I think I frightened Anton off producing a blog entry for this ride by suggesting he write it as a poem!
I understand he led Norman, John H, John V, Richard and Pete S from Three Bridges station out to the North and East of Crawley as far as Redhill Aerodrome only to find that the Cafe wasn't open. Doh!
They returned via Horley and NCN 21 through Gatwick.
Monday, 28 December 2009
Monday, 21 December 2009
Oh no! Not another poem!
Snow and Ice
Is all very nice
And picture skew
But would you
Ride a bike in it?
Evidently not,
For when I got
To the start
No-one apart
From Mick was there!
And he’d walked.
So we just talked
About the snow
And where we will go
On the Anniversary Ride.
Tenterden’s chosen
(Though currently frozen)
And details will be
Provided by me
By e-mail and on our web-pages.
Back to the ride
And I couldn’t hide
The joy of not needing
To go ride a-leading
I’d just cycle back to my warm house.
On leaving the town
Midst trees weighted down
With bright white snow
I cycled quite slow
And enjoyed my place on this planet.
Pease Pottage was gained
And for once I refrained
From riding that slope
On a wish and a hope
Cos I’d never have stopped at the bottom!
Just for some fun
The next bit of the run
Was through Tilgate Forest
With snow up to my chest
(Well actually that’s poetic license!)
You just cannot beat
Being perched on the seat
Of a bike, you know
In rain, sun or snow
And so with a broad smile I arrived home (to end this poem).
Is all very nice
And picture skew
But would you
Ride a bike in it?
Evidently not,
For when I got
To the start
No-one apart
From Mick was there!
And he’d walked.
So we just talked
About the snow
And where we will go
On the Anniversary Ride.
Tenterden’s chosen
(Though currently frozen)
And details will be
Provided by me
By e-mail and on our web-pages.
Back to the ride
And I couldn’t hide
The joy of not needing
To go ride a-leading
I’d just cycle back to my warm house.
On leaving the town
Midst trees weighted down
With bright white snow
I cycled quite slow
And enjoyed my place on this planet.
Pease Pottage was gained
And for once I refrained
From riding that slope
On a wish and a hope
Cos I’d never have stopped at the bottom!
Just for some fun
The next bit of the run
Was through Tilgate Forest
With snow up to my chest
(Well actually that’s poetic license!)
You just cannot beat
Being perched on the seat
Of a bike, you know
In rain, sun or snow
And so with a broad smile I arrived home (to end this poem).
Monday, 14 December 2009
Ride It Off
Fresh(?) from the excesses of Saturdays Club Christmas Dinner, a ten o’clock start from Three Bridges Station for a twenty-two mile offroad jaunt along the Worth Way/Forest Way didn’t seem too onerous. I’d already swapped my slicks for knobblies and the weather was cold but dry so I dressed up warm and left my waterproofs at home. After all, I could always sprint back home if any rain came along.
John C was the leader and the other attendees were Pete S, Mick, John H, John V, Norman and me, Bob.
Being honest law-abiding citizens we walked our bikes along the footpath under the railway bridge before remounting to ride up Billinton Drive. The first part of Worth Way had a thin film of soggy mud which was spraying up from our tyres but was good and firm underneath. Just after crossing the M23 (on a bridge!) we met one of our club members, Pat. We didn’t recognise her at first – she was in “civvies” as she was out for a walk. Frank wasn’t with her as he was laid low with flu – get well soon Frank. I stopped for a chat and then had to sprint a bit to catch up with the others. It was great fun zipping along the track and I was full of the joys of spring (or should we call it “fat-tyre frenzy”?) as I carved some lines and nearly wiped out three other cyclists as I nailed a blind bend! As ever, on the stretch alongside (the former) Rowfant Station I was bemoaning the fact that the track has been 'improved'. It used to be a superb bit of singletrack: fast and flowing with loads of tree roots, mud and a narrow bridge with no railings, great for improving your bike handling skills. Just afterwards the track does a right and left as it cuts across the line of the railway but as usual I took the ‘fun’ route which climbs through the bushes and across the end of the embankment to cut off the double bend (it’s only 10 metres long but involves a muddy climb and descent on a narrow track). The next stretch is dead straight and is where I usually take the opportunity for a drink. The embankment gets higher and higher and crosses Rowfant Lane about 50 feet above the road surface. Shortly after, the path goes into a cutting but just beforehand there’s a sloping path on the left which leads up to the Turners Hill Road. Mick left us at this point as he’d ridden all the way from Horsham and wanted to ensure he returned before it got too dark (also, being on a handbuilt touring bike with road tyres he was having to concentrate to stay upright, whereas I was just chucking my mountain bike around with gay abandon). Only two weeks into the competition for next years Mick Horley trophy, Mick has built up a good lead with double the points of his nearest competitor. The rest of us will have to pull our collective fingers out!!
As we went up the slope to Crawley Down, I realised that John H on his recumbent must be having a fairly hard time of it. With his small wheels and relatively grip free tyres he found it quite hard manoeuvering through the fence at the top. The mile of tarmac through the houses let the mud flick off our tyres and drop off our frames before hitting the next stretch of track. As we passed the pond I was surprised to see a number off dayglo jacketed people doing some maintenance work. John V infomed me that they were doing their Community Service but they looked more like volunteers to me. Before long we arrived on the outskirts of East Grinstead and the viaduct now owned by the Bluebell Railway was visible to the right. It’ll be great seeing steam engines going over it again soon. Way up in the air above all those houses.
We took the fast route though East Grinstead and used Beeching Way – named after the man appointed by the pro-roads Transport Minister (well he did own the road construction company that got the contracts for most of Britains early motorways). The path continues as the Forest Way and is downhill for a good couple of miles – I was zipping along there at speeds of 25 to 30 mph (in the bits where there were no other users) but pulled up at Brambletye Lane to take a quick diversion down to the ruins of the Manor house with Norman and John C.
Meeting back up with the others at the road crossing, we entered Forest Row through the back door only to find that the café by the tip was closed. So, we headed to the High Street but both those cafes were closed as well! There was one last café we knew of, on the Hartfield Road, and fortunately it was open. As we pulled up it started to rain but no matter, we were in the warm and our bikes could do with a wash.
After we’d finished our refreshments (bacon buttie and a mug of tea for me) it had stopped raining but was noticeably colder and darker. We left Forest Row the way we’d arrived and were soon nice and warm as we got a good spinning rhythm going on the long climb back to East Grinstead. This time we eschewed Beeching Way and used the High Street which meant I could practice climbing the steps up and over the railway by the station. The rest of the journey back was uneventful with John H leaving us at Keepers Cottage and Pete, John C and John V leaving us in Worth. Norman and I carried on until I turned off for Furnace Green leaving Norman to ride back to Horsham by himself – my navigational instructions to him were: “You see that bright bit of sky over there? Well keep heading in that direction!” Hopefully that got him through Crawley and onwards successfully…..
The ride for Sunday 20th December will be a Morning Ride starting from Horsham Park Pavilion at 10:00hrs and led by me (Bob). It’ll be a fairly short (2 hours/20 miles ish) loop to the south of Horsham which I may make even shorter depending on the weather. I suspect a warm pub may be calling afterwards – although my original intention of a finish at the Dragon in Colgate has been thwarted due to its closure!
John C was the leader and the other attendees were Pete S, Mick, John H, John V, Norman and me, Bob.
Being honest law-abiding citizens we walked our bikes along the footpath under the railway bridge before remounting to ride up Billinton Drive. The first part of Worth Way had a thin film of soggy mud which was spraying up from our tyres but was good and firm underneath. Just after crossing the M23 (on a bridge!) we met one of our club members, Pat. We didn’t recognise her at first – she was in “civvies” as she was out for a walk. Frank wasn’t with her as he was laid low with flu – get well soon Frank. I stopped for a chat and then had to sprint a bit to catch up with the others. It was great fun zipping along the track and I was full of the joys of spring (or should we call it “fat-tyre frenzy”?) as I carved some lines and nearly wiped out three other cyclists as I nailed a blind bend! As ever, on the stretch alongside (the former) Rowfant Station I was bemoaning the fact that the track has been 'improved'. It used to be a superb bit of singletrack: fast and flowing with loads of tree roots, mud and a narrow bridge with no railings, great for improving your bike handling skills. Just afterwards the track does a right and left as it cuts across the line of the railway but as usual I took the ‘fun’ route which climbs through the bushes and across the end of the embankment to cut off the double bend (it’s only 10 metres long but involves a muddy climb and descent on a narrow track). The next stretch is dead straight and is where I usually take the opportunity for a drink. The embankment gets higher and higher and crosses Rowfant Lane about 50 feet above the road surface. Shortly after, the path goes into a cutting but just beforehand there’s a sloping path on the left which leads up to the Turners Hill Road. Mick left us at this point as he’d ridden all the way from Horsham and wanted to ensure he returned before it got too dark (also, being on a handbuilt touring bike with road tyres he was having to concentrate to stay upright, whereas I was just chucking my mountain bike around with gay abandon). Only two weeks into the competition for next years Mick Horley trophy, Mick has built up a good lead with double the points of his nearest competitor. The rest of us will have to pull our collective fingers out!!
As we went up the slope to Crawley Down, I realised that John H on his recumbent must be having a fairly hard time of it. With his small wheels and relatively grip free tyres he found it quite hard manoeuvering through the fence at the top. The mile of tarmac through the houses let the mud flick off our tyres and drop off our frames before hitting the next stretch of track. As we passed the pond I was surprised to see a number off dayglo jacketed people doing some maintenance work. John V infomed me that they were doing their Community Service but they looked more like volunteers to me. Before long we arrived on the outskirts of East Grinstead and the viaduct now owned by the Bluebell Railway was visible to the right. It’ll be great seeing steam engines going over it again soon. Way up in the air above all those houses.
We took the fast route though East Grinstead and used Beeching Way – named after the man appointed by the pro-roads Transport Minister (well he did own the road construction company that got the contracts for most of Britains early motorways). The path continues as the Forest Way and is downhill for a good couple of miles – I was zipping along there at speeds of 25 to 30 mph (in the bits where there were no other users) but pulled up at Brambletye Lane to take a quick diversion down to the ruins of the Manor house with Norman and John C.
Meeting back up with the others at the road crossing, we entered Forest Row through the back door only to find that the café by the tip was closed. So, we headed to the High Street but both those cafes were closed as well! There was one last café we knew of, on the Hartfield Road, and fortunately it was open. As we pulled up it started to rain but no matter, we were in the warm and our bikes could do with a wash.
After we’d finished our refreshments (bacon buttie and a mug of tea for me) it had stopped raining but was noticeably colder and darker. We left Forest Row the way we’d arrived and were soon nice and warm as we got a good spinning rhythm going on the long climb back to East Grinstead. This time we eschewed Beeching Way and used the High Street which meant I could practice climbing the steps up and over the railway by the station. The rest of the journey back was uneventful with John H leaving us at Keepers Cottage and Pete, John C and John V leaving us in Worth. Norman and I carried on until I turned off for Furnace Green leaving Norman to ride back to Horsham by himself – my navigational instructions to him were: “You see that bright bit of sky over there? Well keep heading in that direction!” Hopefully that got him through Crawley and onwards successfully…..
The ride for Sunday 20th December will be a Morning Ride starting from Horsham Park Pavilion at 10:00hrs and led by me (Bob). It’ll be a fairly short (2 hours/20 miles ish) loop to the south of Horsham which I may make even shorter depending on the weather. I suspect a warm pub may be calling afterwards – although my original intention of a finish at the Dragon in Colgate has been thwarted due to its closure!
Sunday, 13 December 2009
The Club Christmas Dinner
Horsham and Crawley CTC
Starting to feel all Christmassy
Decided to luncheon at The Gate
With turkey or lamb upon the plate
Salmon or veggie available too.
Anton had some work to do:
Collating requirements,
Collecting the payments,
Leading us to the rendezvous.
There at Parkgate, by The Surrey Oaks
We met Barbara and two Horsham blokes
Norman and Mick – they’d ridden too quick
And been waiting at the cold roadside
For the Crawley contingent to finally arrive
Then heading south we took Partridge Lane
And Orltons and Langhurst – both lanes again
Last turn on the ride and glide to the pub
For Pickled Partridge and luvverly grub
Barbara made a speech and gave out a prize
Anton, Mick or Bob – one of those guys
Won it for riding on most club rides
And leading several others besides
Turning out in weather pleasant or grim
The Mick Horley trophy was awarded to him
With daylight fast fading, time to head home
And struggle to write this blog as a poem!
Starting to feel all Christmassy
Decided to luncheon at The Gate
With turkey or lamb upon the plate
Salmon or veggie available too.
Anton had some work to do:
Collating requirements,
Collecting the payments,
Leading us to the rendezvous.
There at Parkgate, by The Surrey Oaks
We met Barbara and two Horsham blokes
Norman and Mick – they’d ridden too quick
And been waiting at the cold roadside
For the Crawley contingent to finally arrive
Then heading south we took Partridge Lane
And Orltons and Langhurst – both lanes again
Last turn on the ride and glide to the pub
For Pickled Partridge and luvverly grub
Barbara made a speech and gave out a prize
Anton, Mick or Bob – one of those guys
Won it for riding on most club rides
And leading several others besides
Turning out in weather pleasant or grim
The Mick Horley trophy was awarded to him
With daylight fast fading, time to head home
And struggle to write this blog as a poem!
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Punch & Judy
The day had started very wet but the rain had eased off by our scheduled start time of 10:00. At the start were Barbara, Norman, Bob, John H and myself, Mick. Anton also turned up but could not find a parking space so, as he had other commitments he headed home. There was a swimming event on and the centre car park was full. I had gone in for a cup of tea and was served it in paper cup rather than the usual china cup. I enquired about this and was told it was because of the swimming event. "Health and safety?" I said. "No," came the reply, "most of the china cups went missing at the last event."
After some minor adjustments to Barbara’s brakes we set off. We headed through north Horsham on Pondtail Road, over the bypass onto Langhurstwood Road, then straight into and through a flood! It was only a few inches deep but all the way across the road. We headed up the hill and past the tip before taking a right turn and then a left up to Rusper. Norman left us here and returned home via Friday Street. Meanwhile we headed further north to Newdigate where we turned left towards Capel. As we cycled along Misbrooks Green Road we spotted an old railway signal in someones back garden. It's a single signal post with both a Home and a Distant upper quadrant signal mounted on it. Reaching Capel we turned left and then right over the A24, past Ockley station and onto Weare Street, one of the prettiest lanes in the area;
At the end of Weare Street we crossed over the A29 and passed a sleeping policeman - no, really, he was parked up at the side of the road and having a snooze!
We were not very far from the lunch stop so pressed on. We pulled up at the Punchbowl to find that John V was already there. Also there was another cycle club (from Croydon) for their Christmas Lunch, so we were concerned about getting a table. Fortunately they were eating in a separate room so we found a table in the restaurant. The food, beer and company were all good and we managed to put the world to rights before once more heading back outside.
Returning to the A29 we headed south and into the breeze before taking the first left into Marches Road and then right into Mayes Lane. After a short distance we passed a farm with some old buses in a barn. A Routemaster was the only one I recognized. There are usually more old vehicles here including a fire engine but not today unfortunately.
It was then on to Warnham where we took Bell Lane, crossed the A24 and continued along Station Road to use the underpass at Warnham Station. At the end of Mercer Lane the Horsham members turned right to travel the mile or so back home, whilst the Crawley members turned left and reclimbed the hill past the tip. We continued retracing our earlier route as far as Rusper. Here we turned right to enjoy the downhill run which seemed to take us all the way to Ifield (I think the wind was behind us). Splitting up in the Town Centre, John H & John V headed on home to Pound Hill whilst Bob made for Furnace Green, arriving home at 15:00hrs with 41 miles on his speedo.
Don't forget, this coming weekend sees the Christmas Dinner on Saturday (have you given Anton your menu choices?) and then a nice easy ride out and back along the Worth Way on Sunday (10:00 hrs start at Three Bridges).
After some minor adjustments to Barbara’s brakes we set off. We headed through north Horsham on Pondtail Road, over the bypass onto Langhurstwood Road, then straight into and through a flood! It was only a few inches deep but all the way across the road. We headed up the hill and past the tip before taking a right turn and then a left up to Rusper. Norman left us here and returned home via Friday Street. Meanwhile we headed further north to Newdigate where we turned left towards Capel. As we cycled along Misbrooks Green Road we spotted an old railway signal in someones back garden. It's a single signal post with both a Home and a Distant upper quadrant signal mounted on it. Reaching Capel we turned left and then right over the A24, past Ockley station and onto Weare Street, one of the prettiest lanes in the area;
At the end of Weare Street we crossed over the A29 and passed a sleeping policeman - no, really, he was parked up at the side of the road and having a snooze!
We were not very far from the lunch stop so pressed on. We pulled up at the Punchbowl to find that John V was already there. Also there was another cycle club (from Croydon) for their Christmas Lunch, so we were concerned about getting a table. Fortunately they were eating in a separate room so we found a table in the restaurant. The food, beer and company were all good and we managed to put the world to rights before once more heading back outside.
Returning to the A29 we headed south and into the breeze before taking the first left into Marches Road and then right into Mayes Lane. After a short distance we passed a farm with some old buses in a barn. A Routemaster was the only one I recognized. There are usually more old vehicles here including a fire engine but not today unfortunately.
It was then on to Warnham where we took Bell Lane, crossed the A24 and continued along Station Road to use the underpass at Warnham Station. At the end of Mercer Lane the Horsham members turned right to travel the mile or so back home, whilst the Crawley members turned left and reclimbed the hill past the tip. We continued retracing our earlier route as far as Rusper. Here we turned right to enjoy the downhill run which seemed to take us all the way to Ifield (I think the wind was behind us). Splitting up in the Town Centre, John H & John V headed on home to Pound Hill whilst Bob made for Furnace Green, arriving home at 15:00hrs with 41 miles on his speedo.
Don't forget, this coming weekend sees the Christmas Dinner on Saturday (have you given Anton your menu choices?) and then a nice easy ride out and back along the Worth Way on Sunday (10:00 hrs start at Three Bridges).
Sunday, 29 November 2009
For Fox Sake!
Sunday. Bike ride. The wind and rain of last night seems to have exhausted itself. Great! Hmmm – the road’s still wet though, better put my waterproof trousers on. Pack the waterproof jacket into my pannier, add an extra layer under my fleece and I’m ready. For once I arrive at the start on time (it is only a mile away from home mind you). At Three Bridges station Pete S, John H and Barbara are already waiting by the phone box and Anton arrives as I pull up. Pete is meant to be today’s leader but his croaky voice reveals he’s suffering from a bad cold, so I take over the reins and borrow his map so he can get back home to a warm house. As we wait in case anyone else turns up, the wind returns and brings rain with it – on with the waterproof jackets.
No-one else arrived so off we went through the traffic lights and then through Three Bridges on Hazelwick Road and North Road. Crossing Northgate Avenue then Woodfield Road we used the underpass for a traffic free route into the Industrial Estate. As usual on a Sunday, the roads here were pretty quiet and just as I was pointing out that lots of Crawley’s residents had learnt to drive on the estate, we passed a young lady having a driving lesson.
Turning left onto Gatwick Road we then crossed a roundabout and turned right towards the Beehive – the original (we’re talking 1920’s) Gatwick Airport terminal building. It’s a shame the environs have been filled with empty modern office blocks with a naff ‘avenue’ style road layout reminiscent of central Milton Keynes (only naffer). We were hoping that John on his recumbent would go under the barrier onto the next part of the route but he went round the side of it just like us.
Crossing the Gatwick Stream we noticed how full and rapid flowing it was, then, further along the path a couple of blokes in fluorescent yellow jackets were just standing having a fag. I wondered whether they’d walked the quarter mile from the terminal building just for a smoke or whether they were looking after the security of that particular part of the airport. We didn’t stop to ask! Splashing through a slight flood in the underpass the route (it’s NCN 21) emerges into a green oasis of trees and lakes on the outskirts of Horley. We continued following NCN 21 as it passed through the centre of Horley and under the railway but then we stayed on the Smallfield Road and continued east.
Just before the bridge over the M23 we turned left onto Hathersham Lane and after a few hundred yards I realised that I’d lost half of the group! I turned round and got back to the junction just in time to see Barbara and Anton heading over the bridge. I shouted but I don’t think they heard even me over the noise of the motorway traffic. Fortunately Anton stopped to ask a horse rider if she’d seen two cyclists and as she hadn’t he reasoned that we must have taken that turning before the bridge. As soon as he turned round he could see me so we regrouped and continued up the lane. We took the first right onto New House Lane and climbed the small hill before turning left onto Axes Lane then right onto Mason’s Bridge Road. This has a small climb as well before we took the right onto Kings Mill Lane to go past Redhill Aerodrome. We decided not to stop here but press on towards the lunch stop. Passing through South Nutfield we headed along Crab Hill Lane to recross the M23.
From here we headed south along Prince of Wales Road before heading east again towards Outwood on Brickfield Road. Arriving at the windmill we had a quick chat and decided to cut the ride short as it was now ten minutes to midday and we all felt peckish. I suggested we try a pub I knew of nearby, the Jolly Farmers, so off we went down Gayhouse Lane and east along Whitewood Lane.
What a revelation! We received a friendly welcome at the pub, there was an empty table in front of the log fire, the Sussex Ale was really good and they had a good variety of food on the menu at reasonable prices (and the servings were of a very hearty size). This pub is definitely going on our list of places to stop.
Our lunchtime discussion mainly centred around Dave Galle and hopefully Barbara or Bob will be able to visit Dave sometime this week.
Eventually it dawned on us that sooner or later we’d have to venture back outside so we bit the bullet and got going again. I offered the choice of either riding directly back to Crawley or going a – “Straight back please” they all interrupted – so I didn’t need to look at the map. Back along Whitewood Lane, turn right onto Smallfield Road then left onto Dowlands Lane. As we turned right onto Cross Lane, Anton made his goodbyes as he was continuing south to get home via Turners Hill.
It was hard work riding up Copthorne Bank as the wind was quite strongly in our faces and carrying a lot of rain. In fact we sheltered at the side of the road for a minute whilst a particularly heavy squall passed over. However, by the time we’d travelled along Copthorne Road and reached the M23 overbridge, the sun had emerged and there was a rainbow behind us. Now it was time to say bye-bye to John as he headed back home into Pound Hill and Barbara and I pedalled on to the station.
We were discussing the need to have a committee meeting as I saw a car pull up outside the station that I recognised. It was one of our section members, George, and we had a quick chat with him – he spotted the fact that I’ve barely got any mudguards on my bike (but I did do John O’Groats to Lands End on it). We were getting cold now so Barbara headed for her car (the station car park is free on Sundays) and I headed home.
As I washed my bike down and sprayed oil on it I noticed that we’d covered a mere 26 miles today but with all the wind and rain it felt like we’d gone a lot further.
Next weeks ride will be to the west and north of Horsham. Leaving Horsham Park Pavilion at 10:00hrs, Mick will lead us on a medium rated 30 mile loop with a stop for lunch at a nice country pub – the Punchbowl at Okewoodhill. After all the rain of recent weeks, I’m hoping it will be drier (though that will probably make it colder!).
No-one else arrived so off we went through the traffic lights and then through Three Bridges on Hazelwick Road and North Road. Crossing Northgate Avenue then Woodfield Road we used the underpass for a traffic free route into the Industrial Estate. As usual on a Sunday, the roads here were pretty quiet and just as I was pointing out that lots of Crawley’s residents had learnt to drive on the estate, we passed a young lady having a driving lesson.
Turning left onto Gatwick Road we then crossed a roundabout and turned right towards the Beehive – the original (we’re talking 1920’s) Gatwick Airport terminal building. It’s a shame the environs have been filled with empty modern office blocks with a naff ‘avenue’ style road layout reminiscent of central Milton Keynes (only naffer). We were hoping that John on his recumbent would go under the barrier onto the next part of the route but he went round the side of it just like us.
Crossing the Gatwick Stream we noticed how full and rapid flowing it was, then, further along the path a couple of blokes in fluorescent yellow jackets were just standing having a fag. I wondered whether they’d walked the quarter mile from the terminal building just for a smoke or whether they were looking after the security of that particular part of the airport. We didn’t stop to ask! Splashing through a slight flood in the underpass the route (it’s NCN 21) emerges into a green oasis of trees and lakes on the outskirts of Horley. We continued following NCN 21 as it passed through the centre of Horley and under the railway but then we stayed on the Smallfield Road and continued east.
Just before the bridge over the M23 we turned left onto Hathersham Lane and after a few hundred yards I realised that I’d lost half of the group! I turned round and got back to the junction just in time to see Barbara and Anton heading over the bridge. I shouted but I don’t think they heard even me over the noise of the motorway traffic. Fortunately Anton stopped to ask a horse rider if she’d seen two cyclists and as she hadn’t he reasoned that we must have taken that turning before the bridge. As soon as he turned round he could see me so we regrouped and continued up the lane. We took the first right onto New House Lane and climbed the small hill before turning left onto Axes Lane then right onto Mason’s Bridge Road. This has a small climb as well before we took the right onto Kings Mill Lane to go past Redhill Aerodrome. We decided not to stop here but press on towards the lunch stop. Passing through South Nutfield we headed along Crab Hill Lane to recross the M23.
From here we headed south along Prince of Wales Road before heading east again towards Outwood on Brickfield Road. Arriving at the windmill we had a quick chat and decided to cut the ride short as it was now ten minutes to midday and we all felt peckish. I suggested we try a pub I knew of nearby, the Jolly Farmers, so off we went down Gayhouse Lane and east along Whitewood Lane.
What a revelation! We received a friendly welcome at the pub, there was an empty table in front of the log fire, the Sussex Ale was really good and they had a good variety of food on the menu at reasonable prices (and the servings were of a very hearty size). This pub is definitely going on our list of places to stop.
Our lunchtime discussion mainly centred around Dave Galle and hopefully Barbara or Bob will be able to visit Dave sometime this week.
Eventually it dawned on us that sooner or later we’d have to venture back outside so we bit the bullet and got going again. I offered the choice of either riding directly back to Crawley or going a – “Straight back please” they all interrupted – so I didn’t need to look at the map. Back along Whitewood Lane, turn right onto Smallfield Road then left onto Dowlands Lane. As we turned right onto Cross Lane, Anton made his goodbyes as he was continuing south to get home via Turners Hill.
It was hard work riding up Copthorne Bank as the wind was quite strongly in our faces and carrying a lot of rain. In fact we sheltered at the side of the road for a minute whilst a particularly heavy squall passed over. However, by the time we’d travelled along Copthorne Road and reached the M23 overbridge, the sun had emerged and there was a rainbow behind us. Now it was time to say bye-bye to John as he headed back home into Pound Hill and Barbara and I pedalled on to the station.
We were discussing the need to have a committee meeting as I saw a car pull up outside the station that I recognised. It was one of our section members, George, and we had a quick chat with him – he spotted the fact that I’ve barely got any mudguards on my bike (but I did do John O’Groats to Lands End on it). We were getting cold now so Barbara headed for her car (the station car park is free on Sundays) and I headed home.
As I washed my bike down and sprayed oil on it I noticed that we’d covered a mere 26 miles today but with all the wind and rain it felt like we’d gone a lot further.
Next weeks ride will be to the west and north of Horsham. Leaving Horsham Park Pavilion at 10:00hrs, Mick will lead us on a medium rated 30 mile loop with a stop for lunch at a nice country pub – the Punchbowl at Okewoodhill. After all the rain of recent weeks, I’m hoping it will be drier (though that will probably make it colder!).
Monday, 23 November 2009
Green Fingers
Maybe it was the rating of easy, for we had a good turnout of eight riders on this weeks ride. Anton, Pete S, Marian, John H, Norman, Mick, Martin and Bob.
The overnight rain had stopped but the wind hadn't - though it wasn't cold. We left Horsham using the golf course/Robin Hood Lane route and then headed over to climb Rowhook Hill. Norman departed just before the hill as he was only out for a short time today. Carrying on, we approached Ellens Green from one direction as the rain approached from the other. We quickly donned our waterproofs and continued westwards. The rain eased off a little as we went along Cox Green Road but as we turned onto Baynards Road it came back with a vengeance. Heading along Knowle Lane the wind and rain became much worse - so much so that water was just streaming down my head and into my eyes and ears! We ploughed on or should I say splashed on and soon arrived at Cranleigh. We parted the waves along the high street under the curious gaze of several people sheltering in shop doorways and bus shelters before hitting the Guildford Road to finally pull up at the lunch stop - Notcutts Garden Centre. At this point Martin left us and headed for home.
On locking our bikes up the rain stopped and as we ate our lunch the sun actually came out to play! We didn’t rush our lunch but were soon back on the road. Collectively we’d decided to keep the route back fairly short and not visit Capel for tea and cakes! Firstly we headed for Ewhurst Green then used the quiet lanes to Walliswood and Okewoodhill. The rain was holding off although, on turning right onto Stane Street (the A29), there was still a fair bit of spray being thrown up by the traffic. The second left took us onto another couple of quiet lanes to the west of Warnham before we traced our steps along Robin Hood lane and across the golf course.
The group spilt up at this point – Mick turning left to his house, Anton to the right to his car, Pete and Marion to the station for the train home. This left John H and myself to ride back to Crawley. We decided to use the main road, and with the wind behind us we were soon back home with just over 40 miles under our belts.
Our next Sunday ride is lead by Pete S and starts from Three Bridges Station at 10:00hrs. It will head North East for a 35 mile medium rated loop with lunch at the Fox and Hounds at Tilburstow. Dress up warm, the weathermen reckon the temperature will only be a few degrees above freezing!
p.s. I visited Dave Galle in hospital on Monday. He seemed quite bright and cheerful although he’s still barely able to move his arms and legs. He told me that the driver of the silver Astra van that hit him is unlikely to get prosecuted due to a lack of witnesses. Surely the road can act as a witness? After all, Dave was travelling North on the B2139 Coolham Road and had right of way over traffic turning onto the B2133. He was struck whilst he was on his own side of the road. The damage to his bike will testify that he was struck from the side and that he didn’t ride into the van. I believe the van driver has said that the low sun made it difficult for him to see – so, on the strength of what he couldn’t see, he put a ton of metal in the same place as a human being! Dave remembers lying in the road, unable to move, tingling all over and the van driver saying “Sorry mate I didn’t see you”! Ironically, CTC are running an awareness campaign called SMIDSY at the moment (SMIDSY stands for Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You).
If you would like to visit Dave it’s very easy by public transport:
From Central London take the Jubilee Line north to the end of the line – Stanmore.
From the station forecourt, catch the blue hospital shuttle bus to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (Stanmore). It’s free and runs every half hour or so (weekdays only). Here’s a timetable: http://www.rnoh.nhs.uk/patients-families/patient-transport/shuttle-bus-timetable
Get off at the second stop (out-patients) and head uphill to the Spinal injuries Unit (if unsure, ask a member of staff, they’re very helpful).
Coming back, catch the shuttle bus and get off at either Edgware (Northern Line) or Stanmore (Jubilee Line) tube station to travel back to Central London. Each tube journey takes just over 40 minutes and costs about £3.00 each way (off-peak)
The overnight rain had stopped but the wind hadn't - though it wasn't cold. We left Horsham using the golf course/Robin Hood Lane route and then headed over to climb Rowhook Hill. Norman departed just before the hill as he was only out for a short time today. Carrying on, we approached Ellens Green from one direction as the rain approached from the other. We quickly donned our waterproofs and continued westwards. The rain eased off a little as we went along Cox Green Road but as we turned onto Baynards Road it came back with a vengeance. Heading along Knowle Lane the wind and rain became much worse - so much so that water was just streaming down my head and into my eyes and ears! We ploughed on or should I say splashed on and soon arrived at Cranleigh. We parted the waves along the high street under the curious gaze of several people sheltering in shop doorways and bus shelters before hitting the Guildford Road to finally pull up at the lunch stop - Notcutts Garden Centre. At this point Martin left us and headed for home.
On locking our bikes up the rain stopped and as we ate our lunch the sun actually came out to play! We didn’t rush our lunch but were soon back on the road. Collectively we’d decided to keep the route back fairly short and not visit Capel for tea and cakes! Firstly we headed for Ewhurst Green then used the quiet lanes to Walliswood and Okewoodhill. The rain was holding off although, on turning right onto Stane Street (the A29), there was still a fair bit of spray being thrown up by the traffic. The second left took us onto another couple of quiet lanes to the west of Warnham before we traced our steps along Robin Hood lane and across the golf course.
The group spilt up at this point – Mick turning left to his house, Anton to the right to his car, Pete and Marion to the station for the train home. This left John H and myself to ride back to Crawley. We decided to use the main road, and with the wind behind us we were soon back home with just over 40 miles under our belts.
Our next Sunday ride is lead by Pete S and starts from Three Bridges Station at 10:00hrs. It will head North East for a 35 mile medium rated loop with lunch at the Fox and Hounds at Tilburstow. Dress up warm, the weathermen reckon the temperature will only be a few degrees above freezing!
p.s. I visited Dave Galle in hospital on Monday. He seemed quite bright and cheerful although he’s still barely able to move his arms and legs. He told me that the driver of the silver Astra van that hit him is unlikely to get prosecuted due to a lack of witnesses. Surely the road can act as a witness? After all, Dave was travelling North on the B2139 Coolham Road and had right of way over traffic turning onto the B2133. He was struck whilst he was on his own side of the road. The damage to his bike will testify that he was struck from the side and that he didn’t ride into the van. I believe the van driver has said that the low sun made it difficult for him to see – so, on the strength of what he couldn’t see, he put a ton of metal in the same place as a human being! Dave remembers lying in the road, unable to move, tingling all over and the van driver saying “Sorry mate I didn’t see you”! Ironically, CTC are running an awareness campaign called SMIDSY at the moment (SMIDSY stands for Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You).
If you would like to visit Dave it’s very easy by public transport:
From Central London take the Jubilee Line north to the end of the line – Stanmore.
From the station forecourt, catch the blue hospital shuttle bus to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (Stanmore). It’s free and runs every half hour or so (weekdays only). Here’s a timetable: http://www.rnoh.nhs.uk/patients-families/patient-transport/shuttle-bus-timetable
Get off at the second stop (out-patients) and head uphill to the Spinal injuries Unit (if unsure, ask a member of staff, they’re very helpful).
Coming back, catch the shuttle bus and get off at either Edgware (Northern Line) or Stanmore (Jubilee Line) tube station to travel back to Central London. Each tube journey takes just over 40 minutes and costs about £3.00 each way (off-peak)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
