The Sloop (or was it?)

Several of our regular riders were not available today so we were down to four of our fitter cyclists - John C, John V, Jeet and Peter S. We were hoping for a taste of summer following Saturday's high temperatures and in the event had a pretty respectable day, albeit with a little rain. Today's ride was to the Sloop at Scaynes Hill, just outside Haywards Heath. I don't know why I keep putting this on the runs list as our visits there are always fraught! The last time we went there the pub was closed for one day - the day we had chosen to go there…

Anyway, we left Three Bridges at 09.40 and headed up to Turners Hill where we went straight across to freewheel most of the way to East Grinstead (it seemed like that with fabulous views to the south on the downhill). Jeet and John V were already heading off in to the distance at this point. We climbed the short hill to turn right for Weir Wood reservoir and paused to re-group. I did advise the group that my (absent) tandem partner had advised me before I left home that we would get to lunch too early and that we should not go to0 fast. How prophetic?! At the reservoir we negotiated the broken track that West Sussex CC laughingly call a road to climb up to Tyes Cross - (do take care on this section as you arrive at speed at the bottom of the hill to a completely disintegrated road surface). Then straight over the Sharpethorne road to fork left and through the Ford. Today we had no incidents with motorists or horses or water (note: didn't see Frank there either?). The lanes and views along this section were superb - the primroses are out and, maybe, even more spectacular than usual this year (perhaps because of the length and severity of the winter?) and the bluebells are starting to show through. After a further climb we arrived, following a short shower, in Horsted Keynes where we turned left towards Scaynes Hill. We were pleased to see the steam train on the Bluebell railway and duly arrived at the Sloop at 11.15 - early as predicted. I had previously advised Richard Bates, one of the three south eastern CTC national councillors, that we would be visiting the Sloop (near where he lives in Haywards Heath), but he had not confirmed that he would join us for lunch, so the group had to make it's choice - either add in a loop or carry on. It was agreed to carry on, so after inspecting the remains of the canal lock by the Sloop (have you ever seen this???) we headed in to Lindfield with the idea of stopping at the Café there - unfortunately it was closed. So it was turn west in to Haywards Heath past the 'Witch' public house (this does look interesting and I wonder if we should have a ride there?), lead by John C who used to live in the area. We then took the road past the station via the viaduct (!) to Balcombe. This is a very pleasant climb, marred only by people who erect large signs in the middle of fields - shouldn't they be subject to advertising rules?! We have previously been very glad to visit the café in Balcombe on a wet Sunday morning but today, you guessed it, it was closed! So it was in to the pub for a quick drink and then over the B2036 to the water tower (after a short climb), turn left for Handcross so that we could check the updates to the NCR20 signs recently erected by the Highways Authority - very nice they are too. At Pease Pottage we opted to follow the NCR20 diversion through Broadfield as we are going to use this route for the 'Crawley Family Bike Ride' on Sunday 6th June (see details on our website). Care needs to be taken crossing the A264 but otherwise it is a very pleasant route down the hill to Tilgate roundabout and then through to Oriel school. We arrived back at 14.30 after a pleasant 37 miles. You may have noticed the word 'climb' featuring above, but it was really a very pleasant route through the delightful south eastern countryside - we missed you!

Next week we have an introductory ride in Horsham. If you know anyone that has shown an interest in cycling and might like a short ride with us please let them know about it. Hope to see you there. Happy Cycling, Peter S