Let's go to Warninglid

The weather forecast was warning of strong winds and heavy rain but with the possibility that the South East would escape the worst of it. So it proved, the sky was nice and blue with a warming sun beaming down. However, in spite of such nice conditions, only three of us turned up for the ride - Jane, Dora and me, Anne.

We used Kerves Lane to get away from Horsham and after the climb enjoyed the downhill run through Sedgwick and on to Copsale. The bright blue skies were now becoming obscured by a blanket of cloud although there was no hint of rain at this stage. The road was quiet and we passed through Maplehurst and along Park Lane to Newells Lane. Halfway along the lane we had to squeeze out of the way as a large milk tanker came in the opposite direction. At the end we turned right onto the A281 and then passed Leonardslee for a fast downhill run into the wind before turning left onto Picts Lane. This is a lane that I don't think we have ever cycled before - not surprising really as the only way of using it means braving a mile or more of A road and it doesn't easily mesh into a circular route. The lane was very nice apart from the stiff climb it makes away from the A road.

A left at the next junction and then another left onto Spronketts Lane saw us arrive in Warninglid at 11:30 so we decided to carry on riding and headed north up to Slaugham pond and then along Hampshire Hill to arrive at The Wheatsheaf in Plummers Plain. There were a lot of dopey wasps in the garden and it was a bit cool for sitting outside, so we found a table inside the pub. We had a good, filling lunch and a plenty of laughs talking about this and that, but with the possibility of rain sometime in the afternoon we were back on our bikes before one o'clock. We pootled along Hammerpond Lane and then ground all the way up Grouse Road. At the top I turned right to head back home to Crawley and my energetic chums turned left for Colgate and Horsham.

Next weeks ride is one of my favourites - the Seaside Ride. Leaving Three Bridges at 09:00hrs we'll head for a seafood lunch on Brighton seafront having had a tea break at Ditchling on the way. Although the ride includes the tough climb of Ditchling Beacon, the rest of it is actually quite easy and free flowing. After lunch the options are to return to Three Bridges by train (there are three trains an hour, advance ticket price currently £9.50) or to ride back along NCN20 (this part is rated hard as it is generally slightly uphill all the way). Come on, join in, it's a great day out.