through surrey and it seems loads of people are doing the route at the weekends.

 

[Monsieur Remings]

This thread should be all about how great one's own respective area is, I reckon?

I'll start with Zummerzet. I was actually born in Surrey but have lived in South-West all my life and where I live now is just amazing. I've Cheddar Gorge and Burrington Coombe and the rest of the Mendips right on my doorstep and I truly feel privileged to be here. The Gorge just dwarfs you, looking up on the ascent and as for the descent, well I did it today again and I never get bored of it.

There's also a fair few main roads, heading south mainly and everytime I do a sportive or just a lonesome adventurous ride I discover new roads leading to wonderful little places I've never seen before.

I'm sold on it and I love it.

 

[PK99]

my parents live in surrey. they have noticed an increase in cyclists since the olympic road race route was announced. it goes through surrey and it seems loads of people are doing the route at the weekends.

NT cafe on Box Hill was HEAVING the other weekend - far more than ususal

 

[3narf]

Beats me, it's bloody awful.

Off road is nice, with all that army land and the North Downs etc. On the road is hellish, with aggressively-driven Audis threatening to shunt you into the undergrowth every five minutes.

Everyone in Surrey had to be somewhere else 10 minutes ago.

 

[PK99]

Beats me, it's bloody awful.

Off road is nice, with all that army land and the North Downs etc. On the road is hellish, with aggressively-driven Audis threatening to shunt you into the undergrowth every five minutes.

Everyone in Surrey had to be somewhere else 10 minutes ago.

You are clearly using the wrong roads in Surrey - there are loads of traffic free back lanes

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Beats me, it's bloody awful.

Off road is nice, with all that army land and the North Downs etc. On the road is hellish, with aggressively-driven Audis threatening to shunt you into the undergrowth every five minutes.

Everyone in Surrey had to be somewhere else 10 minutes ago.

Off road is better than nice, and so long as you stay off most of the A roads the tarmac can be bliss.

The Surrey Hills are magic whatever side of the force you choose to ride on.

 

[benb]

Off road is better than nice, and so long as you stay off most of the A roads the tarmac can be bliss.

The Surrey Hills are magic whatever side of the force you choose to ride on.

Epsom's nice, and the downs are spectacular in an autumn sunset.

 

[User482]

My big prejudice would be that it's in the South and therefore crowded and the roads not cycle friendly.

I can't imagine anywhere that's better than Lancashire; on the west of the county we've got the flat coastal plains and great riding all the way up to the South Lakes. In the middle we've got the Bowland Fells, the West Pennines, the Pennines proper, the beginning of the Yorkshire Dales and in the middle the Ribble Valley, all quiet traffic free areas with pretty villages and plenty of great cafes.

So go on, give me a geography lesson, tell me why Surrey has always held such an allure for cyclists.

You fail to mention that Lancashire has atrocious bridleway provision and cycling through the myriad of inter-connected towns is less than pleasant.

I grew up in Lancashire and love to get out on my bike when I go back, but it's no utopia.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Epsom's nice, and the downs are spectacular in an autumn sunset.

and has Surrey's best LBS in Corridori

 

[benb]

and has Surrey's best LBS in Corridori

Not been there, but will check it out, especially as I'm tempted by a Van Nicholas when my commuter needs replacing.
I usually go to Fudge's or Perason's (which is near my work).