Nice weather meant I was out in a T-shirt and didn't bother packing any waterproofs. Arriving at Three Bridges for the start I was met by Frank and Anton, although Anton was just on his way home from a monster Audax ride - he'd clocked up something like 450 kilometres with a ride that had taken him all the way over to Wiltshire and (I think) Gloucestershire! It's not long now until he faces the Paris-Brest-Paris ride (PBP).
Next to join us were a couple of riders from the Family Bike Ride in June - Ali and Laksh - and then John C rolled up.
Waving goodbye to Anton, we set off up through Pound Hill and out on the Turners Hill Road. I was very conscious that todays ride would be hard work for the two new riders as it's impossible to avoid hills when travelling south and east of Crawley, but as they were both less than half my age, I thought they'd probably have the fitness to do it. Pausing for breath near Turners Hill church Ali mentioned that she'd ridden the road before but this was the first time she'd done it without a couple of stops. I decided to miss out the next bit of my planned route (and avoid a short climb) by heading straight over the crossroads to enjoy the couple of miles of mainly downhill gliding before the little climb up to the next crossroads. Next we passed through Saint Hill Green and across the end of Weirwood reservoir before turning left onto Legsheath Lane. After a half mile level, this road then climbs for about a mile but, as I pointed out in between gasps for air, it's not as steep as the other road going past the scout camps. However, on reaching the crossroads, Ali decided it was all proving a bit too much and that she would head back home to Turners Hill. She was confident about the route as she was familiar with all the roads hereabouts, so reluctantly we said goodbye and carried on. We took the first right onto Twyford Lane and enjoyed the lane as it smoothly swept down to a shady woodland. Here there is a ford and I warned my fellow riders that there's a short up immediately afterwards so they'd need to change gear as they got to the ford - needless to say, everyone was so focussed on the road and the ford that they all forgot to change gear (except me of course)!
At the next junction, an acute turn to our right took us down through a second ford and then immediately up a stiff little climb which was made palatable by judicious use of the vast range of gearing my bike has - I knew there was a reason for all those cogs!!
Now we were up on top of the ridge, the riding was nice and level with good views in most directions. At Cinder Hill we joined a slightly bigger road but there was almost no traffic and then a right turn took us down and past Horsted Keynes station on the Bluebell Railway. Another short climb and then decision time - left and up a short, tough climb and perhaps a lunchbreak in Ardingly, or right up an easier (but longer) hill to West Hoathly. We turned right and although the gradient may have been easier, it went on and on and on! Eventually however we reached West Hoathly and paused by what was once The Vinols Cross Inn. Not so long ago it had been refurbished and become the Intrepid Fox but it is now closed and up for sale. From here it was but a short couple of hundred yards to The Cat Inn. We decided to sit outside in the sunshine and watch the world go by. Everyone bar me opted for soft drinks, but I found the call of the Dark Star Hophead ale too great - and it was REALLY good. Unfortunately there weren't any sandwiches on the menu but a cheese platter, a roast dinner and a bowl of chips ticked the right boxes for those of us eating.
Everyone seemed quite tired, so for the afternoon ride I spared them the joys of Cob Lane and then the Ardingly Reservoir crossing by heading north instead and straight to Turners Hill. From there it was almost all downhill back to Pound Hill where we all dispersed our separate ways.
A quick glance at my speedo revealed todays ride was a mere 26 miles - but with all the hills it had felt a lot longer.
Next weeks ride will be led by Bob and starts from Horsham Pavilions in the Park at 10:00 hrs. As it is the DA Picnic ride, please remember to bring a packed lunch for the Picnic at Wisborough Green (you'll be able get food and drink at The Cricketers if you want, but that rather defeats the idea of a picnic).
The following week (August 14th) will be another easy ride suitable for everyone and starting from Three Bridges to use the Worth Way out towards East Grinstead - why not bring along a family member or a friend?
Sunday 31 July 2011
Sunday 24 July 2011
Horsham Hundred
This years 100 miler was scheduled to start from Horsham with a 50 mile anticlockwise loop to the south in the morning and a 50 mile clockwise loop to the north in the afternoon. A dearth of volunteers meant that I would be leading the ride but would unfortunately not be available for the entire afternoon loop. I suspected riders would be thin on the ground, but having ridden from Crawley to Horsham for the 07:00hrs start I found myself completely alone at Horsham Pavilion in the Park. I waited until 07:30, just in case, before setting off.
Although I had an OS map with me, the route would be on familiar roads all the way and the exit from Horsham was the usual Golf Course and Robin Hood Lane route. With dry roads and a temperature that a double t-shirt combo could easily manage, I enjoyed the ride as it headed south through Broadbridge Heath and then up Bashurst Hill. I'd soon passed Coneyhurst and Broadford Bridge and as I slowly reached the top of Woods Hill I was in a world of my own and thinking about how to minimise the effort I was using to climb the hill. At this point I thought I heard a car approaching and looking over my shoulder I spotted not only the car but also a cyclist catching me up. I expected him to pass me in the next few hundred yards but he didn't actually do so until about a mile further on when I hit the short hill up Mill Road in West Chiltington Common. I was impressed with the chaps ability to cycle in spite of his physical impairment - I think he was stone deaf - as he didn't respond to my cheery hello as he passed me. Anyway, I was now at the southernmost point of the morning loop and turned north into Roundabout Lane and thence to Smock Alley. This lane made me work again and it was a relief when I finally got to freewheel down through the bends of East Street to come out on the Coolham Road.
Visibility was very good with no chance of any foolish motorist (or van driver) failing to spot me as I cruised through the junction. The road wasn't too busy and so the right turn onto Sincox Lane was negotiated with ease. As I approached Broomers Corner I considered cheating and cutting off the Shipley Village loop but honour and personal integrity stopped me - anyway, it's been a while since I rode through there and curiosity is a strong driving force...
Pound Lane and Swallow Lane were soon behind me and I was ready to cross the A24 - wait for a couple of fast-moving cars, then straight across both carriageways! It's not often you can do that and I was now at The Old Barn Garden Centre ready for a tea-break. I wheeled my bike through a relatively deserted building only to find the coffee bar shut, but on walking round to the other side I found the cafe open. I opted for a mug of tea and a large slice of Victoria Sponge. Sitting outside in the bright sunshine, I'd soon transformed myself from a hungry cyclist carrying a slice of cake and a drink in his hand to a contented cyclist carrying a slice of cake and a drink in his stomach. I stayed in the sunshine ruminating and memorising the map for the next part of the ride for a good ten minutes before walking back through the Garden Centre. Turning right I resisted the temptation to take a shortcut through the Lock Estate and headed up Grinders Lane and Honeybridge Lane. At a couple of points along this lane there are electric security gates giving the impression that someone doesn't want any involvement with the rest of the world - this impression was further fortified today when I noticed that an earth bank some two to three metres high has been thrown up just the other side of the hedge for a distance of about a mile - that is quite an earthwork. I was still pondering what is was for when I caught up with a horse and rider. Exchanging pleasantries I mentioned the bank and she said that the (millionaire) landowner was in the process of building a large lake for his speedboating hobby and that part of it would impact a public footpath - shades of the Hoogstraten bloke in East Sussex perhaps? Mind you, there is a bridleway only a mile or so from here that got moved purely to stop it going past someones house, so West Sussex may well be a pushover... When I got home, a quick bit of Googling revealed some old planning applications for this land, but nothing to indicate a large lake for speedboats, just a smaller wildlife pond. Incidentally, the same place seems to have been the address given by one of those chaps that threw purple flour on MP's in the House of Commons a few years back!
At the next junction I took Church Lane and then Golden Lane to emerge on the B2135 and head for Partridge Green. I was comfortably into the ride now and headed south through Shermanbury before taking the B2116 east as far as Wineham Lane where the turn to the north emphasised the fact that the morning was more than half done.
After crossing the A272, the climbs of Spronketts Lane were achieved at what we shall call a "leisurely" pace because I knew that the short but difficult climb into Warninglid was fast approaching. I didn't mess about and just selected Granny gear to do that one, so I had plenty of puff to drive my pedals for a good thrash down from Warninglid and past the school before the left turn onto Hampshire Hill at Slaugham Pond. Now I was on the home stretch - across the B2110, along Hammerpond Road, past the golf course and rugby club and into Horsham for lunch.
Pulling up at the Conservatory Cafe, I claimed a table outside and ordered another mug of tea and a bacon and brie baguette. The Park was buzzing with some sort of carnival and there were loads of cyclists pulling up having been out for a morning ride with the other cycle club in Horsham. John V joined me and then Jeet did also, so we had a nice old chinwag sitting in the sunshine. John didn't fancy riding the afternoon loop by himself - he's got nothing to prove in the worlds of distance or solo riding, so he and I headed back to Crawley via Rusper. We used the middle road up the hill - Old Holbrook. As we approached Crawley I peeled off as I was heading for a family birthday party in Ifield Wood and when I finally got off my bike my speedo told me I'd racked up a 69 mile day - not 100, but not too shabby in its own way.
Next weeks ride is titled "The Ashdowner" and will be a 40 mile ride south and east from Three Bridges Station starting at 09:30hrs. there will be a few hills and I intend to stop at The Cat in West Hoathly for lunch.
Although I had an OS map with me, the route would be on familiar roads all the way and the exit from Horsham was the usual Golf Course and Robin Hood Lane route. With dry roads and a temperature that a double t-shirt combo could easily manage, I enjoyed the ride as it headed south through Broadbridge Heath and then up Bashurst Hill. I'd soon passed Coneyhurst and Broadford Bridge and as I slowly reached the top of Woods Hill I was in a world of my own and thinking about how to minimise the effort I was using to climb the hill. At this point I thought I heard a car approaching and looking over my shoulder I spotted not only the car but also a cyclist catching me up. I expected him to pass me in the next few hundred yards but he didn't actually do so until about a mile further on when I hit the short hill up Mill Road in West Chiltington Common. I was impressed with the chaps ability to cycle in spite of his physical impairment - I think he was stone deaf - as he didn't respond to my cheery hello as he passed me. Anyway, I was now at the southernmost point of the morning loop and turned north into Roundabout Lane and thence to Smock Alley. This lane made me work again and it was a relief when I finally got to freewheel down through the bends of East Street to come out on the Coolham Road.
Visibility was very good with no chance of any foolish motorist (or van driver) failing to spot me as I cruised through the junction. The road wasn't too busy and so the right turn onto Sincox Lane was negotiated with ease. As I approached Broomers Corner I considered cheating and cutting off the Shipley Village loop but honour and personal integrity stopped me - anyway, it's been a while since I rode through there and curiosity is a strong driving force...
Pound Lane and Swallow Lane were soon behind me and I was ready to cross the A24 - wait for a couple of fast-moving cars, then straight across both carriageways! It's not often you can do that and I was now at The Old Barn Garden Centre ready for a tea-break. I wheeled my bike through a relatively deserted building only to find the coffee bar shut, but on walking round to the other side I found the cafe open. I opted for a mug of tea and a large slice of Victoria Sponge. Sitting outside in the bright sunshine, I'd soon transformed myself from a hungry cyclist carrying a slice of cake and a drink in his hand to a contented cyclist carrying a slice of cake and a drink in his stomach. I stayed in the sunshine ruminating and memorising the map for the next part of the ride for a good ten minutes before walking back through the Garden Centre. Turning right I resisted the temptation to take a shortcut through the Lock Estate and headed up Grinders Lane and Honeybridge Lane. At a couple of points along this lane there are electric security gates giving the impression that someone doesn't want any involvement with the rest of the world - this impression was further fortified today when I noticed that an earth bank some two to three metres high has been thrown up just the other side of the hedge for a distance of about a mile - that is quite an earthwork. I was still pondering what is was for when I caught up with a horse and rider. Exchanging pleasantries I mentioned the bank and she said that the (millionaire) landowner was in the process of building a large lake for his speedboating hobby and that part of it would impact a public footpath - shades of the Hoogstraten bloke in East Sussex perhaps? Mind you, there is a bridleway only a mile or so from here that got moved purely to stop it going past someones house, so West Sussex may well be a pushover... When I got home, a quick bit of Googling revealed some old planning applications for this land, but nothing to indicate a large lake for speedboats, just a smaller wildlife pond. Incidentally, the same place seems to have been the address given by one of those chaps that threw purple flour on MP's in the House of Commons a few years back!
At the next junction I took Church Lane and then Golden Lane to emerge on the B2135 and head for Partridge Green. I was comfortably into the ride now and headed south through Shermanbury before taking the B2116 east as far as Wineham Lane where the turn to the north emphasised the fact that the morning was more than half done.
After crossing the A272, the climbs of Spronketts Lane were achieved at what we shall call a "leisurely" pace because I knew that the short but difficult climb into Warninglid was fast approaching. I didn't mess about and just selected Granny gear to do that one, so I had plenty of puff to drive my pedals for a good thrash down from Warninglid and past the school before the left turn onto Hampshire Hill at Slaugham Pond. Now I was on the home stretch - across the B2110, along Hammerpond Road, past the golf course and rugby club and into Horsham for lunch.
Pulling up at the Conservatory Cafe, I claimed a table outside and ordered another mug of tea and a bacon and brie baguette. The Park was buzzing with some sort of carnival and there were loads of cyclists pulling up having been out for a morning ride with the other cycle club in Horsham. John V joined me and then Jeet did also, so we had a nice old chinwag sitting in the sunshine. John didn't fancy riding the afternoon loop by himself - he's got nothing to prove in the worlds of distance or solo riding, so he and I headed back to Crawley via Rusper. We used the middle road up the hill - Old Holbrook. As we approached Crawley I peeled off as I was heading for a family birthday party in Ifield Wood and when I finally got off my bike my speedo told me I'd racked up a 69 mile day - not 100, but not too shabby in its own way.
Next weeks ride is titled "The Ashdowner" and will be a 40 mile ride south and east from Three Bridges Station starting at 09:30hrs. there will be a few hills and I intend to stop at The Cat in West Hoathly for lunch.
Sunday 17 July 2011
Leith Hill
Typical: Sunny weather during the week when I'm stuck at work, wet and windy over the weekend when I've actually got some time to myself!
Although the rain wasn't hard, just spending three minutes in the back garden feeding my fish was enough to get wet, so I decided to wear waterproofs for the ride. Once out on the road, the wind made its presence known and kept slapping me round the face with the result that I was a couple of minutes late getting to Horsham Park Pavilions. No matter, no-one was there (well not on the cycling front anyway).
I hung around as I knew that Anton was on his way and sure enough he soon arrived having cycled the 15 miles or so from Haywards Heath. He was feeling a bit tired as he'd been on a 130 mile Audax yesterday, but I reckoned todays ride would be a nice little wind-down for him.
Shortly before 10:00hrs we set off - out of Horsham over the Golf Course and Robin Hood Lane, then across to Rowhook hill. I'd like to say I found the hill easy, but with the wind and the drag of my waterproofs on my legs, it was hard work. We turned North and then, opposite the brickworks, took the right fork along a slightly undulating road all the way to Forest Green - in the narrow parts we had to stop a couple of times to let some of the thirty or so MG cars pass that we saw going the other way. A right, a left and another right brought us on to a narrow lane that decided to do the ascent of Leith Hill in one go - it was marked as 12% up but felt a lot steeper to me. In spite of his "tiredness" Anton left me standing (well, grinding along in Granny gear) but had the decency to wait at the top. After a 50 yard breather we then had to do a sharp left and head upward for another 400 yards or so, although I had to shout to get Anton to stop as he'd shot past the car park from where I intended we could get across to Leith Hill Tower. At this point the rain started falling heavier and that, coupled with the time and terrain meant that I decided to forego the visit to the Tower and head straight to the lunch halt instead.
We sheltered under a tree as the worst of the rain passed over and watched as a policeman pulled up in a car and proceeded to walk around checking the Vehicle Tax Discs of the assembled parked cars. "Hello Lads," he said, "having a good ride?" We grinned and told him we were about to head to the pub - I'm sure I saw a brief flash of envy pass across his face....
We flashed back down the short climb we'd just done and then headed over to and through Coldharbour on the face of the slope before turning right and having a fast, if slightly sketchy, run down the narrow Henhurst Cross Lane to come out on the A29. Next we crossed over the A24 and rolled into Capel. Turning east, the wind was now behind us and we soon reached Newdigate via Trig Street.
As we locked our bikes up under the covered patio area, the heavens absolutely opened! I was most impressed by the canvas canopy - waterproof and measuring something like 8 by 6 metres it easily dealt with the rain and the strong, gusting wind. At this point I realised I'd just received a text from John V asking if we were riding - I replied we were, but by this time he'd succumbed to the (dry) delights of staying in to watch the Tour De France. We were joined for lunch by Shirley although we made the mistake of sitting in front of the large screen TV which had first the golf and then motorbike racing on - it's very distracting trying to have a conversation with a television just a few feet away, right in your line of sight.
When we were ready to leave, the sun was shining but, even before we'd unlocked the bikes, the heavens opened again! We got togged up with waterproofs and waited 10 minutes for the worst of the weather to blow over before heading off, south towards Rusper. Taking it in turns to lead, we made good progress and were soon whistling down into Ifield. We used the subway into West Green and then, just as we crossed the railway the rain came back with a vengeance. Mind you, there was so much that it felt quite cleansing. I lead us through Southgate and then as we reached Furnace Green Anton decided he would catch the train from Three Bridges rather than ride all the way back to Haywards Heath. I pointed him in the right direction and then scuttled back home to give my bike an all over spray of light oil before putting it away - I must remember to rub it down and check it out in the next day or so. I'm also curious to see how my (relatively) new Brooks saddle has coped with the wet.
Although there was a very tough climb in the middle of it, todays ride wasn't actually that hard (I'd rate it as easy to be honest) and I think I only covered just under 40 miles in total - Anton probably managed just over 45.
Next weeks ride is The Horsham Hundred. We have two 50 mile loops starting and finishing from Horsham. The morning one starts from Horsham Park Pavilions at 07:00 hrs and heads south with a tea Break at Dove's Barn Garden Centre(09:30). Arriving back in Horsham at about 12:30, we will have lunch at the Horsham Conservatory Cafe (in the Park). The afternoon loop heads north with a tea break at Capel Church (16:00) and finishes back at Horsham at about 18:30 hrs.
I (Bob) will be leading the morning loop but I'm unable to lead the afternoon one - I can however provide a map and route instructions to anyone that turns up. If you don't fancy riding all 100 miles then why not ride just the morning or just the afternoon loop?
Please get in touch with me if you need any further information - if you don't know my e-mail address or phone number, just leave a comment on this blog.
Although the rain wasn't hard, just spending three minutes in the back garden feeding my fish was enough to get wet, so I decided to wear waterproofs for the ride. Once out on the road, the wind made its presence known and kept slapping me round the face with the result that I was a couple of minutes late getting to Horsham Park Pavilions. No matter, no-one was there (well not on the cycling front anyway).
I hung around as I knew that Anton was on his way and sure enough he soon arrived having cycled the 15 miles or so from Haywards Heath. He was feeling a bit tired as he'd been on a 130 mile Audax yesterday, but I reckoned todays ride would be a nice little wind-down for him.
Shortly before 10:00hrs we set off - out of Horsham over the Golf Course and Robin Hood Lane, then across to Rowhook hill. I'd like to say I found the hill easy, but with the wind and the drag of my waterproofs on my legs, it was hard work. We turned North and then, opposite the brickworks, took the right fork along a slightly undulating road all the way to Forest Green - in the narrow parts we had to stop a couple of times to let some of the thirty or so MG cars pass that we saw going the other way. A right, a left and another right brought us on to a narrow lane that decided to do the ascent of Leith Hill in one go - it was marked as 12% up but felt a lot steeper to me. In spite of his "tiredness" Anton left me standing (well, grinding along in Granny gear) but had the decency to wait at the top. After a 50 yard breather we then had to do a sharp left and head upward for another 400 yards or so, although I had to shout to get Anton to stop as he'd shot past the car park from where I intended we could get across to Leith Hill Tower. At this point the rain started falling heavier and that, coupled with the time and terrain meant that I decided to forego the visit to the Tower and head straight to the lunch halt instead.
We sheltered under a tree as the worst of the rain passed over and watched as a policeman pulled up in a car and proceeded to walk around checking the Vehicle Tax Discs of the assembled parked cars. "Hello Lads," he said, "having a good ride?" We grinned and told him we were about to head to the pub - I'm sure I saw a brief flash of envy pass across his face....
We flashed back down the short climb we'd just done and then headed over to and through Coldharbour on the face of the slope before turning right and having a fast, if slightly sketchy, run down the narrow Henhurst Cross Lane to come out on the A29. Next we crossed over the A24 and rolled into Capel. Turning east, the wind was now behind us and we soon reached Newdigate via Trig Street.
As we locked our bikes up under the covered patio area, the heavens absolutely opened! I was most impressed by the canvas canopy - waterproof and measuring something like 8 by 6 metres it easily dealt with the rain and the strong, gusting wind. At this point I realised I'd just received a text from John V asking if we were riding - I replied we were, but by this time he'd succumbed to the (dry) delights of staying in to watch the Tour De France. We were joined for lunch by Shirley although we made the mistake of sitting in front of the large screen TV which had first the golf and then motorbike racing on - it's very distracting trying to have a conversation with a television just a few feet away, right in your line of sight.
When we were ready to leave, the sun was shining but, even before we'd unlocked the bikes, the heavens opened again! We got togged up with waterproofs and waited 10 minutes for the worst of the weather to blow over before heading off, south towards Rusper. Taking it in turns to lead, we made good progress and were soon whistling down into Ifield. We used the subway into West Green and then, just as we crossed the railway the rain came back with a vengeance. Mind you, there was so much that it felt quite cleansing. I lead us through Southgate and then as we reached Furnace Green Anton decided he would catch the train from Three Bridges rather than ride all the way back to Haywards Heath. I pointed him in the right direction and then scuttled back home to give my bike an all over spray of light oil before putting it away - I must remember to rub it down and check it out in the next day or so. I'm also curious to see how my (relatively) new Brooks saddle has coped with the wet.
Although there was a very tough climb in the middle of it, todays ride wasn't actually that hard (I'd rate it as easy to be honest) and I think I only covered just under 40 miles in total - Anton probably managed just over 45.
Next weeks ride is The Horsham Hundred. We have two 50 mile loops starting and finishing from Horsham. The morning one starts from Horsham Park Pavilions at 07:00 hrs and heads south with a tea Break at Dove's Barn Garden Centre(09:30). Arriving back in Horsham at about 12:30, we will have lunch at the Horsham Conservatory Cafe (in the Park). The afternoon loop heads north with a tea break at Capel Church (16:00) and finishes back at Horsham at about 18:30 hrs.
I (Bob) will be leading the morning loop but I'm unable to lead the afternoon one - I can however provide a map and route instructions to anyone that turns up. If you don't fancy riding all 100 miles then why not ride just the morning or just the afternoon loop?
Please get in touch with me if you need any further information - if you don't know my e-mail address or phone number, just leave a comment on this blog.
Sunday 10 July 2011
Redhill Aerodrome
In a change from our usual programming, I present not one but two blogs for this weeks ride!
The first is from Pete, the second is one I prepared earlier (to use a phrase from Blue Peter). We both report on the same things but it's interesting to see the different ways we present it.
Petes Blog:
A warm sunny day greeted us as we welcomed five new riders to our group at Three Bridges station. After some introductions we set off for Redhill Aerodrome using the NCR 21 for most of the way. This took us via North Road, Three Bridges in to Manor Royal – some of the riders were not aware of the existence of the tunnel in to Manor Royal and so it was good to share that information. Through Manor Royal to the tarmac path by the landing lights for the runway and Gatwick and a short break. And to stand under a landing aircraft! Another first for some people and quite spectacular if you have not done it before. Shortly after this we passed under the terminal building to emerge in to our second county for the day – Surrey. Under the subway in Horley and we reached the open countryside via the Langshott estate. The off-road route through to Salfords (all on the NCR21) was dry and very pleasant, with one short sharp kick-up and we soon arrived in Salfords for the right then left up to the top of the hill overlooking Redhill aerodrome (about a mile short of the East Surrey hospital).
We arrived for coffee and cakes about 11.00 (just over 10 miles at an average speed of about 8 mph) and sat outside in the sunshine solving matters of world-wide import and watching the light aircraft movements before heading back via the same route. The idea was to see if everyone had remembered the way. It seemed as if there were less uphill’s on the return journey and we soon made good time to the Three Bridges junction of NCR20 and 21 where we headed south towards Brighton on the route 20. Barbara left us for her train while we continued along Tilgate Drive to Furnace Green and then in to Maidenbower past Oriel School. Total distance 23 miles. Well done to all riders and thank you for joining us. We hope to see some of you at our regular Sunday rides. Our next beginners ride is on Sunday 14th August at 10.00 from Three Bridges Station. We’ll see who turns up, and what the weather is like but potentially we will follow the Worth Way/Forest Way eastwards – going to either East Grinstead, Forest Row or Groombridge. And back!
In the meantime – Happy Cycling!
Peter S
P.S. For those needing help with route-planning in Crawley try this site: http://www.cyclestreets.net/ – Crawley CTC are going to be maintaining the local information for Crawley, so please report any suggestions or ideas using: crawshamctc@hotmail.co.uk Anybody needing help or advice regarding route finding and the best way to get around Crawley on a bike please contact us via the same email address.
And now Blog version 2 from Bob:
A nice, bright morning found four club members joined by 5 other riders for one of our "Introductory Rides" - we hold these on the second Sunday of each month with the intention of alerting people to just how easy it is to have an easy yet interesting bike ride from Crawley (or Horsham).
Todays destination was Redhill Aerodrome and, starting from Three Bridges station, we soon had the hardest part of the ride behind us - crossing Haslett Avenue! After that, the quiet back roads of Three Bridges and then Northgate are the setting for National Cycle Network (NCN) route 21. This route uses an underpass to get into the Industrial Estate without crossing Crawley Avenue. The Industrial estate itself is traversed using a combination of very quiet roads and dedicated cyclepaths. Then, using a couple of sets of traffic lights we arrived at The Beehive before gaining the tarmac path between the Railway and The Gatwick Stream. We stopped for a breather (and a photo) directly under the flightpath and in amongst the landing lights:
As we went past the Airport terminal building, we pointed out the various ways to get into the terminal (stairs and lifts) and the bicyle storage facilities lining the path. Those riders unfamiliar with the route were amazed to see the lake that swims into view just after the tunnel under the motorway link - they'd lived in the area for years but never knew it existed!
We worked our way through Horley using a couple of quiet residential roads, the underpass under the railway and out on the Smallfield Road before turning north to follow NCN21 through the Langshott estate on a shared use path. Now we were on a farm track called Lake lane and we stopped for another breather and photo:
At the end of this farm track, Pete (the ride leader), gave us a choice for the next part of the route: either we could climb the hill using a quiet country lane or we could climb the same hill on a smooth bridleway - we opted for the bridleway. It was an easy climb (middle cogs front and back) and very pleasant under the trees, especially once we crested and could enjoy the smooth downhill:
To find the picture I did a search on the internet and came up with very few relevant hits.
The first is from Pete, the second is one I prepared earlier (to use a phrase from Blue Peter). We both report on the same things but it's interesting to see the different ways we present it.
Petes Blog:
A warm sunny day greeted us as we welcomed five new riders to our group at Three Bridges station. After some introductions we set off for Redhill Aerodrome using the NCR 21 for most of the way. This took us via North Road, Three Bridges in to Manor Royal – some of the riders were not aware of the existence of the tunnel in to Manor Royal and so it was good to share that information. Through Manor Royal to the tarmac path by the landing lights for the runway and Gatwick and a short break. And to stand under a landing aircraft! Another first for some people and quite spectacular if you have not done it before. Shortly after this we passed under the terminal building to emerge in to our second county for the day – Surrey. Under the subway in Horley and we reached the open countryside via the Langshott estate. The off-road route through to Salfords (all on the NCR21) was dry and very pleasant, with one short sharp kick-up and we soon arrived in Salfords for the right then left up to the top of the hill overlooking Redhill aerodrome (about a mile short of the East Surrey hospital).
We arrived for coffee and cakes about 11.00 (just over 10 miles at an average speed of about 8 mph) and sat outside in the sunshine solving matters of world-wide import and watching the light aircraft movements before heading back via the same route. The idea was to see if everyone had remembered the way. It seemed as if there were less uphill’s on the return journey and we soon made good time to the Three Bridges junction of NCR20 and 21 where we headed south towards Brighton on the route 20. Barbara left us for her train while we continued along Tilgate Drive to Furnace Green and then in to Maidenbower past Oriel School. Total distance 23 miles. Well done to all riders and thank you for joining us. We hope to see some of you at our regular Sunday rides. Our next beginners ride is on Sunday 14th August at 10.00 from Three Bridges Station. We’ll see who turns up, and what the weather is like but potentially we will follow the Worth Way/Forest Way eastwards – going to either East Grinstead, Forest Row or Groombridge. And back!
In the meantime – Happy Cycling!
Peter S
P.S. For those needing help with route-planning in Crawley try this site: http://www.cyclestreets.net/ – Crawley CTC are going to be maintaining the local information for Crawley, so please report any suggestions or ideas using: crawshamctc@hotmail.co.uk Anybody needing help or advice regarding route finding and the best way to get around Crawley on a bike please contact us via the same email address.
And now Blog version 2 from Bob:
A nice, bright morning found four club members joined by 5 other riders for one of our "Introductory Rides" - we hold these on the second Sunday of each month with the intention of alerting people to just how easy it is to have an easy yet interesting bike ride from Crawley (or Horsham).
Todays destination was Redhill Aerodrome and, starting from Three Bridges station, we soon had the hardest part of the ride behind us - crossing Haslett Avenue! After that, the quiet back roads of Three Bridges and then Northgate are the setting for National Cycle Network (NCN) route 21. This route uses an underpass to get into the Industrial Estate without crossing Crawley Avenue. The Industrial estate itself is traversed using a combination of very quiet roads and dedicated cyclepaths. Then, using a couple of sets of traffic lights we arrived at The Beehive before gaining the tarmac path between the Railway and The Gatwick Stream. We stopped for a breather (and a photo) directly under the flightpath and in amongst the landing lights:
As we went past the Airport terminal building, we pointed out the various ways to get into the terminal (stairs and lifts) and the bicyle storage facilities lining the path. Those riders unfamiliar with the route were amazed to see the lake that swims into view just after the tunnel under the motorway link - they'd lived in the area for years but never knew it existed!
We worked our way through Horley using a couple of quiet residential roads, the underpass under the railway and out on the Smallfield Road before turning north to follow NCN21 through the Langshott estate on a shared use path. Now we were on a farm track called Lake lane and we stopped for another breather and photo:
At the end of this farm track, Pete (the ride leader), gave us a choice for the next part of the route: either we could climb the hill using a quiet country lane or we could climb the same hill on a smooth bridleway - we opted for the bridleway. It was an easy climb (middle cogs front and back) and very pleasant under the trees, especially once we crested and could enjoy the smooth downhill:
Just before reaching Honeycrock Lane we noticed a Dog Show in progress on the left of our route - two facilities there amused us somewhat - one was a tent advertising itself as a place for "Dog Portraits" and the other was a what looked like a swimming pool but with dogs being encouraged to jump in and out of it.
Here was the second climb of the ride, but everyone managed it with no fuss at all. then we turned right onto Kings Mill Lane and I could point out where the Old Crawley Clock seems to be spending its days. No one other than me seemed to remember it, but to jog peoples memories, I've included this picture which I found on the Crawley Borough Council website:
To find the picture I did a search on the internet and came up with very few relevant hits.
One of the hits seems to be an extract from the minutes of the now defunct New Towns Commission (the organisation charged with developing the various New Towns around London that emerged after the Second World war). It had this to say:
"Genevieve" Clock
92. The Commission have provided a clock in Queens Square featuring the annual London-Brighton Veteran Car Run. When the hour is struck models of the cars emerge and move around the clock, and bells chime a tune based on the theme music of the "Genevieve" film.
93. The clock was unveiled on the eve of the 1965 Veteran Car Run by Sir Thomas Bennett, the first chairman of Crawley Development Corporation, and handed over to the Urban District Council.
92. The Commission have provided a clock in Queens Square featuring the annual London-Brighton Veteran Car Run. When the hour is struck models of the cars emerge and move around the clock, and bells chime a tune based on the theme music of the "Genevieve" film.
93. The clock was unveiled on the eve of the 1965 Veteran Car Run by Sir Thomas Bennett, the first chairman of Crawley Development Corporation, and handed over to the Urban District Council.
I'd love to see the clock back in Crawley I think it would be a great addition to Queens Square (where it was originally installed) or even on the High Street - it would certainly be VERY popular on the day of the Old Crocks Race.
Arriving at Redhill Aerodrome we found a lot of people enjoying the sunshine outside the cafe but it didn't take us long to get served and find tables to sit at. Light refreshments were the order of the day and it was very pleasant sitting in the sun, eating, drinking, chatting and watching the movements of several light aircraft. A party of boy Scouts were being shown around and several of them boarded a plane for a flight. Barbara also told us that she had been on a helicopter flight from here took her on a sightseeing trip over London.
Looking to the southwest we could see dark clouds bearing down on us and decided we ought to head back for home. We decided to use exactly the same return route so that everyone would get the chance to memorise the route for themselves and, as one of the riders commented, the return journey seemed far quicker. Once we got back to Three Bridges we said goodbye to Barbara who was heading for the Station whilst the rest of use followed NCN 20 as it passed Three Bridges Football Club and used Tilgate Drive to cross the railway into Furnace Green. I peeled off our little 'Peleton' as we passed my street and Pete led veryone else on, under the railway and into Maidenbower by Oriel School where everyone finally dispersed.
Thankyou to everyone who turned up - please come on another ride with us sometime - the second Sunday of each month will generally be comparably family friendly and a big thankyou to club members Pete (and Marian) for leading the ride and Barbara for helping keep everyone safe.
Next Sundays ride (July 17th) will be led by me (Bob) and starts from Horsham Pavilions in the Park (car parking is free on Sundays) at 09:30 hrs. It will head north to Leith Hill where I hope to visit the Tower (National Trust, light refreshments available) and then we'll head for Newdigate to stop for lunch at The Six Bells. From there it will be a simple ride back to Horsham. Although the vast bulk of this ride will be on tarmac roads, to get to the Tower will involve a few hundred yards of hardpacked offroad and though I believe the ride will be suitable for all types of bikes why not bring your mountain bike and have some fun on the tracks near Leith Hill Tower whilst we're there? The golden rules are that no-one will get left behind and everyone will enjoy themselves (I'll be monitoring the smiles).
Sunday 3 July 2011
Two Weald Ride
This weekend saw the fourth DA event of the year and the second organised by Horsham and Crawley, The Two Weald Ride. The basic format is that there are a selection of four 25 mile routes starting and finishing at Wisborough Green and riders decide which one(s) they want to do and we provide tea/coffee and home made cakes for refreshment. We opened the control at 10:00 hrs by which time there were already half a dozen people ready to set off. Once again, Pat and Frank brought their camper van and did sterling work keeping the drinks flowing and the cakes portioned out. The weather was sunny and warm and it took a while before anyone actually started riding! This photo shows a selection of Bognor and Chichester and Arun and Adur riders enjoying the sunshine with the camper van in the background.
I decided I wanted to ride the Western route (it's my favourite) and I was joined by Pete E and Pat. We set off towards and through Kirdford and then I missed a right turn (it was over the fold in my route instructions) but a mile or so later we came across a small group of cyclists repairing a puncture near a road junction and whilst chatting with them we looked at their map - my error was obvious and easily rectified and we just had to turn north and follow a lane I've never cycled before. It was actually quite a pleasant road and after a mile or so we turned left and were back on the proper route. Although the sun was now high in the sky and beating down ferociously, most of the lanes offered plenty of shade and the riding was extremely pleasant. Turning right onto the A283 we had a mile of full sun before turning left and after a short open stretch through Lurgashall (a cricket match was on the go here), we once more gained the shelter of the woodland around Lickfold and then River. Just before taking these pictures, as I had freewheeled down the hill at about 30 something mph, I disturbed a large brown bird of prey - probably a Buzzard - it shot off through the trees too quick for me to notice anything other than its size and colour.
Here's Pete.
And here's Pat (notice Pete in the background getting ready for a second photo!!)
and this is it......
After River, we came to a T-junction where the official route goes down the hill and onto the A272, however, I prefer to turn left and stay on the lane (but going up hill) before turning right and enjoying a nice fast descent through Tillington.
Here's Pat just reaching the top of that hill.
I decided I wanted to ride the Western route (it's my favourite) and I was joined by Pete E and Pat. We set off towards and through Kirdford and then I missed a right turn (it was over the fold in my route instructions) but a mile or so later we came across a small group of cyclists repairing a puncture near a road junction and whilst chatting with them we looked at their map - my error was obvious and easily rectified and we just had to turn north and follow a lane I've never cycled before. It was actually quite a pleasant road and after a mile or so we turned left and were back on the proper route. Although the sun was now high in the sky and beating down ferociously, most of the lanes offered plenty of shade and the riding was extremely pleasant. Turning right onto the A283 we had a mile of full sun before turning left and after a short open stretch through Lurgashall (a cricket match was on the go here), we once more gained the shelter of the woodland around Lickfold and then River. Just before taking these pictures, as I had freewheeled down the hill at about 30 something mph, I disturbed a large brown bird of prey - probably a Buzzard - it shot off through the trees too quick for me to notice anything other than its size and colour.
Here's Pete.
And here's Pat (notice Pete in the background getting ready for a second photo!!)
and this is it......
After River, we came to a T-junction where the official route goes down the hill and onto the A272, however, I prefer to turn left and stay on the lane (but going up hill) before turning right and enjoying a nice fast descent through Tillington.
Here's Pat just reaching the top of that hill.
and here's the view of Tillington church taken as I approached it at about 30 mph.
At the bottom of the hill we turned left onto the A272 and passed the deer park belonging to Petworth House. At Petworth we turned right, heading south, then turned east and took the second left - a quiet lane through Byworth - before a short spell on the A283 as far as the Welldiggers Arms. This was followed by the worst part of the Western Loop, the long drag of a climb up Kingspit Lane. But it didn't last too long and we knew we only had a few more miles to go. Once we'd crossed the A272 it was mainly downhill or level all the way to Kirdford from whence Wisborough Green was but 3 miles.
At the bottom of the hill we turned left onto the A272 and passed the deer park belonging to Petworth House. At Petworth we turned right, heading south, then turned east and took the second left - a quiet lane through Byworth - before a short spell on the A283 as far as the Welldiggers Arms. This was followed by the worst part of the Western Loop, the long drag of a climb up Kingspit Lane. But it didn't last too long and we knew we only had a few more miles to go. Once we'd crossed the A272 it was mainly downhill or level all the way to Kirdford from whence Wisborough Green was but 3 miles.
After a well-earned pint and some lunch at the pub, Pete joined Barbara on the Northern loop and then a few minutes later Frank set off in pursuit. I decided to stay at the control and enjoyed a pleasant afternoon chatting with various members of the club about a variety of topics.
Looking at the register I could see that we had had 22 riders out with just three of them doing more than one loop. Normally we have more "multi-loopers" but I think the hot weather had made everyone take it a little easier this year - or maybe it was the lure of the homemade cakes??
Anyway, by 15:30 Frank had returned having not managed to catch Pete and Barbara but having had an enjoyable solo ride, and then just after 16:00 hrs Pete and Barbara finished and everyone was accounted for.
Thanks everyone for taking part but extra big thanks to Barbara and Pete for organising things, and Pat and Frank for not just the use of their mobile home but all the hard work they'd put in serving the food and drinks.
Our next ride is on Sunday 10th July starting from Three Bridges Station at 10:00 hrs. It will be an easy ride suitable for practically anyone with a bike and will demonstrate how easy and safe it is to visit Redhill Aerodrome from Crawley. There is a cafe at the airfield and there's always something to see there.
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