Crawley Family Bike Ride 2011

The weather forecasters were predicting a hot, sunny day (for a change) and this news seems to have encouraged people to get out on their bikes for a grand total of 52 people turned up at Oriel School for the Crawley Family Bike Ride 2011.

"Suitable for riders of all ages and abilities" was how the ride had been advertised and the Crawley public certainly lived up to that declaration.

Several members of Horsham and Crawley CTC were on hand to assist ride leader Pete keep the ride under control and safe for everybody.

First step was for everyone to register for the ride and thereby gain the protection of the ‘Team Green Bike Week’ insurance scheme.

Various freebies and leaflets were also available in order to publicise the various cycling facilities and organisations in Crawley.

Then everyone gathered together for a brief briefing from Pete.

The emphasis was very much on safety but also on enjoyment.

After posing for group photos for the Crawley News photographer.....

Look how many riders there are......

We set off. Firstly using the cycle path from Maidenbower into Furnace Green and then following Weald Drive into Tilgate. Pete led us on a quiet route using smaller residential roads and a cycle path to arrive at K2 leisure centre.

From there, the underpass at Broadfield roundabout enabled a safe crossing of the A23 and we followed NCN20 as it went up Woodmans Hill, Tollgate Hill, Hollingbourne Crescent and Wye Close to emerge at the top of Pease Pottage Hill - this was the hardest part of the ride as it involved something like a 40 metre climb in just under a mile.

The Horsham link road has not yet had the pedestrian controlled lights installed, but with some adept marshalling from the riders in flourescent yellow jackets and with the goodwill of several motorists, we were all soon safely across.

For the next mile or so the route followed the old A23 until we used a footbridge to cross over the new A23 at Tilgate Forest Row and gain the Handcross Road. Normally this road is almost devoid of traffic but today it was absolutely jam-packed with cars. It seems that there had been an incident on the A23 and lots of traffic was trying to find an alternative route via the Handcross Road. The volume of traffic was initially very worrying, especially bearing in mind the number of very young riders we had, but the traffic volume actually had the effect of reducing the traffic speed to one barely faster than our sub 10mph pace and we were soon at our destination, Nymans Gardens.

We received a warm welcome from the National Trust staff and not only did our event flyers give us free access to the garden but we were also issued with a voucher for a free drink from the cafe. Thanks Nymans.

As people enjoyed the gardens, had lunch or just sat in the shade, I repaired a puncture for a young lady - it's amazing how clumsy I become when people are watching me work on a bike, but once I relaxed I quickly got it done. Thanks for the use of your pump, John.

Soon it was time for the return journey, but not before another group photo:

Come on everyone, wave...

..... just one more .....

.... I lied .......

Within seconds everyone was back on the road and riding past a near stationery queue of traffic heading in the opposite direction.

On reaching Pease Pottage we headed east on Parish Lane before turning left into Tilgate Forest for a fast ride down the firebreak trail.

I think everyone really enjoyed this stretch - after all, this was basically the same hill they'd climbed up earlier in the day!

Here you can see Anton performing his usual "sweeper" role as, assisted by John, he looks after the youngest rider Angelo.

Having crossed over the M23 we then had a fast descent through the golf course before a short wooded section gave us some refreshing shade.

Minutes later we were back at Oriel School having ridden a total of just over 10 miles and without losing anyone! We received lots of positive comments and we're already trying to think of ways to improve the event for next year - avoiding any hills would seem to be high on the ideas list!

Thankyou to everyone who set up, organised, advertised, assisted, donated to the event but an extra BIG thankyou to everyone who turned up and took part in the ride. Hopefully it revealed some aspect of the cycle facilities in Crawley of which you weren't previously aware and it would be lovely to see you on any of the Horsham and Crawley CTC rides in the future. n.b. there is an easy ride either along the Worth Way or to Redhill Aerodrome on Sunday 10th July, come along, you'll be pleasantly surprised how easy it is to get to places by bike.

For club members (and those of you who fancy one or more 25 mile rides along some wonderful lanes) this Sunday (3rd July) sees us hold our annual Two Weald Ride. Make your own way to Wisborough Green for 10:00hrs and set off either by yourself or with a variety of other riders on any of the four circular routes that we have maps and route instructions for. Light refreshments will be available from Pat and Franks camper van and all the routes have convenient pubs for when you want a lunch break.

The Crawley Family Bike Ride, 26th June 2011

Coming up:

The Black Horse at Amberley

Young Men! Do you drive a light blue metallic car? Are you fed up with sky-high car insurance costs?

Well the solution is close to hand.



.........Improve your driving standards!!!!!

Example 1: When approaching a traffic island and a cyclist is just in front of you, do NOT speed past on the wrong side of the island. Instead, be patient and obey the rules of the road, it will only cost you about the same time as inputting 4 characters on your mobile phone! An amount of time you can easily reclaim as you studiously ignore every other traffic regulation you're aware of.

Example 2: When approaching a roundabout on a dual-carriageway, don't blast your horn when you're just a few yards from a cyclist and expect him to know that it means you're not very good at driving, you don't know how to overtake, you want to turn left AND that your mate in the back is an obnoxious little toad!

Anyway, those two oafs and the joys of climbing Pease Pottage Hill got my pulse rate going and I arrived at Horsham Pavilions in the Park a good quarter of an hour early!

Next to arrive was John C - I thought I'd seen him as I went past the Station - and then Barbara arrived. As we stood around chatting, Pete E walked up - unfortunately not riding, but on his way into work. Still, it gave us the opportunity to arrange a date for the next committee meeting.
We waited the usual 10 minutes after the published time but no one else turned up so we set off.
We used the golf course route out of Horsham and then passed through Broadbridge Heath and south on the A264 before turning left onto Bashurst Hill. On reaching Valewood Lane, Barbara had to leave us as she only had time for a short ride. John and I carried on south through Coneyhurst, Broadford Bridge, up Woods Hill and into West Chiltington. It's noticeable that the resurfacing has made the road down the hill a lot slower and I even had to pedal towards the bottom.

Stream Lane was next, and was as quiet as usual. Then after a fairly busy dash along the A283, we soon arrived at Wiggonholt RSPB where we stopped for a quick cuppa and Eccles cake each. As we sat in the patio area we were entertained by all the birds on and around the feeding stations - I counted at least six varieties during the 10 minutes or so that we were there - Blue Tits, Great Tits, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, House Sparrows (and possibly Tree Sparrows) and also a Tree Creeper. Most of them had young fledglings with them as well. There was also a Grey Squirrel that kept trying to get near the feeders, but a little Scots Terrier barked at it each time it appeared and it turned tail each time.

As we resumed our ride, so it started raining - but only in the form of a fine mist that didn't really get us wet. As we passed through the woodland that clings to the slight sandstone ridge we kept our eyes open for deer or other wildlife, but didn't see anything - they were probably keeping dry somewhere. After Rackham Lane we climbed Rackham Road onto Amberley Bank from where we could grab an occasional view of the lush green Amberley Levels.

Maintaining my earlier theme, we'd arrived at the pub ahead of schedule and it wasn't yet open, but there's always something to chat about and it wasn't long before the door was opened and we were sinking our first pints.

We both opted for a sandwich and, as is the fashion, they came with chips. The food was good and was deservedly washed down with a second pint.

For the return journey we retraced our path as far as West Chiltington and then we took a route using the Coolham road, Broomers Corner, Countryman Lane past The Countryman Inn and then up through Southwater. As both of us live in Crawley, we then used Sedgwick Lane, Doomsday lane, Hammerpond Road and Grouse Road to arrive at Pease Pottage. It was a bit wet blasting down Pease pottage Hill, but just a few minutes later we were home and dry.

Our next ride is at 09:30hrs on Sunday 12th June. Starting at Three Bridges, it will be led by John C and probably head North and East from Crawley.

DA Event - Wiggonholt Rendezvous

In spite of waking up before 07:00hrs, by the time I'd got myself out of the house I only had 25 minutes to get to Horsham! I failed miserably and took 35. As I was about to cross the railway bridge by Horsham Station I spotted Jeet, on his way home because only he and Norman had turned up at 09:00hrs! I had a map and a route so Jeet decided it was a day for riding after all and we both went on to Horsham park Pavilions just in case anyone else was there. No luck - Norman had already set off for Wiggonholt, so we set off in pursuit. Despite keeping up a cracking pace, we passed through Tower Hill, Bax Castle, Barns Green, West Chiltington, Stream Lane and it wasn't until we arrived in the queue at the tea room in Wiggonholt RSPB centre that we caught up with him!
There were three other West Sussex riders there and, as we ate our tea and cake, several others arrived, including John V and John C.
At 11:30 all 13 of us set off on a fairly simple ride, via Billingshurst up to the Blue Ship at The Haven (strange name for a village that).
The food and beer were good as usual, as was the conversation with our friends and, as ever, soon it was time to set off again.
Each section headed in it's own direction - we opted to go via Slinfold, Warnham station, and Rusper back to Crawley (Norman had decided on a ride up the Downs Link before returning to Horsham).
Our next ride is a Horsham start at 09:30 on Sunday 5th June. We will head South and West via Wisborough Green for Lunch at The Black Horse in Amberley. This should be a medium rated ride of some 40 miles. If the weather is nice it wil be VERY enjoyable.

Falmer Fantasy

A good turnout for this ride which went from Three Bridges to Falmer (near Brighton):

Myself (Richard), the two Johns, Norman, Barbara and Peter and Marion on their (at times jet powered) tandem, set off from Three Bridges, and met Roz who had cycled the slightly shorter distance from East Grinstead to Turners Hill. We soon passed Ardingly, and turned off onto the nicer lanes, past Walstead School where the cricket had already started, and then onto Slugwash Lane. Taking a slightly different route than the normal Ditchling at Wivelsfield, we skirted Plumpton, and enjoyed the new surface on the little lane before coming out onto the A275 at Cooksbridge. It was noted the quality of the road surface seemed to correspond to the distance to the County town, or perhaps a councillor lives down the lane.
A short stretch of the busy A275 and we arrived by Lewes prison to turn right and then join the cycle path alongside the A27. This took us up to Falmer, the name of the ride. A walk across the footbridge and we had a quick break by the duck pond. The fantasy part, which is now reality, as we started, and before the hill over the downs to Woodingdean, is the new football stadium, nestling in the downs.

Unfortunately this is where we hit the traffic as there are still 4 way traffic lights at Woodingdean, and thus a long queue of cars, and little chance to whizz past.
Now we had done the hills, and could freewheel down towards Rottingdean, before turning off and cutting the corner, before meeting the cycle path alongside the A259 coast road.
We stopped for lunch at the Roedean cafe, with nice views of the sea, although unfortunately not a sunny day. Setting off for some of the group to catch a train back home, we found Madeira Drive wasnt a nice pootle along the cycle path to the pier, but instead the road was packed with Minis which has been doing their annual London to Brighton run. This meant the group was split up, and I managed to lose those of us who were cycling back to Crawley alongside the A23 on NCN20. Norman, had already said he would use the downs link to get back to Horsham by this time.
Anyway a pleasant 60 miles for me, and hopefully everyone got home safely though the busy Brighton traffic

DA Event: The I-Spy

Sorry about the delay in posting this entry, I’ve been very busy organising my Coast-to-Coast bike ride.

The weather was slightly windy with overcast skies and there had been some rain earlier, so only 11 people joined me for this years I-Spy. This was a shame because parts of the route had been especially pretty when I’d cycled it last week. No matter, I got on with the briefing session.

“No clues on A or B roads, safety is paramount, enjoy yourselves” is what I told everyone. The start was at Billingshurst Station and the first clue was right in front of the competitors the moment they mounted their bikes: I asked “What station opposite the Station?” It was fun watching them milling around looking for the answer when I knew it was that big sign that said “Off Centre Hair Station”.
The route took them up into Billingshurst and then out on the A272 as far as Wisborough Green where they could finally get onto the minor roads for more relaxed cycling. Clues were sprinkled amongst the route instructions as they headed west then north then west again through Ifold, Plaistow and Shillinglee. Finally, having crossed the A283 I turned them south and up a long climb (according to Pete S) through some delightful scenery before turning east through Lurgashall.
My original plan was to have lunch at the pub in Lurgashall but the landlord doesn’t seem able to deal with groups of cyclists, so I kept the competitors going for another couple of miles before bringing them to a halt at The Half Moon in Northchapel.
Although the rain had kept away, there was still a little wind and the sun had not quite broken through the cloud, so although we stayed outside in the garden it could have been warmer!

As each team had their lunch, I marked their morning answer sheets – each team that is, bar one. Ros and John C had become separated and John had taken a wrong turn. I managed to phone him and find that he was several miles away to the south (nearly in Petworth!). He soon managed to join us though.





The afternoon session was only 9 miles compared to the 19 morning miles, so having given out the route and clues, I had to get pedalling in order to ensure I was at the finish before anyone else. The sun was starting to win the battle with the clouds and it was very pleasant whistling along (and checking the answers were still in place).

Arriving at the finish – Fishers Farm Park – I got myself a coffee and a piece of cake and installed myself in a sun-trap of a patio area where I could see people arriving (and keep an eye on my bike).

I hadn’t finished my coffee before Pete and Marian arrived and then the others started rolling in and I could complete the marking.

The results were as follows:
1st: Edwin, John M, Colin and Anne 39 out 39 points
2nd: John W, Dave and Richard 38 out of 39 points
3rd: Ros and John C 35 out of 39 points
4th: Pete and Marian 33 out of 39 points

It looks like I may need to make the questions slightly harder in future, though I didn’t need to resort to my tie-break question: “How many churches with spire or tower (as marked on an OS 1:50,000 Landranger map) have you passed within about 100 metres of since leaving Billingshurst Station? (count each one only once)”

By the way, the answer is FIVE – Wisborough Green, Plaistow, Lurgashall, Northchapel and Kirdford. Billingshurst church is the best part of 300 metres from the route so doesn’t count.

This weekends ride promises to be a good one.

Starting from Three Bridges station at 09:30 it’s entitled “Famer Fantasy” and, led by Richard, will follow a relatively easy and very enjoyable route down to Lewes and then Falmer before returning on NCN20 (there’s the option of using the train for the return).

As for me, I’ll be riding from St. David’s in West Wales to Hemsby in Norfolk. I’ll be posting a daily blog – go to http://bobscoasttocoast.blogspot.com/ to see how I’m getting on.

Commercial Vehicle Run

Todays riders were Anton, Barbara, Bob, Frank, Marian, Pete, Richard and Ros. Let's see if the pictures can tell the story.......

.



On the first Sunday in May (exactly six months away from the date of the Veteran Car Run), the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society have a London to Brighton run. This year, there was a service halt at Broadfield Stadium, so we had plenty to look at. When it was time to move on again we couldn't find Frank. We thought he might be chatting about buses with someone - after all, there were plenty about.

But no, we found him chatting to someone about a fire-engine from Wisbech.

We thought we'd get chance to overtake some of the old vehicles on the climb up Pease Pottage Hill, but the only one we managed was a (different) fire-engine that had stalled near the top of the hill. The road was really busy and it was with some relief that we finally left the Historic vehicles route at Staplefield (ignoring the Beer Festival advertised at The Jolly Tanners). Richard bid us adieu here too as he had to head for home.

We turned west, under the A23, through Slaugham, past Slaugham Pond and crossed the B road by The Wheatsheaf. After the short, sharp climb following the Hammerpond, we turned right onto Grouse Road.

and then a couple of miles later we parked ourselves in the garden of The Dragon at Colgate.

A couple of pints of Pickled Partridge, some good food and a conversation about the AV voting system later we were back on the road. Barbara and Norman heading west to Horsham, the rest of us going east to Pease Pottage and then onto Parish Lane before using NCN20 through a sandy Tilgate Forest.

and past the fake tree or "Orange" tree as Mick calls it:

(it's a mobile phone mast really).

Now we were all home - apart from Ros who had a few miles of the Worth Way to traverse before getting home to East Grinstead.

Next weeks ride is a DA Event - the I-Spy.

Starting from the north side of Billingshurst Railway Station at 10:00 hrs, it will involve riding a 31 mile loop spotting the answers to a number of questions along the way. There will be a pub stop for lunch about 19 miles in and refreshments will be available at the finish. The station car park costs just £1 on a Sunday, though I suspect (free) on-road parking will be available nearby.

Please take part and support your club, entry is free and there's always the chance you could win a prize!