The Countryman

It was a little bit like coming out of hibernation today. It’s been the brightest day we’ve had for a few weeks now. As there was no ride leader allocated for today’s ride I wondered if anyone would turn up, but was pleased to see Anton and Norman already in the café when I got there. We decided on our route to the Countryman and as we set off we were joined by John C.

We left Horsham via Depot Road and turned off at Domesday Green so we could cut through and cross the Brighton Road to head down Sedgwick Lane to Maplehurst. By this time there was hardly any ice left on the road and after a couple of miles Anton had to take off some layers as it was quite pleasant in the sun. As we passed through Maplehurst I remarked that I would be glad when those steep hills would be behind us and we could settle into some easier riding.

The wind didn’t seem to be too much of a problem all the time we were heading south. We crossed the A272 without much delay and continued on along Littleworth Lane to Partridge Green. We soon arrived at Partridge Green, turning right and then left along the B2135 towards Ashurst. We took the right turn along School Lane and made our way towards Dial Post. Although there was a fair bit of gravel and other debris on the ground it wasn’t too wet and within a few minutes we were at the A24. Three of us got across really easily but Anton took a little longer, but it gave me a chance to have a breather.

We then wondered how far it was to our lunch stop. Norman asked if anyone had a chronometer, to which Anton replied ‘What’s that?’ None of us really knew how far it was but we arrived at the pub dead on 12. Unfortunately they weren’t taking orders for food till 12.30 but once ordered it came very quickly and was all very good.

After about an hour we decided it was time to face the cold and set off for home. By this time the wind seemed to have strengthened significantly and was head on which after a good lunch was a bit of a nuisance. The ride back was uneventful, We went back via Dragons Green, Marlpost Road to Bax Castle. We said good bye at the top of Tower Hill; John and Anton making their way back to their cars and Norman and I heading back to Littlehaven.

We covered about 26 miles, not as much as advertised but enough I think after a relatively inactive few weeks.

Next weeks ride starts from Three Bridges station at 09:30 hrs. Frank has got an interesting ride lined up for us with elevenses at Ardingly and a late lunch/early pm tea at Camelia Botnar, Cowfold. The easy loop home will pass near Horsham on the way back to Crawley.