Blue sky as far as the eye could see – what a glorious spring morning, just perfect for riding a bike. The only negative was the westerly wind, but even though it slowed me down, I still arrived at Horsham Pavilions on time. Waiting for me there were Barbara, Mike, Norman and Pete E. We then waited the customary 10 minutes before setting off. The first part of the route retraced my tracks all the way to Pease Pottage (including a broken set of temporary traffic lights which were permanently indicating red in both directions). Then we were onto Forest Road which was a lot easier to cycle at the beginning of a ride than when I usually tackle it: at the end of a long day.
At Pease Pottage, for the first time ever, I walked my bike down the slope to the road crossing – my brakes had been squeaking and juddering (due to oil contamination on the rims), and I thought it would be safer to walk. The traffic lights have been installed on the crossing although they’re covered up and not yet in use. Once safely over, we took the NCN route down through Broadfield and then through the underpass and onto Southgate Avenue. We followed this as far as the Library and then took a quiet shared use path which skirts the back of Crawley College and leads to Northgate Avenue. The cycle path through the woods alongside the Avenue was very pleasant with clumps of daffodils all around and blossom on many of the trees. Then it was through another underpass and into the Industrial estate. We used the green painted cyclepaths all the way to the Beehive. The next section goes directly under the Gatwick flightpath and is usually quite noisy, but we didn’t have a single plane pass over us today.
Under the terminal building our route was almost completely blocked by some workers erecting some scaffolding but just as I was starting to wonder if we would need to do a detour, Norman hopped up the kerb and led us all safely round the obstruction. Shortly after, on reaching the lake I was amazed to see how much work had been done on clearing the undergrowth from around it. I reckon it will look really good in two or three months time. Using a slightly different route through Horley brought us to the traffic lights by The Air Balloon pub and a rendezvous with Ros. Now there was(were?) five of us and I led us onto Meath Green Lane. This has a nice smooth surface and was an absolute pleasure to ride. It soon turns into Lonesome Lane and, when there weren’t any cars around, this lane was lovely and quiet with lots of birdsong. A quick left/right to cross the A217 and half a mile later we pulled up at Reigate Garden Centre.
John V & John C were already there in the café but there was still plenty of space for us all – as today was Mother’s Day I’d deliberately avoided using a pub for lunch as they tend to get crowded and run with limited menus.
As we chatted and ate our lunch we could see the sky getting darker and more than one of us commented that the forecast was for rain in the afteroon. It was no surprise therefore when we started to feel the odd spot of rain when we were only about a mile or so into the afternoon portion of our ride. For a while we led a charmed existence as a clear and sunny spot seemed to stay above us. But then as we turned south just after Leigh so a shower started. It was cold rain and, whipped along by the wind, felt almost like hail. We sheltered under a tree and Ros put her waterproof jacket on but almost as soon as she finished zipping it up the rain stopped. That was it – even though the grey clouds ebbed and flowed for the rest of the ride, we didn’t get any more rain!
Arriving at Parkgate, we said goodbye to Ros as she was now heading east via Horley, back to East Grinstead. We continued on to Newdigate to emerge opposite the Six Bells pub just as an ambulance was pulling up there – I hope it wasn’t something someone ate as we’re lunching there in a couple of weeks time!!
Although my route plan saw us going over to Capel and then down Weare Street and back to Horsham via Rowhook, the general consensus was that people wanted a more direct route home, so we headed straight to Rusper where I bade farewell and headed back to Crawley leaving the last three to travel the short distance back to Horsham.
After a very pleasant day in the saddle I was back home at about 15:00hrs with a total of 41 miles on my speedo.
Next weeks ride leaves Three Bridges Station at 10:00hrs and will take us to the Green Man at Horsted Keynes. As with any ride in this direction, there will be a couple of hills but nothing too extreme and the mileage should be somewhere under 40. Don’t forget: the clocks go FORWARD on Saturday night so you’ll have 1 hour less to lie in bed!
Sunday, 18 March 2012
Sunday, 11 March 2012
Easy Ride to East Grinstead
Photo from the start:
It was basically a lovely trip all round! Eight people at the start by Three Bridges station including three people who hadn’t ridden with us before. So welcome to Val, Michael and Gordon – we hope that you enjoyed yourselves and that we will see you again.
As we always do what it says on the tin, we headed off, just after ten, along the Worth Way in pleasant early spring sunshine. We took it very easy and took some stops, including a master-class in gear maintenance from our top mechanic, Bob, eventually arriving in East Grinstead, having admired Rowfant station, Crawley Down (?!) and Gulledge house along the way.
Work has commenced on the new station and temporary fencing has been put alongside the steps preventing us wheeling bikes along the groove at the side. This wasn’t really a problem for the solos (singles), but Marian and I had to take care with our tandem.
Arriving at the Blue bird café we enjoyed a nice break. In some cases with cake! And then reversed our route to Crawley. Some people were quite surprised to find that the whole route
was completely flat, with long downhill freewheels all the way back to Crawley, as promised by the Leader! (Yes, it’s true.) Arriving back in Crawley after about two and a quarter hours we all went our separate ways. For those that care about these things, we had covered 17.47 miles in total. All easy.
Hope to see you soon, now that the good weather is back – go on, you know that you want to!
And an early date for your diaries – this year’s Crawley Family Bike Ride will be on Sunday 24th June; we are planning to start at Oriel School at 10.00 in Maidenbower and do a round trip to Nyman’s gardens and back. Over fifty riders took part last year. Full details will be on our website nearer the time so do check back.
Next weeks ride starts from Horsham Pavilions in the Park at 10:00 hrs and will head to Reigate Garden Centre and should be a fairly easy three and a half hour ride (plus lunch!).
It was basically a lovely trip all round! Eight people at the start by Three Bridges station including three people who hadn’t ridden with us before. So welcome to Val, Michael and Gordon – we hope that you enjoyed yourselves and that we will see you again.
As we always do what it says on the tin, we headed off, just after ten, along the Worth Way in pleasant early spring sunshine. We took it very easy and took some stops, including a master-class in gear maintenance from our top mechanic, Bob, eventually arriving in East Grinstead, having admired Rowfant station, Crawley Down (?!) and Gulledge house along the way.
Work has commenced on the new station and temporary fencing has been put alongside the steps preventing us wheeling bikes along the groove at the side. This wasn’t really a problem for the solos (singles), but Marian and I had to take care with our tandem.
Arriving at the Blue bird café we enjoyed a nice break. In some cases with cake! And then reversed our route to Crawley. Some people were quite surprised to find that the whole route
was completely flat, with long downhill freewheels all the way back to Crawley, as promised by the Leader! (Yes, it’s true.) Arriving back in Crawley after about two and a quarter hours we all went our separate ways. For those that care about these things, we had covered 17.47 miles in total. All easy.
Hope to see you soon, now that the good weather is back – go on, you know that you want to!
And an early date for your diaries – this year’s Crawley Family Bike Ride will be on Sunday 24th June; we are planning to start at Oriel School at 10.00 in Maidenbower and do a round trip to Nyman’s gardens and back. Over fifty riders took part last year. Full details will be on our website nearer the time so do check back.
Next weeks ride starts from Horsham Pavilions in the Park at 10:00 hrs and will head to Reigate Garden Centre and should be a fairly easy three and a half hour ride (plus lunch!).
Sunday, 4 March 2012
CTC Fairtrade Bike Ride
I was approached by John Cooper from Fairtrade Horsham some months ago to help organize a cycling event in the middle of Fairtrade fortnight. March 3rd seemed a long way off and with the weather being so glorious for the last week I was feeling pretty optimistic about the day. When it started raining just after 9 this morning I must confess that optimism faded somewhat.
However as the departure time approached it stopped raining and several riders assembled at Esquires coffee shop ready for the challenge. There were 11 of us in all, a nice sized group; big enough to get noticed, but easy for us all to keep together.
Before the ride started a reporter from The County Times came along and took a group photo and then we were ready for the off. We headed out of town along North Parade and then crossed over Rookwood Golf Course. Even in that weather there were quite a few golfers out. Having dodged the golf balls we continued up Robin Hood Lane to Broadbridge Heath. After passing through the village we then ventured across the roundabout past Newbridge Nurseries. We had a bit of a set-back when we came across some roadworks with traffic lights, but nobody seemed phased by it and we were soon on the quieter roads heading to Christs Hospital. A couple of riders seemed disappointed that we didn’t go up the hill to Itchingfield!
After riding through Christs Hospital we turned onto Towere Hill for the steady climb up to just above the Boars Head. From there it was plain sailing downhill back to Horsham.
I would like to thank all those who turned up in spite of the weather to take part in the event. I really appreciate the support and hope to see everyone again.
Next weeks ride will be an easy one suitable for all cycling abilities. It will start from Three Bridges Station at 10:00hrs and take no more than a couple of hours.
However as the departure time approached it stopped raining and several riders assembled at Esquires coffee shop ready for the challenge. There were 11 of us in all, a nice sized group; big enough to get noticed, but easy for us all to keep together.
Before the ride started a reporter from The County Times came along and took a group photo and then we were ready for the off. We headed out of town along North Parade and then crossed over Rookwood Golf Course. Even in that weather there were quite a few golfers out. Having dodged the golf balls we continued up Robin Hood Lane to Broadbridge Heath. After passing through the village we then ventured across the roundabout past Newbridge Nurseries. We had a bit of a set-back when we came across some roadworks with traffic lights, but nobody seemed phased by it and we were soon on the quieter roads heading to Christs Hospital. A couple of riders seemed disappointed that we didn’t go up the hill to Itchingfield!
After riding through Christs Hospital we turned onto Towere Hill for the steady climb up to just above the Boars Head. From there it was plain sailing downhill back to Horsham.
I would like to thank all those who turned up in spite of the weather to take part in the event. I really appreciate the support and hope to see everyone again.
Next weeks ride will be an easy one suitable for all cycling abilities. It will start from Three Bridges Station at 10:00hrs and take no more than a couple of hours.
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Camelia Botnar Ride
On a bright and frosty morning we duly arrived at Three Bridges Station and caught sight of a couple of cyclists waving at us from the far side of the taxi rank. It was Anton and Norman holding mugs of hot drinks and tucking into burgers. Frank (in a panic) rushed across to spread the news; Pat had just received a text to say The Galley Café at Ardingly would be opening especially for us. “No problem,” announced Anton “I’ll be ready for something else by then!”
By 09:30 eight riders had assembled at the starting grid – Peter and Marion on their tandem, John C and John V, the hungry Anton and Norman, and of course Frank and Pat.
After the customary wait for any possible late arrivals, we set off. A brisk climb on Balcombe Road warmed us up (especially Pat who peeled of a mass of clothing for Frank to use as ballast in his panniers). On past Worth Abbey and onto Back Lane there were stunning views across the Abbey’s grounds.
We swooped down to the Reservoir, which, being less than half full, looked really strange, then we ‘dug in’ for the climb. Norman, on his multi-geared full suspension mountain bike, decided walking was the best course of action (well he did have a headache).
The café was warm and inviting – almost too warm after the climb, so most of us shed a layer or two. Over coffee and cakes we discussed the merits of the Sunday Press, concluded there weren’t any and put Murdoch to rights.
We said goodbye to Anton, who was heading home for a well earned rest after excess mileage the previous day, and the group continued in a westerly direction, past Ardingly College towards Cuckfield. The bright sunshine warmed us as the morning wore on and, all around us; we noticed the sights and sounds of spring. Crocuses, snowdrops and a few daffodils, many birdcalls, the most distinctive being the great tits’ really shrill spring call, which always sounds like a cross between an alarm clock and a squeaky wheelbarrow!
We crossed over the A23 near Bolney and followed a series of lovely quiet lanes (well, lovely apart from the potholes!) and eventually picked up the A281 just North of Cowfold. A short hop on the A272 brought us to our destination Camelia Botnar Garden Centre.
Shock, horror and dismay - a sign outside said “Bistro full for Sunday Lunch”. We hadn’t thought it would be necessary to book! Whilst we stood outside discussing alternative catering arrangements, Marion went in and managed to negotiate a table for us! Well done, Marion. We piled in and ordered our lunches which we all enjoyed – they even sell beer and cider for those who were missing the customary pub stop (sadly they had run out of Old Speckled Hen).
Our route home took us through Maplehurst, and a few more hills, where Norman said goodbye and headed towards to Horsham. We continued on our planned route (politely declining John V’s offer of a detour with more hills!) up to Handcross via Lower Beeding and Plummers Plain. Then home via Pease Pottage and K2. Total mileage at Oriel School was 39.7.
Frank & Pat
Here's a link to Google Maps for the route:
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=205480741451912466805.0004b9e334fd20a7dd6e8
Next weeks ride will be on SATURDAY 3rd March. Held in conjunction with Fair Trade Horsham, it will be an easy ride. Meet 10.45 outside Esquires coffee shop (in the Forum Plaza, near Sainsburys) for an 11.00 start. Back by 12.30. Families welcome especially children if accompanied by an adult. Any enquiries can be directed to Barbara@horshamandcrawleyctc.org.uk
By 09:30 eight riders had assembled at the starting grid – Peter and Marion on their tandem, John C and John V, the hungry Anton and Norman, and of course Frank and Pat.
After the customary wait for any possible late arrivals, we set off. A brisk climb on Balcombe Road warmed us up (especially Pat who peeled of a mass of clothing for Frank to use as ballast in his panniers). On past Worth Abbey and onto Back Lane there were stunning views across the Abbey’s grounds.
We swooped down to the Reservoir, which, being less than half full, looked really strange, then we ‘dug in’ for the climb. Norman, on his multi-geared full suspension mountain bike, decided walking was the best course of action (well he did have a headache).
The café was warm and inviting – almost too warm after the climb, so most of us shed a layer or two. Over coffee and cakes we discussed the merits of the Sunday Press, concluded there weren’t any and put Murdoch to rights.
We said goodbye to Anton, who was heading home for a well earned rest after excess mileage the previous day, and the group continued in a westerly direction, past Ardingly College towards Cuckfield. The bright sunshine warmed us as the morning wore on and, all around us; we noticed the sights and sounds of spring. Crocuses, snowdrops and a few daffodils, many birdcalls, the most distinctive being the great tits’ really shrill spring call, which always sounds like a cross between an alarm clock and a squeaky wheelbarrow!
We crossed over the A23 near Bolney and followed a series of lovely quiet lanes (well, lovely apart from the potholes!) and eventually picked up the A281 just North of Cowfold. A short hop on the A272 brought us to our destination Camelia Botnar Garden Centre.
Shock, horror and dismay - a sign outside said “Bistro full for Sunday Lunch”. We hadn’t thought it would be necessary to book! Whilst we stood outside discussing alternative catering arrangements, Marion went in and managed to negotiate a table for us! Well done, Marion. We piled in and ordered our lunches which we all enjoyed – they even sell beer and cider for those who were missing the customary pub stop (sadly they had run out of Old Speckled Hen).
Our route home took us through Maplehurst, and a few more hills, where Norman said goodbye and headed towards to Horsham. We continued on our planned route (politely declining John V’s offer of a detour with more hills!) up to Handcross via Lower Beeding and Plummers Plain. Then home via Pease Pottage and K2. Total mileage at Oriel School was 39.7.
Frank & Pat
Here's a link to Google Maps for the route:
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=205480741451912466805.0004b9e334fd20a7dd6e8
Next weeks ride will be on SATURDAY 3rd March. Held in conjunction with Fair Trade Horsham, it will be an easy ride. Meet 10.45 outside Esquires coffee shop (in the Forum Plaza, near Sainsburys) for an 11.00 start. Back by 12.30. Families welcome especially children if accompanied by an adult. Any enquiries can be directed to Barbara@horshamandcrawleyctc.org.uk
Sunday, 19 February 2012
The Countryman
It was a little bit like coming out of hibernation today. It’s been the brightest day we’ve had for a few weeks now. As there was no ride leader allocated for today’s ride I wondered if anyone would turn up, but was pleased to see Anton and Norman already in the café when I got there. We decided on our route to the Countryman and as we set off we were joined by John C.
We left Horsham via Depot Road and turned off at Domesday Green so we could cut through and cross the Brighton Road to head down Sedgwick Lane to Maplehurst. By this time there was hardly any ice left on the road and after a couple of miles Anton had to take off some layers as it was quite pleasant in the sun. As we passed through Maplehurst I remarked that I would be glad when those steep hills would be behind us and we could settle into some easier riding.
The wind didn’t seem to be too much of a problem all the time we were heading south. We crossed the A272 without much delay and continued on along Littleworth Lane to Partridge Green. We soon arrived at Partridge Green, turning right and then left along the B2135 towards Ashurst. We took the right turn along School Lane and made our way towards Dial Post. Although there was a fair bit of gravel and other debris on the ground it wasn’t too wet and within a few minutes we were at the A24. Three of us got across really easily but Anton took a little longer, but it gave me a chance to have a breather.
We then wondered how far it was to our lunch stop. Norman asked if anyone had a chronometer, to which Anton replied ‘What’s that?’ None of us really knew how far it was but we arrived at the pub dead on 12. Unfortunately they weren’t taking orders for food till 12.30 but once ordered it came very quickly and was all very good.
After about an hour we decided it was time to face the cold and set off for home. By this time the wind seemed to have strengthened significantly and was head on which after a good lunch was a bit of a nuisance. The ride back was uneventful, We went back via Dragons Green, Marlpost Road to Bax Castle. We said good bye at the top of Tower Hill; John and Anton making their way back to their cars and Norman and I heading back to Littlehaven.
We covered about 26 miles, not as much as advertised but enough I think after a relatively inactive few weeks.
Next weeks ride starts from Three Bridges station at 09:30 hrs. Frank has got an interesting ride lined up for us with elevenses at Ardingly and a late lunch/early pm tea at Camelia Botnar, Cowfold. The easy loop home will pass near Horsham on the way back to Crawley.
We left Horsham via Depot Road and turned off at Domesday Green so we could cut through and cross the Brighton Road to head down Sedgwick Lane to Maplehurst. By this time there was hardly any ice left on the road and after a couple of miles Anton had to take off some layers as it was quite pleasant in the sun. As we passed through Maplehurst I remarked that I would be glad when those steep hills would be behind us and we could settle into some easier riding.
The wind didn’t seem to be too much of a problem all the time we were heading south. We crossed the A272 without much delay and continued on along Littleworth Lane to Partridge Green. We soon arrived at Partridge Green, turning right and then left along the B2135 towards Ashurst. We took the right turn along School Lane and made our way towards Dial Post. Although there was a fair bit of gravel and other debris on the ground it wasn’t too wet and within a few minutes we were at the A24. Three of us got across really easily but Anton took a little longer, but it gave me a chance to have a breather.
We then wondered how far it was to our lunch stop. Norman asked if anyone had a chronometer, to which Anton replied ‘What’s that?’ None of us really knew how far it was but we arrived at the pub dead on 12. Unfortunately they weren’t taking orders for food till 12.30 but once ordered it came very quickly and was all very good.
After about an hour we decided it was time to face the cold and set off for home. By this time the wind seemed to have strengthened significantly and was head on which after a good lunch was a bit of a nuisance. The ride back was uneventful, We went back via Dragons Green, Marlpost Road to Bax Castle. We said good bye at the top of Tower Hill; John and Anton making their way back to their cars and Norman and I heading back to Littlehaven.
We covered about 26 miles, not as much as advertised but enough I think after a relatively inactive few weeks.
Next weeks ride starts from Three Bridges station at 09:30 hrs. Frank has got an interesting ride lined up for us with elevenses at Ardingly and a late lunch/early pm tea at Camelia Botnar, Cowfold. The easy loop home will pass near Horsham on the way back to Crawley.
Sunday, 12 February 2012
Easy Worth Way Ride
Well, I have ridden my bike every day during this extreme cold weather and snow, usually following more major roads rather than the usual ‘back-doubles’. And we had several people who had emailed about joining us on Sunday for a morning ride down the Worth Way. But when I got up we had got the ‘freezing rain’ weather resulting in sheet ice on surfaces, particularly the non-main roads. So I texted the people most likely to ride and discovered that all but one had already decided not to ride. Sorry to our main ‘Iron Man’ Anton, who was already on his way to Three Bridges, but we must avoid any ice related incidents on club rides. I did attend the start, and the main roads were fine, but no other takers arrived. The weather is improving now and hopefully we will have a good attendance next Sunday starting at 10.00 at Horsham Leisure centre. We will be riding to the Countryman at Shipley which was the destination of the very first Horsham and Crawley CTC ride over 25 years ago. It is an easy ride and we hope to see you there.
Peter Smith
Peter Smith
Sunday, 5 February 2012
Snow - F'all
It snowed this weekend ("Did it?" I hear you cry).
I didn't turn up for the start of the ride and I haven't heard that anyone else did.
Because of the snow I'd only had about two hours sleep - my girls had been to Brighton on Saturday evening and were stuck on the A23 at Handcross Hill on the way back. Even though they're no longer children, I can't help but worry, hence no sleep until they were safely home.
Not cycling meant that I could enjoy my Granddaughters first experience of snow and I took her out on a toboggan, built a snowman and threw snowballs with her - she loved it.
Next weeks ride is one of our regular Introductory Rides. It will start from Three Bridges Station at 10:00 hrs and will be a very easy loop suitable for all abilities with the aim being to finish at midday. Obviously, if the snow and ice are still around, the itinerary will be subject to change - watch this blog and/or our website for last minute information.
I didn't turn up for the start of the ride and I haven't heard that anyone else did.
Because of the snow I'd only had about two hours sleep - my girls had been to Brighton on Saturday evening and were stuck on the A23 at Handcross Hill on the way back. Even though they're no longer children, I can't help but worry, hence no sleep until they were safely home.
Not cycling meant that I could enjoy my Granddaughters first experience of snow and I took her out on a toboggan, built a snowman and threw snowballs with her - she loved it.
Next weeks ride is one of our regular Introductory Rides. It will start from Three Bridges Station at 10:00 hrs and will be a very easy loop suitable for all abilities with the aim being to finish at midday. Obviously, if the snow and ice are still around, the itinerary will be subject to change - watch this blog and/or our website for last minute information.
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