The Runs List said:
Date: 18th July
Ride: Bat and Ball, Newpound Common and tea at Capel
Distance: 50 miles - medium
Leader: Mick
Let's see what Mick writes:
Starting at Horsham Pavilions in the Park were Anton, Barbara and Norman. Heading out down the Brighton Road I nearly swallowed a fly, just managing to close my mouth in time. Turning right into Kerves Lane and Hard’s Hill just to warm things up. After this we headed for Maplehurst via Copsale. John V caught us up by the Camelia Botnar Garden Centre. On through Littleworth and Partridge Green the wind got up and slowed us down as bit. We turned right into Golden Lane and on towards Dial Post.
Crossing the A24 took some time but we managed it without incident. Through Dial Post and past The Countryman where Barbara peeled off to head home. The remaining four of us headed south along Coolham Road and right onto Harbolets Lane towards Adversane. It was along this road I realised we were going to be early so we decided to head for The Blue Ship at The Haven for lunch, arriving at 11:45 with some meandering.
As we had changed our lunch stop Capel at 15:00 was a problem so we decided to head home via Slinfold, Broadbridge Heath and Robin Hood Lane instead.
One interesting thing about today’s ride was five attendees and five types of bike;
Me Tourer
Anton Audax
Barbara Hybrid
Norman Mountain
John Racer
So today’s ride was really The Blue Ship at The Haven and 40 miles.
Next weeks ride (tomorrow as I post this) is a 9:30 start from Three Bridges Railway Station to cover a 40 mile loop out to Penshurst in Kent with lunch at a cafe (or a pub) on the Green there.
Saturday, 24 July 2010
World Cup Ride
Whoops - forgot to post a blog for this ride!!
The start was from Three Bridges Railway Station at 09:30 hrs. If my memory serves me correctly, I (Bob) was joined by Norman, Anton, John V, Jeet and Seb.
I called it the "World Cup Ride" because it was on the same day as the World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands - I had hoped to go through villages/past pubs that would fit into that as a theme but failed miserably to come up with any ideas to suit! As we headed through the northern parts of Crawley and then past the airport I could have pointed out that some of the planes were going to Spain and that some of them were painted orange (the Dutch team colours) but I didn't. After an uneventful passage of Gatwick the most noticeable thing was that the path between the river Mole and the lakes on the approach to Horley has been resurfaced with a compacted grit material - hopefully this will make it cleaner to use during the winter months.
Rather than use the subway, I took the bridge past Horley Railway station and then picked up NCN21 (or is it 20?) to head north out of the town. Those riders on the more 'delicate' machines took a slightly more easterly route to stay on smooth tarmac, but Norman and I toughed it out on the bumpy track (I was mistakenly under the impression that it had been resurfaced).
Meeting up again, we headed uphill and then left to go past Redhill Aerodrome and then used the intriguingly named Philanthropic Road into Redhill. Heading due west we reached Woodhatch and crossed the A217 at the traffic lights. We next used Sandcross Lane and Slipshatch Road before taking a little northern loop to go past the Police Dog training school and the deer park. We passed the Anchor at Betchworth a good hour before opening time and then the Plough in Leigh not long after - that meant two of my lunch options were written off! That's the trouble with a group of fit(-tish) blokes - they were riding too damn fast :-)
From Leigh we headed off towards Newdigate and used the very quiet Hogspudding Lan
e to emerge opposite the Six Bells (still too early). The boys were flying now and we made good progress south to arrive in Rusper bang on opening time. John Jeet and Seb decided to continue on back home leaving Norman, Anton and myself to enjoy a leisurely lunch sat outside the front of the Plough. The beauty of Rusper is that there's a nice downhill glide towards Crawley for the first mile or two (and then it's flat), so I was home just before two. Norman had a (different) downhill before a small climb back to Horsham and Anton clocked up yet more miles as he carried on back to Haywards Heath.
At this point I would normally put in a plug for the next ride, but as I'm writing this retrospectively it's already happened!
The start was from Three Bridges Railway Station at 09:30 hrs. If my memory serves me correctly, I (Bob) was joined by Norman, Anton, John V, Jeet and Seb.
I called it the "World Cup Ride" because it was on the same day as the World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands - I had hoped to go through villages/past pubs that would fit into that as a theme but failed miserably to come up with any ideas to suit! As we headed through the northern parts of Crawley and then past the airport I could have pointed out that some of the planes were going to Spain and that some of them were painted orange (the Dutch team colours) but I didn't. After an uneventful passage of Gatwick the most noticeable thing was that the path between the river Mole and the lakes on the approach to Horley has been resurfaced with a compacted grit material - hopefully this will make it cleaner to use during the winter months.
Rather than use the subway, I took the bridge past Horley Railway station and then picked up NCN21 (or is it 20?) to head north out of the town. Those riders on the more 'delicate' machines took a slightly more easterly route to stay on smooth tarmac, but Norman and I toughed it out on the bumpy track (I was mistakenly under the impression that it had been resurfaced).
Meeting up again, we headed uphill and then left to go past Redhill Aerodrome and then used the intriguingly named Philanthropic Road into Redhill. Heading due west we reached Woodhatch and crossed the A217 at the traffic lights. We next used Sandcross Lane and Slipshatch Road before taking a little northern loop to go past the Police Dog training school and the deer park. We passed the Anchor at Betchworth a good hour before opening time and then the Plough in Leigh not long after - that meant two of my lunch options were written off! That's the trouble with a group of fit(-tish) blokes - they were riding too damn fast :-)
From Leigh we headed off towards Newdigate and used the very quiet Hogspudding Lan
e to emerge opposite the Six Bells (still too early). The boys were flying now and we made good progress south to arrive in Rusper bang on opening time. John Jeet and Seb decided to continue on back home leaving Norman, Anton and myself to enjoy a leisurely lunch sat outside the front of the Plough. The beauty of Rusper is that there's a nice downhill glide towards Crawley for the first mile or two (and then it's flat), so I was home just before two. Norman had a (different) downhill before a small climb back to Horsham and Anton clocked up yet more miles as he carried on back to Haywards Heath.
At this point I would normally put in a plug for the next ride, but as I'm writing this retrospectively it's already happened!
Monday, 5 July 2010
Two Weald Ride
The Two Weald Ride is an annual West Sussex DA event, organised by the Horsham and Crawley Section. The event comprises of four circular 25 mile routes starting/finishing at Wisborough Green which effectively box the compass. Points are scored for starting and finishing any one of the routes and riders are free to ride whichever of the routes they like and however many of them as they want. This effectively gives the options of a 25, 50, 75 or 100 mile day. Horsham and Crawley man a checkpoint and provide refreshments (tea, cordial, cakes) during the day. Riders wishing to tackle multiple routes are advised to download the route instructions/map from the DA website so that they can make an early start as the control point is only available between 10:00hrs and 16:00hrs – if it were open longer, some poor cyclist(s) from our section would have to spend the majority of the day not cycling! With a 6 hour window we’ve normally got enough members present for us all to share the task.
Previously we’ve erected a little marquee under the chestnut tree by the green and last year we also had the use of a mobile home to provide somewhere to shelter and brew the tea, but this year the weather was fine enough to forego both and just place the table and chairs in the shade of the tree. Arranged on the table were printouts of the route instructions, maps, a fruit cake and two Victoria sponges – the cakes were baked by Mick, Barbara and Bob respectively.
Leading up to the event, various members arranged the details by phone and e-mail –printing of the maps/route instructions, provision of gas stove, table, chairs, tea, coffee, squash, cakes, water, a monetary float and arranging to transport all of this to Wisborough Green (along with our bikes of course). So, just before 9 am three cars assembled at Barbara’s house and items were carefully packed in next to each of our bikes. As we unpacked at Wisborough Green, so the first riders started arriving and Barbara’s thoughtful idea of bring hot water in flasks allowed us to get the kettle boiling very quickly so that everyone could have a pre-ride cuppa. Barbara and I (Bob) took on the first shift and had soon waved off some 13 riders from the various West Sussex Member Groups. Not long after, Bob Harber, going for the big 100, finished his second loop, had a short break for refreshments and then set off on his third loop. Colin was next to arrive having cycled all the way from Bognor – he too partook of the refreshments before setting off on a loop. Shortly after, Pete S arrived having just completed the Southern loop. He kept us company for the next hour or so and, when John V and John C completed their loop, took on the Western Loop with us.
Sitting around for a couple of hours hadn’t taken the edge off Barbara’s pace and she set a blistering speed as we headed off to Kirdford – Pete and I could barely keep up!
After Kirdford the western route goes through Ebernoe then Lurgashall and Lickfold before the climb of Leggatt Hill followed by a descent and stiff climb to River.
At the next junction the official route goes right and down to join the A 272 but in practice most people go left to stay on a quieter road, enduring a climb but with good views to the south. Then following a right turn there’s a nice downhill run through Upperton and on down to Tillington. Here we stopped for lunch at the Horse Guards Inn. The menu wasn’t really that cyclist friendly but we snacked on spicy nut mix and bread and oils in a pleasantly sunny courtyard. The beer was absolutely superb and it was hard work dragging ourselves away to continue the ride.
Emerging onto the A272 we turned left and headed into Petworth but avoided most of the town by passing to the south before going up through Byworth and then past the Welldiggers Arms and onto the long uphill drag north. Crossing the A272, the road goes downhill and we made good time back through Kirdford and on to Wisborough Green.
So finally, at about half past four on a sunny but fairly windy day, we packed our bikes away and went back home. The day seems to have been a success with some 18 riders taking part clocking up something like 600 miles between them! All the fruit cake had been sold and most of the two Victoria sponges as well.
The next DA Event also involves food – it’s the Picnic on Sunday 4th August and, because it’s central to all the sections, it’s at Wisborough Green.
Previously we’ve erected a little marquee under the chestnut tree by the green and last year we also had the use of a mobile home to provide somewhere to shelter and brew the tea, but this year the weather was fine enough to forego both and just place the table and chairs in the shade of the tree. Arranged on the table were printouts of the route instructions, maps, a fruit cake and two Victoria sponges – the cakes were baked by Mick, Barbara and Bob respectively.
Leading up to the event, various members arranged the details by phone and e-mail –printing of the maps/route instructions, provision of gas stove, table, chairs, tea, coffee, squash, cakes, water, a monetary float and arranging to transport all of this to Wisborough Green (along with our bikes of course). So, just before 9 am three cars assembled at Barbara’s house and items were carefully packed in next to each of our bikes. As we unpacked at Wisborough Green, so the first riders started arriving and Barbara’s thoughtful idea of bring hot water in flasks allowed us to get the kettle boiling very quickly so that everyone could have a pre-ride cuppa. Barbara and I (Bob) took on the first shift and had soon waved off some 13 riders from the various West Sussex Member Groups. Not long after, Bob Harber, going for the big 100, finished his second loop, had a short break for refreshments and then set off on his third loop. Colin was next to arrive having cycled all the way from Bognor – he too partook of the refreshments before setting off on a loop. Shortly after, Pete S arrived having just completed the Southern loop. He kept us company for the next hour or so and, when John V and John C completed their loop, took on the Western Loop with us.
Sitting around for a couple of hours hadn’t taken the edge off Barbara’s pace and she set a blistering speed as we headed off to Kirdford – Pete and I could barely keep up!
After Kirdford the western route goes through Ebernoe then Lurgashall and Lickfold before the climb of Leggatt Hill followed by a descent and stiff climb to River.
At the next junction the official route goes right and down to join the A 272 but in practice most people go left to stay on a quieter road, enduring a climb but with good views to the south. Then following a right turn there’s a nice downhill run through Upperton and on down to Tillington. Here we stopped for lunch at the Horse Guards Inn. The menu wasn’t really that cyclist friendly but we snacked on spicy nut mix and bread and oils in a pleasantly sunny courtyard. The beer was absolutely superb and it was hard work dragging ourselves away to continue the ride.
Emerging onto the A272 we turned left and headed into Petworth but avoided most of the town by passing to the south before going up through Byworth and then past the Welldiggers Arms and onto the long uphill drag north. Crossing the A272, the road goes downhill and we made good time back through Kirdford and on to Wisborough Green.
By now it was half past three and most of the riders had finished their rides and were heading home. We packed everything away and ensured we left the Green as we found it whilst we waited for the remaining few riders to come back. Colin turned up and waving goodbye, headed off back in the direction of Bognor, then at exactly four pm, our lone 100 miler turned up having just completed his fourth and last loop – he’d managed each one in just about 2 hours and hadn’t really taken any breaks – pretty impressive. I was glad to hear that his car was parked just around the corner and that he would be driving home as I could see that he’d put in a lot of effort and I was worried he’d be too tired to ride home.
So finally, at about half past four on a sunny but fairly windy day, we packed our bikes away and went back home. The day seems to have been a success with some 18 riders taking part clocking up something like 600 miles between them! All the fruit cake had been sold and most of the two Victoria sponges as well.
The next DA Event also involves food – it’s the Picnic on Sunday 4th August and, because it’s central to all the sections, it’s at Wisborough Green.
Monday, 28 June 2010
Friday Night Ride to the Coast
Three of us joined sixty odd other cyclists for this Sutton and Cheam CTC organised ride.
Anton, Pete S and I (Bob) met up at Three Bridges Station shortly before 10 p.m. to catch a train to Victoria. As we waited on the platform, three other cyclists arrived and when the train pulled in there were already several other cyclists aboard. As ever, we got chattting and found that all of them were tackling the same ride as us!
At Victoria Station there was already a gaggle of cyclists hanging around and eventually we all set off for the short ride to Hyde Park Corner. Here we met up with the rest of the riders and after a short briefing from the ride leader we set off.
Away from Hyde Park Corner the roads became quieter and we made our way out through London, stopping every now and again to regroup. After crossing Clapham Common we picked up the A24 and followed it to Ewell where we eschewed the bypass and headed for an all night garage. Here, whilst riders stocked up on food and drink (non-alcoholic), a policeman enquired what so many cyclists were doing out and about in the early hours of the morning.
As we got further out from London we needed our bike lights more and more. Some of the bikes had halogen lights that seemed far brighter than those of the occasional car that we saw. Crossing over the M25, a couple of lorries gave us an encouraging blast on the airhorns. Up till this point we’d been mainly traveling on well-lit roads, but now the lampposts started running out and when we reached the Leatherhead Bypass we had a fast descent to make on a pitch dark hill. However, with each bike switching on their mainbeam, it was relatively easy to see and I managed to clock over 30 mph down the hill – I don’t know my exact speed because every time I switched my main light on, interference from it seemed to stop my wireless speedo from working!!
After the Leatherhead Bypass we passed through the North Downs, still using the A24 and went through the eastern edge of Dorking. Heading south we had a slight climb to negotiate before we forked left and onto a more minor road towards Newdigate. We were now on familiar lanes and Rusper soon passed under our wheels. We carried on through Faygate and, on reaching the A264 turned left to arrive at the “lunch” stop – the Cabin Café by the roundabout. We queued up and ordered cups of tea and various sandwiches – I had a “mug of strong tea and a bacon sandwich please”. Sitting in the fug of the café, there was a good atmosphere with people talking and joking with each other. Looking out of the window I could see the sky lightening and by the time we restarted the ride at about 4 am, I would say that dawn had broken.
On very familiar territory now, us Horsham and Crawley riders were very much to the fore as we rode into Horsham town centre, past the (broken) globe water feature and out on the Worthing Road. At Tower Hill we turned right onto Two Mile Ash Road and followed it all the way to the edge of Barns Green where we turned left and headed for Coolham. After Coolham we passed through the junction where Dave Galle was so severely injured last year and I took the opportunity to take pictures showing how visible Anton and Pete were:
Shortly after here we forked left for the short climb into West Chiltington before the rapid descent of the double bends and then Stream Lane. Minutes later we were passing Wiggonholt RSPB centre before taking the right fork and entering the woods. Right then left took us to Rackham where we saw half a dozen deer standing in the road ahead of us. I found the short climb up Amberley Bank quite tiring and realized I had now been awake nearly 24 hours (and really, really wanted my bed). Passing through Amberley I felt sorry for the residents as we were making quite a bit of noise, then before the bridge, we turned left and headed up the quiet lane to North Stoke. I thought we were going to use the bridleway and head up into the Downs before heading south to com out on the A27, but instead, we dismounted and walked a path over several stiles, two fields and the “Gurkha Bridge”.
Shortly after this bridge, another one took us over the Arun and onto its west bank. From here we passed the Arundel Wildfowl park and arrived outside the gates to Arundel Castle. We regrouped here and I took the opportunity to get another bottle of water and some chocolate.
From Arundel we headed through Ford to Yapton, then down to Middleton before finally arriving on the coast at Felpham. Here the ride ended and we all settled down in the sun to eat a nice hearty breakfast from the café. Sitting there in the sun, with a full stomach was so comfortable that I soon found myself falling asleep and so we decided it was time to head home. We suspected that there would be too many cyclists trying to get on the train at Bognor station so we decided to ride a few miles inland to Barnham and catch a train from there (there was a better choice of service from there as well) but not before we had a team photo taken.
Anton, Pete S and I (Bob) met up at Three Bridges Station shortly before 10 p.m. to catch a train to Victoria. As we waited on the platform, three other cyclists arrived and when the train pulled in there were already several other cyclists aboard. As ever, we got chattting and found that all of them were tackling the same ride as us!
At Victoria Station there was already a gaggle of cyclists hanging around and eventually we all set off for the short ride to Hyde Park Corner. Here we met up with the rest of the riders and after a short briefing from the ride leader we set off.
Away from Hyde Park Corner the roads became quieter and we made our way out through London, stopping every now and again to regroup. After crossing Clapham Common we picked up the A24 and followed it to Ewell where we eschewed the bypass and headed for an all night garage. Here, whilst riders stocked up on food and drink (non-alcoholic), a policeman enquired what so many cyclists were doing out and about in the early hours of the morning.
As we got further out from London we needed our bike lights more and more. Some of the bikes had halogen lights that seemed far brighter than those of the occasional car that we saw. Crossing over the M25, a couple of lorries gave us an encouraging blast on the airhorns. Up till this point we’d been mainly traveling on well-lit roads, but now the lampposts started running out and when we reached the Leatherhead Bypass we had a fast descent to make on a pitch dark hill. However, with each bike switching on their mainbeam, it was relatively easy to see and I managed to clock over 30 mph down the hill – I don’t know my exact speed because every time I switched my main light on, interference from it seemed to stop my wireless speedo from working!!
After the Leatherhead Bypass we passed through the North Downs, still using the A24 and went through the eastern edge of Dorking. Heading south we had a slight climb to negotiate before we forked left and onto a more minor road towards Newdigate. We were now on familiar lanes and Rusper soon passed under our wheels. We carried on through Faygate and, on reaching the A264 turned left to arrive at the “lunch” stop – the Cabin Café by the roundabout. We queued up and ordered cups of tea and various sandwiches – I had a “mug of strong tea and a bacon sandwich please”. Sitting in the fug of the café, there was a good atmosphere with people talking and joking with each other. Looking out of the window I could see the sky lightening and by the time we restarted the ride at about 4 am, I would say that dawn had broken.
On very familiar territory now, us Horsham and Crawley riders were very much to the fore as we rode into Horsham town centre, past the (broken) globe water feature and out on the Worthing Road. At Tower Hill we turned right onto Two Mile Ash Road and followed it all the way to the edge of Barns Green where we turned left and headed for Coolham. After Coolham we passed through the junction where Dave Galle was so severely injured last year and I took the opportunity to take pictures showing how visible Anton and Pete were:
Shortly after here we forked left for the short climb into West Chiltington before the rapid descent of the double bends and then Stream Lane. Minutes later we were passing Wiggonholt RSPB centre before taking the right fork and entering the woods. Right then left took us to Rackham where we saw half a dozen deer standing in the road ahead of us. I found the short climb up Amberley Bank quite tiring and realized I had now been awake nearly 24 hours (and really, really wanted my bed). Passing through Amberley I felt sorry for the residents as we were making quite a bit of noise, then before the bridge, we turned left and headed up the quiet lane to North Stoke. I thought we were going to use the bridleway and head up into the Downs before heading south to com out on the A27, but instead, we dismounted and walked a path over several stiles, two fields and the “Gurkha Bridge”.
Shortly after this bridge, another one took us over the Arun and onto its west bank. From here we passed the Arundel Wildfowl park and arrived outside the gates to Arundel Castle. We regrouped here and I took the opportunity to get another bottle of water and some chocolate.
From Arundel we headed through Ford to Yapton, then down to Middleton before finally arriving on the coast at Felpham. Here the ride ended and we all settled down in the sun to eat a nice hearty breakfast from the café. Sitting there in the sun, with a full stomach was so comfortable that I soon found myself falling asleep and so we decided it was time to head home. We suspected that there would be too many cyclists trying to get on the train at Bognor station so we decided to ride a few miles inland to Barnham and catch a train from there (there was a better choice of service from there as well) but not before we had a team photo taken.
Arriving at Barnham we purchased our tickets (I’d brought my Gold Card season ticket so managed to get a slight discount – they were still £8.30 each though) and had only a short wait before our train arrived – guess where it came from? Yes, Bognor! As it was only 4 carriages long I feared there would be too many bikes on it already but no, our luck held out, and there was enough space for all three of us. After an uneventful journey during which I slept fitfully, we got back to Three Bridges and minutes later I was back home where, having had a wash and brush up, I promptly fell asleep as soon as I sat on my bed – my intention had been to stay awake all afternoon and then have an early night but my body overrode that plan without me knowing (until I woke up a few hours later!!).
Sunday dawned and I woke up with a painful right leg – it had started hurting several hours after I’d completed the London to Brighton ride a week ago and although I thought it was OK, the London to Bognor ride had obviously taken its toll. Regretfully I had to miss the club ride and sent Pete E a text to let him know.
Petes ride was billed as a “Mystery Ride” and his intended route remains a mystery to most of us for only two riders turned up – Mick and Barbara. They had a pleasant ride however and headed west and south to enjoy an early lunch at Wiston before stopping off at Maplehurst for a pint or two and a chat with John B (it is his local after all).
This Sunday is the second of the DA Events that we run – the Two Weald Ride. Centred on Wisborough Green, there are four 25 mile rides available - North, East, South and West. We will once again have a small marquee there and will be providing light refreshments (tea, coffee, squash, cakes & biscuits). Although the marquee will only be available between 10:00hrs and 16:00hrs, if you'd like to start riding before then - perhaps in order to do all four routes and clock up a 100 mile day, please do so. The map and route instructions are available here: http://www.ctcwestsussex.org.uk/Two_Weald_Ride_Routes_And_Map_2009_1_.pdf
As ever, we are dependent on you, our fellow club members, to bring along some cakes for us to sell to the hungry masses and raise a little money for the club funds.
In terms of DA points, you'll get a full 10 points for starting and completing at least one of the routes. Amazingly enough we're lying second in the DA competition at the moment, so please come along on Sunday even if just for one loop (the Western one is my personal favourite).
Sunday dawned and I woke up with a painful right leg – it had started hurting several hours after I’d completed the London to Brighton ride a week ago and although I thought it was OK, the London to Bognor ride had obviously taken its toll. Regretfully I had to miss the club ride and sent Pete E a text to let him know.
Petes ride was billed as a “Mystery Ride” and his intended route remains a mystery to most of us for only two riders turned up – Mick and Barbara. They had a pleasant ride however and headed west and south to enjoy an early lunch at Wiston before stopping off at Maplehurst for a pint or two and a chat with John B (it is his local after all).
This Sunday is the second of the DA Events that we run – the Two Weald Ride. Centred on Wisborough Green, there are four 25 mile rides available - North, East, South and West. We will once again have a small marquee there and will be providing light refreshments (tea, coffee, squash, cakes & biscuits). Although the marquee will only be available between 10:00hrs and 16:00hrs, if you'd like to start riding before then - perhaps in order to do all four routes and clock up a 100 mile day, please do so. The map and route instructions are available here: http://www.ctcwestsussex.org.uk/Two_Weald_Ride_Routes_And_Map_2009_1_.pdf
As ever, we are dependent on you, our fellow club members, to bring along some cakes for us to sell to the hungry masses and raise a little money for the club funds.
In terms of DA points, you'll get a full 10 points for starting and completing at least one of the routes. Amazingly enough we're lying second in the DA competition at the moment, so please come along on Sunday even if just for one loop (the Western one is my personal favourite).
Monday, 21 June 2010
The Sun Inn, Dunsfold (in theory)
I had researched the route for today’s ride recently and had included some previously unused lanes near Bramley and even included the Downs Link to appease our off-roaders. But I had forgotten about the London to Brighton ride on that day so attendance was poor, just Barbara and Norman. Both attendees said they were only planning to do part of the route so I decided to do just a short morning ride. I’ll have to save the route for another year.
Off we set over the bypass, pass the smelly tip and on towards Capel. Right onto the A24 and next left, pass Ockley railway station and next left into Weare Street. It was then over the A29, through Okewoodhill and Rowhook. Re-crossing the A29 after a nice downhill, along the A281 for a short distance and left towards Warnham. Back to Horsham via Robin Hood Lane and the golf course.
Vital statistics:
Cycle computer;
Distance Time moving Average Maximum
19.11 1:50 10.5 mph 32.8 mph
GPS;
Distance Time moving Average Maximum Elapsed
19.3 1:51 10.4 mph 31.7 mph 2:03
Elevation (ft)
Minimum Maximum Ascent
134 377 1,663
This weeks ride is Pete's Mystery Ride - it's a mystery to Pete where he's going to take us, but with coverage of the England game starting at 14:00hrs, I'm guessing it will have finished by then! The start is 09:30 at Horsham Park Pavilions and the weather is going to be smashing! On friday night, Pete S, Anton and Bob are going to try their hand at a "Friday Night Ride to the Coast". This starts at midnight from Hyde Park Corner and finishes at Bognor Regis in the morning with a refreshment stop at the Cabin by the Faygate roundabout sometime in the wee small hours. I'll post a report when it's done.
Off we set over the bypass, pass the smelly tip and on towards Capel. Right onto the A24 and next left, pass Ockley railway station and next left into Weare Street. It was then over the A29, through Okewoodhill and Rowhook. Re-crossing the A29 after a nice downhill, along the A281 for a short distance and left towards Warnham. Back to Horsham via Robin Hood Lane and the golf course.
Vital statistics:
Cycle computer;
Distance Time moving Average Maximum
19.11 1:50 10.5 mph 32.8 mph
GPS;
Distance Time moving Average Maximum Elapsed
19.3 1:51 10.4 mph 31.7 mph 2:03
Elevation (ft)
Minimum Maximum Ascent
134 377 1,663
This weeks ride is Pete's Mystery Ride - it's a mystery to Pete where he's going to take us, but with coverage of the England game starting at 14:00hrs, I'm guessing it will have finished by then! The start is 09:30 at Horsham Park Pavilions and the weather is going to be smashing! On friday night, Pete S, Anton and Bob are going to try their hand at a "Friday Night Ride to the Coast". This starts at midnight from Hyde Park Corner and finishes at Bognor Regis in the morning with a refreshment stop at the Cabin by the Faygate roundabout sometime in the wee small hours. I'll post a report when it's done.
Monday, 14 June 2010
Wow! What a great ride! Really interesting with plenty to see.
I met Martin at Three Bridges station and we caught the 09:12 train to London Bridge. John H. met us there and we set off east along Tooley Street before turning left to cross the Thames on Tower Bridge. Keeping left we dismounted to walk down to the river onto the Thames Path and walked past the Tower of London.
Back on our bikes we cycled through St. Katherines Dock before using various small lanes and the Thames Path to arrive at the Limehouse Basin. Taking Northey Street, we arrived at a small park with a circular path which led us onto the Limehouse Cut. This is a canal running roughly northeasterly which took us onward to the Lea valley. The towpath was a bit narrow in places but we negotiated it without incident. Cycling along we were surrounded by new build apartments looking out on the canal and old industrial units which completely turned their backs on the canal.
By now we were heading up through Hackney and under the A12 though it was becoming harder to believe we were still in London. The green spaces were opening out and near Lea Bridge I spotted a Heron ( at 51.573109,-0.056447 to be precise).
We’d seen plenty of narrow boats so far but now they were lining the bank and their owners/residents were enjoying the early morning sun. To our right there were now a series of reservoirs but all we could see of them were the grassy banks forming their western edges. Leaving Tottenham we went under the North Circular road and alongside another two, large but invisible to us, reservoirs. The cycling was easy on a pressed grit surface with the main hazard being the frequent pedestrians suffering from either deafness, blindness, stupidity or all three. At times, in the bright sunlight, it was possible to see the bottom of the canal the water was so clear and there was certainly plenty of wildlife (both plant and animal) on it.
We’d maintained quite a high and steady pace and had now gone under the M25 to finally get clear of London. Cheshunt was to our left and Cheshunt station was a mere third of a mile away but we couldn’t actually see either – it felt like we were in the middle of open countryside. The next stretch featured marshland to the east, but the path remained firm and dry. Another feature of this ride is the works associated with the river and canal. At Dobbs Weir we traversed a narrow bridge with a great view of the river/canal tipping over three triangular finger like weirs. The water was very clear with plenty of vegetation growing on its bed
Soon after we found ourselves going past Rye House – a go-kart track but we also saw some Speedway bikes and riders at a circuit next to it. Now, with the railway unobtrusively ever present to our left, we were nearing the end. Martin had just pointed out how many small flies there were and I’d just brushed a load off my arm and we both noticed them hitting surface of the water. However, it was actually raindrops making the ripples and a very brief and to be honest, not at all wetting, shower passed over us. It could have set in stronger, we wouldn’t have been bothered as we had now arrived at Ware and pulled up at John’s apartment overlooking the canal.
First thing he did was put the oven on ready for the pizzas, second was to get us each a beer –we’d earned them.
I met Martin at Three Bridges station and we caught the 09:12 train to London Bridge. John H. met us there and we set off east along Tooley Street before turning left to cross the Thames on Tower Bridge. Keeping left we dismounted to walk down to the river onto the Thames Path and walked past the Tower of London.
Back on our bikes we cycled through St. Katherines Dock before using various small lanes and the Thames Path to arrive at the Limehouse Basin. Taking Northey Street, we arrived at a small park with a circular path which led us onto the Limehouse Cut. This is a canal running roughly northeasterly which took us onward to the Lea valley. The towpath was a bit narrow in places but we negotiated it without incident. Cycling along we were surrounded by new build apartments looking out on the canal and old industrial units which completely turned their backs on the canal.
As we emerged into the Lea Valley, the views opened out and the amount of vegetation started to increase. The path stayed with the canal or ‘navigation’ whilst the river meandered around a bit further east. Fortunately John was confident in his routing and we didn’t make any mistakes following the route. To our right, through a high wire mesh security fence, we could see the Olympic park taking shape. The main stadium is pretty impressive and I think I also saw either the swimming Pool or the Cycling Arena nearing completion. A feature of this part of the ride was that there were several channels leading from the main canal into the Olympic Park area, but they were all blocked off by booms formed of several large drums with viciously spiked discs in between each drum, all painted bright yellow. I don't think they want any river traffic "accidentally" making it's way into the Park.
By now we were heading up through Hackney and under the A12 though it was becoming harder to believe we were still in London. The green spaces were opening out and near Lea Bridge I spotted a Heron ( at 51.573109,-0.056447 to be precise).
We’d seen plenty of narrow boats so far but now they were lining the bank and their owners/residents were enjoying the early morning sun. To our right there were now a series of reservoirs but all we could see of them were the grassy banks forming their western edges. Leaving Tottenham we went under the North Circular road and alongside another two, large but invisible to us, reservoirs. The cycling was easy on a pressed grit surface with the main hazard being the frequent pedestrians suffering from either deafness, blindness, stupidity or all three. At times, in the bright sunlight, it was possible to see the bottom of the canal the water was so clear and there was certainly plenty of wildlife (both plant and animal) on it.
We’d maintained quite a high and steady pace and had now gone under the M25 to finally get clear of London. Cheshunt was to our left and Cheshunt station was a mere third of a mile away but we couldn’t actually see either – it felt like we were in the middle of open countryside. The next stretch featured marshland to the east, but the path remained firm and dry. Another feature of this ride is the works associated with the river and canal. At Dobbs Weir we traversed a narrow bridge with a great view of the river/canal tipping over three triangular finger like weirs. The water was very clear with plenty of vegetation growing on its bed
Soon after we found ourselves going past Rye House – a go-kart track but we also saw some Speedway bikes and riders at a circuit next to it. Now, with the railway unobtrusively ever present to our left, we were nearing the end. Martin had just pointed out how many small flies there were and I’d just brushed a load off my arm and we both noticed them hitting surface of the water. However, it was actually raindrops making the ripples and a very brief and to be honest, not at all wetting, shower passed over us. It could have set in stronger, we wouldn’t have been bothered as we had now arrived at Ware and pulled up at John’s apartment overlooking the canal.
First thing he did was put the oven on ready for the pizzas, second was to get us each a beer –we’d earned them.
This was such a good ride that I'm planning to do it again in August or perhaps September.
Next weeks ride takes us to the Sun Inn at Dunsfold. Starting from Horsham Park Pavilions at 09:00hrs, this ride will be led by Mick and is rated as Medium because it will be nearly 60 miles. This will be a lovely ride and will finish sometime around 16:00 or so.
Sunday, 6 June 2010
Crawley Family Cycle Ride
CTC were pleased to support the first Crawley Family Cycle Ride on Sunday 6th June. This initiative came about as a result of our campaigning work on the Crawley Borough Council cycle forum when we took the Mayor and her husband for a short ride around the Borough. She suggested that it would be a good idea to have an introductory ride, open to the public, so that we could show people how easy it is to cycle around Crawley and that it is possible to get to popular destinations e.g. K2, without too much difficulty on your bike. So jointly with Sustrans and CBC the Crawley Family Cycle Ride was brought in to being.
We were pleased to welcome about thirty cyclists to Oriel school for registration at 10.00. The assembled multitudes (!) included five children through to retired people and bikes of all shapes and sizes including three with Rann trailers. Sustrans had done the majority of the organisation and had arranged two experts from Brighton to help with any bike maintenance issues, while CTC provided the route and lead the ride. We rode in a large group under the railway bridge at Oriel in to Furnace Green, along Ashdown drive through Tilgate and then turned left along York road and Winchester road to reach K2 via the cyclepath. And what an impressive group we made!
To some of us Crawley veterans it was pleasing, as well, to hear people remarking that they didn’t know that you can get in to K2 from the ‘back’ and how easy it is to get there by bike. Through K2 we went under the subway at Thomas Bennett roundabout to enter Broadfield and then climb two short hills to the top of Tollgate hill where we had to walk a few metres to the A264 and use the at grade crossing to reach Brighton road north, taking great care with the traffic. It was most impressive how everyone managed to ride uphill at a very respectable rate. Quickly through Pease Pottage we reached the bridge over the A23 where we crossed to the east side and followed the old A23 to Handcross and then Nymans gardens. The National Trust had kindly offered two for one entry to our party and a free drink in their café. Many people went in to Nymans while others relaxed outside with a drink and some very nice cake (in some cases, I think, cakes!). Everyone was impressed at how easily they had done the 6.47 miles from Oriel to Nymans.
At 13.15 Chris Boocock, our energetic Sustrans organiser, took the official group photograph outside the National Trust and then we were off again, retracing our steps back to Pease Pottage, carefully down Tollgate Hill to K2 and then through Tilgate.
Up to this point the weather had been pleasantly warm, although slightly overcast with an ominous few drops of rain, but as we all reached St Leonards Drive the heavens opened and it started to bucket down with rain. Fortunately it was a short sprint back to Oriel school and shelter in the foyer where we enjoyed (non-alcoholic) drinks courtesy of CBC. All agreed that the ride had been very enjoyable, ably marshalled by Bob (who seemed to be everywhere all at one time – how do you do that Bob?) and Anton as back marker with his 100kw human powered headlight on his new lightweight bike. Everyone had enjoyed a pleasant 14 mile ride to a local attraction and had the pleasure of meeting other, like-minded people in the process on what turned out to be a very pleasant and sociable event.
Many thanks to all who attended – we hope to see you all again on future rides – and to all the helpers including Barbara, Gordon, Tricia and Marian – for making this a fun day out. Now next year we’re going to have to try to beat this……..
Peter
We were pleased to welcome about thirty cyclists to Oriel school for registration at 10.00. The assembled multitudes (!) included five children through to retired people and bikes of all shapes and sizes including three with Rann trailers. Sustrans had done the majority of the organisation and had arranged two experts from Brighton to help with any bike maintenance issues, while CTC provided the route and lead the ride. We rode in a large group under the railway bridge at Oriel in to Furnace Green, along Ashdown drive through Tilgate and then turned left along York road and Winchester road to reach K2 via the cyclepath. And what an impressive group we made!
To some of us Crawley veterans it was pleasing, as well, to hear people remarking that they didn’t know that you can get in to K2 from the ‘back’ and how easy it is to get there by bike. Through K2 we went under the subway at Thomas Bennett roundabout to enter Broadfield and then climb two short hills to the top of Tollgate hill where we had to walk a few metres to the A264 and use the at grade crossing to reach Brighton road north, taking great care with the traffic. It was most impressive how everyone managed to ride uphill at a very respectable rate. Quickly through Pease Pottage we reached the bridge over the A23 where we crossed to the east side and followed the old A23 to Handcross and then Nymans gardens. The National Trust had kindly offered two for one entry to our party and a free drink in their café. Many people went in to Nymans while others relaxed outside with a drink and some very nice cake (in some cases, I think, cakes!). Everyone was impressed at how easily they had done the 6.47 miles from Oriel to Nymans.
At 13.15 Chris Boocock, our energetic Sustrans organiser, took the official group photograph outside the National Trust and then we were off again, retracing our steps back to Pease Pottage, carefully down Tollgate Hill to K2 and then through Tilgate.
Up to this point the weather had been pleasantly warm, although slightly overcast with an ominous few drops of rain, but as we all reached St Leonards Drive the heavens opened and it started to bucket down with rain. Fortunately it was a short sprint back to Oriel school and shelter in the foyer where we enjoyed (non-alcoholic) drinks courtesy of CBC. All agreed that the ride had been very enjoyable, ably marshalled by Bob (who seemed to be everywhere all at one time – how do you do that Bob?) and Anton as back marker with his 100kw human powered headlight on his new lightweight bike. Everyone had enjoyed a pleasant 14 mile ride to a local attraction and had the pleasure of meeting other, like-minded people in the process on what turned out to be a very pleasant and sociable event.
Many thanks to all who attended – we hope to see you all again on future rides – and to all the helpers including Barbara, Gordon, Tricia and Marian – for making this a fun day out. Now next year we’re going to have to try to beat this……..
Peter
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
By contrast, our next ride is an 'awayday' type of ride. Make your own way up to London and rendezvous on the Northwest side of Tower Bridge at 10:00hrs on Sunday 13th June. John H shlould meet us there and guide us through East London to pick up the Lea Valley Path. This will take us past the Olympic Park and north alongside various canals and the River Lea, all the way to Ware in Hertfordshire. John assures me this is an easy 26 miles. We'll have lunch there - pub or pizzas at Johns place - before retracing our route (train option from Ware to Liverpool Street if required) and catching the train home from either London Bridge or Victoria.
Please let me know if you will be doing this ride by friday evening. Bob.
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