The Sunday after Christmas saw four of us have a jolly nice, short ride around Horsham and then a stop at Barbara's for lashings of mince pies. ken and I had ridden over from Crawley, Pete and Barbara met us at Horsham Pavilions in the Park.
Pete led us west, then south through the Horsham suburbs before crossing the A24 on the Tesco bridge. We then turned north and rode through Broadbridge Heath and on up to Warnham. Next we headed east, over the railway at Warnham station and then south, up Rusper Road to Barbara's.
Sunday 28 December 2014
Monday 22 December 2014
Rendezvous Ride - The Plough at Lower Beeding
The trouble with winter is that it can be cold, wet, dark, gloomy, slippery or all of them at once! You just can't predict what it will be like, so when planning our December rides I thought I'd throw in a Rendezvous Ride to a pub not too far from either Crawley or Horsham. My thinking was that with people being able to choose their own start times and routes, we would all be able to maximize or minimize our mornings exposure to whatever conditions we faced on the day. For myself, I was thinking about possibly meeting up with Anton somewhere south of Handcross (Staplefield perhaps) and riding over to Lower Beeding with him, but a chat with Anton on Saturday evening revealed he wouldn't be riding due to him suffering from a cold. So I decided on a straightforward route, up Pease Pottage Hill, down Grouse Road, left and the Hammerpond, turn right onto Church Lane and then turn right to arrive at Lower Beeding. It was actually so straightforward that I arrived at the pub a full 50 minutes before it was due to open - what a fool! I hung around for a while but the clock was ticking so slowly I realized I need to do a bit more riding. I rode into the close of new houses that had recently sprung up doubling the village population overnight, but that only wiped a couple of minutes off the clock so I headed south, down and up past (another) hammerpond before stopping to read a noticeboard at the side of the road. The noticeboard described the Sussex Ouse Valley Way and seemed to suggest that the hammerpond was one of the sources of the Ouse. Looking at that, and checking my mapping app on my phone whiled away some time. The I carried on riding down to the junction with the A281 where I turned right (I bet not many people turn right there). I was riding gently along, letting the clock tick away but I was soon turning right and still only a few hundred yards from the pub, As I got close I spotted Norman waving at me and we went around to the pub garden to lock our bikes up. More to come.
More to come - I wrote that nearly two weeks ago! I'd better finish this entry off.....
Neither Norman nor I were expecting anyone else to turn up but as we waited, so we were joined by a new chap who's seen our runslist on the web and then, once we were snugly located in the Saloon Bar in front of the fire, so more and more club members turned up - Pete and Marian, Gordon and Jacqui, Pete E, Frank and Pat, and Ken. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and we spent the best part of two hours there chatting, eating and drinking. What a nice way to prepare for Christmas and all the chatting, eating and drinking that would entail!!
Eventually, we pulled our warm outerclothes back on and headed for home. Together we went down Church Lane to Bucks Head and then Norman and Pete E carried on along Hammerpond Lane as the rest of us went up Grouse Road back to Pease Pottage and then Crawley.
More to come - I wrote that nearly two weeks ago! I'd better finish this entry off.....
Neither Norman nor I were expecting anyone else to turn up but as we waited, so we were joined by a new chap who's seen our runslist on the web and then, once we were snugly located in the Saloon Bar in front of the fire, so more and more club members turned up - Pete and Marian, Gordon and Jacqui, Pete E, Frank and Pat, and Ken. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and we spent the best part of two hours there chatting, eating and drinking. What a nice way to prepare for Christmas and all the chatting, eating and drinking that would entail!!
Eventually, we pulled our warm outerclothes back on and headed for home. Together we went down Church Lane to Bucks Head and then Norman and Pete E carried on along Hammerpond Lane as the rest of us went up Grouse Road back to Pease Pottage and then Crawley.
Sunday 14 December 2014
Christmas Dinner
Today's ride would act as an appetite improver for the main event, the Christmas Dinner.
We decided to have starts from both Horsham and Crawley. Pete E, Norman and Frank left from HPP, Gordon, Jacqui, Anton, Ken and myself started from Three Bridges, whilst Barbara and Sandra travelled independently via Colgate.
It was cold but not too nippy and the roads seemed to be clear of ice. The Crawley contingent headed north on the NCN21 as far as Gatwick. There we turned west, under the A23 and I then noticed I had a slow puncture. Trying to save time, we just pumped it up and carried on, through to Povey Cross and then left to Charlwood. Here we took the third left and headed up to Russ Hill where I had to stop for about the fourth time to put air back in my tyre. As I was doing so, Pete phoned to say that his group had reached the rendezvous point at Rusper. I reckoned we were about 5-10 minutes away, but a couple of minutes later Pete rang again to say that they were going on and to meet at the pub. This meant we could cut out a hill and head straight to Faygate.
My phone rang again just as we were climbing the last hill up to Wimlands Lane and for family reasons I had to head straight home and miss the Christmas dinner.
However, I'm told that the food was good and hot and that everyone enjoyed themselves.
However, I'm told that the food was good and hot and that everyone enjoyed themselves.
Sunday 7 December 2014
The Queens Head at Barns Green
Some days riding a bike is as easy as riding a bike, other days it just seems like hard work - I was having a hard work day riding over to Horsham today. I blame the wind as it was in my face all the way. The rain was just about holding off and arriving at HPP I was pleased to see several other club members all congregated ready for the ride. Michael was leading Christine, Barbara, Norman, Ken, Sandra and myself on today's easy ride. We headed out of Horsham on The Pedlars Way which, in spite of the recent wet weather, was firm enough for even my slick tyres. Ken was having trouble with one of his shoe clips, so we stopped and managed to straighten it up with some well-aimed pressure from a multi tool.
Michael now led us through Newfoundout, to and through Southwater and across the A272 to Shipley. Now we turned North and recrossed the A272 into Dragons Green. The rain tried to put in an appearance but failed and as we approached Barns Green, so the sky cleared.
We were pretty much the first people in the pub but almost all the tables were reserved. However we managed to find one big enough for all of us and settled down to a nice lunch with plenty of food and drink (I gave the free cheese and crisps on the bar a good going over as well).
When we got going again, the sky was still blue but the temperature seemed to have dropped a couple of degrees. We headed back past the Bax Castle, up Two Mile Ash Road and on to Tower Hill. Reaching Horsham town centre we all split up to head our separate ways home - Ken and I going back to Crawley via Roffey , Colgate and Pease Pottage.
Next week is our Christmas Dinner - you should all have booked and paid your money to Pete by now. We've arranged two rides - one starting from Three Bridges and one from HPP. They both start at 10:00 hrs with the intention of meeting up at Rusper at about 11:15 before heading on down to Faygate having worked up an appetite for dinner.
Sunday 30 November 2014
The Jolly Farmer
It's been a while since I produced a blog - I've missed the last two rides!
This week however, I was leader - no shirking, I had to be there....
A 10:30 start from Three Bridges station meant that I comfortably got there on time and quickly spotted Norman enjoying his breakfast by the (immobile) mobile café. I'd also received a message from Gordon and Jacqui who were in the coffee shop (along with Frank). Then Eric rocked up, followed by Pete E, then Michael and Christine. Nine riders - not bad, not bad at all. The half ten start and proximity of the pub to Crawley meant that I had selected a very easy and straightforward route. We used the NCN21 route out through Three Bridges, Northgate and the Industrial Estate to Gatwick Airport. We headed through Horley, past the Air Balloon pub and out on Meath Green Lane.
BANG!
The Sunday morning silence was broken by Michaels rear tyre blowing up - although it sounded far worse than it was. Once he'd removed the tube, all he found was a small stone sticking through the tyre and a 4mm diameter hole in the tube. Unfortunately his spare had too fat a valve but Gordon saved the day with exactly the right tube (in spite of the fact that it would have fitted neither his nor Jacqui's bike!!).
We were soon back on the road and after a couple of miles took the right turn across to Salford where we had to carefully cross the A23. Continuing eastwards, we were soon at Outwood and passing the windmill. Now we had the only hill of the day and it wasn't up! Waahay - I just managed to match the speed limit as I freewheeled down and then we just had a short run along the lane to the pub, The Jolly Farmer.
As we locked up the bikes I was extolling the virtues of the last visit to this pub - good food, good drink, good atmosphere, good fire in the grate - so I was more than slightly crestfallen when the landlord revealed that they couldn't offer any food as their chef had recently left. Still, the beer was nice and cheap, so we had a swift quaff whilst working out Plan B.
Plan B: where's the nearest pub? A quick look at the map, coupled with a determination not to ride further away from Crawley, and we decided to head for The Plough at Smallfield. It only took a few minutes but as we pulled up I was worried that it was bit too posh and 'restauranty' for a gaggle of cyclists. However, I was pleasantly surprised as we received a very warm welcome from the staff who quickly pushed some tables together so we could sit as a group and presented us with a varied menu containing plenty of lighter meal options. The food arrived quickly and was most enjoyable. Everyone chipped in to the various conversations and the time just flew by.
As we left, Frank got us all together for a group photo - an impressive feat that I rarely manage due to the similarity groups of cyclists have with herds of cats! You can rarely get them all in the same place, at the same time, looking the same way.......
This week however, I was leader - no shirking, I had to be there....
A 10:30 start from Three Bridges station meant that I comfortably got there on time and quickly spotted Norman enjoying his breakfast by the (immobile) mobile café. I'd also received a message from Gordon and Jacqui who were in the coffee shop (along with Frank). Then Eric rocked up, followed by Pete E, then Michael and Christine. Nine riders - not bad, not bad at all. The half ten start and proximity of the pub to Crawley meant that I had selected a very easy and straightforward route. We used the NCN21 route out through Three Bridges, Northgate and the Industrial Estate to Gatwick Airport. We headed through Horley, past the Air Balloon pub and out on Meath Green Lane.
BANG!
The Sunday morning silence was broken by Michaels rear tyre blowing up - although it sounded far worse than it was. Once he'd removed the tube, all he found was a small stone sticking through the tyre and a 4mm diameter hole in the tube. Unfortunately his spare had too fat a valve but Gordon saved the day with exactly the right tube (in spite of the fact that it would have fitted neither his nor Jacqui's bike!!).
We were soon back on the road and after a couple of miles took the right turn across to Salford where we had to carefully cross the A23. Continuing eastwards, we were soon at Outwood and passing the windmill. Now we had the only hill of the day and it wasn't up! Waahay - I just managed to match the speed limit as I freewheeled down and then we just had a short run along the lane to the pub, The Jolly Farmer.
As we locked up the bikes I was extolling the virtues of the last visit to this pub - good food, good drink, good atmosphere, good fire in the grate - so I was more than slightly crestfallen when the landlord revealed that they couldn't offer any food as their chef had recently left. Still, the beer was nice and cheap, so we had a swift quaff whilst working out Plan B.
Plan B: where's the nearest pub? A quick look at the map, coupled with a determination not to ride further away from Crawley, and we decided to head for The Plough at Smallfield. It only took a few minutes but as we pulled up I was worried that it was bit too posh and 'restauranty' for a gaggle of cyclists. However, I was pleasantly surprised as we received a very warm welcome from the staff who quickly pushed some tables together so we could sit as a group and presented us with a varied menu containing plenty of lighter meal options. The food arrived quickly and was most enjoyable. Everyone chipped in to the various conversations and the time just flew by.
As we left, Frank got us all together for a group photo - an impressive feat that I rarely manage due to the similarity groups of cyclists have with herds of cats! You can rarely get them all in the same place, at the same time, looking the same way.......
From Smallfield I planned to head towards Shipley Bridge via Church Lane and the small bridge over the M23, but I changed my mind and used a tiny lane from Smallfield leading under the M23. A short, slightly muddy section then led us on to another small lane skirting the moat of Thunderfield Castle in Horley. At the end of the lane I had thought about turning left and following the Balcombe Road all the way back to Crawley but a dose of common sense and a nudge from Eric persuaded me to turn right, head for Horley Station and then use the NCN21 back to Gatwick. From Gatwick we retraced our steps into the Industrial Estate but with a quick detour to use the new linear park / cycle path called Crawters Brook. I've ridden through it about five times now and I don't think I've seen anyone else using it so far!
Our group now started to part ways - Gordon, Jacqui and Pete heading West to use the A23 cyclepaths to Broadfield and Horsham. Norman was next to go, heading up Northgate Avenue. The rest of us stayed together until Three Bridges where Frank, Michael and Christine headed back to their cars at the station. Meanwhile Eric and I used the newly resurfaced NCN20 into Furnace Green for me and on to Maidenbower for Eric.
Our next ride on Sunday 7th December will be an easy ride starting from Horsham Pavilions in the Park at 10:00hrs and heading for a Lunch stop at the Queens Head in Barns Green. There is the possibility that we will use some gentle offroad tracks but all but the most fragile of bikes will be able to deal with them. Come on, come out, give yourselves some fresh air and exercise, before Christmas really kicks in!!
Sunday 9 November 2014
In Memoriam
The freedoms we enjoy and the privileged lives we lead are down to the sacrifices and endeavours of those who have preceded us. We must carry those freedoms forward and defend them from the darkness of prejudice and ignorance.
DA AGM
Today's ride was simple - leave Horsham Pavilions in the Park at 9:00, get to Pulborough Village Centre by 10:30. My ride over had started off slowly but I'd got into my stride by Roffey and arrived at the start with 10 minutes to spare. Ken rolled up a few minutes later having used the same route over. Next we were joined by Norman and new member, Frank.
I led us out of Horsham over the golf course, down through Broadbridge Heath and on to Bashurst Hill. The skies were mainly blue with a light wind and the temperature was quite balmy for November.
We were all enjoying the ride and we're having a good old chat as the road took us South. Crossing the A272 was event less and we carried on through Broadford Bridge and up Woods Hill to West Chiltington. After zigzagging down the hill we turned into Stream Lane which lived up to its nam with water running along it for some distance. With no mudguards on my bike I was trying to keep my speed down and bunny hop the worst bits but I still ended up with a damp behind!
I didn't have time to dry out before we were pulling up at Pulborough Village Centre - we'd arrived with 10 minutes to spare and enjoyed some tea, biscuits and a chat before the meeting started.
The meeting was pretty much the same as usual, friendly and business-like. Oh - we won a couple of trophies as well!! There was a well observed two minute silence at 11:00 and the meeting wound up at about 11:45.
Along with Barbara we made straight for the pub - the Oddfellows Arms and settled down for lunch. Shortly after we were joined by Dave and Louise Galley and then another five DA folk turned up and we had a nice lunchtime drinking, eating and discussing all manner of things.
The weather was still pleasant as we made our way back but this time via Barns Green, Bax Castle and Tower Hill. Back in Horsham there were now just two of us left to ride along to Crawley.
Next weeks ride is an Easy Ride suitable for beginners, starting at Three Bridges Station at 10:00hrs.
Sunday 2 November 2014
The Old Crocks Race
Let's upset the Veteran Car Club by calling their annual London to Brighton Commemorative Run the "Old Crocks Race". Why would I do that you may well ask. Well those blighters have upset me!
They took the decision to change their event and not stop on Crawley High Street this year, instead they stopped at a garage on the outskirts of the town centre. THIS WAS A RUBBISH DECISION.
It appeared to have been driven by a desire to suck up to a sponsor but was hidden by a claim that the High Street was too congested. Too congested? Well you should have seen the mess at the new location - the Veteran Cars overshot the entrance, had to cross a heavy line of oncoming traffic, had very little space to park and had to recross the line of heavy traffic on exit. Couple that with spectator viewing facilities probably less than 10% of what the High Street offers and any fool can see that whoever came up with this change shot themselves well and truly in the foot. It upset me so much that I fully intend rattling off a complaint to the guilty parties! Crawley has always provided a good level of support to this event but if the Run "organisers" persist in taking it away from the High Street and ignoring the folk of Crawley then perhaps that level of support and accommodation of the associated traffic problems will tail off over coming years and turn what has always been a popular event into an also-ran inconvenience! As a spectator event it's been cocked up so thoroughly that I didn't take a single photograph!!
Anyway, we also had a bike ride. We met up at Three Bridges station and rode a very zig-zaggy route through Three Bridges and Northgate before bursting into a scene of utter congestion as we neared the London Road. Cars parked left right and centre, car horns being sounded, inept traffic control by RAC tabard clad amateurs and almost no view of the (few) parked Veteran Cars. We had a natter with several disgruntled potential spectators and then decided to ride on.
We headed into the town centre and then, using the same route as the Veteran Cars, headed along a pretty much deserted Boulevard and then out along Southgate Avenue. So far the weather had been overcast but dry, however as we turned south onto the A23 and approached K2, so it started to rain. We ascended Pease Pottage hill, managing to overtake a couple of the old cars and carried on along the old Brighton Road to Handcross. Here we had hoped to stop for some light refreshments but the rain was getting more intense and so we decided to turn around and head back to Gordons a little earlier than planned.
Back at Gordons, he and Jacqui treated us to a nice warming lunch before we got down to the business of drawing up the runs list for the first three months of next year. Many thanks to everyone that turned up for the ride and the runslist meeting and a big thanks to Gordon and Jacqui for hosting.
Don't forget to send in your Christmas Dinner bookings - places are filling up fast.
Our next ride on Sunday 9th November will be a 09:00 start from Horsham Pavilions in the Park We need to get to Pulborough Village Hall for 10:30 in order to attend the DA AGM and possibly (definitely) pick up a trophy or two. Lunch will be at The Oddfellows Arms nearby and then we'll retrace our outbound route to get back to Horsham by mid afternoon. Crawley folk may well be advised to fit their lights on just in case visibility's not too good by the time we get back......
They took the decision to change their event and not stop on Crawley High Street this year, instead they stopped at a garage on the outskirts of the town centre. THIS WAS A RUBBISH DECISION.
It appeared to have been driven by a desire to suck up to a sponsor but was hidden by a claim that the High Street was too congested. Too congested? Well you should have seen the mess at the new location - the Veteran Cars overshot the entrance, had to cross a heavy line of oncoming traffic, had very little space to park and had to recross the line of heavy traffic on exit. Couple that with spectator viewing facilities probably less than 10% of what the High Street offers and any fool can see that whoever came up with this change shot themselves well and truly in the foot. It upset me so much that I fully intend rattling off a complaint to the guilty parties! Crawley has always provided a good level of support to this event but if the Run "organisers" persist in taking it away from the High Street and ignoring the folk of Crawley then perhaps that level of support and accommodation of the associated traffic problems will tail off over coming years and turn what has always been a popular event into an also-ran inconvenience! As a spectator event it's been cocked up so thoroughly that I didn't take a single photograph!!
Anyway, we also had a bike ride. We met up at Three Bridges station and rode a very zig-zaggy route through Three Bridges and Northgate before bursting into a scene of utter congestion as we neared the London Road. Cars parked left right and centre, car horns being sounded, inept traffic control by RAC tabard clad amateurs and almost no view of the (few) parked Veteran Cars. We had a natter with several disgruntled potential spectators and then decided to ride on.
We headed into the town centre and then, using the same route as the Veteran Cars, headed along a pretty much deserted Boulevard and then out along Southgate Avenue. So far the weather had been overcast but dry, however as we turned south onto the A23 and approached K2, so it started to rain. We ascended Pease Pottage hill, managing to overtake a couple of the old cars and carried on along the old Brighton Road to Handcross. Here we had hoped to stop for some light refreshments but the rain was getting more intense and so we decided to turn around and head back to Gordons a little earlier than planned.
Back at Gordons, he and Jacqui treated us to a nice warming lunch before we got down to the business of drawing up the runs list for the first three months of next year. Many thanks to everyone that turned up for the ride and the runslist meeting and a big thanks to Gordon and Jacqui for hosting.
Don't forget to send in your Christmas Dinner bookings - places are filling up fast.
Our next ride on Sunday 9th November will be a 09:00 start from Horsham Pavilions in the Park We need to get to Pulborough Village Hall for 10:30 in order to attend the DA AGM and possibly (definitely) pick up a trophy or two. Lunch will be at The Oddfellows Arms nearby and then we'll retrace our outbound route to get back to Horsham by mid afternoon. Crawley folk may well be advised to fit their lights on just in case visibility's not too good by the time we get back......
Sunday 26 October 2014
Stooks at NewBridge
Thanks to Mick for leading what looks to have been an enjoyable ride with plenty of riders out who must have all remembered to alter their clocks!
The start was 9:15 @ HPP where I met Michael and Christine. Next was a new member, Frank from Christs Hospital. Then Norman and finally Pete. We headed off along the Forest Road to Pease Pottage where we met Pete and Marian, John C and Ken. After ringing Stooks to add two to the booking we headed for Handcross, then Slaugham and on to Lower Beeding. Turning right onto the A281 we then went left towards Maplehurst and Copsale. Right and left took us to Southwater Street then over the A24 and into Southwater itself. Bonfire Hill took us to Two Mile Ash and north to Christs Hospital. It was then a quick blast along the A264 to the lunch stop spot on 12:00!
Barbara met us there.
Lunch was good, see picture.
Barbara met us there.
Lunch was good, see picture.
After lunch Frank headed back home while the rest of headed towards Warnham. Christine couldn't manage the hill so she and Mike returned to HPP via the golf course. The rest of crossed the A24 and railway.
At the T junction Pete, Barbara and Norman turned right to Horsham.
The Crawley members were unsure on their route so I took them part of the way.
Not sure how many miles as my GPS battery died on me!
At the T junction Pete, Barbara and Norman turned right to Horsham.
The Crawley members were unsure on their route so I took them part of the way.
Not sure how many miles as my GPS battery died on me!
Next weeks ride is an easy one - it's Old Crocks Day! So we will meet up at There Bridges Station at 10:00 hrs, ride into town and see if we can spot a few veteran cars before pacing/racing/crawling along with them out as far as (perhaps) Staplefield before returning to Crawley, At 13:00 all members are invited to the Runs List meeting at Gordon's House (contact me for details) where we can determine what rides we want to go on during Q1 of next year (January, February, March 2015). Gordon and Jacqui are kindly providing refreshments once more.
Monday 20 October 2014
Pooh Sticks
The weather forecast for Sunday was "unseasonably warm with occasional showers". Waking up to a dull, overcast day with dampness in the air I though the forecast must be wrong and was feeling a bit glum as I waited at Three Bridges station to see if anyone else would turn up. I'd already arranged to meet up with Ros and in response to a John V text, I'd arranged to meet him at the same place, so I knew there would be three of us but then Michael emerged from the rail replacement bus laden car park. Due to the time I'd arranged to meet Ros and JV, we left Three Bridges bang on 09:30 and just a few minutes later I received a phone call from Ken asking where we were - we must have missed each other by seconds! Anyway, we all managed to find each other at Keepers Cottage and continued along the Worth Way to East Grinstead. There was a bit of splatter coming up from the surface - it didn't trouble anyone though: everyone else had mudguards and I didn't care about getting muddy!
It didn't take us long to get to East Grinstead and here we split up, more or less according to bike type. The road and hybrid riders used a road route through the town and on to Forest Row, the mountain bikers tackled the station steps, the ascent of the west face of Grinny High Street and the motorway standard bike path that is the first part of the Forest Way before arriving at the Café (by the tip) in Forest Row (ahead of the road/hybrid johnnies).
The café was 10 minutes or so from opening so we didn't hang around but carried on east with the skies starting to clear a bit and allow the sun to warm things up a touch. We seemed to fly along and it was only a short time before we were at Hartfield. We rode up through the village and on up past the Gallipot Inn (I collected some sticks and twigs on the way). As we were paused to regroup at the crossroads we had a chat with some poor bloke who'd just filled his diesel car up with petrol and was waiting for a breakdown truck to arrive (he'd already been waiting about two hours!!!).
I had to ride carefully along the bridleway/private drive as I had a whole handful of sticks ready for the coming competition. As usual, I said hello to other people as we passed them and remember doing so to an oriental couple shortly before arriving at Poohsticks Bridge - they seemed amused that I had brought my own Poohsticks.
We had a good few games of Poohsticks and also spotted a rather large crayfish in the river - although it disappeared when a large dog jumped in and started hauling an eight foot long branch through the water!
As it was now 11:45 it was time to head for the pub, so we climbed up through the woods to the car park and then enjoyed the quiet lane heading West. As I approached the ford it looked like it was really deep - at least two feet - but on closer inspection it was only about 5 inches deep so I rode backwards and forwards through it a few times, washing the mud off my wheels and demonstrating to the others that it was easily negotiable.
From the ford it was just a half mile up the lane to the pub at Colemans Hatch (not Chucks Hatch as I keep calling it). The pub was busy and full inside, but it was pleasant enough to sit outside and we quickly got our beers and food ordered. Unusually for pubs these days, this one did a good range of sandwiches on a Sunday. The beer was very good and the sandwiches (which were very nice) arrived pretty quick. We would definitely recommend this pub for cyclists (as would the other twenty odd cyclists that were also there).
I gave everyone the choice of a road route home or to use the Forest Way/Worth Way again. They all opted for the latter which pleased me as it was the one I wanted to do. The ride back to East Grinstead was very pleasant with the sun flickering through the trees and colourful leaves swirling around in the wind, which we were just beginning to notice (it was now in our faces). Arriving at East Gribnstead station we said goodbye to Ros and just before we pulled off I noticed the oriental couple we'd seen earlier just going to catch a train (I said hello again).
We made good progress back along the Worth Way with the trees sheltering us from the effects of the headwind and reaching Worth we said goodbye to first Ken then John before I left Michael to head back to the station by himself. I swooped down through Maidenbower and used the newly reopened second tunnel under the railway - it's all neatly surfaced and illuminated now. Just a couple of minutes later I was home and getting ready to head across town to a family party.
Our next ride is on Sunday 26th October and will have an 09:15 start from Horsham Pavilion in the Park (it's not early, you'll have had an extra hour in bed due to the clock change). Going via the Black Swan at Pease Pottage at 10:00hrs, Mick will lead you on a very nice, clockwise loop to the south and on to lunch at Newbridge Garden Centre. This will be a medium rated route entirely on road and about 35 miles in total.
Before then, it's our AGM. Please come along to the Dog and Bacon in Horsham on Wednesday 22nd October at 1930 - help make your club work for you.
It didn't take us long to get to East Grinstead and here we split up, more or less according to bike type. The road and hybrid riders used a road route through the town and on to Forest Row, the mountain bikers tackled the station steps, the ascent of the west face of Grinny High Street and the motorway standard bike path that is the first part of the Forest Way before arriving at the Café (by the tip) in Forest Row (ahead of the road/hybrid johnnies).
The café was 10 minutes or so from opening so we didn't hang around but carried on east with the skies starting to clear a bit and allow the sun to warm things up a touch. We seemed to fly along and it was only a short time before we were at Hartfield. We rode up through the village and on up past the Gallipot Inn (I collected some sticks and twigs on the way). As we were paused to regroup at the crossroads we had a chat with some poor bloke who'd just filled his diesel car up with petrol and was waiting for a breakdown truck to arrive (he'd already been waiting about two hours!!!).
I had to ride carefully along the bridleway/private drive as I had a whole handful of sticks ready for the coming competition. As usual, I said hello to other people as we passed them and remember doing so to an oriental couple shortly before arriving at Poohsticks Bridge - they seemed amused that I had brought my own Poohsticks.
We had a good few games of Poohsticks and also spotted a rather large crayfish in the river - although it disappeared when a large dog jumped in and started hauling an eight foot long branch through the water!
As it was now 11:45 it was time to head for the pub, so we climbed up through the woods to the car park and then enjoyed the quiet lane heading West. As I approached the ford it looked like it was really deep - at least two feet - but on closer inspection it was only about 5 inches deep so I rode backwards and forwards through it a few times, washing the mud off my wheels and demonstrating to the others that it was easily negotiable.
From the ford it was just a half mile up the lane to the pub at Colemans Hatch (not Chucks Hatch as I keep calling it). The pub was busy and full inside, but it was pleasant enough to sit outside and we quickly got our beers and food ordered. Unusually for pubs these days, this one did a good range of sandwiches on a Sunday. The beer was very good and the sandwiches (which were very nice) arrived pretty quick. We would definitely recommend this pub for cyclists (as would the other twenty odd cyclists that were also there).
I gave everyone the choice of a road route home or to use the Forest Way/Worth Way again. They all opted for the latter which pleased me as it was the one I wanted to do. The ride back to East Grinstead was very pleasant with the sun flickering through the trees and colourful leaves swirling around in the wind, which we were just beginning to notice (it was now in our faces). Arriving at East Gribnstead station we said goodbye to Ros and just before we pulled off I noticed the oriental couple we'd seen earlier just going to catch a train (I said hello again).
We made good progress back along the Worth Way with the trees sheltering us from the effects of the headwind and reaching Worth we said goodbye to first Ken then John before I left Michael to head back to the station by himself. I swooped down through Maidenbower and used the newly reopened second tunnel under the railway - it's all neatly surfaced and illuminated now. Just a couple of minutes later I was home and getting ready to head across town to a family party.
Our next ride is on Sunday 26th October and will have an 09:15 start from Horsham Pavilion in the Park (it's not early, you'll have had an extra hour in bed due to the clock change). Going via the Black Swan at Pease Pottage at 10:00hrs, Mick will lead you on a very nice, clockwise loop to the south and on to lunch at Newbridge Garden Centre. This will be a medium rated route entirely on road and about 35 miles in total.
Before then, it's our AGM. Please come along to the Dog and Bacon in Horsham on Wednesday 22nd October at 1930 - help make your club work for you.
Sunday 12 October 2014
Rudgwick Apple Day
We tried to run a ride to Rudgwick Apple Day last year but it was raining so heavily that we only got as far as Slinfold before turning back! This year, the weather was much better - Autumnal and overcast but pleasant enough for riding a bike.
Malcolm got in touch on Saturday night and we arranged to meet up at Furnace Green shops to ride over to Horsham in the morning. I was there at the allotted time but where was Malcolm? A quick phone call revealed that he was at Furnace Green shops in Tilgate!! No matter, I soon joined him and off we went. For some reason my legs were feeling really good and I got a nice spin on going up Pease Pottage Hill - I couldn't quite keep my speed in double figures all the way to the top but the hill didn't seem to hurt me as much as usual. As I was about to turn right at the mini-roundabout towards Pease Pottage I was engulfed in a throng of scooterists and just managed to stay on my bike in spite of clipping the back of one of them who had insisted on riding through my outstretched, right-signalling arm!! No problem though, they were all heading south - perhaps to a date with some deckchair-hurling rockers on Brighton beach?
Arriving at Horsham Pavilion in the Park, we were met by Mick and Barbara. and after hanging around for a few minutes in case of latecomers, we headed off. We left Horsham using the glf course/Robin Hood Lane route but then headed north to Warnham. Here I opted to go past the Greets Inn and then up the quiet lane northwards - I was hoping for some autumn colour in the woodlands here, but I think we were just a couple of weeks early. We carried on north and east, passing the unusual Tower House:
Our next ride, on Sunday 19th October is a 9:30 Three Bridges Station start. We will be going to Poohsticks Bridge in Ashdown Forest. The probable route will be Worth Way/Forest Way all the way to Hartfield, climb up the road and into Ashdown Forest, Poohsticks Bridge, The Hatch Inn at Chucks Hatch for lunch, then back either by road or returning along the Forest Way/Worth Way. I would recommend strong tourers, hybrids or mountain bikes for this ride and we'll probably clock up somewhere between 35 and 40 miles.
Malcolm got in touch on Saturday night and we arranged to meet up at Furnace Green shops to ride over to Horsham in the morning. I was there at the allotted time but where was Malcolm? A quick phone call revealed that he was at Furnace Green shops in Tilgate!! No matter, I soon joined him and off we went. For some reason my legs were feeling really good and I got a nice spin on going up Pease Pottage Hill - I couldn't quite keep my speed in double figures all the way to the top but the hill didn't seem to hurt me as much as usual. As I was about to turn right at the mini-roundabout towards Pease Pottage I was engulfed in a throng of scooterists and just managed to stay on my bike in spite of clipping the back of one of them who had insisted on riding through my outstretched, right-signalling arm!! No problem though, they were all heading south - perhaps to a date with some deckchair-hurling rockers on Brighton beach?
Arriving at Horsham Pavilion in the Park, we were met by Mick and Barbara. and after hanging around for a few minutes in case of latecomers, we headed off. We left Horsham using the glf course/Robin Hood Lane route but then headed north to Warnham. Here I opted to go past the Greets Inn and then up the quiet lane northwards - I was hoping for some autumn colour in the woodlands here, but I think we were just a couple of weeks early. We carried on north and east, passing the unusual Tower House:
Next we headed up the A29 for a mile and then across to Okewood before turning south to Ellens Green and Cox Green. As we reached Rudgwick so we turned right and headed down past the old Rudgwick Brickworks. There's a nice cafe there but we didn't stop and carried on down to the t-junction at the end. Now we only had a short 80 yard ride along the A281 before turning right into the playing field where the Apple Fair was being held.
The next few shots show the apple pressing process:
We each sampled the ciders but to be honest I thought they were all a bit rough, however, the Jerk Chicken with rice and beans that I had for lunch was superb. There were several stalls around, some selling things, others just showcasing facilities or organisations but the one I made a beeline for was the plate-smashing stall! Six throws for a quid - it had to be done and with three direct hits I managed to render about half a dozen pots and plates down to mere fragments....
We'd been met by Michael and Christine at the Fair and we'd all sat around eating, drinking and chatting. We'd also noticed that there were a lot of red faces amongst the apple folk and we came to the conclusion there had been a lot of cider sampling going on before we'd got there!!
Eventually we remounted and headed back home. We used a fairly easy route back via the Haven, Slinfold and Broadbridge Heath. Returning along Robin Hood Lane, I took this photo of the deer in the deer park.
Mick and Barbara left us in Horsham and Malcolm and I rode back to Crawley along the Forest Road to get back not long after 3pm.
Our next ride, on Sunday 19th October is a 9:30 Three Bridges Station start. We will be going to Poohsticks Bridge in Ashdown Forest. The probable route will be Worth Way/Forest Way all the way to Hartfield, climb up the road and into Ashdown Forest, Poohsticks Bridge, The Hatch Inn at Chucks Hatch for lunch, then back either by road or returning along the Forest Way/Worth Way. I would recommend strong tourers, hybrids or mountain bikes for this ride and we'll probably clock up somewhere between 35 and 40 miles.
Sunday 5 October 2014
Gordon's B-Ride
Lot's of words begin with B and Gordon tries to tick off as many as possible with this ride - breakfast, bacon, beans, bread, bikes, Broadfield, bridleways, Bob, beer, beautiful weather,
I took Gordon up on his offer of breakfast and rolled up on his doorstep at the unearthly time of 08:30. As we ate we discussed the coming ride and speculated on who else would turn up. When we ventured out the early morning chill was starting to dissipate and by the time we reached Parish lane we were getting quite comfortable. Gordon, Jacqui and I paused at the noticeboard for the Tilgate Downhill Bike Park where we read that it has ceased to be!
The downhill was clear so I rattled down at speed with a big smile on my face. Then it was through the woods and down the steps into Marion Road (everyone else uses the gate, but I love using the steps). Gordon took us on, into Maidenbower and then up the cycle path to the Worth Way and across to Three Bridges Station.
The station forecourt was a scene of carnage - the railway to Brighton was shut and so there were buses everywhere, taxis toing and froing, and displaced cars filling in the remaining gaps. Three cyclists (Ken, Eric and Sebastian) managed to negotiate through it all and now there were six of us.
We headed through Three Bridges along NCN20 until Northgate Avenue where we followed the cycle path towards the town centre. Next we travelled along The Boulevard and then up the High Street before negotiating the one way system, crossing the railway and turning right onto Springfield Road. The day was getting better and better as the temperature continued to rise and the blue sky stretched from horizon to horizon. We passed through Goffs Park, crossed into Gossops Green, ran down into Bewbush and then through the scrubby woodland to the railway crossing point.
This is NCN228 and we stayed on it until the far end of Wimlands Lane where we turned right (instead of left) onto Wimland Road and headed towards Rusper. At the end of the road we turned left onto the Horsham Road and followed it down the hill before turning left (and back onto NCN228) onto Channells Brook Bridleway. There was quite a strong chemical smell here, but we soon passed it. At the end we turned right, crossed the railway and then the A264 before stopping for a tea break at the Strawberry Fields café (at New House Farm).
On reaching the Forest Road we headed east to Colgate and then turned right onto Blackhouse Road. This was a pleasant downhill roll followed by a short climb and a left onto Grouse Road. From here we headed on into Pease Pottage and my party-piece ride down the slope by the Marie Vesco steps. Once over the road, we said goodbye to Eric and Sebastian who were heading through Tilgate Forest and back to Maidenbower. The rest of us pulled up at Gordon's where we were treated to a delicious lunch - ahhhhh, this is the life - cycling, sunshine, food - and beer!
Thanks Gordon and Jacqui for a most enjoyable day.
Next weeks ride starts from Horsham Pavilions in the Park at 10:00 hrs and will be an easy ride over to Rudgwick for the Apple Fair. Hopefully it won't be wet like last year when we didn't actually get there because it was so wet!
I took Gordon up on his offer of breakfast and rolled up on his doorstep at the unearthly time of 08:30. As we ate we discussed the coming ride and speculated on who else would turn up. When we ventured out the early morning chill was starting to dissipate and by the time we reached Parish lane we were getting quite comfortable. Gordon, Jacqui and I paused at the noticeboard for the Tilgate Downhill Bike Park where we read that it has ceased to be!
The downhill was clear so I rattled down at speed with a big smile on my face. Then it was through the woods and down the steps into Marion Road (everyone else uses the gate, but I love using the steps). Gordon took us on, into Maidenbower and then up the cycle path to the Worth Way and across to Three Bridges Station.
The station forecourt was a scene of carnage - the railway to Brighton was shut and so there were buses everywhere, taxis toing and froing, and displaced cars filling in the remaining gaps. Three cyclists (Ken, Eric and Sebastian) managed to negotiate through it all and now there were six of us.
We headed through Three Bridges along NCN20 until Northgate Avenue where we followed the cycle path towards the town centre. Next we travelled along The Boulevard and then up the High Street before negotiating the one way system, crossing the railway and turning right onto Springfield Road. The day was getting better and better as the temperature continued to rise and the blue sky stretched from horizon to horizon. We passed through Goffs Park, crossed into Gossops Green, ran down into Bewbush and then through the scrubby woodland to the railway crossing point.
This is NCN228 and we stayed on it until the far end of Wimlands Lane where we turned right (instead of left) onto Wimland Road and headed towards Rusper. At the end of the road we turned left onto the Horsham Road and followed it down the hill before turning left (and back onto NCN228) onto Channells Brook Bridleway. There was quite a strong chemical smell here, but we soon passed it. At the end we turned right, crossed the railway and then the A264 before stopping for a tea break at the Strawberry Fields café (at New House Farm).
On reaching the Forest Road we headed east to Colgate and then turned right onto Blackhouse Road. This was a pleasant downhill roll followed by a short climb and a left onto Grouse Road. From here we headed on into Pease Pottage and my party-piece ride down the slope by the Marie Vesco steps. Once over the road, we said goodbye to Eric and Sebastian who were heading through Tilgate Forest and back to Maidenbower. The rest of us pulled up at Gordon's where we were treated to a delicious lunch - ahhhhh, this is the life - cycling, sunshine, food - and beer!
Thanks Gordon and Jacqui for a most enjoyable day.
Next weeks ride starts from Horsham Pavilions in the Park at 10:00 hrs and will be an easy ride over to Rudgwick for the Apple Fair. Hopefully it won't be wet like last year when we didn't actually get there because it was so wet!
Sunday 28 September 2014
The Plough at Leigh
I still don't know how to correctly pronounce the name of the village, but that didn't mean that Anton couldn't lead us there.
The last Sunday in September dawned with glorious clear blue skies and on arrival at Three Bridges Station there were a couple of new faces joining us for the ride. Anton led Eric, Sebastian, Michael, Christine, John C and myself out through Three Bridges on NCN 20 and into the Industrial Estate (coincidentally, using the same route that I do on my way to work). The roads were fairly quiet and we were soon on the smooth path running alongside the River Mole towards the Airport terminal building. The lake at Horley was looking very picturesque in the sunshine and then Anton took us through the middle of Horley and over the corssroads by the Air Balloon pub. Meath Green Lane/Lonesome Lane was very smooth and we realized that we were running a long way ahead of time, so decided to fit in an extra stop.
Accordingly we pulled up at Reigate Garden Centre to have a quick drink and ablutions break...
On the road again, Anton took us on some pleasant lanes to Betchworth and past The Dolphin pub before fitting in a little extra loop to ensure we arrived at The Plough in Leigh bang on midday - Anton scores maximum points for timing.
We sat outside in the sunshine and were met by Barbara who had ridden up from Horsham.
The beer was good, the food was good, the conversation was good but the weather eclipsed them all - a full-on summers day.
We remounted and headed west before turning south to get to Parkgate. From here it was west and south again to Newdigate and then further south to Rusper. We stopped there for a while (and some of us had an icecream) before Barbara headed off towards Horsham and the rest of us headed back to Ifield. We took advantage of the new Ifield to West Green cycle route and then used the backstreets of Southgate to get to Hawth Avenue and thence Furnace Green where I left the group. Anton carried on, under the railway to Maidenbower and then guided the last couple of riders back to Three Bridges Station.
Next weeks ride is Gordon's B-Ride - it starts from Three Bridges Station at 10:00 hrs .(or 08:00 for Breakfast at Gordons) then follows a mixed surface route out to Horsham on the NCN 288 route and back via St. Leonards Forest. Mountain bikes or strong tourers are recommended. Why B-Ride you ask - well, it features breakfast, bacon butties, banter, bikes, bridleways, Bob(probably), bumps, bunnies(maybe), bananaskins, babies - that's enough b's! Ed.
The last Sunday in September dawned with glorious clear blue skies and on arrival at Three Bridges Station there were a couple of new faces joining us for the ride. Anton led Eric, Sebastian, Michael, Christine, John C and myself out through Three Bridges on NCN 20 and into the Industrial Estate (coincidentally, using the same route that I do on my way to work). The roads were fairly quiet and we were soon on the smooth path running alongside the River Mole towards the Airport terminal building. The lake at Horley was looking very picturesque in the sunshine and then Anton took us through the middle of Horley and over the corssroads by the Air Balloon pub. Meath Green Lane/Lonesome Lane was very smooth and we realized that we were running a long way ahead of time, so decided to fit in an extra stop.
Accordingly we pulled up at Reigate Garden Centre to have a quick drink and ablutions break...
On the road again, Anton took us on some pleasant lanes to Betchworth and past The Dolphin pub before fitting in a little extra loop to ensure we arrived at The Plough in Leigh bang on midday - Anton scores maximum points for timing.
We sat outside in the sunshine and were met by Barbara who had ridden up from Horsham.
The beer was good, the food was good, the conversation was good but the weather eclipsed them all - a full-on summers day.
We remounted and headed west before turning south to get to Parkgate. From here it was west and south again to Newdigate and then further south to Rusper. We stopped there for a while (and some of us had an icecream) before Barbara headed off towards Horsham and the rest of us headed back to Ifield. We took advantage of the new Ifield to West Green cycle route and then used the backstreets of Southgate to get to Hawth Avenue and thence Furnace Green where I left the group. Anton carried on, under the railway to Maidenbower and then guided the last couple of riders back to Three Bridges Station.
Next weeks ride is Gordon's B-Ride - it starts from Three Bridges Station at 10:00 hrs .(or 08:00 for Breakfast at Gordons) then follows a mixed surface route out to Horsham on the NCN 288 route and back via St. Leonards Forest. Mountain bikes or strong tourers are recommended. Why B-Ride you ask - well, it features breakfast, bacon butties, banter, bikes, bridleways, Bob(probably), bumps, bunnies(maybe), bananaskins, babies - that's enough b's! Ed.
Sunday 21 September 2014
Wiston Tea Rooms
Pete E had revised the route he'd used the previous time for this ride and completely avoided using Hammerpond Lane. The only trouble was that this added about six miles to the distance and wasn't exactly flat. The three horrible Hammerpond hills were bypassed but the extra miles as we went via Copsale, Maplehurst and Lower Beeding were accompanied by their own lumpy bits! I was struggling a bit as we approached Warninglid but the weather was nice and as we turned to a more southerly direction we had the benefit of a tailwind. One more climb took us over the last Forest Ridge and we fairly shot down to Shaves Thatch corner. Soon after, the South Downs were blocking our path and we turned to the west at Fulking.
The scenery was beautiful and made even better by the iridescent blue sky. By now it was past midday and we were all feeling hungry so we kept to the most direct route (also the most level route) through Bramber, by-passed Steyning and shortly after took the right turn to Wiston.
We sat in the garden but with the sun increasingly being obscured by cloud it wasn't quite warm enough to be perfect - the garden was really pleasant, the food and drink was just right and delivered with a smile, but when the sun was hidden the wind was sending ripples of goosebumps over bare legs and arms.
The route back to Horsham was exactly what appeared on the runslist - as short as we could make it and we arrived safely back at HPP bang on 15:30 hrs with a nice round 45 miles on the speedo.
Next weeks ride is a plain and simple ride to The Plough at Leigh. Meet at Three Bridges Station at 09:30 and Anton will take us on an easy, relatively hill-free journey to this cosy pub and back with a total mileage of only about 30 miles, all on generally quiet lanes and tarmac cyclepaths.
Sunday 14 September 2014
Annual Ride to the Seaside
This is usually a popular ride and this year we had eleven riders turn up.
Pete S led Marian, Anton, Val, Norman, Malcolm, John V, Ken, Christine, Michael and myself off towards Turners Hill. However, halfway through Pound Hill Malcolm had to turn for home as his rear wheel had broken another spoke (making five in total) and was looking likely to collapse.
The drag up to Turners Hill was a pain as usual and Val was all for turning for home but a bit of gentle persuasion from the rest of us changed her mind. We sped down the B-road, past a less than busy Wakehurst Place and on through Ardingly. The weather was just right for cycling and we were soon on Lindfield. I popped in to the Co-Op there and bought some chocolate bars, everyone else was talking about what to do in light of the fact that there were no trains running from Brighton. The decision was made to carry on to the teashop at Ditchling and then work out what to do. We got there using Slugwash Lane and Ditchling Common Road.
The garden at the teashop was sheltered and sunny and we settled down to eat, drink and chat. Val took this picture of three monkeys:
Anton had not joined us in the café but had continued riding and gone up Ditchling Beacon. When he did join us he showed me some video of the climb and his obligatory 99 cone at the top. Well done Anton.
Talk had turned to what shape the rest of the ride would take and consensus was that we would head for Haywards Heath Railway station along a quiet route, point Norman in the direction of Horsham and anyone left over would ride back to Crawley. However, seeing Antons film had made me pine for the climb - it was silly to be so close and not do it! I set off and just a couple of minutes later I was gritting my teeth and getting stuck into the hill. The first part of Ditchling Beacon is always the hardest for me and I was soon down to about my 5th lowest gear ratio. I was determined not hit granny so each time the road bucked up I rose from the saddle and stomped on up. In a perverse way I was quite enjoying the climb, helped by going past a resting roadie and enjoying the views of the Weald, and I was surprised when the horse and rider sign swam into view to announce the top was imminent. I did the usual and rode on into the car park, right up to the ice-cream van and got my usual, a '99'.
It had taken me 10 minutes to do the climb, it took just over two to get down (and I'd been slowed down by some cars). Reaching Ditchling I checked the café but everyone else had gone, so I headed east for a mile or so then turned north onto Spatham Lane. By now I had expected to have caught the others but was beginning to worry I'd taken the wrong route, so sent Anton a text. I was on the right route but they were about three miles or so ahead of me. I kept going and then, halfway up Hundred Acre Lane, I saw Anton who had come back to meet me - thanks Anton. We carried on to Wivelfield Green and then onto Slugwash Lane - it's harder going north. At the far end, Ken and John V were waiting - everyone else had continued on towards Lindfield (and then Haywards Heath). Anton left us here and we bypassed Lindield to use East Mascalls Lane and Plummenden Lane on our way up to Ardingly.
I needed a breather so we stopped and sat on a bench in the middle of Ardingly. Then we spotted a tandem going past - it was Pete and Marian! They stopped and joined us before we all got going again and carried on past the showground and on up to Selsfield Common. We were really quick into Turners Hill but as I climbed up towards the crossroads, my chain got jammed and I had to stop and clear it. It seems that I spend so much time working on other peoples bikes that mine just doesn't get any attention!
The others were waiting for me at the top, but I had no recurrence of the problem and just a few minutes later we were back in Crawley.
Next weeks ride is a Horsham Pavilions in the Park start at 09:30. Pete E will lead us on a nice roundabout route to the south and east before turning west for lunch at the Wiston Tea Rooms. The return to Horsham will be pretty much the shortest route back. The ride is rated as Medium and will be about 40 miles long. We did it in the wet last year and enjoyed it in spite of the weather, so if the sun is shining it will be even better. See you there!!
Pete S led Marian, Anton, Val, Norman, Malcolm, John V, Ken, Christine, Michael and myself off towards Turners Hill. However, halfway through Pound Hill Malcolm had to turn for home as his rear wheel had broken another spoke (making five in total) and was looking likely to collapse.
The drag up to Turners Hill was a pain as usual and Val was all for turning for home but a bit of gentle persuasion from the rest of us changed her mind. We sped down the B-road, past a less than busy Wakehurst Place and on through Ardingly. The weather was just right for cycling and we were soon on Lindfield. I popped in to the Co-Op there and bought some chocolate bars, everyone else was talking about what to do in light of the fact that there were no trains running from Brighton. The decision was made to carry on to the teashop at Ditchling and then work out what to do. We got there using Slugwash Lane and Ditchling Common Road.
The garden at the teashop was sheltered and sunny and we settled down to eat, drink and chat. Val took this picture of three monkeys:
Anton had not joined us in the café but had continued riding and gone up Ditchling Beacon. When he did join us he showed me some video of the climb and his obligatory 99 cone at the top. Well done Anton.
Talk had turned to what shape the rest of the ride would take and consensus was that we would head for Haywards Heath Railway station along a quiet route, point Norman in the direction of Horsham and anyone left over would ride back to Crawley. However, seeing Antons film had made me pine for the climb - it was silly to be so close and not do it! I set off and just a couple of minutes later I was gritting my teeth and getting stuck into the hill. The first part of Ditchling Beacon is always the hardest for me and I was soon down to about my 5th lowest gear ratio. I was determined not hit granny so each time the road bucked up I rose from the saddle and stomped on up. In a perverse way I was quite enjoying the climb, helped by going past a resting roadie and enjoying the views of the Weald, and I was surprised when the horse and rider sign swam into view to announce the top was imminent. I did the usual and rode on into the car park, right up to the ice-cream van and got my usual, a '99'.
It had taken me 10 minutes to do the climb, it took just over two to get down (and I'd been slowed down by some cars). Reaching Ditchling I checked the café but everyone else had gone, so I headed east for a mile or so then turned north onto Spatham Lane. By now I had expected to have caught the others but was beginning to worry I'd taken the wrong route, so sent Anton a text. I was on the right route but they were about three miles or so ahead of me. I kept going and then, halfway up Hundred Acre Lane, I saw Anton who had come back to meet me - thanks Anton. We carried on to Wivelfield Green and then onto Slugwash Lane - it's harder going north. At the far end, Ken and John V were waiting - everyone else had continued on towards Lindfield (and then Haywards Heath). Anton left us here and we bypassed Lindield to use East Mascalls Lane and Plummenden Lane on our way up to Ardingly.
I needed a breather so we stopped and sat on a bench in the middle of Ardingly. Then we spotted a tandem going past - it was Pete and Marian! They stopped and joined us before we all got going again and carried on past the showground and on up to Selsfield Common. We were really quick into Turners Hill but as I climbed up towards the crossroads, my chain got jammed and I had to stop and clear it. It seems that I spend so much time working on other peoples bikes that mine just doesn't get any attention!
The others were waiting for me at the top, but I had no recurrence of the problem and just a few minutes later we were back in Crawley.
Next weeks ride is a Horsham Pavilions in the Park start at 09:30. Pete E will lead us on a nice roundabout route to the south and east before turning west for lunch at the Wiston Tea Rooms. The return to Horsham will be pretty much the shortest route back. The ride is rated as Medium and will be about 40 miles long. We did it in the wet last year and enjoyed it in spite of the weather, so if the sun is shining it will be even better. See you there!!
Sunday 7 September 2014
DA Event - Arun Crossings
The last DA Event of the year is one of my favourites. The Arun Crossings is just that - several crossings of the River Arun - linked together by quiet lanes and sometimes challenging bridle ways. Although there are only so many places to cross the river, thanks to Colin we have a different route every year.
This year he led us north from the station, over the railway and then onto an old sunken track that climbed a sandy ridge and led us down to the old bridge at Stopham.
Click here for a 2 minute video
Click here for a 2 minute video
From here we climbed along the western side of the river, through Stopham, up and up and eventually out onto the road at Bedham Hill.
Turning right onto a bridle way we plunged down the valley side and made our second crossing, shortly followed by a bridge over the canal (empty at this point). On reaching Toat Lane, Colin took a gamble that there was a route through to the northeast but we reached the end of the lane there was no route for us to use (my MAPS.ME app on my phone confirmed this), so we headed back and then took Pickhurst and Blackhurst lanes before using the bridleway north for our third crossing. We were now only a mile or so from Wisborough Green but a hissing sound announced that I'd got a puncture!
After replacing the tube I caught up with everyone at The Old Mill Café where we had our tea break.
Colin now took us north up Durbans Road and then right onto a bridleway that took us over to Fishers Farm. From here we headed east then north before turning onto another bridleway.
After replacing the tube I caught up with everyone at The Old Mill Café where we had our tea break.
Colin now took us north up Durbans Road and then right onto a bridleway that took us over to Fishers Farm. From here we headed east then north before turning onto another bridleway.
This collection of sometimes muddy bridleways now spat us out by the sports club at Loxwood where we had a short downhill before stopping at the Onslow Arms for lunch.
Like many pubs, the sunday menu didn't have any sandwiches/lighter meals but I found a tasty starter and had a pint of cider to wash it down. The sun was out and with about a dozen of us sat around a large table next to the canal, we had a good chat about various things.
After lunch we headed off along the canal towpath to Drungewick - here's a shortish video of this very pleasant part of the route:
Then a combination of lanes and bridleways took us over the river several more times as this video shows:
How many times did you see us cross the river (and canal)?
Sunday 31 August 2014
Downslink in a Weekend - Part two - Slinfold to Shoreham
Norman was already there and we were soon joined by Pete E, Val and Malcolm. Nine thirty passed without anyone else arriving, so it was time to get going. As yesterday, we were heading for Slinfold but this time once we got to Broadbridge Heath, Pete led us along some quiet roads, through the underpass and then along some new cycle paths through the building development and back onto the road at Newbridge. Arriving at Slinfold we took the gate that was at the end of yesterday's video (and Norman was happy).
Once again, the surface of the Downslink was just right and the weather looked like it was going to be the same. We were enjoying the ride and had soon passed Christs Hospital and the Bax Castle before arriving at Southwater Country Park and having a quick comfort break. Next it was under the A24 and through Copsale out into the country.
Partridge Green was next and we noticed a new cafe just south of the village as the route leaves the main road opposite the Lock Estate. We were travelling at a fairly brisk pace but needed a bit of a break when we reached Henfield. I had the urge to eat a Mars bar and conveniently there's a convenience store on the road just opposite the Cat and Canary.
In spite of our progress, we were running slightly behind time and the drag away from the line of the old railway seemed to take forever. My camera battery gave up on the rough stone track just after that - it always seems to run out just there. So I still haven't got any footage of my death defying style down that hill on the stones!
In spite of our progress, we were running slightly behind time and the drag away from the line of the old railway seemed to take forever. My camera battery gave up on the rough stone track just after that - it always seems to run out just there. So I still haven't got any footage of my death defying style down that hill on the stones!
Now we just had to get through Bramber and cross the Shoreham Road - doh! We were stuck there for ages as there seemed to be an endless steam of traffic in both directions. The stretch along the riverbank was very pleasant and easier than last time as the vegetation has been cut back. It wasn't long after that we pulled up at the Red Lion for lunch.
The pub was packed but amazingly, just as we were looking for somewhere to sit, an entire bench became free and we settled down to eat, drink and watch the Airshow. As it happens, that was just the time that all the flying stopped for lunch! However, we can always keep ourselves entertained and we had a good hour of chatting before the ear-shattering sound of a Eurofighter announced the air displays were restarting. As last year, the Eurofighter (also known as Typhoon) was my favourite, but I also enjoyed the two historic trios of WWII RAF planes that followed - firstly the Gloster Gladiator / Spitfire / Hurricane:
and then the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire / Hurricane / Lancaster):
We remounted and headed back north with the bright sunshine on our backs. Stopping every now and again for a breather, we didn't seem to be making very good progress - I think the wind was slightly in our faces. When we got to Partridge Green we stopped at the new cafe. It's called Stans Bike Shack Cafe and we would recommend it highly - good coffee, great cakes and reasonably priced. I noticed a track pump available for use and there was also a work stand there suggesting that a bike mechanic was available.
We carried on but I was now running late and had to meet up with my wife in Horsham so I said goodbye to everyone at Christs Hospital and raced off.
Meantime, Val was feeling the pace a bit and whilst stopping for a breather realised she had a puncture as well. Norman fixed the puncture and eventually everyone made it back to Horsham.
Our next ride is the final DA Event of the year, the Arun Crossings. it will start from Pulborough railway station at 09:30 hrs. Lunch will be at the Onslow Arms in Loxwood. I would recommend using a mountain bike or at the very least a strong touring bike for this event.
Saturday 30 August 2014
Downslink in a Weekend - Part one - Allez Guildford
A Saturday ride - would anyone turn up?
The answer is yes, for I was joined at Horsham Pavilions in the Park by Barbara, Corinne, Norman and Ken. Pete E even popped by to see us off, but would not be riding until tomorrow.
I decided that we would head for Slinfold, so we went over the Golf Course, through Broadbridge Heath and past Newbridge. Barbara was getting worried that we'd be going up the hill in Slinfold but no, we turned onto the Downslink just beforehand.
The weather was improving as the cloud burned off and the surface of the track was good so a nice days riding was in prospect.
Before long we reached the double bridge and we stopped there for a breather and a spot of sightseeing. A couple of other cyclists were also there and we all had a pleasant chat standing in the sunshine. Before long, the two minute break I'd intended had become 15 minutes!! Time to get going again - especially as Michael would be meeting us somewhere near Rudgwick.
We crossed the A281 and proceeded through Rudgwick but I could see no sign of Michael. Then he replied to the text I'd sent to tell me he was at Baynards, just north of us. A couple of minutes later, on the climb past the tunnel, we met up with him as well as son Eric and wife Christine. The climb up the ridge (the tunnel diversion) was harder than I remembered it but I enjoyed the fast run through the woods on the other side. Unfortunately Barbara had a minor off there and decided to hit the road and head back to Horsham. The rest of us headed on, back onto the Downslink (avoiding the flooded stretch near Baynards) and soon arrived at Cranleigh. Christine left us here - the call of the coffee shop on the High Street was too great.
The next few miles were covered as we chatted about the new Icelandic volcanic eruption - Norman is waiting for a call to say "Come and view me". He's been to Iceland before an eruption and after an eruption but not during. At Bramley we paused for a few minutes (comfort break) before carrying on and then, after crossing the A281, finally leaving the route of the railway just before it merged with some still existing railways. The official Downslink had headed off to the north east and St Martha's Hill where it meets up with the north Downs Way. We were now on part of the national Cycle Network route to Guildford. it took us alongside the A281 on and off for the next few miles before finally putting us on the tarmac for the last few hundred yards into the centre of Guildford where we crossed over the old bridge and pulled up at the White House pub for lunch.
Lunch was enjoyed sitting outside on the terrace but I have to report that we lost another one of our riders here - Corinne had seen a Duck she fancied and because she couldn't carry it on her bike had decided to head home by train. I believe she named the duck "Gillie" and I should point out that he wasn't a real duck!! Gillie is a sand filled leather duck shaped doorstop.
For the return trip, we decided to use the towpath to exit Guildford. The towpath is a "permissive" path which means cyclists are allowed but don't necessarily have a right. So, we rode along it taking our usual high standard of care. It presented a couple of minor challenges - a landslip and some building works but was very enjoyable to use. Here's a video of pretty much the entire route back from Guildford to Slinfold (I speeded it up but it's still 23 minutes long):
Just before Rudgwick we stopped off at a new cafe that's opened in the old Rudgwick brickworks. There's also a brewery there, so Norman and Eric were in their element. The rest of us enjoyed refreshments in the cafe (where we met up with Christine once more).
That left just three of us - Ken, Norman and myself to say goodbye to Michael, Christine and Eric at Rudgwick and then have an uneventful ride back to Slinfold. From there it was but a few minutes back to Horsham where Norman peeled off as Ken and I headed to Roffey. Here, we parted - Ken prefers to use the A264 back to Crawley whereas I'm much more comfortable using the Forest Road.
Tomorrow we'll do the southern part of the Downslink - I think we'll have to start from Slinfold again as Norman has been making noises about us missing out the middle if we start from Copsale and he might have to complain to the committee! (tongue in cheek).
Sunday 24 August 2014
Chiddingstone Castle
Frank led us on a pleasant 20 mile route to Chiddingstone today. The snack van at Three Bridges was doing good business this morning as several of us arrived early and partook of some refreshment. The weather was looking quite good, cloudy but no hint of rain and blue bits poking through. Norman, Anton, Michael, Corinne, Malcolm, Frank, Pat and myself headed east and met Val by the Felbridge Hotel roundabout. We headed along the busy A264 then over to Lingfield and on to Edenbridge where we stopped for a coffee break:
Next weekend sees a ride on both Saturday and Sunday as we tackle the whole of The Downs Link: on Saturday we have a 9:30 start from Horsham Pavilions in the Park before going across to the Downs Link and riding the northern section up to Guildford and back. Then on Sunday another 9:30 start from Horsham Pavilions in the Park and we hit the southern section of the Downs Link - we'll ride down to Shoreham and then spend a couple of hours over lunch whilst we watch the aerial displays for Shoreham Airshow. Mountain bikes or strong touring bikes are recommended for both days.
So far we'd only had one hill to climb, near Haxted Mill (which is up for sale) but now we were on some smaller lanes there were a couple more. The lanes were very pleasant and the sun was shining, what more could we want? A beer! Bang on cue, the pub swam around the corner and we dismounted and locked our bikes. We needn't have rushed - the pub wasn't open for another 15 minutes. Not to worry, we could take a short walk through the grounds of Chiddingstone Castle:
Frank, Pat, Corinne and Michael decided to have their lunch at the cafe and the rest of us headed back to the pub. We settled down in a sunny corner of the back garden and enjoyed a nice hour of eating, drinking and chatting.
Eventually it was time to head for home and we retraced our outward route but with the addition of my doing some hands free cycling (well I was concentrating on taking a selfie!!).
Next weekend sees a ride on both Saturday and Sunday as we tackle the whole of The Downs Link: on Saturday we have a 9:30 start from Horsham Pavilions in the Park before going across to the Downs Link and riding the northern section up to Guildford and back. Then on Sunday another 9:30 start from Horsham Pavilions in the Park and we hit the southern section of the Downs Link - we'll ride down to Shoreham and then spend a couple of hours over lunch whilst we watch the aerial displays for Shoreham Airshow. Mountain bikes or strong touring bikes are recommended for both days.
Sunday 17 August 2014
The Cutty Sark Ride 2014
The timing of this weeks ride was determined by three factors - normally we run it in early Autumn, but I wanted to make it more of a Summer ride; we needed to be able to get to London by train (so we had to avoid engineering works - such as the closure of London Bridge Station); we had to avoid other London cycling events (so we would be able to get on the train with our bikes). This Sunday ticked all those boxes, so it was just a case of hoping the weather would be good.
My day seemed to be running smoothly - I was up and about in plenty of time, my bike and all my gear was ready, I'd pre-booked my rail ticket - but I still managed to miss my train (by seconds). Fortunately the next one would get me to London on time but I had to wait 40 minutes before it would come. After a while I was joined by Michael and when the train arrived, he and I got in the second carriage. I then received a text from Anton to say he was in the fifth carriage, so there were three of us that disembarked at London Bridge and made our way to the rendezvous point outside Evans Cycles. Michaels son, Eric, met us there, then Ros arrived and finally Pete S (he'd just spent some time in a coffee shop having successfully caught the train I missed). As it was a little bit chilly and I knew that there were no more trains arriving from Sussex until gone 10:00 hrs, we started riding off along Jamaica Road.
Here's a video of the start and end of this section (click me)
This was the second rendezvous point and within a minute or so of pulling up we were joined by Norman. A couple of us popped into a nearby coffee shop for a bit of breakfast and as I was mid way through my coffee and pain-au-chocolate my phone rang. It was Ken. Still at London Bridge he had missed us and didn't know the way to the Cutty Sark - I told him the route to follow and Anton rode back along it to meet him.
Once Ken had arrived and had some refreshment, we took a team photo or two:
And then we were off,
As you can see, the route mainly follows a couple of rivers (hence it's called the Waterlink Way) and most of the time it doesn't feel as though you are riding through the London suburbs. As you approach Croydon it starts to get a little hilly but then, all of a sudden you are in the countryside and pulling up at the pub for lunch.
Our timing was almost perfect and we enjoyed our food and drink outside on the patio before popping inside the pub for s second drink just as it started raining! By the time we'd finished supping and were ready to ride, the rain had cleared, so we didn't even need to put on waterproofs.
The afternoon section of the ride goes straight into a tough little off road section and it was here that we said goodbye to Ros who wanted to stay on the road and would head across to Warlingham station for a train back to East Grinstead. The rest of us bounced downhill on a bridleway and then most (not all) of us had to push our bikes up the second part of it before enjoying a nice ride through the woods. A couple of roads later and we turn onto another bridleway for one of my favourite bits - the downhill blast out onto Warlingham golf course. Here it is at normal speed:
My day seemed to be running smoothly - I was up and about in plenty of time, my bike and all my gear was ready, I'd pre-booked my rail ticket - but I still managed to miss my train (by seconds). Fortunately the next one would get me to London on time but I had to wait 40 minutes before it would come. After a while I was joined by Michael and when the train arrived, he and I got in the second carriage. I then received a text from Anton to say he was in the fifth carriage, so there were three of us that disembarked at London Bridge and made our way to the rendezvous point outside Evans Cycles. Michaels son, Eric, met us there, then Ros arrived and finally Pete S (he'd just spent some time in a coffee shop having successfully caught the train I missed). As it was a little bit chilly and I knew that there were no more trains arriving from Sussex until gone 10:00 hrs, we started riding off along Jamaica Road.
Here's a video of the start and end of this section (click me)
This was the second rendezvous point and within a minute or so of pulling up we were joined by Norman. A couple of us popped into a nearby coffee shop for a bit of breakfast and as I was mid way through my coffee and pain-au-chocolate my phone rang. It was Ken. Still at London Bridge he had missed us and didn't know the way to the Cutty Sark - I told him the route to follow and Anton rode back along it to meet him.
Once Ken had arrived and had some refreshment, we took a team photo or two:
As you can see, the route mainly follows a couple of rivers (hence it's called the Waterlink Way) and most of the time it doesn't feel as though you are riding through the London suburbs. As you approach Croydon it starts to get a little hilly but then, all of a sudden you are in the countryside and pulling up at the pub for lunch.
Our timing was almost perfect and we enjoyed our food and drink outside on the patio before popping inside the pub for s second drink just as it started raining! By the time we'd finished supping and were ready to ride, the rain had cleared, so we didn't even need to put on waterproofs.
The afternoon section of the ride goes straight into a tough little off road section and it was here that we said goodbye to Ros who wanted to stay on the road and would head across to Warlingham station for a train back to East Grinstead. The rest of us bounced downhill on a bridleway and then most (not all) of us had to push our bikes up the second part of it before enjoying a nice ride through the woods. A couple of roads later and we turn onto another bridleway for one of my favourite bits - the downhill blast out onto Warlingham golf course. Here it is at normal speed:
I enjoyed that!
We were now deep in the heart of the North Downs and we headed up through Warlingham School and then onto Quarry Road before turning right onto a horrible little bridleway climb up through some woodland. Next we crossed over the A22 and climbed higher on a couple of lanes until we reached the viewpoint at Gravelly Hill. Here we stopped for a short while to look out over the Weald and watch aircraft as they made their final approaches to Gatwick.
Eric left us at this point, to head north, down the dip slope, to the station and a train back to his North London home. For the rest of us it was off-road time again and a nice fast descent through some scrubby woodland and under the M25.
NCN21 zig zags its way westwards using a combination of minor roads and bridleways until it pops us out in the middle of Redhill. From here it uses a couple of residential roads, skirts by East Surrey hospital and tries to lose us in a housing estate. But, being the seasoned campaigners we are, we know the route and that the housing estate hides a shop that opens seven days a week. We stopped there for cold drinks and/or ice creams before launching ourselves into the easy last few miles of the ride.
First there are a couple of enjoyable single track bridleways and then into the flatlands of Horley. Gatwick whistled past, the smell of aviation fuel bringing memories of plane spotting there as a kid, and then we were into the Industrial Estate where we decided to leave the NCN21 and use Tinsley Lane instead. Not far now - over the footbridge, down behind Tesco's and then St Mary's Drive all the way to Haslett Avenue and Three Bridges Station. All done, with less than 50 miles on my speedo (Ken had almost double that as he had ridden from Crawley to the Cutty Sark at the start of the day!!!).
If you've got nearly 40 minutes to spare, here's a video of the afternoon section of the ride - I speeded up the action and cut out most of the stoppages, but it should give a good flavour of what the route is like:
Click on this for 40 minutes of "action"
Our next ride is led by Frank and takes us to the Castle Inn at Chiidingstone - a very nice, National Trust owned village not too far away. The ride is rated easy/Medium and will be about 40 miles long. Meet at Three Bridges Station at 09:30 hrs.
Eric left us at this point, to head north, down the dip slope, to the station and a train back to his North London home. For the rest of us it was off-road time again and a nice fast descent through some scrubby woodland and under the M25.
NCN21 zig zags its way westwards using a combination of minor roads and bridleways until it pops us out in the middle of Redhill. From here it uses a couple of residential roads, skirts by East Surrey hospital and tries to lose us in a housing estate. But, being the seasoned campaigners we are, we know the route and that the housing estate hides a shop that opens seven days a week. We stopped there for cold drinks and/or ice creams before launching ourselves into the easy last few miles of the ride.
First there are a couple of enjoyable single track bridleways and then into the flatlands of Horley. Gatwick whistled past, the smell of aviation fuel bringing memories of plane spotting there as a kid, and then we were into the Industrial Estate where we decided to leave the NCN21 and use Tinsley Lane instead. Not far now - over the footbridge, down behind Tesco's and then St Mary's Drive all the way to Haslett Avenue and Three Bridges Station. All done, with less than 50 miles on my speedo (Ken had almost double that as he had ridden from Crawley to the Cutty Sark at the start of the day!!!).
If you've got nearly 40 minutes to spare, here's a video of the afternoon section of the ride - I speeded up the action and cut out most of the stoppages, but it should give a good flavour of what the route is like:
Click on this for 40 minutes of "action"
Our next ride is led by Frank and takes us to the Castle Inn at Chiidingstone - a very nice, National Trust owned village not too far away. The ride is rated easy/Medium and will be about 40 miles long. Meet at Three Bridges Station at 09:30 hrs.
Sunday 10 August 2014
Easy Ride
Saturday was just about OK - mainly sunny but with the wind whipping up a bit towards evening. Saturday night was wet and windy, Sunday morning, well, it looked like it might just about be OK.
It was an Easy Ride aimed at anyone new to cycling or not wanting to bite off too much of a ride, but as usual only club members turned up - six of us in total: Pete S (leading), Anton, Norman (back from his Silk Road adventure), Barbara, Malcolm and Bob. After a discussion we decided not to use the Worth Way but to head for Reigate Garden Centre.
Pete led us through Three Bridges and Northgate to the Industrial Estate using NCN21 and we stayed on it through Gatwick and into Horley where the heavens opened. Barbara and Norman decided the call of Horley Station and a nice dry train back to Horsham was too strong a call to ignore and the rest of us rode on. We used Meath Green Lane and Lonesome Lane to Reigate and then a couple of residential roads to arrive at the garden centre.
We tidied ourselves up a bit before sitting at our table in the cafe but there were soon several puddles underneath (mainly fuelled by the rainwater draining from Malcolms sodden shoes). The service was good - friendly and efficient - and after a mere half hour or so, we were heading back outside.
It had stopped raining by now and we zigzagged through the houses and out onto the A217 before turning right onto Ironsbottom. This lane kept us away from the traffic until we briefly joined the A217 again before entering Gatwick through the back door and following the NCN21 back to the Industrial Estate. This time however we used Tinsley Lane and the footbridge by the Hotel before cutting behind Tesco and passing under the railway to follow St Mary's Drive down to the traffic lights near Three Bridges Station. Now we went along Billington Drive and onto the Worth Way for a short distance before wriggling through Maidenbower to arrive at Frogshole Farm for lunch and then our Q4 Runslist Meeting.
Pete was unable to attend the meeting but our numbers were made up by a waiting Val and later, the arrival of a freshly-dried Barbara. The meeting was successful and, along with earlier e-mail contributions, we managed to produce a nicely rounded programme of rides for October / November / December. Thanks everyone.
Our next ride is one of my favourite rides. We meet up outside Evans Cycles at London Bridge by 09:45 to ride over to The Cutty Sark at Greenwich. We leave there at 10:15 and follow NCN21 all the way back to Crawley. The morning is almost entirely on tarmac paths through the parks and countryside(!) of South London before we stop for lunch in the North Downs at a very nice pub called The Bear at Fickleshole. After lunch, the first few miles are quite hard with a lot of off road tracks and a couple of tough hills (although I believe Ros has an easier onroad route out of the Downs and over the M25 in mind) before we negotiate the flatlands of the Nutfield Marsh area, pass East Surrey Hospital and then cruise through Horley and Gatwick back to Crawley. We should finish at about 16:30/17:00.
Come on - it's a challenge and, if the weather is nice, it will be a memorable experience.
It was an Easy Ride aimed at anyone new to cycling or not wanting to bite off too much of a ride, but as usual only club members turned up - six of us in total: Pete S (leading), Anton, Norman (back from his Silk Road adventure), Barbara, Malcolm and Bob. After a discussion we decided not to use the Worth Way but to head for Reigate Garden Centre.
Pete led us through Three Bridges and Northgate to the Industrial Estate using NCN21 and we stayed on it through Gatwick and into Horley where the heavens opened. Barbara and Norman decided the call of Horley Station and a nice dry train back to Horsham was too strong a call to ignore and the rest of us rode on. We used Meath Green Lane and Lonesome Lane to Reigate and then a couple of residential roads to arrive at the garden centre.
We tidied ourselves up a bit before sitting at our table in the cafe but there were soon several puddles underneath (mainly fuelled by the rainwater draining from Malcolms sodden shoes). The service was good - friendly and efficient - and after a mere half hour or so, we were heading back outside.
It had stopped raining by now and we zigzagged through the houses and out onto the A217 before turning right onto Ironsbottom. This lane kept us away from the traffic until we briefly joined the A217 again before entering Gatwick through the back door and following the NCN21 back to the Industrial Estate. This time however we used Tinsley Lane and the footbridge by the Hotel before cutting behind Tesco and passing under the railway to follow St Mary's Drive down to the traffic lights near Three Bridges Station. Now we went along Billington Drive and onto the Worth Way for a short distance before wriggling through Maidenbower to arrive at Frogshole Farm for lunch and then our Q4 Runslist Meeting.
Pete was unable to attend the meeting but our numbers were made up by a waiting Val and later, the arrival of a freshly-dried Barbara. The meeting was successful and, along with earlier e-mail contributions, we managed to produce a nicely rounded programme of rides for October / November / December. Thanks everyone.
Our next ride is one of my favourite rides. We meet up outside Evans Cycles at London Bridge by 09:45 to ride over to The Cutty Sark at Greenwich. We leave there at 10:15 and follow NCN21 all the way back to Crawley. The morning is almost entirely on tarmac paths through the parks and countryside(!) of South London before we stop for lunch in the North Downs at a very nice pub called The Bear at Fickleshole. After lunch, the first few miles are quite hard with a lot of off road tracks and a couple of tough hills (although I believe Ros has an easier onroad route out of the Downs and over the M25 in mind) before we negotiate the flatlands of the Nutfield Marsh area, pass East Surrey Hospital and then cruise through Horley and Gatwick back to Crawley. We should finish at about 16:30/17:00.
Come on - it's a challenge and, if the weather is nice, it will be a memorable experience.
Sunday 3 August 2014
DA Event -The Picnic
The major challenge in this event is to pack a picnic, ride to Wisborough Green and eat it!
However, the most amazing thing about this years running of the event was ...... I was 15 minutes early getting to the start!!!! However, I wasn't the first one there: Gordon and Jacqui were sitting by the bike stands and Michael was inside having a coffee. Soon after Pete E arrived and it was time to get riding. Anton had phoned to say he was running late and would meet us at Wisborough Green. We headed out over the golf course and then, just as we turned right towards Warnham, my phone went off and John V informed me that he'd just missed us and would either catch us up, or meet us at Wisborough Green. We rode over the hill to Warnham and then up another hill out of the village. A pleasant run through woodland brought us to the A29 and a short run to the end of Weare Street for the climb up to Okewoodhill. From here we headed for Ellen's Green, Cox Green, Baynards and then down Woods Hill.
There were a lot of other cyclists out today - Cranleigh CC were out in force and there was at least one and possibly two Sportives running as well. We carried on, through Tismans Common and on to Loxwood where we turned south and then took the very pleasant Skiff Lane all the way to Kirdford Road where we only had another mile before arriving at Wisborough Green. We' d made good time and arrived there about 30 minutes earlier than our target time of midday. We commandeered a bench and I walked over the green to take some photos. Colin from the Bognor / Chichester group had just finished his elevenses at the Old Mill Cafe and I had a quick chat with him. When I got back to everyone else they all had put an extra layer on as the sun was hidden behind some grey clouds that had slipped in from the West and the wind wasn't as warm as it could be. Midday came and went, John V arrived followed shortly after by Anton but still no one from the other West Sussex member groups had shown up. We'd finished our picnics and a couple of us popped over to the pub for some quick liquid refreshment, whilst others popped to the cafe to do the same. Then, just as I was thinking about phoning Edwin, he turned up along with a few others.
It was good chatting with the other groups but the Horsham and Crawley contingent were itching to get riding again, so we said our goodbyes and set off for home. We opted for the most direct route back via Barns Green and Bax Castle. I eventually got home at about three o'clock having ridden just over 50 miles. Ironically the weather had just improved all afternoon and was roasting hot all the way back - was I glad for the large amount of tree cover Sussex affords!
Next weeks ride is a Beginners ride suitable for all riders. It starts from Three Bridges Station at 10:00 hrs and will probably be an out and back ride along the Worth Way. Afterwards (at 13:00 hrs) we will have the Q4 Runslist meeting at Frogshole Farm public house - why not have lunch there? Please come along and help us determine what rides to do during October, November and December.
Tuesday 29 July 2014
The Crawley 100
Each year we stage a 100 mile ride - as befits the name of our club we start it at either Crawley or Horsham. This year it was a Crawley start. The current route was devised by Mick a few years ago and has had just a couple of minor adjustments since
One hundred miles is a pretty intimidating distance, so in recent weeks I had been talking to fellow club members and trying to encourage participation in the event at a level people were comfortable with - ride part of it, half of it, join us at a refreshment stop, wave as we ride past - whatever suited. I was very pleased to be met by six riders (Pete S, Malcolm, Ken, Anton, Pat and Frank) as I pulled up at Three Bridges Station at the unearthly time of 7 am! Mick had intended coming over by train but due to a cancellation had to rejig and arranged to meet us at Doomsday Green.
So, we set off through Furnace Green and Tilgate to K2 and the first climb of the day, up Pease Pottage Hill. The roundabout was very busy with cars queuing to get into the car boot sale so it was very easy and a lot safer than usual to negotiate. Everyone enjoyed the fast ride down Grouse Road, although Hammerponds Lane was less well received. My timetable said that we should be at the Doomsday Green/A281 crossroads between 07:45 and 08:00 - we were just 5 minutes into the window so, having met up with Pete E, Mick and Michael, we had a couple of minutes for a breather.
The roads were not very busy and the weather was just perfect for cycling as we headed on south wards to Copsale and then eastwards to Maplehurst. Here we continued east before turning south to head towards Littleworth. Pat and Frank turned north instead as they had to head for home. after Littleworth we used the A281 towards Henfield but turned left onto the B2116 before going north to Wineham. After passing the Royal Oak we turned right onto Bob Lane and a mere couple of lanes later we popped over the A23 and pulled up at the breakfast halt - the Bolney Little Chef - bang on schedule, 09:30hrs.
Here's a string of pictures Anton took to illustrate the journey so far:
Breakfast was enjoyable and the service was impressively quick and accurate but we were still a few minutes behind schedule setting off again and the second half of the morning 50 miles had just a few hills in store for us!
The route took us on a couple of very quiet lanes east then north, across the A272 and up to Brook Green before heading east to Whitemans Green and on to Borde Hill. Copyhold Lane took us further east and then it was north to Ardingly. Here are two views of the run down to the reservoir - I tried (but failed) to put them side by side but could only put them one after the other.
After the stiff climb away from the water, we carried on north and on to Turners Hill. Now it was all downhill or level to lunch and we arrived at Stepneys cafe in Maidenbower exactly at 12:30, right on schedule.
Malcolm was suffering from a bad ankle so headed home - hope it's better now Malcolm. Pete S had to get back home for a family activity so there were just six of us sitting down for lunch. however, Pete E and Michael headed straight back to Horsham (stopping off for a pleasant beer or two at The dragon in Colgate).
This left just four of us to set off for the afternoon fifty miles. The first twenty five miles were fairly level as we used NCN21 and Lonesome Lane up to Reigate and some quiet lanes westwards in the Betchworth and Leigh areas before we passed through Newdigate and arrived at Capel Church for tea.
The tea and cake was superb but it was time to get going again. Just a few minutes later we were enjoying a very pleasant run down Weare Street but then it was the short hill into Okewoodhill. Rowhook Hill soon followed but thankfully downhill. I was getting tired by now and even though we were in Horsham I was dreading the last few miles back to Crawley. Mick had peeled off as he was close to home, leaving just Anton, Ken and myself to endure Hammerpond Lane and Grouse Road. Looking at the map I reckoned we didn't need to do the Lambs Green loop to get the mileage right but when we finally got to Pease Pottage, Ken decided he needed to go to Handcross and back to ensure his Garmin ticked over to 100 miles. Meanwhile Anton clocked up his 100 just before we got back to Three Bridges Station (he'd put in some extra distance at lunchtime by going to his car and back) and my speedo registered 100 as I cycled home from the station.
Thanks to everyone for taking part, hope you all recovered quickly (it took me just over a day).
The next ride is on Sunday 3rd August and is a DA Event, the Picnic. We'll start from Horsham Pavilions in the Park at 09:30 and ride to Wisborough Green for the picnic, before returning - it should be a fairly easy 35-40 mile trip. The hardest part will be packing and carrying your picnic - mine will be crammed into my bum bag so will of necessity consist of fairly firm foodstuffs like cheese, chorizo, hard boiled egg etc. Come on, rise to the challenge, see you on Sunday.
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