Shirley Hills at Addington, Croydon was famous for a roller coaster central section linked by dastardly descents and a long climb to a view point. We stopped racing there over 10 years ago because of increasingly difficult bureaucracy as the venue came under a number of agencies.
The venue had been the home of the Open London Champs, which was usually run as an international which attracted the best from the UK and from elsewhere.
I remember sitting with organiser Bill Wright in Rod’s campervan at the last event bemoaning the attitude of the drive to poo dog walkers. Tape was often pulled down and it was sad having to rebuild it. A great course with so much going for it but pushed out by short minded vision.
Philip Glowinski summed how much the venue was loved: “The best. The one and only Shirley Hills!”
Brian Curtis wrote on Facebook: “Loved that place, best cross course ever, well Koksijde isn’t bad either!”
More pictures and comment at the Facebook page
Nick Craig at the London Open International Championship in 1998 picture courtesy of Stuart Kinnon
Late 70’s early 80’s action caught by Paul Gibbs
Roger Hammond leads the London Open International Championship in 1998 picture courtesy of Stuart Kinnon
Velo Klubhaus 