Downs Link Part II

The intention was to ride to Guildford and back along the Downs link today but the weather conspired against it - although it wasn't yet wet, there was no doubt that it was going to rain. Consequently there were only two of us at Horsham Pavilions in the Park - myself and Daniel. We were both on mountain bikes, so I was quite happy that we would manage the track. Then Pete E arrived - dressed in civvies (no helmet, no cycling appareil) he'd just popped over on his bike to have a chat. However, we persuaded him (it didn't take much effort) to accompany us for a short while.


Pete took the lead out through the mean backstreets of Horsham, through a new development and over the A24 on the bridge to Tesco's. From here he led us down Wickhams Lane and along the bridleway to just short of Itchingfield where we picked up the Downs Link. Pete turned back at this point leaving Daniel and I to race of along the track. It was getting noticeably darker and sure enough it started raining. At this point I found out that Daniels rucksack didn't contain any waterproofs - so I felt guilty about using mine and left them attached to my belt. As we rode along we started getting wetter and muddier. As we rode into Rudgwick we spotted Michael ahead, sheltering under a tree. After a quick chat we decided to alter the ride and pop into Michaels for a coffee.


We had a nice break drinking Coffee and eating cake with Michael and Christine. Daniel and Michael realized that they both worked for the same company and were reminiscing about the various offices/countries they'd worked in. All he time the rain was just getting steadier and everything outside was getting wetter.


We decided against riding on northwards and, saying goodbye to Michael and Christine, Daniel and I headed back to Horsham. I routed us through Broadbridge Heath and over the golf course just for variety. Daniel appeared to enjoy the ride and it would be nice to see him on another one in the future.


For my ride back I cut through Tilgate Forest just to get some extra mud splatters over my bike and clothes before turning up back home having clocked up just over 34 miles.