Description
Road Bike Event (Please see separate webpage for TT bikes)
The Event’s History
In 1958 East Surrey RC members Ken Duncumb and Bim Dore had an idea that the club could hold a challenging, hilly, non-standard distance, early season event over local roads to test members fitness for the start of the racing season. They took it upon themselves one Saturday morning ride to devise a course. This initially started on Reigate Heath, followed the A25 to Dorking then the A24 into Horsham where it turned left along Wimblehurst Road, North Heath Lane and Giblets Lane to take a sharp left hand turn into Rusper Road. Then via Hurst Hill, Rusper, Newdigate, Parkgate, the cross roads in the centre of Leigh and Flanchford to finish back at the start.
The first year Ken was unable to compete as he was on National Service but was able to ride in 1960 and won the club event.
Despite some March mornings experiencing very cold and icy conditions, in 1963 ESRC decided to develop their “hard hilly ride” into an open event. So in 1964 riders from other clubs undertook the test as well. However, no newcomer was able to beat East Surrey's own John Fisher.
Over the years changes to the course have become necessary due to the increase in traffic, construction of the Capel and North Horsham by-passes, and the need to eliminate a right turn at Dawes Green. The original course was around 33 miles and the current one 29.9 miles.
The list of past winners shows that the event has attracted many top riders over the years. A number of these, as well as local clubmen, have ridden the event many times, justifying the popularity of this kind of early season test. Dorking Cycling Club took over the promotion of the race from East Surrey in 2017 and introduced a popular road bike category.
Past Winners
55 2019 Chris HOLMES
54 2018 Liam MAYBANK
53 2017 John DEWEY
52 2016 Rob SHARLAND
51 2015 Chris McNAMARA
50 2014 Liam MAYBANK
49 2013 Steve BERRY (2)
48 2012 Steve BERRY
47 2011 Wouter SYBRANDY (2)
46 2010 Wouter SYBRANDY
45 2009 Richard PREBBLE (2)
44 2008 Mathew BOTTRILL
43 2007 Pete TADROS
42 2006 Ray HUGHES (4)
41 2005 Paul Mill
40 2004 Michael HUTCHINSON (4)
39 2003 Michael HUTCHINSON
38 2002 Sean YATES (2)
37 2001 Michael HUTCHINSON
36 2000 Michael HUTCHINSON
35 1999 Richard PREBBLE
34 1998 Tim STEVENS (3)
33 1997 Sean YATES
32 1996 Tim STEVENS
31 1995 Peter MAIN
30 1994 Gethin BUTLER(2)
29 1993 Steve ELMS
28 1992 Simon COPE
27 1991 Gethin BUTLER
26 1990 Ray HUGHES
25 1989 Ray HUGHES
24 1988 Steve HACKETT
23 1987 Tim STEVENS
-- 1986 (Event Cancelled – Snow)
22 1985 Pete SANDERS
21 1984 Andrew SMITH
20 1983 John OAKES (3)
19 1982 Ray HUGHES
18 1981 John OAKES
17 1980 John OAKES
16 1979 Roger DUNNE
15 1978 Eddie ADKINS
14 1977 Dave STALKER
13 1976 John LYONS (3)
12 1975 Dave ELDRIDGE
11 1974 John LYONS
10 1973 Doug SHEEHY
9 1972 John LYONS
8 1971 John SMITH
7 1970 Robin BUCHAN (4)
6 1969 Robin BUCHAN
5 1968 Robin BUCHAN
4 1967 Robin BUCHAN
3 1966 Dave KNIGHT
2 1965 Mick BURREN
1 1964 John FISHER (2)
- 1963 John FISHER
- 1962 Paul HUMPHREY
- 1961 Andy ELLIOT
- 1960 Ken DUNCUMB
- 1959 Pete SWETMAN