Sunday. Bike ride. The wind and rain of last night seems to have exhausted itself. Great! Hmmm – the road’s still wet though, better put my waterproof trousers on. Pack the waterproof jacket into my pannier, add an extra layer under my fleece and I’m ready. For once I arrive at the start on time (it is only a mile away from home mind you). At Three Bridges station Pete S, John H and Barbara are already waiting by the phone box and Anton arrives as I pull up. Pete is meant to be today’s leader but his croaky voice reveals he’s suffering from a bad cold, so I take over the reins and borrow his map so he can get back home to a warm house. As we wait in case anyone else turns up, the wind returns and brings rain with it – on with the waterproof jackets.
No-one else arrived so off we went through the traffic lights and then through Three Bridges on Hazelwick Road and North Road. Crossing Northgate Avenue then Woodfield Road we used the underpass for a traffic free route into the Industrial Estate. As usual on a Sunday, the roads here were pretty quiet and just as I was pointing out that lots of Crawley’s residents had learnt to drive on the estate, we passed a young lady having a driving lesson.
Turning left onto Gatwick Road we then crossed a roundabout and turned right towards the Beehive – the original (we’re talking 1920’s) Gatwick Airport terminal building. It’s a shame the environs have been filled with empty modern office blocks with a naff ‘avenue’ style road layout reminiscent of central Milton Keynes (only naffer). We were hoping that John on his recumbent would go under the barrier onto the next part of the route but he went round the side of it just like us.
Crossing the Gatwick Stream we noticed how full and rapid flowing it was, then, further along the path a couple of blokes in fluorescent yellow jackets were just standing having a fag. I wondered whether they’d walked the quarter mile from the terminal building just for a smoke or whether they were looking after the security of that particular part of the airport. We didn’t stop to ask! Splashing through a slight flood in the underpass the route (it’s NCN 21) emerges into a green oasis of trees and lakes on the outskirts of Horley. We continued following NCN 21 as it passed through the centre of Horley and under the railway but then we stayed on the Smallfield Road and continued east.
Just before the bridge over the M23 we turned left onto Hathersham Lane and after a few hundred yards I realised that I’d lost half of the group! I turned round and got back to the junction just in time to see Barbara and Anton heading over the bridge. I shouted but I don’t think they heard even me over the noise of the motorway traffic. Fortunately Anton stopped to ask a horse rider if she’d seen two cyclists and as she hadn’t he reasoned that we must have taken that turning before the bridge. As soon as he turned round he could see me so we regrouped and continued up the lane. We took the first right onto New House Lane and climbed the small hill before turning left onto Axes Lane then right onto Mason’s Bridge Road. This has a small climb as well before we took the right onto Kings Mill Lane to go past Redhill Aerodrome. We decided not to stop here but press on towards the lunch stop. Passing through South Nutfield we headed along Crab Hill Lane to recross the M23.
From here we headed south along Prince of Wales Road before heading east again towards Outwood on Brickfield Road. Arriving at the windmill we had a quick chat and decided to cut the ride short as it was now ten minutes to midday and we all felt peckish. I suggested we try a pub I knew of nearby, the Jolly Farmers, so off we went down Gayhouse Lane and east along Whitewood Lane.
What a revelation! We received a friendly welcome at the pub, there was an empty table in front of the log fire, the Sussex Ale was really good and they had a good variety of food on the menu at reasonable prices (and the servings were of a very hearty size). This pub is definitely going on our list of places to stop.
Our lunchtime discussion mainly centred around Dave Galle and hopefully Barbara or Bob will be able to visit Dave sometime this week.
Eventually it dawned on us that sooner or later we’d have to venture back outside so we bit the bullet and got going again. I offered the choice of either riding directly back to Crawley or going a – “Straight back please” they all interrupted – so I didn’t need to look at the map. Back along Whitewood Lane, turn right onto Smallfield Road then left onto Dowlands Lane. As we turned right onto Cross Lane, Anton made his goodbyes as he was continuing south to get home via Turners Hill.
It was hard work riding up Copthorne Bank as the wind was quite strongly in our faces and carrying a lot of rain. In fact we sheltered at the side of the road for a minute whilst a particularly heavy squall passed over. However, by the time we’d travelled along Copthorne Road and reached the M23 overbridge, the sun had emerged and there was a rainbow behind us. Now it was time to say bye-bye to John as he headed back home into Pound Hill and Barbara and I pedalled on to the station.
We were discussing the need to have a committee meeting as I saw a car pull up outside the station that I recognised. It was one of our section members, George, and we had a quick chat with him – he spotted the fact that I’ve barely got any mudguards on my bike (but I did do John O’Groats to Lands End on it). We were getting cold now so Barbara headed for her car (the station car park is free on Sundays) and I headed home.
As I washed my bike down and sprayed oil on it I noticed that we’d covered a mere 26 miles today but with all the wind and rain it felt like we’d gone a lot further.
Next weeks ride will be to the west and north of Horsham. Leaving Horsham Park Pavilion at 10:00hrs, Mick will lead us on a medium rated 30 mile loop with a stop for lunch at a nice country pub – the Punchbowl at Okewoodhill. After all the rain of recent weeks, I’m hoping it will be drier (though that will probably make it colder!).
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Monday, 23 November 2009
Green Fingers
Maybe it was the rating of easy, for we had a good turnout of eight riders on this weeks ride. Anton, Pete S, Marian, John H, Norman, Mick, Martin and Bob.
The overnight rain had stopped but the wind hadn't - though it wasn't cold. We left Horsham using the golf course/Robin Hood Lane route and then headed over to climb Rowhook Hill. Norman departed just before the hill as he was only out for a short time today. Carrying on, we approached Ellens Green from one direction as the rain approached from the other. We quickly donned our waterproofs and continued westwards. The rain eased off a little as we went along Cox Green Road but as we turned onto Baynards Road it came back with a vengeance. Heading along Knowle Lane the wind and rain became much worse - so much so that water was just streaming down my head and into my eyes and ears! We ploughed on or should I say splashed on and soon arrived at Cranleigh. We parted the waves along the high street under the curious gaze of several people sheltering in shop doorways and bus shelters before hitting the Guildford Road to finally pull up at the lunch stop - Notcutts Garden Centre. At this point Martin left us and headed for home.
On locking our bikes up the rain stopped and as we ate our lunch the sun actually came out to play! We didn’t rush our lunch but were soon back on the road. Collectively we’d decided to keep the route back fairly short and not visit Capel for tea and cakes! Firstly we headed for Ewhurst Green then used the quiet lanes to Walliswood and Okewoodhill. The rain was holding off although, on turning right onto Stane Street (the A29), there was still a fair bit of spray being thrown up by the traffic. The second left took us onto another couple of quiet lanes to the west of Warnham before we traced our steps along Robin Hood lane and across the golf course.
The group spilt up at this point – Mick turning left to his house, Anton to the right to his car, Pete and Marion to the station for the train home. This left John H and myself to ride back to Crawley. We decided to use the main road, and with the wind behind us we were soon back home with just over 40 miles under our belts.
Our next Sunday ride is lead by Pete S and starts from Three Bridges Station at 10:00hrs. It will head North East for a 35 mile medium rated loop with lunch at the Fox and Hounds at Tilburstow. Dress up warm, the weathermen reckon the temperature will only be a few degrees above freezing!
p.s. I visited Dave Galle in hospital on Monday. He seemed quite bright and cheerful although he’s still barely able to move his arms and legs. He told me that the driver of the silver Astra van that hit him is unlikely to get prosecuted due to a lack of witnesses. Surely the road can act as a witness? After all, Dave was travelling North on the B2139 Coolham Road and had right of way over traffic turning onto the B2133. He was struck whilst he was on his own side of the road. The damage to his bike will testify that he was struck from the side and that he didn’t ride into the van. I believe the van driver has said that the low sun made it difficult for him to see – so, on the strength of what he couldn’t see, he put a ton of metal in the same place as a human being! Dave remembers lying in the road, unable to move, tingling all over and the van driver saying “Sorry mate I didn’t see you”! Ironically, CTC are running an awareness campaign called SMIDSY at the moment (SMIDSY stands for Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You).
If you would like to visit Dave it’s very easy by public transport:
From Central London take the Jubilee Line north to the end of the line – Stanmore.
From the station forecourt, catch the blue hospital shuttle bus to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (Stanmore). It’s free and runs every half hour or so (weekdays only). Here’s a timetable: http://www.rnoh.nhs.uk/patients-families/patient-transport/shuttle-bus-timetable
Get off at the second stop (out-patients) and head uphill to the Spinal injuries Unit (if unsure, ask a member of staff, they’re very helpful).
Coming back, catch the shuttle bus and get off at either Edgware (Northern Line) or Stanmore (Jubilee Line) tube station to travel back to Central London. Each tube journey takes just over 40 minutes and costs about £3.00 each way (off-peak)
The overnight rain had stopped but the wind hadn't - though it wasn't cold. We left Horsham using the golf course/Robin Hood Lane route and then headed over to climb Rowhook Hill. Norman departed just before the hill as he was only out for a short time today. Carrying on, we approached Ellens Green from one direction as the rain approached from the other. We quickly donned our waterproofs and continued westwards. The rain eased off a little as we went along Cox Green Road but as we turned onto Baynards Road it came back with a vengeance. Heading along Knowle Lane the wind and rain became much worse - so much so that water was just streaming down my head and into my eyes and ears! We ploughed on or should I say splashed on and soon arrived at Cranleigh. We parted the waves along the high street under the curious gaze of several people sheltering in shop doorways and bus shelters before hitting the Guildford Road to finally pull up at the lunch stop - Notcutts Garden Centre. At this point Martin left us and headed for home.
On locking our bikes up the rain stopped and as we ate our lunch the sun actually came out to play! We didn’t rush our lunch but were soon back on the road. Collectively we’d decided to keep the route back fairly short and not visit Capel for tea and cakes! Firstly we headed for Ewhurst Green then used the quiet lanes to Walliswood and Okewoodhill. The rain was holding off although, on turning right onto Stane Street (the A29), there was still a fair bit of spray being thrown up by the traffic. The second left took us onto another couple of quiet lanes to the west of Warnham before we traced our steps along Robin Hood lane and across the golf course.
The group spilt up at this point – Mick turning left to his house, Anton to the right to his car, Pete and Marion to the station for the train home. This left John H and myself to ride back to Crawley. We decided to use the main road, and with the wind behind us we were soon back home with just over 40 miles under our belts.
Our next Sunday ride is lead by Pete S and starts from Three Bridges Station at 10:00hrs. It will head North East for a 35 mile medium rated loop with lunch at the Fox and Hounds at Tilburstow. Dress up warm, the weathermen reckon the temperature will only be a few degrees above freezing!
p.s. I visited Dave Galle in hospital on Monday. He seemed quite bright and cheerful although he’s still barely able to move his arms and legs. He told me that the driver of the silver Astra van that hit him is unlikely to get prosecuted due to a lack of witnesses. Surely the road can act as a witness? After all, Dave was travelling North on the B2139 Coolham Road and had right of way over traffic turning onto the B2133. He was struck whilst he was on his own side of the road. The damage to his bike will testify that he was struck from the side and that he didn’t ride into the van. I believe the van driver has said that the low sun made it difficult for him to see – so, on the strength of what he couldn’t see, he put a ton of metal in the same place as a human being! Dave remembers lying in the road, unable to move, tingling all over and the van driver saying “Sorry mate I didn’t see you”! Ironically, CTC are running an awareness campaign called SMIDSY at the moment (SMIDSY stands for Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You).
If you would like to visit Dave it’s very easy by public transport:
From Central London take the Jubilee Line north to the end of the line – Stanmore.
From the station forecourt, catch the blue hospital shuttle bus to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (Stanmore). It’s free and runs every half hour or so (weekdays only). Here’s a timetable: http://www.rnoh.nhs.uk/patients-families/patient-transport/shuttle-bus-timetable
Get off at the second stop (out-patients) and head uphill to the Spinal injuries Unit (if unsure, ask a member of staff, they’re very helpful).
Coming back, catch the shuttle bus and get off at either Edgware (Northern Line) or Stanmore (Jubilee Line) tube station to travel back to Central London. Each tube journey takes just over 40 minutes and costs about £3.00 each way (off-peak)
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Dave Galle
Dave Galle had a serious accident on Sunday. His neck was broken as well as some ribs and he is in a spinal unit with loss of feeling in much of his body.
He is in the Royal National Orthopaedic hospital at Stanmore. A specialist spinal unit. He has improved slightly and is able to move his legs a little and there is slight movement in his arms. He cannot move his hands. There is no feeling from the neck down.
There are no structural breakages although there are some breakages of the nodules on the neck. There is excessive pressure on the spinal cord. An operation is not required.
His time is spent looking at the ceiling, and he is likely to be in the hospital for several months. He is not depressed.
His cycling helmet is completely split and saved his life.
He would like emails and would like to hear any news. Louise will keep his email contacts informed of his progress.
The accident occurred on the B2139 (Storrington to Coolham) at the intersection with the B2133 (Ashington to Adversane). Dave was riding towards Coolham; he saw a white van coming from the right, which appeared to be slowing to stop for Dave. Hepressed on; the van accelerated and hit Dave full force from the side. Dave went over the top of the van and landed on his back and head. The van driver said "I didn't see you mate" but called the paramedics. He went to Worthing Hospital but was immediately transferred to Stanmore.
He is quite positive and is planning on getting a new Titanium bike as soon as he has recovered. Let's hope so.
He is in the Royal National Orthopaedic hospital at Stanmore. A specialist spinal unit. He has improved slightly and is able to move his legs a little and there is slight movement in his arms. He cannot move his hands. There is no feeling from the neck down.
There are no structural breakages although there are some breakages of the nodules on the neck. There is excessive pressure on the spinal cord. An operation is not required.
His time is spent looking at the ceiling, and he is likely to be in the hospital for several months. He is not depressed.
His cycling helmet is completely split and saved his life.
He would like emails and would like to hear any news. Louise will keep his email contacts informed of his progress.
The accident occurred on the B2139 (Storrington to Coolham) at the intersection with the B2133 (Ashington to Adversane). Dave was riding towards Coolham; he saw a white van coming from the right, which appeared to be slowing to stop for Dave. Hepressed on; the van accelerated and hit Dave full force from the side. Dave went over the top of the van and landed on his back and head. The van driver said "I didn't see you mate" but called the paramedics. He went to Worthing Hospital but was immediately transferred to Stanmore.
He is quite positive and is planning on getting a new Titanium bike as soon as he has recovered. Let's hope so.
Monday, 16 November 2009
Wiggonholt AGM
The truly terrible weather of Saturday had all but disappeared by the time I set off on Sunday – the wind had died down and there were only a few spots of rain in the air. However, the road surface was littered with debris and there was plenty of evidence of how much rain had fallen in the previous 24 hours: big puddles everywhere and strandlines of leaves and other materials across roads and paths alike.
I used my usual Forest Road route to Horsham and arrived late (again) so we didn’t hang around and the six of us got going immediately. I set Anton as tailgunner with Martin, John H, Barbara, Norman and me (Bob) making up the rest of the group. As leader I decided to use the easy route away from Horsham – over the golf course, along Robin Hood Lane and down through Broadbridge heath. As I led the way over the roundabout and onto the A264, I felt my bike squirm a bit and realised I’d picked up a rear puncture! I blamed the bad weather – all that wind and rain had moved the bits of flint and glass normally found at the edge of the road into the middle of the road and there hadn’t been enough vehicles around to sweep it back again. As we were tight on time, half our party carried on (they knew the route) and I replaced my tube having removed the offending piece of glass from my tyre. It only took a few minutes and one pair of very dirty hands before we were going again.
Eschewing the road through Barns Green, we took the following road and climbed the short hill that ensured the next few miles would be mainly downward. The climb made us hot and coupled with the now sunny sky meant that we stopped at the top to remove our jackets. Both Anton and I regretted wearing our warm, waterproof winter gloves but kept them on as neither of us had any lighter gloves. We were making good progress now but didn’t catch the rest of our party until we reached Woods Hill. There was no time to catch our breath as we only had 10 minutes to get to the RSPB centre at Wigginholt which was still about 4 miles away.
In an effort to make the start of the AGM, Norman and I rode on ahead but this proved to be a technical error as the middle portion of our now fragmented group rode straight past the RSPB entrance. Fortunately Anton spotted this and managed to round them up.
The AGM had started as we entered the hall but we’d only missed the election of the meeting chairman and the minutes secretary. There were some 30 odd members present and in a break with tradition, Barbara wasn’t the only one from Horsham and Crawley! In fact, John V. had also turned up. The AGM content will be reported separately on the West Sussex CTC website.
The meeting finished at about midday and so we headed off for lunch. We headed back the way we came – past the Panda hideaway, along a drier than expected Stream Lane and back to West Chiltington where we lunched at the Queens Head. We all had a nice pint of Harveys Sussex Ale and our sandwiches came with chips and a ramikin of nice fresh salad.
I suggested using a different route back to Horsham but the consensus was to mainly retrace our steps before going through Barns Green and Two Mile Ash up to Tower Hill. On reaching the town centre we went our separate ways with John V. and I heading back to Crawley. As ever, I found the first part of Forest Road a struggle but it didn’t take long to get to Pease Pottage and then back home. This week I clocked up 48 miles.
Next weeks ride is led by Anton and is an Easy ride from Horsham Park Pavilion at 10:00 hrs with a lunch break at Notcutts Garden centre, Cranleigh and with the option of tea and cakes at Capel. It should only entail about 4 hours in the saddle.
I used my usual Forest Road route to Horsham and arrived late (again) so we didn’t hang around and the six of us got going immediately. I set Anton as tailgunner with Martin, John H, Barbara, Norman and me (Bob) making up the rest of the group. As leader I decided to use the easy route away from Horsham – over the golf course, along Robin Hood Lane and down through Broadbridge heath. As I led the way over the roundabout and onto the A264, I felt my bike squirm a bit and realised I’d picked up a rear puncture! I blamed the bad weather – all that wind and rain had moved the bits of flint and glass normally found at the edge of the road into the middle of the road and there hadn’t been enough vehicles around to sweep it back again. As we were tight on time, half our party carried on (they knew the route) and I replaced my tube having removed the offending piece of glass from my tyre. It only took a few minutes and one pair of very dirty hands before we were going again.
Eschewing the road through Barns Green, we took the following road and climbed the short hill that ensured the next few miles would be mainly downward. The climb made us hot and coupled with the now sunny sky meant that we stopped at the top to remove our jackets. Both Anton and I regretted wearing our warm, waterproof winter gloves but kept them on as neither of us had any lighter gloves. We were making good progress now but didn’t catch the rest of our party until we reached Woods Hill. There was no time to catch our breath as we only had 10 minutes to get to the RSPB centre at Wigginholt which was still about 4 miles away.
In an effort to make the start of the AGM, Norman and I rode on ahead but this proved to be a technical error as the middle portion of our now fragmented group rode straight past the RSPB entrance. Fortunately Anton spotted this and managed to round them up.
The AGM had started as we entered the hall but we’d only missed the election of the meeting chairman and the minutes secretary. There were some 30 odd members present and in a break with tradition, Barbara wasn’t the only one from Horsham and Crawley! In fact, John V. had also turned up. The AGM content will be reported separately on the West Sussex CTC website.
The meeting finished at about midday and so we headed off for lunch. We headed back the way we came – past the Panda hideaway, along a drier than expected Stream Lane and back to West Chiltington where we lunched at the Queens Head. We all had a nice pint of Harveys Sussex Ale and our sandwiches came with chips and a ramikin of nice fresh salad.
I suggested using a different route back to Horsham but the consensus was to mainly retrace our steps before going through Barns Green and Two Mile Ash up to Tower Hill. On reaching the town centre we went our separate ways with John V. and I heading back to Crawley. As ever, I found the first part of Forest Road a struggle but it didn’t take long to get to Pease Pottage and then back home. This week I clocked up 48 miles.
Next weeks ride is led by Anton and is an Easy ride from Horsham Park Pavilion at 10:00 hrs with a lunch break at Notcutts Garden centre, Cranleigh and with the option of tea and cakes at Capel. It should only entail about 4 hours in the saddle.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
The Woodsman
A Ten O’Clock start from Horsham – I should easily be able to make that!
I’d been up since seven thirty and was now pottering about doing this and that. The weather was annoying me – last night the BBC had said that the heavy rain of yesterday would clear for the morning. They were right, the heavy rain had cleared but there was still light rain in the air! I dragged on my waterproofs and remembered to put my full waterbottle onto my bike. A quick adjustment of my saddle height was in order – it’s not been quite right since I fitted the new seatpost a couple of weeks back – and I was off.
As ever on a Sunday morning there was hardly anyone about as I cycled through Tilgate. Splashing through puddles and avoiding small branches and other tree parts littering the roads, I cut through past K2 – only a few swimmers visible through the windows, but a full car park!
The rain had more or less stopped and I was feeling quite cheery riding up Pease Pottage Hill although I could tell that my seatpost was still too low - my left knee in particular was not comfortable. Travelling on along the Forest Road towards Colgate I was enjoying the autumn colours and keeping an eye open for deer. Just before the village, an area of forest (I think it was mainly Rhodendron) has been cleared and I'm wondering what is going to happen to it. It's just possible it's been cleared for pasture but in these modern times it's more likely it's been cleared for some kind of housing development though I suspect (given the location) it won't be "low-cost" for "essential workers".
Racing through Roffey, I looked at my clock to realise that I was going to be late as usual. It seems that no matter what time I get up I never get my timing right, but hey, we're a relaxed group and it wasn't a problem. Pulling up at Horsham Park Pavilions I could see only two familiar bikes and a couple of minutes later their owners came out from the cafe - Anton (leading the ride) and Norman.
This weeks ride would be another easy (and short) ride - roughly twenty miles out to Kirdford and then back. We used the golf course route to exit Horsham and then Robin Hood Lane. Some of the deer in Warnham Park are sporting pretty impressive headgear - it might be worth a photographic sortie sometime this winter.
Anton was full of apologies for taking us up Rowhook Hill but to be honest I didn't find it as much of an effort as usual (I was still blowing a fair bit when I crested though). From here we headed west across to Ellen's Green then Cox's Green and on towards Baynards thereby avoiding Rudgwick and giving us the fun of the fast descent of Cook's Hill. Straight across a quiet A281 we headed on past the Mucky Duck before turning left onto Drungewick Lane. I'm sure someone once told me a rock star lives in a big house off this lane. We stopped at the canal bridge for a few minutes - Anton took a photo - and then carried on to Roundstreet Common. This brings back memories of Edwins accident last year, thankfully his recovery seems to be continuing apace.
Anton had offered me a lift back to Crawley as he was heading to Evans for some bits and pieces and I was too lazy to turn him down, so I was back home by about 15:30 with a mere 45 miles on my speedo - to be honest it felt like I'd done a lot less than that!
Next week is the West Sussex CTC Member Group AGM at Wiggonholt RSPB. The ride will start from Horsham Park Pavilion at 09:00 and use a direct route to get to Wiggonholt for the start of the AGM at 10:30 where refreshments will be available. After the AGM we will stop for lunch at the Queens Head in West Chiltington before heading back. Total mileage should be in the region of an easy 30 miles. Please come along to the AGM to meet other Sussex CTC members and influence the direction we take in the coming years.
I’d been up since seven thirty and was now pottering about doing this and that. The weather was annoying me – last night the BBC had said that the heavy rain of yesterday would clear for the morning. They were right, the heavy rain had cleared but there was still light rain in the air! I dragged on my waterproofs and remembered to put my full waterbottle onto my bike. A quick adjustment of my saddle height was in order – it’s not been quite right since I fitted the new seatpost a couple of weeks back – and I was off.
As ever on a Sunday morning there was hardly anyone about as I cycled through Tilgate. Splashing through puddles and avoiding small branches and other tree parts littering the roads, I cut through past K2 – only a few swimmers visible through the windows, but a full car park!
The rain had more or less stopped and I was feeling quite cheery riding up Pease Pottage Hill although I could tell that my seatpost was still too low - my left knee in particular was not comfortable. Travelling on along the Forest Road towards Colgate I was enjoying the autumn colours and keeping an eye open for deer. Just before the village, an area of forest (I think it was mainly Rhodendron) has been cleared and I'm wondering what is going to happen to it. It's just possible it's been cleared for pasture but in these modern times it's more likely it's been cleared for some kind of housing development though I suspect (given the location) it won't be "low-cost" for "essential workers".
Racing through Roffey, I looked at my clock to realise that I was going to be late as usual. It seems that no matter what time I get up I never get my timing right, but hey, we're a relaxed group and it wasn't a problem. Pulling up at Horsham Park Pavilions I could see only two familiar bikes and a couple of minutes later their owners came out from the cafe - Anton (leading the ride) and Norman.
This weeks ride would be another easy (and short) ride - roughly twenty miles out to Kirdford and then back. We used the golf course route to exit Horsham and then Robin Hood Lane. Some of the deer in Warnham Park are sporting pretty impressive headgear - it might be worth a photographic sortie sometime this winter.
Anton was full of apologies for taking us up Rowhook Hill but to be honest I didn't find it as much of an effort as usual (I was still blowing a fair bit when I crested though). From here we headed west across to Ellen's Green then Cox's Green and on towards Baynards thereby avoiding Rudgwick and giving us the fun of the fast descent of Cook's Hill. Straight across a quiet A281 we headed on past the Mucky Duck before turning left onto Drungewick Lane. I'm sure someone once told me a rock star lives in a big house off this lane. We stopped at the canal bridge for a few minutes - Anton took a photo - and then carried on to Roundstreet Common. This brings back memories of Edwins accident last year, thankfully his recovery seems to be continuing apace.
Forking right we soon arrived at Wisborough Green and turned right onto the Kirdford Road - nearly there. As we entered Kirdford I noticed that the "Drunkenness" sign we pictured a few weeks back has had all the ivy cleared away from it thereby making it much more visible. I would have taken a photo but couldn't as I'd forgotten to bring a camera! A minute later we pulled up at the Foresters Arms.
On entering the pub we found that almost all the tables were reserved - a motorclub has a regular run to this pub on the second sunday of every month - but the landlady found us a table nice and close to the open fire and we were soon enjoying our pints of Pickled Partridge as our clothes silently steamed dry! I had the vegetable soup for lunch and it was just right, Anton and Norman went for sandwiches which they both enjoyed although the garnish looked a little tired. We felt that the prices were a little high but we're not complaining because pubs are becoming thin on the ground, especially those doing sandwiches on a Sunday.
For the journey back, Anton tried to keep to the "Easy" definition of the ride by avoiding as many hills as he could. He led us back to Wisborough Green, then Newpound Common and across to Rowner Road but rather than use the usual route via Barns Green, carried on up Okehurst Road to The Haven. From here, we hit the A29 for a short stint and then freewheeled down into Slinfold to take Lyons Road across to the A264 before passing through Broadbridge Heath. After this we retraced our steps along Robin Hood Lane (I tried to bellow like a deer and reckon I confused one impressively antlered specimen) and then across the golf course back into Horsham.Anton had offered me a lift back to Crawley as he was heading to Evans for some bits and pieces and I was too lazy to turn him down, so I was back home by about 15:30 with a mere 45 miles on my speedo - to be honest it felt like I'd done a lot less than that!
Next week is the West Sussex CTC Member Group AGM at Wiggonholt RSPB. The ride will start from Horsham Park Pavilion at 09:00 and use a direct route to get to Wiggonholt for the start of the AGM at 10:30 where refreshments will be available. After the AGM we will stop for lunch at the Queens Head in West Chiltington before heading back. Total mileage should be in the region of an easy 30 miles. Please come along to the AGM to meet other Sussex CTC members and influence the direction we take in the coming years.
Monday, 2 November 2009
Veteran Car Run
Today’s run was to witness the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run and also have the pleasure of overtaking them up Pease Pottage hill. And, despite the rain, we accomplished both.
The ride started from Crawley K2 leisure complex in the pouring rain. Attending, or mad enough to turn out, were Anton, Martin, Bob and myself, Mick. Due to the inclement weather I decided to curtail the ride a little, forgoing the usual bacon buttie in Staplefield. We headed off to Crawley wind assisted but in the knowledge we would have to return against the wind. One advantage of the rain was fewer people in Crawley so we had an excellent view of the cars. Having spent some time watching we headed off towards Pease Pottage. Up the hill we went overtaking several vehicles, much to some drivers surprise. One lady passenger enquired if we were cycling all the way to Brighton. I know we looked mad but even that was too much and I didn’t have the heart to tell her we were heading for a nice warm and dry pub. Anton left us soon after, having done 130 miles the previous day we excused him. We watched the cars go by near the services and decided to see if the pub opened before noon. Fat chance!
Martin left Bob and myself at this point to cycle to Horsham, having cycled from Horsham I advised against this but he went anyway. Bob and I headed back to the services area to watch a few more old crocks to pass the time. Having got more wet we headed to the Black Swan, getting there just in time for the doors to open. After a leisurely lunch we headed back to Crawley, Bob to home and me to catch a train. It had stopped raining but the wind would have been against me all the way home, so I chickened out.
The ride was supposed to be 15 miles but we only managed 10. This must be the shortest section ride ever.
The ride started from Crawley K2 leisure complex in the pouring rain. Attending, or mad enough to turn out, were Anton, Martin, Bob and myself, Mick. Due to the inclement weather I decided to curtail the ride a little, forgoing the usual bacon buttie in Staplefield. We headed off to Crawley wind assisted but in the knowledge we would have to return against the wind. One advantage of the rain was fewer people in Crawley so we had an excellent view of the cars. Having spent some time watching we headed off towards Pease Pottage. Up the hill we went overtaking several vehicles, much to some drivers surprise. One lady passenger enquired if we were cycling all the way to Brighton. I know we looked mad but even that was too much and I didn’t have the heart to tell her we were heading for a nice warm and dry pub. Anton left us soon after, having done 130 miles the previous day we excused him. We watched the cars go by near the services and decided to see if the pub opened before noon. Fat chance!
Martin left Bob and myself at this point to cycle to Horsham, having cycled from Horsham I advised against this but he went anyway. Bob and I headed back to the services area to watch a few more old crocks to pass the time. Having got more wet we headed to the Black Swan, getting there just in time for the doors to open. After a leisurely lunch we headed back to Crawley, Bob to home and me to catch a train. It had stopped raining but the wind would have been against me all the way home, so I chickened out.
The ride was supposed to be 15 miles but we only managed 10. This must be the shortest section ride ever.
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