Peaslake

Thanks to Michael for sorting out this ride.  He writes:

Five people came on the expedition to the Surrey Hills. Myself, Barbara, Anton, Norman and, representing Crawley, Gordon.  When told we were going to Peaslake Norman was heard to remark ‘ That’s all uphill!’  We left Horsham, (elev. 50m), and headed out of Horsham across the golf course.  The first stiff climb was up to Rowhook, (elev. 80m).  We then cruised across the plateau to Ewhurst avoiding most of the pot holes Surrey Council had left in our path.  At the far end of Ewhurst we paused by the green, (elev. 100m) to gather our breath for the serious climbing ahead.  We crossed the summit, (elev.160m) by the Duke of Kent School and rolled down in to Peaslake where we stopped at the Village Stores, (elev. 140m).  

We were not alone as about 30 other cyclists had also decided this was a good place to stop. There were more road bikes than off road bikes which I had not expected.  Barbara kindly treated us to an ice cream.  Note to myself; If you start at 9.30am it is good to plan an elevenses stop or you will get to the pub too early.

We set off downhill but soon turned right into Hoe Lane.  Gordon called this a characterful lane and Barbara did some walking to see if she could find the big black arrow marked on the OS map.  We were too early for the Volunteer, (elev. 110m)  at Sutton Abinger and also the Hatch at Abinger Common so we had a discussion and decided to strike out for Coldharbour via the flanks of Leith Hill.  We passed our high point a by the car park,  (elev. 250m) and paused briefly by the landslip to admire the views across the Weald to the South Downs.  

Lunch was taken in Coldharbour, (elev. 240m)  sampling the output of the Leith Hill Brewery.

After lunch the fun began.  A glorious decent down Broomehall Road to the A29, (elev. 100m) with very little need for brakes.  We headed for Capel but once we crossed the A24 our leader was lost. Luckily the Horsham residents new the way back to Horsham via Friday Street. Norman gave a cry of joy as we crossed back into West Sussex.  At first I wondered was the route too short but later in the evening the effect of all the climbing on my legs told me it was long enough.

Thanks Michael, shame I couldn't make it as the ride seems to have been very much appreciated by all those who took part.

Our next ride is really enjoyable on a hot and sunny day. Leaving Three Bridges Station at 09:30, we'll use the Worth Way to East Grinstead then the Forest Way to Hartfield. From there we'll head to Poohsticks Bridge for a game of ........ yes, you've guessed it, Poohsticks, before stopping for a pub lunch at The Hatch Inn (Colemans Hatch). The return journey will most likely head to Forest Row to reacquire the Forest Way and then Worth Way back to Crawley. This should be an easy/medium ride of about 40 miles but with a major smile factor - any bike can manage it and summer cycle touring doesn't get much more enjoyable than this.