It was more ‘old lags’ than beginners on Sunday! Most of the eight riders present have a few miles under their belt and one is actually doing 20 miles in the morning before work! But nonetheless most of the group were pleased that we had a morning ride and we elected to head off to Redhill aerodrome for coffee as scheduled, especially as it was mother’s day and we have found to our cost in the past that lunch can be difficult to obtain without pre-booking. Marian and I led off on our tandem towards Gatwick airport, using parts of NCR20 and NCR21. The intention was to show Roz some options for getting to Gatwick station without heading along main roads. It was a fine sunny morning, although with a slightly chilly wind. Bob wasn’t in his shorts so it’s probably not time for the rest of us to get them out yet either. We cut along North Road and in to Manor Royal before turning along the cycle path behind City place taking us to the Riverside pond in Horley. This has had some clearing work done on the trees and shrubs and it was really surreal to cycle along between the river mole and this pretty pond within a (literal) stones throw of a major international airport – the only clue was a little plane noise (and the roar of the A23, of course). We went past the thriving boot sale in Horley and then in to the open countryside as we headed north towards Redhill aerodrome. The café was tremendously busy with all of the inside and outside seating full when we arrived. But we got a seat just after we had ordered and were able to sit outside watching the light aircraft and helicopter traffic while we drank our tea/coffee and ate our tea cakes etc. Oh, and there was some quite lively discussion on various topics, not including sprockets or wheel sizes! We left about 11.30 and headed south now, towards Outwood and it’s windmill (again not working today) where we turned down Scots Hill and then left in to Cogmans Lane. We arrived at Smallfield Place (http://www.francisfrith.com/smallfield/photos/smallfield-place-c1955_s664004/) – a fine old manor house to cross over and follow our quite familiar route to Copthorne and across to Old Hollow where John C left us for the pleasures of the Balcombe Road. The short steep rise at the end took us up to the unofficial connection with the Worth Way where Roz turned east to return to East Grinstead and shortly after Pat and Frank turned through Worth to cut through to Maidenbower. We stopped for a while to explain to Barbara the best route to the new Crawley <-> Horsham bike route but found it too difficult and so gave up! But we do plan to ride it on one of our beginners rides, maybe ending up at the very pleasant Frog and Nightgown – watch this space. (I’ve got a map if anyone would like one – just send me an email) Two hours ride in good company. We covered about 22 miles, if you are counting. Hope to see you soon. Peter Crawley CTC RtR Next weeks ride starts from Horshm Pavilions in the Park at 09:30 hrs and will take us to Leith Hill (weather permitting) to visit the Tower (NT) where we can have some tea and cake. From there it will be a short ride across to Newdigate for lunch at the Six Bells. After lunch we'll have a fairly direct route back to give a total of approximately 30 miles.