This will be the 10th consecutive year we have run this event and, like our early season event, its popularity has increased each time it has taken place. There is a choice of two routes with the shorter 80km route ‘A’ meandering around the North Downs and a 140km route ‘B’ for the more energetic riders who will cross the North Downs on their way to Amberley in Sussex and return via a different string of mainly country lanes.

The rides are reasonably challenging and some will enjoy the tough climb up Coombe Bottom (tackled by a different route on the outward and return legs) more than others, but all should enjoy the quiet country lanes of Surrey and Sussex. Both routes start from the public car park in Cobham, Surrey and are fully sign-posted. There are two intermediate ‘checks’ on the shorter route; one at Hydestyle (where the long and short routes split) and one at Ellens Green (where the long and short routes rejoin) where participants will get their ‘Brevit Cards’ signed. There is an additional check on the longer route near Bury as the route crosses the A29. Basic refreshments will be provided at the Hydestyle and Ellens Green checks. In addition, sandwiches and hot drinks will be available for purchase at the finish which, this year is located at Downside Village Hall, just over a mile from the car park, where there will be a chance to wind down and debrief your fellow cyclists before heading home. A ‘Broom Wagon’ will follow the last of the riders around the course in case it is required.

Last year we almost reached our maximum number of riders with advanced entries and, if our early season event in February is anything to go by (we had to close entries two weeks before the day), we are not likely to be able to take entries on the line. We start taking entries from 1st March, 2008, so please get your entries in early to avoid being disappointed.

• The Rides: Both routes are fully sign-posted throughout with distinctive yellow boards at every ‘change of direction’ junction. A map is issued to every rider as a back-up but this shouldn’t be needed on the day if you follow the signs carefully. Cyclists are strongly recommended to wear a helmet and are reminded that they are responsible for their own and other cyclists’ safety at all times. View route map here.....

• Awards: This is a ‘French Style’ touring event (not a race), although the riders completing the ride will be awarded a bronze, silver or gold certificate of merit according to their age and time taken.

• Start & Finish: Riders will sign on at the start, at the public car park in Cobham Surrey, KT11 3EQ (parking is free on Sundays), and will leave at intervals in groups of about 15 as directed by our marshals. Riders will hand in their ‘Brevit Cards’ at the end of the ride at Downside Village Hall, Downside Common Road, Cobham, KT11 3NN. Parking is not available at Downside Village Hall. Start times will be from 9.00am to 9.45am and registration will be open from 8.30am.

• Start Time: from 9.00am to 9.45am and registration will be open from 8.30am

• Entry Fee: £10 in advance – Please note: numbers are limited to 300. If there are free places still available on the day you will be able to enter on the line (£12).

• Insurance: Third party and organiser’s indemnity insurance will be arranged through British Cycling. Personal accident insurance is NOT included and riders take part at their own risk. In the interests of their own safety, the event organisers strongly advise riders to wear a HARD SHELL HELMET that meets an internationally accepted safety standard.

• Entry form available here......