April showers bring May flowers, or so I was always taught. But when we seven non-novice riders left Three Bridges at about 10.15 on Sunday, we saw primroses galore in the weak late March sunshine. I had planned an alternative route if we had no newcomers and, fortunately, I had shown Bob the details before we left. This meant that when I went wrong he was able to put us back on track! Thank you Bob.

It was also the Pioneer run on Sunday so when we joined the A23 at K2, having followed the Tilgate Drive cycle route from Three Bridges, we were accompanied by motor cycles and support vehicles of all different shapes and sizes. And the smell of two-stroke exhaust (remember that?!). The short climb up to Pease Pottage lead us past the motorway services and on the route to Handcross where the Pioneers headed off west towards Plummers plain but we freewheeled down to Staplefield and my embarrassment as Bob took the correct right turn while we sailed serenely off the wrong way! Strangely the last time I lead this route I went the wrong way as well – note to self; make sure you know the route when you are leading….

From Staplefield we headed south along the NCR20 until turning left/east along Mallions Lane. This is a single track road with grass growing out of the middle of it and views of the hills to both the north and the south. Of course, sometimes you have to climb hills which we duly did to arrive at the B2115 to Cuckfield. Arriving at the outskirts of Cuckfield we turned to the left/north and then first left in to Cherry Lane. This is another single track lane and we meandered through lovely countryside until a short kick up to Balcombe station, across the B2036 and arrived at the café for 12.15. They really make you welcome in the café and it was, therefore, no surprise to find it packed. After drinks and a variety of food we set off again down to Balcombe reservoir with an organised cycle ride passing us in the opposite direction – bikes were outnumbering cars today! From the reservoir it is a short, but quite steep, climb up to the left turn into Paddockhurst Lane. And from there a gentle slog up to the B2110 Paddockhurst Road where we turned right/east for Turners Hill. Here, Ros turned north for Crawley Down and the Worth Way home to East Grinstead while Anton turned south for Haywards Heath. The remaining Crawley contingent freewheeled down towards Crawley to Bob’s puncture just past Tulley’s farm. Five minutes to fix that and we were back in Crawley at about 13.15 after 25 miles. Not a ride for unfit riders, as a few quite stiff climbs, but a wonderful couple of hours in the countryside.

Our next beginners ride is in two weeks time on Sunday 3rd April, meeting at 10.00 at Three Bridges station. The plan is to ride an easy trip to Redhill aerodrome for coffee (and cake!) via Gatwick airport. Next weeks ride starts in Horsham at 10.00 and is going to Abinger Hammer – this promises to be a good run with excellent weather guaranteed. And a leader who knows where he is going!

Also if you want to plan a route to work, or a leisure trip out for a couple of hours try this cycle route software: http://www.cyclestreets.net/ It is really very good and has now been adopted by West Sussex County Council and Crawley Borough Council. I think that Horsham will follow shortly.

Happy riding!
Peter