Fruit Cake 150km

The longest route on offer on Ibbo’s Cake quest is a stern test of anyone as the hills form a route tough enough to test even the fittest riders. We recommend that anyone taking on this route sets off early (earliest start time is 8am) and has enough food an water to get them through a long day in the saddle. 



The first section of the route takes you south to Betchworth, Brockham and the first short climb of Henfold hill. After that little test you’ll be taken through Newdigate and Capel.



Take care as you cross the A24 before heading over to Ockley. You’ll pass the feed station on the right where there’ll be food drink and mechanical support.



Soon after the feed station you’ll take a sharp left and ride down the wonderful Weare street. There really aren’t many roads around here better for cycling along. Take care crossing the A29 after which you continue along quiet roads to Oakwood Hill and then north to Walliswood and Ewhurst.



Head straight through Ewhurst to meet your first real test of the day – Shere road. This takes you up on to Pitch hill before you drop back down to Shere. Don’t stop at the Luck Duck café this time through though, you’re coming back.



Turn right in Shere and head along the A25 to White Down hill on your left. Once at the top of Ranmore take a right along the ridge of the hill and then left down Ranmore Common road. At the bottom turn left up Chapel Lane and continue to Bookham.

When you hit the A246 at the bottom turn left until another left up Green Dene. At the top turn right down Staple lane back to the A246. Here you turn left before another left up Shere road that takes you to Newlands corner. 



Once over the top you’re descending back down to Shere where this time it’s worth stopping at the Lucky Duck Cafe. The climb up Sandy Lane out of Shere isn’t too tough but don’t get over confident as there’s a long way to go. At this point you’re sharing the road with those doing the Carrot Cake ride.



At the top head left on Hook lane towards Peaslake. This popular Surrey village is where the second big test of the this route comes – Radnor road. It’s not steep, but it seemingly goes on forever through the pine trees of Leith Hill. If the sun’s shining you’ll be rewarded with spectacular scenery.



After descending off of Leith hill you’ll take a left over to Forest Green and back to Ockley. Here you’ll recognise the route as you head back towards Capel and once again past the feed station and mechanical assistance provided by Neutral Support.



The route continues over to Rusper via the wonderfully named Muggeridge Hill. After Rusper you’re soon back on quiet little country lanes heading towards Charlwood and Salfords. 



This is where you join the Jaffa cake route, so be sure to give encouragement to any other participants you see.



After Salfords it’s not long before you’re back in the lanes riding towards the pretty little town of Outwood. This is where you turn left again and head north gaining height all the time.

In Bletchingly cross the A25 and keep heading north to take you over the M25. You’ll see a big hill ahead of you, but fear not, you’re turning left down Springbottom lane and avoiding White Hill.



Before you know it you’ll be in Merstham and approaching the final climb past Fanny’s farm shop. John spent a lot of time in this unique café and farm shop, so feel free to pop in for a cuppa. But don’t forget, you’re almost back and there’s plenty of cake, food and drink on offer at the finish in Walton on the Hill. 



The last stretch takes in a short section of the A217, so take care here. Once you’ve turned off this busy road you’re almost back at the village hall to be greeted by a friendly face. 



Congratulations, you’ve completed the ride and earnt a big slice of cake!



Details:

Length: 150km

Feed station: two (at 21km and 93.5km)

Climbs: ten

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