Ben Hardisty writes…

It was that time of year again and the Hell of the Ashdown event duly arrived to a lovely and sunny but cool spring morning.

My third entry into this event, which as usual was pretty well organised with many many marshalls and helpers. A very welcome cup of tea and a cake or two was available at the first food stop in Ashurstwood.

The route takes the riders from Biggin Hill, out to the Ashdown Forest via Cudham Test Hill, Hogtrough Hill, Brasted, Toys Hill, Four Elms, Hever, Cowden, Ashurstwood, Forest Row, Wych Cross, Kidds Hill, Gills Lap, to the most Southerly point on the course Black Hill. From there turning North downhill to Groombridge, Burrs Wood, Chiddingstone, Baileys Hill and Ide Hill (2nd food stop).  Then the final stretch down to Sundridge, up Star Hill and the slog back to Biggin Hill.

Plenty of hills to tax the legs, each climb taking way too much fuel out of the ‘tank’, and in my case the reserve light flashed on before the half way mark.