Andy Gray works as an IT consultant in central London and commutes on a Buell X1 Lightning. This is his favourite summer run to escape the rat race and take in the delights of the south coast
STARTING AT EPSOM, which is fairly renowned for big-toothed, huge-arse fillies staring at horses running around, I head out of the 'Big Smoke' on the tree-lined A24 at a steady 40mph. Not the most exciting road, but a good start to blow the morning cobwebs out, and it leads to Box Hill, which is always worth a quick stop. Despite the police presence and speed cameras I quite like Box Hill, mainly for the burgers.
Past Dorking and the A24 meets up with the A272. This is a good dreamers' road, full of expensive houses and good for building up a bit of pace on the smooth Tarmac. Once it turns into the A267 at Heathfield slow down a bit because the police have been cracking down in this area. A great ride through the undulating fields awaits but take it easy. If the burger hasn't filled you up I thoroughly recommend the cafe in Wessons before heading to Hastings, it's a favourite of mine.
After taking the A259 along the coast past Eastbourne and Newhaven (although stopping quickly at Beachy Head is a must) I make Brighton my lunch stop. Brighton has just about everything for every taste, from the bizarre to the downright odd. The pier is a giggle and fish and chips on the front is a must - as is some cake.
On the A283, homeward bound, the scenery and ride improve immeasurably and the B2139 is a great end to a ride. I'm not a huge fan of tea rooms (unless they do Belgian buns) so I don't bother much with Fittleworth and take the smooth A283 and most excellent A272 to rejoin the A24 and head back in to London. Try it.
