Freewheel

Todays ride started from Horsham Park Pavilion but all six riders came from ……. Crawley! JC was leading the ride and the rest of the team was made up of John V, Pete S, Bob, Richard and Jeet. Jeet last rode with us about a year ago and has recently acquired a nice new bike and wanted to put it through its paces.

We were heading to rendezvous with the other West Sussex Member Groups at Wiggonholt RSPB centre before tackling the first DA Event of the year, the Freewheel. JC was keen to avoid us having to climb Woods Hill, where the Freewheel was to be staged, on the way there, so took us on a route to the east of it. We left Horsham on the Worthing Road then turned right at the Boars Head onto Two Mile Ash Road.

With the wind coming over our left shoulder, from the north east, the riding was pleasantly easy with dry roads lined with clumps of daffodils and primroses at various places along the roadside. The cloud cover looked to be thinning and the occasional sunny spot was noticeably warmer. Contrasting with the Boars head which looks to be closed at the moment, the Bax Castle was looking very spruce and one of our group reported having had a good meal there only recently. Turning left at the T-junction just over the bridge, we carried on along Marlpost Road and then Dragons Green Lane before passing The Green Dragon and crossing the A272. One could tell it was a dry day because the A272 had loads of motorcyclists on it – you never see them on a wet day, big girls-blouses that they are!!

I was practising my no-hands riding along Smithers Hill Lane and easily managed the whole 1 mile plus length of it. I had fitted a pair of older wheels for todays ride (XT hubs dating back to the mid-eighties but with new Mavic X317 rims) and they seemed very stable – I’ll think I’ll use them for my long-distance ride next year. After enjoying the no-hands thrill I was in a world of my own as I maintained a fairly high cadence for the next mile and when I looked over my shoulder no-one else was in sight! Doh! Had I gone on the wrong route? No, there they all were, pootling along having a chinwag. It was only at this point that I realised that Richard had left us to head back for home as he was only out for a short ride today. After Broomers Corner we forked left onto Sincox Lane and then turned left onto the B2139. Just under a mile down this road we came to the junction where Dave Galle was knocked over and severely injured last autumn. It’s very hard to understand how come the van driver didn’t see Dave – the junction is very open with good sightlines in every direction – even a low sun in the southwest would have been partially blocked by a bushy tree, so it really does make you wonder what the driver was thinking!

Taking the next turn on the right we were back onto quieter roads and a short climb and similar descent brought us into West Chiltington and past the lunch stop we’d be using later on. With no cars to slow us down, the sweeping downhill bends of the Hollow were a 30mph pleasure followed by a damp (as usual) Stream Lane across to Nutbourne. A short climb followed by a longer downhill glide and we were heading further west again before turning left onto the A283 for the final mile and a bit to Wiggonholt.

Arriving at the same time as some of our fellow riders from the other member groups, there was a bit of a wait for tea and cake as the café struggled with the influx of customers, but we were soon all tucking in.

As one big group of about 20, we headed off for the Freewheel venue – back the way we’d just come but then taking the left at the West Chiltington crossroads to head up Broadford Bridge Road and past the Golf Club before stopping at the top of Woods Hill. Richard from Arun/Adur got us all organised and outlined the rules and then we were off. One revolution of the pedals to allow people to clip in and then it was all down to gravity, avoiding the wind, using the road camber, balance and how freerunning ones wheels were.

Graham from Arun/Adur won by about ten yards or so from our own JC. Gill from Bognor/Chichester was a further ten yards back in fourth place. In all, 7 rode from Arun/Adur, 8 from Bognor/Chichester and 5 from Horsham/Crawley.
As the lunch pub was back up the hill we’d just freewheeled down and in the opposite direction to home, the Horsham/Crawley contingent decided to SKIP THE PUB LUNCH!!!!

WHAT? Has the world ended? Is everyone ill? This has to be a first!!!!!!

In order to ensure the world would carry on, I (Bob) manfully decided that I would commit myself to a lone ride home and attend the pub to proudly fly the flag for Horsham/Crawley. After all, it was the least I could do – have a beer and some lunch whilst sitting around in the sunshine! So it was back up the hill and then down to the Queens Head in West Chiltington.

For lunch I had a round of sandwiches which came with a small salad and some chips, washed down with a pint of Doom Bar - a beer from Cornwall I believe.

As I was finishing my meal I looked up to see that Dave Galle had just arrived. His daughter Louise had brought him in the car. Dave managed to walk across the road and into the pub garden unaided. He'd brought his wheelchair with him however as it was easier (and I suspect more comfortable) for him to sit on. Obviously conversation centred on how his recovery was progressing. He seems fairly pleased that he's regaining some strength in his legs now but his arms are giving him problems - he's unable to straighten them and he has no power in his grip. On top of this he has no true sense of touch or feeling below his chest - he gets pins and needles when he touches something and slightly sharper pins and needles both if he touches something hot or something cold! Dave's still got a long journey to make and I for one really appreciated him taking the time to visit us today. I'm hoping he'll come along to the I-Spy next month - I'll have a spare set of route instructions/questions for him and Louise to follow if they want.

It was good sitting in the sun chatting with Dave and everyone but all too soon it was time to head home. I decided to use the reverse of the mornings route down but it was a lot harder going back, not just because I was riding alone but due to the fairly brisk north easterly wind - it was going to be in my face all the way back. As I rode through the junction where Dave had had his accident, I was very wary of the car using the same route as Daves van driver - fortunately for me, the young lady behind the wheel had seen me but I could see how the road layout could tempt drivers to cut the corner slightly so as they wouldn't have to slow down so much - I wonder whether that's what the van driver did?

The wind made it hard work riding all the way up Two Mile Ash Road and I had to pedal most of the way down the Worthing Road into Horsham town centre. I used my usual Horsham to Crawley route along the Forest Road - unfortunately this is mainly uphill all the way to Colgate and I was flagging quite badly by the time I got there. However, I'm pretty good at gritting my teeth (you don't get anywhere unless you put some effort in) and with a determined set to my brow I'd soon made it to Pease Pottage. The freewheel down Pease Pottage hill was severely checked by the wind and I didn't even get over 30 mph but then I was into the shelter of the trees in Tilgate Forest.

The dam holding back the waters of Tilgate lake is about to be repaired/strengthened and in preparation a large swathe of trees have been felled. The lake is going to be drained (temporarily) and I believe there's been a bit of an issue about saving all the fish. On a historic note, I think the proper name of the lake is 'Campbells Lake' and I understand Donald Campbell did some early testing of his Bluebird speed record craft on it. I myself used to go canoeing on it as a teenager (well, kayaking actually).

Using my usual route past the golf clubhouse and emerging into Furnace Green via Laurel Close I passed through a new (as of last December) wooden fencing chicane which required some delicate bike handling skill to negotiate. I've been using this route in and out of Tilgate Forest for many years now (even though the end bit is signposted as a Public Footpath -not Bridleway) as it is the only level way into the Forest (all of which, North of the Motorway, is owned by us through our local Council) from Furnace Green. The erection of the fencing chicane has prompted the local horse riders association to press for the path to be upgraded to be a bridleway. The thing is, I know that it used to be a lane as, back in the very early 1960's, I once travelled it in the back of my Dad's car! We turned into the lane where K2 is now and followed it through the edge of the Forest, past what is now the Golf Club, through what was Furnace Farm then up the hill, over the railway and out onto the Old Three Bridges Road opposite The Plough in Three Bridges. I had heard a rumour that technically the public right of way was never quashed and that one could, theoretically, walk through two houses in exercise of that public right! I suspect though that it was just one of those 'Urban Myth' thingies....

Anyway, thoroughly exhausted I got home at about 16:00hrs with 54 miles under my belt - nowhere near Iron Man Anton's level but a jolly pleasant day out on my bike.

Next weeks ride is a 40 miler, starting from Three Bridges Station at 09:00hrs and led by Richard. He'll take us out to Box Hill National Trust Cafe and back. I reckon we'll be back in Crawley by about 14:00hrs and I suspect Horsham riders will be able to drop off home quite easily on the way back. Let's hope the weather's as nice but with less wind (please).

Introductory Ride

"Good morning." said the young lady on my left, "Let me introduce myself, my name is Barbara." "Well hello," I said, "I'm Bob, pleased to meet you.

Well that was half of todays event sorted - the introductions. Now, what about the ride?

In spite of me being 10 minutes early and hanging around (with a welcoming smile on my face) for a further 20 minutes, that was it: just Barbara and myself had turned up. Plan B for the route then, no need to use the Worth Way, so we headed off through Three Bridges in a zig-zaggy route to Northgate and then used the westernmost underpass into the Industrial Estate. At the western end of Manor Royal we turned right at the lights - impressively, the lights detected us and changed quite quick. We passed through Langley Green using Martyrs Avenue and the new road layout by the shops before taking Rushetts Road and Stafford Road to emerge on Ifield Avenue near the new Hindu Temple. Ifield Avenue becomes Charlwood Road and we followed it all the way to Charlwood. At this point I realised that I'd forgotten to bring my water bottle - I'd sterilised it and filled it up at home but left it on the breakfast bar! In fact I'd been particularly dopey this morning because I'd forgotten to bring my mobile phone with me as well!
Turning left and then following the road left we headed for Russ Hill. Just before the hill starts, there is a white painted post-windmill on the right - its strange location in the lee of a hill is an indicator that it's not actually from here. It was originally standing in a very open area near Gatwick Airport at Lowfield Heath. Whilst it was there, one could see it getting more and more dilapidated and decrepit. Now it looks nice and shiny but I wonder whether it ever now gets enough wind to turn its sails?

Climbing up Russ Hill there was a fair covering of running water - I'll bet the hill has been the scene of a few accidents this winter. Cresting just before the hotel, the road sweeps in a series of bends down to Partridge Lane. Here we turned left and at the next crest turned left onto Orltons Lane. It seems like this lane has been continuously damp since last summer - I suppose the shade afforded by the trees promotes the damp feel to it. Ignoring the barking from the kennels on our right we took the next left onto The Mount before turning right for a quick blast down Hillybarn Lane. Only a few weeks ago, I was riding a toboggan down this same lane!

At the bottom we turned right and then a few hundred metres later, left, onto the Rusper Road. All the land to the left is under threat of development for more housing - it depresses me that our entire way of life is based on inflation (in this case of population) and that we're building over all the things that make this place a pleasant place to live. Arriving in Ifield, we used Tangmere Road and then the underpass into West Green. From here we went over the Horsham Road level crossing and then used Springfield Road, East Park, Malthouse Road and Brewer Road to get to the traffic lights on Southgate Avenue. Opting for the most direct, if busiest, route we got back to Three Bridges station using Hawth Avenue and then Haslett Avenue to finish the ride at 11:40 having covered a mere 17 miles.

Next weeks ride is the first DA Event of the year - the Freewheel. JC is leading the ride which starts at Horsham Park Pavilion at 09:30hrs.
The intention is to rendezvous with the other member groups at Wiggonholt RSPB centre by 11:00 hrs, then ride to Woods Hill for the Freewheel at 11:30hrs before taking lunch at the Queens Head in West Chiltington. The mileage should be somewhere in the region of 35 miles and (apart from a couple of hills) should be relatively easy. Put your most free-wheeling wheels on and let's have a good turnout - see you there.

Hartfield

Starting at 10:00 hours, Pete S led Frank, Barbara and Bob off in the direction of Turners Hill. As can be seen in this picture, the potholes (or pot trenches as I called them last week) have not been repaired yet.

Pete led us over the crossroads at Turners Hill and then down the nice long, fast downhill run to the east before the short climb and right turn towards Saint Hill Green. Here, bearing right we swept down to the reservoir and took the left onto Legsheath Lane. This lane is a gradual climb (with a couple of steepish bits) all the way into Ashdown Forest. From here we went straight on over the crossroads and then ignored Twyford Lane on the right to continue onward to Wych Cross traffic lights. Here we carried straight on and enjoyed the sweeping vista to our left as we sped downhill to Colemans Hatch where we took the right turn and had another nice downhill before coming to Chuck Hatch Lane on our left. As you turn into the lane you have to go through a ford - as you can see, Frank underestimated just how deep it was!!

Barbara looks like she's going to get wet...

This lane is really pleasant as it undulates through a lovely stretch of the forest, then after a short climb we took first a left turn and after about 100 yards a bridleway on the right. This bridleway leads down to Poohsticks bridge, so we stopped there and had a game of Poohsticks - I believe Barbara won.

The bridleway was a bit muddy as it climbed up the other side of the valley, but we were soon back on tarmac and turning right we had a mile of freewheeling into the village of Hartfield.

Arriving at the pub (The Anchor) just after midday, we had the pick of the tables and were soon comfortably installed and supping on our ales. We all opted for a bagette for lunch although Pete noted there wasn't a vegetarian version on the menu.

After lunch, the weather was noticeably cooler and we decided to use the most direct route home, the Forest Way/Worth Way. In no time at all we were through Forest Row and even the long climb to East Grinstead passed quickly. I did my usual step climbing exercise at the station and took some time to study the National Cycle Network fingerpost by the carpark.

Between Crawley Down and Worth there were loads of people out on the track - walkers and cyclists - and our little group looked quite impressive as it swung back onto the road near Worth Church:

...... and I'm not even in the picture!!

The next ride is on Sunday 4th April. Starting at 10:00 hrs from Three Bridges Station, it is an Introductory Ride open to anyone that turns up (whether they're CTC members or not). I'll be leading it and the ride will last about two hours with the pace determined by the experience/ability of the participants. Safety will be my prime concern, so if anyone is not comfortable with road riding we will use the Worth Way, otherwise we'll head north and west of Crawley.

Wheatsheaf, Plummers Plain

Date: 21st March
Ride: Wheatsheaf, Plummers Plain
Distance: 35 miles - medium
Leader: Mick

I thought I had better check the start details for the ride and found that the website showed a 09:30 Horsham(HPP) start and the Pedaller showed a 09:00 Three Bridges(TBR) start. Arranged with Bob for him to start at TBR and I would start at HPP. Only Barbara turned up at HPP so we set off the meet Bob at Colgate. En-route I got a call from John V asking where I was. I explained the situation and arranged to meet him and John C at Colgate too.

Having regrouped at Colgate we headed at 10:05 for Grouse Road, Hammer Ponds and Church Lane, where Bob got a puncture. After fixing this it was down to the A281 and then Newells Lane, Prings Lane and Burnthouse Lane. As we were running late I decided to use a short section of the A272 through Cowfold and then north onto Picts Lane, Long House Lane;



Next was Earwig Lane UP to Warninglid. Continuing north and down to Slaugham Pond the two Johns left us at this point.

We arrived at the lunch stop at 11:50. Sussex and a sausage sandwich as usual. Anton and Shirley joined us for lunch. Leaving the pub we headed along Grouse Road into Colgate and home. I got home at 14:25, just in time to miss East Enders.

Official miles for the day: 30

Our next ride is on Sunday 28th March and starts from Three Bridges Railway Station at 10:00hrs. Led by Pete S it will be a 40 mile round trip with lunch at the Anchor Inn, Hartfield. I bet he uses some/all of the Worth Way/Forest Way.

Don't forget that the clocks go FORWARD on Saturday night, so you'll have one LESS hour in bed.

The Sloop (it will not rain)

Anton’s assertion that it would remain dry seemed an accurate prediction as we gathered at Three Bridges railway station – if you can call a trio a “gathering”!
Blue skies with the occasional small, white, fluffy cloud scudding down from the north west meant it was warm(!) in sheltered locations but still cold when exposed to the wind. We waited around in case anyone else turned up but no-one did and we set off at about 09:15.
The first part was the same as usual when leaving Crawley to the east – up Worth Avenue and out on the Turners Hill Road. Those terrible pot holes are still there, just past Keepers Cottage. In fact they’re not really pot holes, more like pot trenches! Arriving at the crossroads in Turners Hill, Anton took us right and down hill (hooray!) before the little climb (booooo!) past what was formerly the Punchbowl Inn but is now an Indian Restaurant. Forking left onto the west Hoathly Road he then played a masterstroke by turning left again onto the road to Kingscote. In this direction this quiet lane is almost all downhill and affords a view of the Bluebell Railway’s Kingscote Station that could be set back in the 1930’s (or even earlier). Rejoining the much busier road from Turners Hill it was just a short climb (booo again) before turning right for Saint Hill Green.

Continuing to the right we were soon on the descent to the tail end of Weirwood Reservoir, extensive views of which were flashing between the trees on my left as I swooped down the road carefully avoiding all the pot holes and the car coming up the hill on the wrong side of the road…..
At the bottom I waited for the other two and could hear their progress by listening to the pot hole warning shouts Anton was giving out. Ignoring Legsheath Lane on the left, Anton now took us uphill again but making the fair point that Legsheath Lane was actually steeper (though more sheltered from the sun) than Grinstead Lane. At the top a quick right/left took us onto Chilling Lane which, along with the following Balcombe Lane provides a superb slightly downhill run with magnificent views over the Weald to the South Downs beyond. Running in front of the others and doing some 30+ mph, I was impressed with a tractor driver ahead who not only spotted me early but also pulled his tractor over so that I could go past!

Turning left a steep and narrow Birch Grove Lane took us down to a crystal clear ford before heading up through a damp and muddy patch of forest where the road surface was something like 75% pot holes! As we negotiated this very narrow and awkward climb a rather impatient 4x4 driver squeezed past Anton and myself but had to wait for about 50 yards behind Pete. Then, taking the acute left turn into Twyford Lane he shouted something rude at Anton and myself! We think he was suggesting that we should have got off the road to allow him to pass and save about 30 seconds on his journey time. Had I had the opportunity to debate this issue with him, I would have pointed out that both sides of the road was just boggy ground and that technically, as bikes are not allowed offroad anywhere in Ashdown Forest, we would have been breaking the law had we left the tarmac!

Bearing slightly left the lane continued uphill, still in need of extensive repairs and affording a Honda Jazz driver the opportunity to squeeze a quart into a pint pot by using the “door mirror a hairs breadth from our handlebars” technique. Boosted by a very robust shout from Anton, this master driver fair shot out onto Birch Grove Road at the top of the hill!
Shortly after, we crossed the A276 and headed south east through Chelwood Gate and onward to the A22 at Nutley.

Turning right, a quick blast down this A-road and then second right onto a lane that’s new to me and proved an absolute revelation – I’d rate it up there with Weare Street. Generally downhill (living up to its name of Down Street) it’s quiet, picturesque and really pleasant riding. Then we turned right along another quiet lane to emerge just north of Fletching at Splaynes Green. From here Anton reckoned it was downhill all the way to the Sheffield Arms crossroad – but he was wrong – I counted at least two uphills on this short stretch! As we were not that far from the lunch stop and it was only just eleven o’clock, Anton was considering adding an extra loop to get the timing right but as we arrived at the Freshfield Road/Ketches Lane crossroads fate intervened in that he noticed that I had a rear puncture – it was a slow one so we decided to head straight to the pub and mend it there. One mile later we arrived at the Sloop – as promised everything was nice and dry – No Rain!! However ……. There was also ..... No Pub!!! Well, physically it was there, but it was closed for refurbishment. Drat and double drat! Still, there was a sheltered and sunny spot with a bench that was just perfect to sit and relax on whilst I mended my puncture.

The landlord came past and confirmed the pub was shut but offered us a lager if we wanted one. In spite of the fact he was carrying a chainsaw, we turned him down and decided to head for Horsted Keynes and the Green Man. As we headed back up the hill towards Freshfield Crossways, who should we spy but John C heading to rendezvous with us at the pub. So, by the time we got to the Green man there were four of us – just enough to occupy the same two leather sofas we’d occupied just the other week.

The beer was excellent again (still can’t remember the name though) and the sausage bagette I had for lunch was hugely enjoyable as well. But, due to a combination of later engagements, none of us could risk a second pint. We opted for a fairly direct route home and Anton lead us west along Keysford Lane and then Stonecross Lane to emerge onto the B2028 and head north up(!) to Ardingly. Here I was expecting him to leave us and head toward Lindfield and home but instead he lead us on, into the wind and up the B2028 as far as Selsfield Common – this was kind of him as I managed to slipstream him for all but the last half mile of this leg. I would have taken my turn at the front except that I didn’t have the legs to stay with him, let alone go past and give him a windbreak! We waited for Pete and John and then parted – Anton back towards Ardingly, the rest of us on to Turners Hill and then back to Crawley. Pete and I then used the Worth Way and noticed how many family groups of cyclists there were on it (good) and John, on his Titanium bike stuck to the road route home.

Getting in before three o’clock I decided to give my bike a quick once over and noticed that it’s in need of a really good clean and a major service – I need a new headset, the brake/gear cables could do with replacement, as could the handgrips and a new chain wouldn’t go amiss either. So I think a complete dismantle is on the cards – I’d better bring my old commuter bike up to scratch as a temporary replacement…...

Next weeks ride is a 35 mile medium rated ride led by Mick. It will start from Horsham Pavilions in the Park at 09:30 hrs and lunch will be at The Wheatsheaf in Plummers Plain. If the weather is as good as it was today, I think it will be a very enjoyable run – go on, come along for a ride.

Return from Tenterden

After an excellent evening meal accompanied by a mountain of superb desserts and a short speech from Barbara, we retired for a good nights sleep before the double whammy of a large breakfast and another 50 mile bike ride. The morning dawned bright and frosty with just a light breeze but we didn’t get off to a good start however as, having split into two groups to allow for people to visit a cash machine in Tenterden, we were several miles into the journey and hadn’t rejoined. A warning phone call from Mick in the first group let the second group know of some ice across the road on a downhill bend just after Rolvenden. As I talked to Mick about it I told him we were just behind him and about to pass a black windmill – he didn’t really seem to confirm that he’d passed the windmill but I didn’t realize the significance of this until later!



The second group (comprising of myself (Bob), John V, Pete and Marian) pressed on through Benenden and encountered some ice but none going across the road on a downhill bend, so we were beginning to realise that we were probably on a different route to the first group (comprised of Pete E, Mick, John C, Barbara and Norman). Reaching Hartley we turned south for about a mile before heading west once more along a quiet lane and on into Bedgebury Forest. Although part of the National Cycle Network, the route was actually an offroad route and accordingly I was going just that bit quicker than the rest of the group so pulled up by the lake in the Pinetum to wait for them and take some pictures. Now I’d stopped, I could feel how cold the wind was – in spite of the sunshine. Whilst waiting I phoned Mick to find out how far ahead of us he was. “Just about to enter the forest” he said, “Can you wait there?”. I suggested we’d be better (as in warmer) waiting at The Visitor Centre at Bewl Water as it was only a couple of miles away and held the promise of a café (unlike Bedgebury Forest). Mick agreed and at that point the rest of my group arrived.



We cycled on and duly pulled up at Bewl Water Visitor Centre only to find that it was closed for refurbishment! At this point Pete E phoned to say that their group had taken a wrong turning back at Rolvenden and done an unnecessary four mile loop (during which time my group had unknowingly gone past them) and had also missed the turn for Bedgebury Forest and ended up in Hawkhurst. At this point, Mick, Barbara and Norman had decided to complete the journey by train and headed off to Staplehurst. This left Pete E and John C to ponder the best route to take for a rendezvous with my group. As we set off we realized that we could quite quickly intercept them at Wadhurst and that we could make that the lunch stop rather than the planned Bells Yew Green. We left voicemail messages on their phones and pulled up at The Greyhound in Wadhurst. We hadn’t been there too long (only about half a pint) before Pete and John arrived. It was good to be just one group again and we celebrated with childrens portions of good hot food (sausages and mash or liver and bacon) and another round of beers.

After lunch, the first few miles were on a B road and we made good progress, as we did on the following two quiet lanes that took us on to Groombridge. Here we crossed the Tunbridge Wells to Eridge preserved steam railway – The Spa Valley Railway and posed for a group photograph:




After Groombridge we picked up the Forest Way and followed it past Hartfield before pulling up at the Café in Forest Row. The Café is located in the old Coal Merchants Office next to the amenity tip and serves an excellent range of hot drinks and snacks. I opted for fruit cake and a cup of tea. From Forest Row there’s the slight incline all the way to East Grinstead and then the easy riding to Crawley Down.



As you can see it was still very sunny but it definitely wasn’t warm. Minutes later we’d passed Rowfant and were crossing the M23 to enter Crawley through Worth. Here we said goodbye to first the two Johns, then Pete and Marian before I finally turned off to use the tunnel into Furnace Green leaving Pete E by himself for the last few hundred yards to Three Bridges Station where he was being picked up by Sharon.

I had a very enjoyable weekend riding with friends and I’d like to say a big thankyou to everyone for making it so much fun.

Looking at my speedo I can see that I covered some 56 miles on Saturday and another 48 on Sunday – that’s the sort of mileage that Anton has for breakfast, but thereagain, he is IRONMAN!

Next weeks ride is, coincidentally, led by Anton and will be a 40 miler starting from Three Bridges Station at 09:00 hrs with a lunch stop at The Sloop, Scaynes Hill. Anton promises it won’t be wet. Watch this space…….

Ten to Tenterden

Early March, time for the Anniversary Ride. This year we decided on Tenterden in Kent as our destination and several of our members put in a lot of work arranging the hotel and planning the route.

The weather forecast for the weekend was thankfully clear of rain although a cold north easterly wind was predicted, so waterproofs were not much in evidence as we gathered at Three Bridges Station for the start - eight bikes and nine riders wrapped up against the cold and eager to get going: John V, Mick, PeteE, Barbara, Norman, John C, Bob, Pete S and Marian (the last two on their tandem).

We used the usual easterly route out of Crawley – up Worth Avenue, out on the Turners Hill Road and then down Old Hollow to cross the A264 at the Felbridge Hotel roundabout. Here, Bob pulled up with cramp in his right calf – the sudden effort he’d put in accelerating onto the roundabout was too soon for his rather cold muscles! A feature of todays ride would be that we would be avoiding busy roads where possible, so we travelled east along Copthorne Bank and also used Cross Lane, Dowlands Lane and Bones Lane before emerging on the B2028 to get to Lingfield. Deciding against a coffee stop, we carried on along Dormans Road and then Hollow Lane before arriving in Cowden. This village is really quiet and we didn’t see any signs of life as we passed through, still heading east. After crossing the Hartfield Road we forked right onto Moat Lane (which becomes Bassett Lane) and then went past the Penshurst Off Road Cycling (PORC) site before arriving in Penshurst itself and our lunch stop.

We split into two groups for lunch with Pete E, Norman and Mick preferring the snug of the Leicester Arms and the rest of us going to the café next door. After light lunches all round with lashes of tea, coffee or beer, we were all now ready for the rest of the journey. First off we headed through Penshurst Place on the cycle track. As we crested a hill there, the bitter north easterly wind really made its presence felt. Once we were down lower there was more shelter , then, turning off Ensfield Road, the NCN route we were following went offroad alongside a couple of fields before passing through woodland with lakes on either side and then passing under the Tonbridge Bypass. From here we skirted a picturesque lake in Haysden Country Park before making our way through Tonbridge to exit on the B2017 Tudeley Road. Forking right we went through a hamlet called Capel before crossing the A228 Maidstone Road onto Crittenden Road which climbed up to the village of Matfield. Here, one of the annoying features of the NCN routing made itself evident – by following the signs we were routed on a loop twice as long as we needed to just to leave the village on the Brenchley Road.



Taking Petteridge Lane we headed south then east again alomg Tibbs Court Lane, Marle Place Lane and Ruck Lane. This part of the ride was getting quite tough as we tackled four or five hills one after the other. Looming in front we could see the village of Goudhurst sat atop the highest land in the neighbourhood. At this point a tactical error was made and four of us took Blind Lane up the face of the hill, whereas the rest of the group were more canny and effectively skirted most of it by taking Lidwells Lane and then the B2084 to rendezvous on the Cranbrook Road on the other side of the village. We were now on the A262 as it travelled along a ridge. It was quite exposed to the wind and all of us were now beginning to tire. We got separated once more as Pete E got a puncture. The leading group carried on with the intention of finding a tea stop in Cranbrook where they could wait for the rest of the group to catch up. Normans local knowledge (he came to school at Cranbrook) gave us the shortest route to the High Street and we stopped outside a café. At this point Mick decided to carry on as we weren’t far from Tenterden and let the Hotel know we would shortly be there. The rest of us snacked on cake from the café and having contacted the rest of the group by phone to reorganise, carried on ourselves. We stayed up on the ridge and the Cranbrook Road soon became the Tenterden Road and then the Cranbrook Road again as it entered Tenterden. Turning left we travelled the length of the High Street before forking left onto Oaks Road to pull up at the Collina House Hotel. We’d not been there many minutes before all the rest of the group arrived and we dispersed to our rooms for a wash and brush up before reconvening for dinner at 7pm.

Why Ten to Tenterden when there were only nine of you I hear you ask? Well, Barbara's husband Ian met us at the hotel having travelled over by car.