The weather was slightly windy with overcast skies and there had been some rain earlier, so only 11 people joined me for this years I-Spy. This was a shame because parts of the route had been especially pretty when I’d cycled it last week. No matter, I got on with the briefing session.
“No clues on A or B roads, safety is paramount, enjoy yourselves” is what I told everyone. The start was at Billingshurst Station and the first clue was right in front of the competitors the moment they mounted their bikes: I asked “What station opposite the Station?” It was fun watching them milling around looking for the answer when I knew it was that big sign that said “Off Centre Hair Station”.
The route took them up into Billingshurst and then out on the A272 as far as Wisborough Green where they could finally get onto the minor roads for more relaxed cycling. Clues were sprinkled amongst the route instructions as they headed west then north then west again through Ifold, Plaistow and Shillinglee. Finally, having crossed the A283 I turned them south and up a long climb (according to Pete S) through some delightful scenery before turning east through Lurgashall.
My original plan was to have lunch at the pub in Lurgashall but the landlord doesn’t seem able to deal with groups of cyclists, so I kept the competitors going for another couple of miles before bringing them to a halt at The Half Moon in Northchapel.
Although the rain had kept away, there was still a little wind and the sun had not quite broken through the cloud, so although we stayed outside in the garden it could have been warmer!
As each team had their lunch, I marked their morning answer sheets – each team that is, bar one. Ros and John C had become separated and John had taken a wrong turn. I managed to phone him and find that he was several miles away to the south (nearly in Petworth!). He soon managed to join us though.
The afternoon session was only 9 miles compared to the 19 morning miles, so having given out the route and clues, I had to get pedalling in order to ensure I was at the finish before anyone else. The sun was starting to win the battle with the clouds and it was very pleasant whistling along (and checking the answers were still in place).
Arriving at the finish – Fishers Farm Park – I got myself a coffee and a piece of cake and installed myself in a sun-trap of a patio area where I could see people arriving (and keep an eye on my bike).
I hadn’t finished my coffee before Pete and Marian arrived and then the others started rolling in and I could complete the marking.
The results were as follows:
1st: Edwin, John M, Colin and Anne 39 out 39 points
2nd: John W, Dave and Richard 38 out of 39 points
3rd: Ros and John C 35 out of 39 points
4th: Pete and Marian 33 out of 39 points
It looks like I may need to make the questions slightly harder in future, though I didn’t need to resort to my tie-break question: “How many churches with spire or tower (as marked on an OS 1:50,000 Landranger map) have you passed within about 100 metres of since leaving Billingshurst Station? (count each one only once)”
By the way, the answer is FIVE – Wisborough Green, Plaistow, Lurgashall, Northchapel and Kirdford. Billingshurst church is the best part of 300 metres from the route so doesn’t count.
This weekends ride promises to be a good one.
Starting from Three Bridges station at 09:30 it’s entitled “Famer Fantasy” and, led by Richard, will follow a relatively easy and very enjoyable route down to Lewes and then Falmer before returning on NCN20 (there’s the option of using the train for the return).
As for me, I’ll be riding from St. David’s in West Wales to Hemsby in Norfolk. I’ll be posting a daily blog – go to http://bobscoasttocoast.blogspot.com/ to see how I’m getting on.
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