Soixante Stan

Today’s ride started at HPP at 9 but there were no takers so I headed off to the alternate start at Pease Pottage. Fortunately there were some takers, 10 in all.
Once assembled most of us headed off for the next start point. One attendee was running late so four waited and caught up with the main group at the next start point near Horsham. Three others met us there so we had 15 attendees in all.
Once assembled we headed off towards Southwater where Pat left us. A slow puncture held us up for a few moments as we headed off towards Shipley, Ashington and Ashurst. Arriving at Stan’s Bike Shack at just after noon. 30.6 miles.
After lunch four of us headed off for the afternoon section of the ride.
Off we headed off through Henfield just after which the slow puncture needed fixing. Next it was Blackstone, Sayers Common, Hickstead and Slaugham. This was undulating to say the least!
The remaining four split here,  two headed for Crawley and two for Horsham.
Got home feeling a bit tired but I had done 56 miles with 2500' of climbing!

The Arun Crossings - DA Event

I enjoy this ride: we criss-cross the river Arun multiple times between Pulborough and Rudgwick on highways and byways. It's a great excuse to fit the knobblies and let my Kona do its thang!

The crowd was slow getting together at Pulborough Station but in the end there were seven of us (just Michael and myself from H&C).

Turning right out of the station, we first used the old bridge at Stopham followed immediately by the new one then up through the woods and a sandy track with great views of the Downs to the south and east. Next we headed north towards Toat before taking a bridleway west for another crossing.  The bridleway took us through a landscape that probably looks pretty much the same as it did a century ago before climbing up to Bedham Lane. This took us north before we turned right onto a bridleway at Horsebridge Hill. A single track trail took us through some woodland then out onto a grassy ride before crossing a small lane and running along the edge of a small valley. Then we went down and across a grassy plain before another river crossing at Pallingham Quays (I think). We next followed a couple of farm tracks before turning left Blackgate lane and then left again to go past Scrase House and then down the hill behind it on a stony-surfaced bridleway. As we reached the bridge over the river we caught up with a couple of horses and being kind and generous folk, we opened the next couple of gates for them. We flew on up the slight gradient before getting on tarmac again for the last mile into Wisborough Green where we stopped at the Old Mill cafe for elevenses.

A good cup of coffee and a selection of delicious pastries later, we were back on the road. We went north and east, past Fishers Farm and dived onto another bridleway. The nest two crossings took us east then west, past Malham Farm then north, out onto Drungewick Lane. 

Next we took the canal path alongside a restored section of the Wey and Arun Canal and pulled up for lunch at the Onslow Arms in Loxwood.

The afternoon saw us head back along the canal before turning north and going through Tismans Common to Rudgwick and then south along the Downs Link. A bridleway then took us west to run round The Haven and into a wood on another bridleway. Back out on Okehurst Road we headed south before going through a farmyard onto another bridleway west and over the river and canal again. Stopping to change my video battery I enjoyed a sprint through a wood to catch up with everyone else as we emerged onto a drive leading to the B2133 at Newpound. Now it was just a case of popping back to Wisborough Green.

I Had a family birthday party to get to so I didn't stop at the cafe and pressed on south - back over the river and canal up the hill and out onto Black Gate Lane then onto Pickhurst Lane and two small climbs before arriving back at Pulborough station to drive back home.

I'd had a really enjoyable day - the weather was warm and sunny, the riding was excellent, the countryside beautiful and the company entertaining.

Downs Link part I

I'm on time for a change - a nice bright morning and I was out and about and bang on schedule. I pulled up at HPP and sat waiting to see who would turn up.

Half past nine came round and I was starting to think about doing the ride all by myself, then Nat and David rolled up. As we were doing the introductions Ken arrived so we had a nice compact group as we headed out through Horsham and onto the Pedlars Way. Surprisingly we found Pedlars Way to be quite wet - the river even looked like it had broken its banks at some point overnight. The climb up through the woods was as hard as usual but Nat and David managed it well. Then we had the comfort of the lanes down to Copsale before gaining the Downs Link.

The surface was good and we were averaging about 10mph so it wasn't long before we reached Partridge Green and stopped for refreshments at Stans Shack. Glancing at my phone I realised I'd missed a call and voicemail from John C. He and John V were somewhere behind us on the track, so I let them know that we would wait at Stans for them. After finishing my coffee and cake I looked up just in time to see the two Johns arrive. Now there were six of us and we carried on at a fairly good pace, chatting as we rode along. We soon passed Henfield and it wasn't long before we had to leave the rail bed and head up that tough climb along the edge of the field - it's not steep but it's always hard work.

We had a breather at the top of the field before enjoying the brisk descent along the stony track. Passing the sewage plant we were now in Bramber and just past the roundabout we came across a new bit of routing for the Downs Link. Rather than using that awkward crossing over the A road, the new route carries on south to the river, goes under the A road before heading north and west to rejoin the original route. The remaining few miles alongside the river always take longer than you think they should. But as I was riding along I had a very good view of a parachute display team - I'm hoping I've got some of their display on my bikecam.

Reaching our lunch stop, the Red Lion, just opposite the old Shoreham footbridge. We queued up for our drinks and queued up for our burgers whilst Nat and David managed to blag a table for us to sit at. The air display restarted after its lunch break with an aerobatic display featuring a propellor driven stunt plane and what looked like a radio controlled model version of the same plane. I found it well choreographed but really wanted to see (and hear) a jet plane. Next up was a Hawker Hunter - immaculately painted in camouflage colours it sped past us, turned, came back, climbed up and into a loop. As it came out I commented that it looked like it wouldn't make it - I hoped I was wrong but it disappeared behind some trees and failed to reappear. Moments later two big clouds of black smoke told what had happened

I don't remember hearing the impact, but I did notice how quiet everyone was as they realised that the plane had come down. Someone said that it had come down in an empty car park but, not having heard or seen the ejector seat go off, I feared the pilot had been lost.

We decided that it was time to start for home and split into two groups - the two Johns headed back up the Downs Link to Christs Hospital where they'd parked their car, the rest of us headed for Brighton.

As we rode along it was noticeable that traffic was backed up for about a mile into Shoreham. We crossed the harbour lock gates just in front of a large ship that only had a foot or so of space on each side in the lock and pressed on into the headwind.


Reaching Hove Lawns, Nat and David said goodbye as they were going to enjoy some time at the seaside before catching the train home. this left Ken and I to cycle onwards as far as Madeira Drive where we stopped for an ice cream.


Refreshed, we rode up the A23 and then gained the NCN20 at Patcham. It's not a bad route but the constant noise from the traffic is very wearying. I was tiring and the hill at Bolney was really hard work so I insisted on a stop at the Bolney Stage. We found a table in the shade of a tree and knocked back a pint or so of water each.


Ken had suggested that we use the Slaugham Bridleway rather than a frontal ascent of Handcross Hill and I reckon this was a good idea - it was shaded from the blazing sun and although rougher than the new tarmac I'm sure it took less of a physical toll. From there on the route was either level or down and it wasn't too long before I was home having clocked up some 60 odd miles.


Sitting at home I felt overwhelmed with sadness as I realised that the plane crash was far worse than I had initially imagined. There was also the worry that apart from my fellow riders, several people I knew - family and friends - had been in the vicinity, thankfully all safe.


Now, several days later, I want to express my sympathy for all the people directly and indirectly affected by the accident but just cannot find any form of words that seem worth putting down in writing.

Two Weald Ride (DA Event)

Whilst I compose some words, here's a film:

https://youtu.be/s31cS3yPU_Y


A slightly damp start to the day probably reduced the numbers slightly but didn't stop a trio of hardcore riders making early starts to tick off the loops.


Anton and Robert both (individually) started at about 6am I believe and Ray started at about 8am.


Barbara, Pete and I set up the control point at about 09:30 and other riders started arriving.

DA Event - the I-Spy Ride

After all the preparation Pete had put in to create this event, it was a little disappointing that with the wet weather and lack of entrants we decided to just have a short ride rather than run the Treasure Hunt.


The ride was enjoyable and the rain mainly held off as we made our way to Smock Alley for lunch at the Five Bells.  This was my first visit to the Five Bells and I found it to be a lovely pub.


The return ride was very pleasant and Pete will keep all his route and questions to use in next years I-Spy.

Freewheel DA Event

A Horsham start and a roundabout route to Barns Green. We used Granny's Lane, Rowhook Hill, Rudgwick, The Haven, New Road and then pulled up at Summers Ponds just before midday. The Bognor and Chichester riders were already there. We sat in the sun and enjoyed our food and drink but we had to hang around for an hour and a half before the Arun and Adur bods were ready to roll.

We all went back to New Road, climbed to the top and started the Freewheel challenge. We each took it in turn to roll down the hill and see who could get the furthest. John C has been best at this in previous years but this year Sam from BogChi was the high roller. We did however get best lady  - well done Anne. 

DA AGM

Today's ride was simple - leave Horsham Pavilions in the Park at 9:00, get to Pulborough Village Centre by 10:30. My ride over had started off slowly but I'd got into my stride by Roffey and arrived at the start with 10 minutes to spare. Ken rolled up a few minutes later having used the same route over. Next we were joined by Norman and new member, Frank.

I led us out of Horsham over the golf course, down through Broadbridge Heath and on to Bashurst Hill. The skies were mainly blue with a light wind and the temperature was quite balmy for November. 

We were all enjoying the ride and we're having a good old chat as the road took us South. Crossing the A272 was event less and we carried on through Broadford Bridge and up Woods Hill to West Chiltington. After zigzagging down the hill we turned into Stream Lane which lived up to its nam with water running along it for some distance. With no mudguards on my bike I was trying to keep my speed down and bunny hop the worst bits but I still ended up with a damp behind!

I didn't have time to dry out before we were pulling up at Pulborough Village Centre - we'd arrived with 10 minutes to spare and enjoyed some tea, biscuits and a chat before the meeting started. 

The meeting was pretty much the same as usual, friendly and business-like. Oh - we won a couple of trophies as well!! There was a well observed two minute silence at 11:00 and the meeting wound up at about 11:45.

Along with Barbara we made straight for the pub - the Oddfellows Arms and settled down for lunch. Shortly after we were joined by Dave and Louise Galley and then another five DA folk turned up and we had a nice lunchtime drinking, eating and discussing all manner of things. 

The weather was still pleasant as we made our way back but this time via Barns Green, Bax Castle and Tower Hill. Back in Horsham there were now just two of us left to ride along to Crawley. 

Next weeks ride is an Easy Ride suitable for beginners, starting at Three Bridges Station at 10:00hrs. 

The Two Weald Ride

First Sunday in July?  It must be The Two Weald Ride.

After the glorious weather of the previous weekend, I'd rather forgotten about rain, so the deluge we had on Saturday took me by surprise. Waking up on Sunday morning to thick cloud and a dampness in the air, I was initially worried that we wouldn't have many takers for this, the third DA Event of the year. However, as I travelled down to Wisborough Green I noticed that the roads were all bone-dry and that the cloud was noticeably thinning. Pulling up, I saw Frank and Pat just manoeuvring their camper van into place and my fellow H&C committee members, Pete and Barbara getting their bikes ready.




















Within minutes, several others had arrived and we had a group of ten riders set off to ride the North loop. We left Frank at the camper van complete with home made cakes and tea/coffee, ready to welcome any further entrants. By 11:00, four others had turned up and had all set out on the North loop (although one of them, Ray, had already completed the East loop having set off independently at 09:00).

Here's a 3.8 minute video of the North loop:

After a fairly quick lunch, and a natter with all the other riders, four of us set off on the South loop, followed about half an hour later by another couple - one of whom was Ray, hard man of the day, clocking up his third loop.

Here's a 3.9 minute video of the South loop:

We arrived back at Wisborough Green just after 16:00hrs and a quick check revealed that there were just two riders still out - Richard and Ray.  They pulled up at 16:30 and after a last cup of tea and slice of cake it was time for us to pack up. We presented Pat and Frank with a bottle of wine as a thankyou for using their camper van as our base and then it was time to head home.

Our next ride is a "combination" ride.  There will be an 09:30 start from Three Bridges Station which will use the Crawley Horsham Cycle Route from Crawley to Horsham (some non-tarmac sections). Then, at 11:00 hrs we will all join up with a Beginners Ride from Horsham Pavilions in the Park.  This will take us on an easy loop out to The Bax Castle for a brief refreshment stop and then continue back to Horsham. There will be some non-tarmac sections in this ride, but it will be suitable for all but the most delicate of bikes.

Freewheel 2014

It's April, time for the first DA Event of the year - the Freewheel.

This year we returned to the hill that was used back when I joined the CTC 10 years ago, New Road.

The morning dawned dull and wet, although I was feeling quite chipper as it was my birthday! I used my birthday as an excuse and sent a text to Anton taking him up on the offer of a lift that he had made me. Arriving at Horsham, we were met by Norman and Mick - although it has to be said, Norman was in civvies and not riding. As we stood around chatting, Ken rolled up and joined in the chatter. The weather seemed to be improving insofar as the rain looked to be stopping, so we didn't start riding until half past ten. I had a couple of routes in mind, but in the end we just did a small loop taking in Broadbridge Heath, Slinfold and The Haven before cutting across from Rowner Road going up New Road and arriving at Sumners Ponds in Barns Green. This is where we were due to rendezvous with the other sections for lunch. Within a few minutes of us settling down to our food, a few other riders had turned up but by the time everyone else had arrived and had their lunch, we'd been there for nearly an hour and a half!

It was a short ride to the hill on New Road and then we were off. Each of us taking a turn rolling down the hill and seeing how far we could go:

The end result saw Anton roll furthest but get disqualified for turning his pedals as he started to get off, but no matter to us as the next two places were our own John C and Ken.

After all that excitement it was but a short run up Two Mile Ash Road back to Horsham and home before four pm.

Next weeks ride is a Three Bridges start at 10:00hrs for one of our monthly Introductory Rides led by Pete S.  I'm hoping that he will take us along the Worth Way as I reckon the Spring Blossom will be really good.

Arun Crossings DA Event

Pulp Fiction??   Not quite - report to follow.......

Meanwhile, watch the video....

https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1015163803845

Shoreham Airshow

August: last of the summer months, full of long sunny days just perfect for cycling.
In order to avoid a clash with the Arun Crossing DA Event, I set this ride up for a Saturday and to be honest I wasn't expecting many takers, so imagine my pleasant surprise to be met by five other riders at Horsham Park. Even so, we hung around for another 10 minutes in case any one else turned up.

It was a good mixed group with Pete and Marian on their tandem, Barbara on a tourer, Gordon and  myself on MTB's, as was Norman, recently returned from a 7 week adventure in North West Pakistan.

We quickly evaded the Horsham traffic and headed out on the Pedlars Way which was in a nice firm and smooth condition. This was followed by a short stretch of road along Jackrells Lane/Polecat Lane and on to Copsale where we acquired the Downs Link which would form the bulk of our route.

The Downs Link was nice and fast, but even so we were going to be late for our rendezvous with Val at Henfield.  I sent her a text to let her know and, once we got to Partridge Green, let Gordon go ahead so she wasn't sat alone waiting for us for too long. The rest of us arrived at Henfield at 11am (only half an hour late) and had a quick breather, resisting the temptation to 'pop' into the Cat and Canary for a refreshment break.

We carried on, enjoying the clear blue skies with warm sunshine and even the traverse of the field once we left the trackbed wasn't too bad - all was right with the world.

We passed Bramber Castle and followed the Adur down to the Old Bridge to pull up at The Red Lion at exactly 12:00hrs - give the ride leader major brownie points!!

We sat in the sun watching the aerial displays - some even had the comfort of deckchairs!!

Gordon had to leave us after an hour or so but the rest of us stayed until gone two o'clock - by then we'd had enough to eat and drink and were starting to get a bit sunburnt as well. We saw the Eurofighter put on a great display:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/45576759@N00/9656808893/

We headed home, back up the Downs Link as far as Henfield where we had a refreshment break at the Cat and Canary then said goodbye to Val as she loaded her bike onto her car.

Once we got back to Copsale, we switched to the roads and eventually used Sedgwick Lane to get us to Doomsday Green. Here, everyone else headed for Horsham whereas I turned right to pass Mannings Heath and then use Grouse Road back to Pease Pottage and then home.

The Two Weald Ride (DA Event)

During the summer months, we have a number of events designed to bring members of Arun/Adur, Bognor/Chichester and Horsham /Crawley CTC member groups together. In July we stage the Two Weald Ride. This gives our members a choice of four different 25 mile routes looping out from Wisborough Green in the general direction of each of the four main compass points.

For this years event we had a total of 15 riders turn up. It was a gloriously sunny day and I opened up the checkpoint a little earlier than advertised and got the first rider off at 09:35, with the second following along just before 10:00. As in the last few years, Frank and Pat brought their camper van and it made a great base for everyone to congregate around and enjoy their refreshments. Frank had manoeuvred it under the tree and so we could sit in the shade to avoid getting sunburnt. 

The bulk of the riders set off in two groups at about 10:15 - one group using the North loop and the other using the West loop. This left Frank and myself manning the Control but we were soon joined by John V and then Anton. We were hoping to ride as a quartet but we needed to wait for someone to take over the Control and time was slipping away, so John and Anton set off on the West loop by themselves. As I was getting hungry, I popped into the pub for lunch and got back to the van just before Pat arrived back (with John C). This meant Frank and I could set off, along with Colin - this was his second loop of the day. We'd decided on using the West loop because we think it is the nicest although it does have a couple of hills. This slide show covers all but the last mile of the entire route in a mere 6.5 minutes! If only we could ride that fast! Mind you, we'd miss the fantastic countryside that it goes through - hopefully the slide show gives some flavour, but believe me, there's no substitute for the real thing.

Arriving back at the Control bang on 16:00, all that was left to do was wave goodbye to the last of our fellow riders as they headed for home and then pack up the camper van and head for home ourselves. It had been a wonderful days cycling although the heat had probably stopped some people doing additional loops. That said, we'd collectively cycled well in excess of 400 miles taking into account those people such as John V, Anne and Colin who had all ridden to and from Wisborough Green on top of riding their loops.

Next weeks ride is a big one - it's the Horsham 100.  And this being England, the 100 means miles not kilometres!  It will start from Horsham Pavilions in the Park at 07:00 hrs and comprises of a 50 mile loop to the south with a tea stop at The Barn Garden Centre (Dial Post) at 09:30 and lunch at the Park Cafe in Horsham at 12:30. The afternoon 50 mile loop will head north and have a tea break at Henfold Lakes at 16:00 to finish back at Horsham Pavilions in the Park at 19:00 hrs. Feel free to do as much or as little of the ride as you want - perhaps just one 50 mile loop, or just a rendezvous at one of the refreshment stops which are both within about ten miles of Horsham. Hey, why not just meet up at lunch and give your encouragement to those trying to make it to three figures :-)

DA AGM, Pulborough

 

Could I get across to Horsham for 09:00hrs?      No!      I phoned Barbara and she took on the leadership role, I concentrated on trying to get to Pulborough for 10:30. As it was, I was 15 minutes late getting there!!

 

The AGM proceeded pretty much in the usual fashion and when it came to dishing out the prizes, we (Horsham and Crawley) were on the receiving end of most of them. The picture shows Ros who, with Anne, attended the most DA Events:

 

 

At the conclusion of business, most of us rode the short distance to The Sun at Nutbourne for lunch. After some good food, good ale and good company, we all headed off home before the sun got too low.



Our next ride, on Sunday 18th November, will be led by Anton and head North and West from Horsham. It will start from Horsham Park Pavilion at 10:00 hrs and will be a medium ride of about 35 miles.  Remember, 35 miles is only 3.5 hours cycling.  See you Sunday.

Shoreham Air Show

To avoid clashing with a DA Event, we decided to run the club ride to the Shoreham Air Show on Saturday this year.

Joining me at Horsham Pavilion in the Park were Pete E and Norman. As the main objective of the day was to maximise viewing of the aerial displays, I'd decided on a quick route down to Shoreham. We left Horsham on Kerves Lane then went on to Copsale, Maplehurst, Littleworth, Partridge Green and Steyning. Here we took Maudlin Lane which becomes first Annington Road and then Coombes Road before crossing the A27 and then using the old Toll Bridge to cross the River Adur.

The plan had been to then ride up Mill Hill and view events from the hillside up there, but we decided to just sit on the riverbank instead (as it was closer to the pub!).

Although it was cloudy, there was (just) enough space for the aerial displays to proceed and we enjoyed several breathtaking demonstrations of beautiful planes, both old and new. However, sitting still on the riverbank we were getting quite cold so we decided a visit to the pub was in order. We managed to get a table by a window and so could enjoy our beers whilst continuing to enjoy the flying displays.

Unfortunately, the star of the show, the Vulcan XH558 was scheduled too late in the day for us to wait and we were probably back home before it occupied the airspace over Shoreham.

To get home we decided to use the Downs Link - none of us had used it for some time, so it made sense to check it out once more. It was good and dry and we followed it all the way up to Christs Hospital. Here we used the bridleway north to Broadbridge Heath and then back into Horsham over the golf course. We'd been travelling at a pretty brisk pace back up the Downs Link and I was feeling tired so decided to use the main road back to Crawley. It wasn't too bad and I employed a defensive riding technique I learnt on a cycling course in London: by looking uncertain and as though you're about to do something unexpected (like a turn), you make motorists notice you and they give you a bit more space. The trouble is, you have to do this for every vehicle you hear approaching and it does get a bit wearing looking over your shoulder and doing random arm movements, still, at least I got safely home.

DA Picnic at Wisborough Green

John C kindly volunteered to lead this ride and when I turned up at Horsham Pavilions in the Park he was already there along with John V. It was good to see them both and as we were chatting a fourth rider, namely Pete E, turned up. We stayed in the cafe as the tail end of a heavy shower wore itself out and then we were off. Pete led us through Horsham and out on the Worthing Road to Tower Hill. The road surface showed evidence of the recent shower but, as we headed down Two Mile Ash Road so the heavens opened again. On with the waterproofs and shelter under a tree as the worst passed overhead.

Then we carried on through Barns Green and up Valewood Lane. John next led us up New Road and right onto the A29 for a short run up to the first left. As we negotiated this fast and busy road I noticed a rather battered Ford Ka sat in the field on my left - judging by the hole in the hedge and the state of the car, it looks like it had rolled over a couple of times before coming to rest pointing back in the direction from whence it came. The first left is Okehurst Lane and when we reached the far end we realised that we were going to arrive at Wisborough Green too early. So we decided to add a loop to the north and headed up to The Blue Ship at The Haven. Here we turned left then right and carried on up to the A281 at Bucks Green. Next we headed over to Tismans Common but had to stop as JC had a puncture. As we stood around watching John replace his tube, we could see the clouds were getting thicker and greyer - hurry up John!

Back on the road we were overtaken by a couple of "yoofs" in a car who shouted at us and threw something out of the car as they passed. Judging by the standard of driving I understand why young male drivers have to pay so much for car insurance. To be honest, I was half expecting to find them wrapped around a tree somewhere along Drungewick Lane!

However, we reached the end of the lane without comng across any scene of carnage and as we were now nearly there, JV and myself upped the pace a bit and arrived at the Green just a few minutes after twelve.There were a couple of riders already there and then the others rolled in. The sun was now shining and there were some 14 of us all having a picnic. I popped across to the pub and brought back a rather nice pint of Doom Bar to wash down my egg mayonaise sandwiches, chorizo, cheese and tomatoes. Very nice. This means that, with only one more DA Event to go, we're in the lead for the trophy. So come on everyone, a good turnout for the Arun Crossings on September 2nd should guarantee a win for us.

After an enoyable time chatting with our colleagues from the Arun and Adur and Bognor and Chichester sections, we headed back home. As there was just the four of us and we're all confident on the road, we used the A272 to and through Billingshurst before taking the left turn onto Wooddale Lane. This lane is so quiet that there's a green verge along the middle of much of it. After this we retraced our outward route back to Horsham where we said goodbye to Pete leaving the two Johns and I to use Forest Road through Roffey and Colgate to Pease Pottage. A quick burn down a very quiet A23 to K2 and a few minutes later I was home. My mileage for the last three Sunday rides has been 101, 65 and now 48  and I'm starting to feel fitter.

Next weeks ride is a Beginners Ride starting from Three Bridges Station at 10:00hrs. Led by Pete S it will be an easy ride suitable for practically everyone and open to members and non-members alike. The weather forecast is suggesting good weather, so come out and have an enjoyable couple of hours out and about on your bike.

Two Weald Ride

The third DA Event of the year took place on Sunday 1st July.  Based at Wisborough Green, this event gives participants the choice of four differnt 25 mile loops away from Wisborough Green - to the East, the West, the North and the South.

For the third year in a row, Pat and Frank kindly brought their motorhome so that we could use it as a base and to provide refreshments. Everything was set up at 10:00 hours and riders began arriving from the three parts of the West Sussex Member Group.

In total 16 riders attended and set off in small groups to tackle the delights of the various loops. The most popular route being the West with 8 people tackling it.  The North was next most popular with 7 people enjoying it. The East and South loops has just two riders apiece. Hah! I hear you say - that makes 19! Where did the extra 3 come from?  Well, three intrepid riders managed to fit in two loops - and 2 of them (Anne and Colin) had not only ridden to the start from Chichester but were riding back and probably clocked up somewhere in the region of 90+ miles for the day. Fantastic.

Generally speaking the weather was very good (considering) with blue skies and fluffy clouds for most of the day and just a couple of showers in the late afternoon. There was a blustery wind from the southwest but it wasn't always that noticeable when riding - most of the routes benefitted from using fairly sheltered roads.

I-Spy Ride

This years I-Spy DA Event started at Pulborough Railway station. I arrived at 09:15 to find Barbara, Mike and Anne already waiting for me. Within a few minutes Ros too had arrived and ....  that was it.

I gave each of them a map and a set of route instructions/questions:-

Miles	Route Instruction/Question	Answer
0	Leave station on Footpath to North
0.2	Turn LEFT onto road and cross over the railway.
	Musical Care?
	What MUST be done in red?
	Where does the three-legged horse live?
1.4	Turn RIGHT
	Not far, Mum
	Where do the gates open outwards?
	What side opposite La Barranca?
	Do chore fieldmouse!
	Where would you find red dogs on duty?
2.4	Turn LEFT onto A29 then immediate RIGHT onto CRAY LANE       **TAKE CARE**
2.7	Turn RIGHT at T-Junction (sp Broomers Hill)
	Where would you find two yellow kestrels?
4.0	Turn LEFT onto A-283  **CARE**
5.3	After Wiggonholt Fork RIGHT (sp Greatham, Rackham)
5.6	Turn RIGHT at T-Junction
6.0	STRAIGHT ON (ignore left)
6.9	STRAIGHT ON (ignore left)
	On Saturday, what time for the last collection at Greatham Parish church?
	Except ____?_____ vehicles?
8.5	STRAIGHT over A29 into Waltham Park Lane *CARE*
9.6	Turn RIGHT at T-Junction (sp Fittleworth, Petworth)
10.8	Bear LEFT up the hill
11.2	Turn sharp RIGHT onto A283 *CARE*
11.4	Turn LEFT (sp: Bedham)
	Add up the four numbers where you see Fittleworth House.
11.7	Fork LEFT
12.4/5	Ignore both parts of the triangular junction on the left.
12.8	Follow hairpin back round to your left (and up).
	Hello grid liver (anag.)
13.1	Turn RIGHT at T-Junction
	How many posts holding the chains?
13.6	Turn LEFT at T-Junction *CARE*
14.4	Turn RIGHT onto A283 (sp Petworth)
14.8	Turn LEFT (sp Byworth)
	How many panes of glass on the front of The Black Horse?
	What produce at Hallgate Farm?
	_________ Corner Farm?
15.8	RIGHT then LEFT to cross this fast(ish) road *CARE*
	Sounds like the Seven Dwarfs go off to work from here?
	How many white posts before the Bigenor box?
	PSM _______?
17.3	STRAIGHT ON at crossroads (sp Sutton)
17.6	Ignore Right
	Where’s the alarming company?
	Where’s David Brown in charge?
19.1	Stop at The White Horse in Sutton for lunch and hand this sheet in to Bob. **

 Having set them off, I waited at the station until 10:00 am in case any one else turned up. Then I drove down to the RSPB centre at Wiggonholt, parked my car and started to ride the route.

I wasn't sure whether the competitors were ahead of or behind me and, on reaching the highest point of the ride, I stopped for a breather and took some photos whilst I waited to see if they were just about to catch me up.

By now, the intermittent showers had amalgamated into a continuous light drizzle and having sent a text to Barbara to find out where she was I turned south and headed downhill, through Byworth and on to the lunch halt at Sutton.

As I sat in the comfort of The White Horse at Sutton I received a reply from Barbara - they were about half an hour away. I ordered my lunch (and another pint of ale).

Once everyone had arrived and handed their sheets in, I could reveal the answers: