Sunday 10 April 2016

Soixante Stan


Today’s ride started at HPP at 9 but there were no takers so I headed off to the alternate start at Pease Pottage. Fortunately there were some takers, 10 in all.
Once assembled most of us headed off for the next start point. One attendee was running late so four waited and caught up with the main group at the next start point near Horsham. Three others met us there so we had 15 attendees in all.
Once assembled we headed off towards Southwater where Pat left us. A slow puncture held us up for a few moments as we headed off towards Shipley, Ashington and Ashurst. Arriving at Stan’s Bike Shack at just after noon. 30.6 miles.
After lunch four of us headed off for the afternoon section of the ride.
Off we headed off through Henfield just after which the slow puncture needed fixing. Next it was Blackstone, Sayers Common, Hickstead and Slaugham. This was undulating to say the least!
The remaining four split here,  two headed for Crawley and two for Horsham.
Got home feeling a bit tired but I had done 56 miles with 2500' of climbing!

Sunday 24 January 2016

WD40

Today’s ride was scheduled to be a 40 mile round trip to Dunsfold via Wisborough Green (WD40). I was a bit concerned about the weather as the forecast was mist and light rain.
Attending were me, Michael, Pete, Bob, Frank and Ken. 
I had planned on 20 miles to lunch and 20 back. 
We headed off over the golf course towards Rowhook and on through Rudgwick and down to Wisborough Green. We stopped there at 15 miles. According to my calculation we were making a good pace so I decided to go a bit slower. At 20 miles we were still 5 miles from the pub. I had got my distance wrong! So it was all systems go to make up lost time. We got to the pub at 12:20.
We did not have to order lunch as it had been pre-ordered which made life easier. The beer and the company was good so we headed off for home. Having over estimated the out journey I tried to cut the return distance. 
Back through Cranleigh and right in Ewhurst took to the Walliswood turning where Michael left us. On towards Weare Street where Ken left us. Only four left so we headed towards Warnham where Frank left us.
The remaining three, Pete, Bob and I headed over the railway line at Warnham and over bypass into Horsham. 
Total distance today was 45 miles and no mist or rain!