What's been happening?

Time for a catch up. What’s been happening in the world of Horsham and Crawley CTC member group the past few weeks?
Sunday 19th December was in the middle of the second rash of snow and was the day of the club Christmas Dinner. With the roads covered in snow and ice, none of us risked a two-wheel journey to The Gate and so we all arrived by car (thanks for the lift Pete & Marian). The pub was very convivial with Pickled Partridge on draught and a roaring log fire in the grate, although there was unfortunately no heating on in the dining area due to a missed heating oil delivery. There were only seven of us at the dinner but the food was good and hot and we had a great time with plenty of stories and amusing anecdotes being told.
The next ride was on Bank Holiday Monday 27th December and was a “Rendezvous Ride” – the idea being for people to set out in their own time, at their own pace and rendezvous at The Dragon at Colgate at midday. My original plan was that I’d do a 20 odd mile loop to the east and south which would involve several hills and quiet lanes (Turners Hill, Worth, Balcombe, Staplefield, Plummers Plain, Hammerpond, Grouse Road), however, on setting out (late as usual), my lack of fitness soon had me revising my route and instead of that I crept back into Crawley on the Worth Way and struggled up Pease Pottage Hill to ride straight to Colgate and only just get there for midday! On reflection I think I was going down with the bad cold that’s dogged me all the way into the new year!
Pete E was the only other rider out and had used a fairly simple route from Horsham via Doomsday Green and Grouse Road (he’d forgotten how long Grouse Road was!).
We rattled the doors of the pub but they were locked – frustratingly we could however see a rather attractive fire in the snug - but then the landlord let us in. Over a couple (or three) pints and a ciabatta sandwich apiece, Pete and I discussed such varied topics as how to encourage more people out on rides, how money-grabbing senior management are, various photographic techniques and how open the Premiership is this season! Reluctantly we left the warmth of the pub and each headed home knowing we only had one more day off before returning to work.
Sunday 2nd January should have seen me (Bob) lead a ride out to the north and west of Horsham with a lunch stop at the Mucky Duck in Tismans Common. Unfortunately, the bad cold mentioned earlier meant I could barely get out of bed, let alone ride a bike, so Pete E stepped into the breach. Here’s his summary of the day:
Went to the start today. There were a couple of bikes I didn't recognise. Just as I was going in for a cup of tea Anton arrived. He’d driven over as he was going to go to Evans after the ride to look for a mountain bike. As he was giving his bike a once over he noticed a broken chain link so abandoned plans for riding in favour of getting the bike fixed for a long ride he'd got planned tomorrow. Pat and Frank were waiting inside. I was most impressed with Pat commenting how slim and fit I was looking - not bad as I haven't done any serious exercise for months! Anyway after a cup of tea and a chat we agreed that I would lead a morning ride somewhere in the Crawley direction so that we could split at some point and be back in Horsham and Crawley by middayish.
I decided to go up Langhurstwood, past the Royal Oak and turn right at the end toward Rusper and see how we were doing. However, much to my embarrassment, leaving Horsham I got lost in the housing estate at the end of North Heath Lane and Pondtail Road - I must have missed a turning somewhere. Anyway we ended up in a playground with a footpath alongside which led up to the northern bypass. After dismounting and climbing a steep bank we found ourselves on the bypass not far from the big roundabout on the main Crawley road so we rode back along the bypass to the Langhurstwood crossing and proceeded to Rusper without mishap apart from Pat having a few gear change problems and Frank slipping his chain off. We went on in the direction of The Gate as far as the Lambs Green turn where we parted company. I returned to Horsham via Wimlands past the Frog & Nightgown and took the bridlepath near the railway crossing to the Rusper Road and into Horsham via North Heath Lane and Wimblehurst Rd. I noted that the Horsham Crawley cycleroute was signposted but at the level crossing it says end of route leaving any cyclists unfamiliar with the area with no guidance as to how to get to Horsham! It seemed a bit like those cyclelanes that just don't go anywhere! Useless!
Anyway, the weather was good and we all enjoyed the ride.

Our next ride starts from Three Bridges Station at 10:00hrs on Sunday 9th January. Led by Pete S, it will be an Easy ride aimed at less-experienced riders, however, everyone is welcome and we will be able to adapt to suit whoever turns up. Come on out – you need to ride off the Christmas excess!