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
Sunday, 26 February 2012
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.
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Wiston Rendezvous
A Horsham start and, as usual, I'm running late (this is probably the most common theme running through this blog)! The K2 carpark was full due to a swimming event and I switched my bright red flashing rear light on before venturing onto the A23 and up Pease Pottage Hill. I was nice and warm on reaching the top and with an empty roundabout, I didn't have to stop at the top. Suddenly a car blasted his horn right behind me. What the ......! Some twerp in a sliver Aston Martin Convertible (last three letters of the reg were DVB) had come up the hill behind me and then simultaneously tried to overtake me and turn left onto the motorway sliproad going north. I can only assume the horn blast was to tell me off for using the correct signal when going straight on over a roundabout and also for not taking my cycle onto the motorway!!
It was cold riding along Forest Road but the sky was brightening up and I was glad to be out on my bike. Everything seemed a bit quicker today and, without really trying too hard, I actually pulled up at Horsham Pavilions in the Park at exactly 10:00hrs! That's a first :-)
Barbara was waiting and ..... that was it. We waited for ten minutes just in case and then set off.
Firstly we headed through the centre of town and then out on the Worthing Road as far as The Boars Head where we turned right. That little climb from the junction to the Tower Hill corner is always awkward - it's too narrow for cars to pass and the road surface is not that smooth, but once over the crest and round the corner, the road widens and one can get ones breath back freewheeling down and under the A24. We took the next right and went past Christs Hospital and over the railway. There were several runners going in both directions along this road and also when we turned left near Itchingfield. A short hill and a long glide took us to Barns Green. Here, for a change, I took us over the railway level crossing and along the quiet Emms Lane to Brooks Green. Here a quick left then right took us onto Lackenhurst Lane - this is the convenient link lane that doesn't seem to be on the Goldeneye map (if it is, it's obscured by a couple of placenames and impossible to see). Going right at the triangular junction, we followed Bakers Lane down to The George and Dragon where we turned south and crossed the A272.
At the next junction Barbara turned left for Shipley and to head for home whilst I carried on.
Smithers Hill Lane took me to Countryman Lane which led to Broomers Corner and Hooklands Lane. This lane finishes off as Spear Hill and a short descent onto the Billingshurst Road. From here it was south through Ashington and then under the A24 and onto Hole Street. Just over a mile later I pulled up at Wiston Tea Rooms.
Walking my bike into the garden, I could see the inside tables were all occupied mainly with cyclists but didn't recognise any of the faces. I placed my order and sat down at one of the outside tables. Just then an old friend burst through from behind the clouds - The Sun put in an appearance: not as warm as he can be, but pleasant enough. Shortly after, my mug of tea and my poached eggs on toast arrived. As I was just starting to wolf them down, Anne from Bognor and Chichester arrived - like me, she was on her own but enjoying the day. We were joined at the table by a lone cyclist from Sutton - he'd come to Sussex by train and was enjoying a (relatively) hill free ride around the vicinity.
After a pleasant chat, it was time to head for home. I took Spithandle Lane across to the B2135 then headed north through Ashurst to Partridge Green. As I was by myself I decided to head straight back to Crawley on a route I was familiar with from the days when I regularly rode between the two (my brother lived in Partridge Green back then). So it was through Littleworth, right onto Stonehouse Lane and over the A272 onto Burnthouse Lane. This road has a couple of hills, one of which features a barking dog (usually safely behind a fence, but one it was out in the road). Another hill followed on turning into Newells Lane. At the end of the lane I turned right onto the A281 and then left onto the B2115 to Lower Beeding. Next it was north down Church Lane. Near the nothernmost end of the lane is a small business estate - this is where a small local brewery is based called Kissingate - try their beer if you get the chance.
Turning left, it was then down over the Hammerpond and up the other side - as I ground my way up the hill, I spotted a pure white squirrel. He was a big fellow, so is obviously thriving, but he was out of sight before I could bring my camera to bear. As I rode along Grouse Road I found myself looking to see if there was any other "unusual" wildlife around but I didn't spot anything. Soon I was back in Pease Pottage and then through a still packed K2 before arriving home at half past two. I'd enjoyed a very pleasant 35 mile outing on my bike and was feeling quite refreshed by it.
Next weeks ride starts from Three Bridges station at 10:00 hrs and will be a fairly easy (ok there will be a couple of hills) ride to lunch at Balcombe tearooms and back - no more than about 3 hours of cycling in total. Go on - you know you can do it!
It was cold riding along Forest Road but the sky was brightening up and I was glad to be out on my bike. Everything seemed a bit quicker today and, without really trying too hard, I actually pulled up at Horsham Pavilions in the Park at exactly 10:00hrs! That's a first :-)
Barbara was waiting and ..... that was it. We waited for ten minutes just in case and then set off.
Firstly we headed through the centre of town and then out on the Worthing Road as far as The Boars Head where we turned right. That little climb from the junction to the Tower Hill corner is always awkward - it's too narrow for cars to pass and the road surface is not that smooth, but once over the crest and round the corner, the road widens and one can get ones breath back freewheeling down and under the A24. We took the next right and went past Christs Hospital and over the railway. There were several runners going in both directions along this road and also when we turned left near Itchingfield. A short hill and a long glide took us to Barns Green. Here, for a change, I took us over the railway level crossing and along the quiet Emms Lane to Brooks Green. Here a quick left then right took us onto Lackenhurst Lane - this is the convenient link lane that doesn't seem to be on the Goldeneye map (if it is, it's obscured by a couple of placenames and impossible to see). Going right at the triangular junction, we followed Bakers Lane down to The George and Dragon where we turned south and crossed the A272.
At the next junction Barbara turned left for Shipley and to head for home whilst I carried on.
Smithers Hill Lane took me to Countryman Lane which led to Broomers Corner and Hooklands Lane. This lane finishes off as Spear Hill and a short descent onto the Billingshurst Road. From here it was south through Ashington and then under the A24 and onto Hole Street. Just over a mile later I pulled up at Wiston Tea Rooms.
Walking my bike into the garden, I could see the inside tables were all occupied mainly with cyclists but didn't recognise any of the faces. I placed my order and sat down at one of the outside tables. Just then an old friend burst through from behind the clouds - The Sun put in an appearance: not as warm as he can be, but pleasant enough. Shortly after, my mug of tea and my poached eggs on toast arrived. As I was just starting to wolf them down, Anne from Bognor and Chichester arrived - like me, she was on her own but enjoying the day. We were joined at the table by a lone cyclist from Sutton - he'd come to Sussex by train and was enjoying a (relatively) hill free ride around the vicinity.
After a pleasant chat, it was time to head for home. I took Spithandle Lane across to the B2135 then headed north through Ashurst to Partridge Green. As I was by myself I decided to head straight back to Crawley on a route I was familiar with from the days when I regularly rode between the two (my brother lived in Partridge Green back then). So it was through Littleworth, right onto Stonehouse Lane and over the A272 onto Burnthouse Lane. This road has a couple of hills, one of which features a barking dog (usually safely behind a fence, but one it was out in the road). Another hill followed on turning into Newells Lane. At the end of the lane I turned right onto the A281 and then left onto the B2115 to Lower Beeding. Next it was north down Church Lane. Near the nothernmost end of the lane is a small business estate - this is where a small local brewery is based called Kissingate - try their beer if you get the chance.
Turning left, it was then down over the Hammerpond and up the other side - as I ground my way up the hill, I spotted a pure white squirrel. He was a big fellow, so is obviously thriving, but he was out of sight before I could bring my camera to bear. As I rode along Grouse Road I found myself looking to see if there was any other "unusual" wildlife around but I didn't spot anything. Soon I was back in Pease Pottage and then through a still packed K2 before arriving home at half past two. I'd enjoyed a very pleasant 35 mile outing on my bike and was feeling quite refreshed by it.
Next weeks ride starts from Three Bridges station at 10:00 hrs and will be a fairly easy (ok there will be a couple of hills) ride to lunch at Balcombe tearooms and back - no more than about 3 hours of cycling in total. Go on - you know you can do it!
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Horne (or not)
For mid-January it was a lovely morning. A little cloudy at first, but with some quite prolonged sunny periods. And not too cold, although with a bit of south-westerly wind. We left Three Bridges station on the dot of about 10.12 or so, and headed through Manor Royal as quickly as we could to arrive on the sumptuous cycle path at Gatwick, in time to have a large aircraft coming in to land pass just above our heads. And moments later to experience the contradiction that is the pond by the River Mole and the A23 two hundred metres from a major international airport, in quite tranquil serenity. But we hurried the bunch along trying not to cause too much disturbance all the time avoiding the dogs. And their owners.
It seemed as if the wind was blowing us gently along as we drifted through the centre of Horley, remarking on how splendid the Wooden Hut (Foresters) looks these days. And so to Lonesome lane, which is sometimes well named but we had several cars share this thoroughfare with us. And they were all courteous. Turning right we reached the A23 after taking in the really quite splendid views to the North, with the Downs all lit up by sunshine – what a lift to the spirits in an otherwise grey and dull January. The traffic on the short two hundred metre stretch of the A23 was kind to us and we were soon heading east and still downwind towards coffee and cakes at the Redhill aerodrome. This place seems to be getting busier every time we go there but we managed to find a table big enough for all of us, and sat for a while setting quite a few issues to rights. But eventually it came time to leave and so, after a fully democratic vote (STV), we decided that we had been lucky enough with the weather and that we would head directly back to Crawley, rather than via Horne.
This gave us the opportunity to visit Rookery Hill (not sure why it’s called that) with it’s brief views south towards the South Downs and then in to the bustling metropolis of Smallfield (where I went to primary school a little while ago). It wasn’t bustling while we were there on this occasion. And not much of a metropolis either, actually. So we turned right, westwards, in to the wind. But it seemed to have dropped off, aided by our being in very quiet and sheltered lanes, causing us no extra effort whatsoever. And soon Burstow Church came in to view – the only event marring this pleasant stretch being a four by four vehicle spewing black smoke – seriously, if you can afford one you should be able to afford to maintain it properly.
And then it was right to the Black Corner where we headed left and south towards good old Crawley town. Turning right at Milton Mount we marvelled at the tiny Worth Park garden where the Council will spend three million pounds to make them look nice (yes, that’s right, three million), while we meandered our way pleasantly through the potholes and past the end of JC’s road, nodding our heads in respect as we passed. One of the Horsham contingent was then pleasantly surprised to find that she was deposited, by various turnings, devious routes, and back-doubles, exactly opposite the Three Bridges railway station in a perfect position to recover her vehicle and head off to Horsham for lunch.
Twenty six miles. Mild. Sunny, mostly. No rain. The wind didn’t bother us. Nothing wild or massively exciting, just a couple of hours of pleasant company, with a bit of exercise, wandering around our own back yard.
I hope that we will be able to welcome you to join us next time.
Peter Smith, Ride leader
Our next ride will start from Horsham Pavilions in the Park at 10:00 hrs on Sunday 29th January. It will be an easy ride of about 30 miles heading south to lunch at Wiston tea rooms (and a meet up with the Bognor & Chichester section). The weather forecast is for a cold but clear day - sounds perfect for cycling and I'm sure we'll have some great views of the Sussex countryside.
It seemed as if the wind was blowing us gently along as we drifted through the centre of Horley, remarking on how splendid the Wooden Hut (Foresters) looks these days. And so to Lonesome lane, which is sometimes well named but we had several cars share this thoroughfare with us. And they were all courteous. Turning right we reached the A23 after taking in the really quite splendid views to the North, with the Downs all lit up by sunshine – what a lift to the spirits in an otherwise grey and dull January. The traffic on the short two hundred metre stretch of the A23 was kind to us and we were soon heading east and still downwind towards coffee and cakes at the Redhill aerodrome. This place seems to be getting busier every time we go there but we managed to find a table big enough for all of us, and sat for a while setting quite a few issues to rights. But eventually it came time to leave and so, after a fully democratic vote (STV), we decided that we had been lucky enough with the weather and that we would head directly back to Crawley, rather than via Horne.
This gave us the opportunity to visit Rookery Hill (not sure why it’s called that) with it’s brief views south towards the South Downs and then in to the bustling metropolis of Smallfield (where I went to primary school a little while ago). It wasn’t bustling while we were there on this occasion. And not much of a metropolis either, actually. So we turned right, westwards, in to the wind. But it seemed to have dropped off, aided by our being in very quiet and sheltered lanes, causing us no extra effort whatsoever. And soon Burstow Church came in to view – the only event marring this pleasant stretch being a four by four vehicle spewing black smoke – seriously, if you can afford one you should be able to afford to maintain it properly.
And then it was right to the Black Corner where we headed left and south towards good old Crawley town. Turning right at Milton Mount we marvelled at the tiny Worth Park garden where the Council will spend three million pounds to make them look nice (yes, that’s right, three million), while we meandered our way pleasantly through the potholes and past the end of JC’s road, nodding our heads in respect as we passed. One of the Horsham contingent was then pleasantly surprised to find that she was deposited, by various turnings, devious routes, and back-doubles, exactly opposite the Three Bridges railway station in a perfect position to recover her vehicle and head off to Horsham for lunch.
Twenty six miles. Mild. Sunny, mostly. No rain. The wind didn’t bother us. Nothing wild or massively exciting, just a couple of hours of pleasant company, with a bit of exercise, wandering around our own back yard.
I hope that we will be able to welcome you to join us next time.
Peter Smith, Ride leader
Our next ride will start from Horsham Pavilions in the Park at 10:00 hrs on Sunday 29th January. It will be an easy ride of about 30 miles heading south to lunch at Wiston tea rooms (and a meet up with the Bognor & Chichester section). The weather forecast is for a cold but clear day - sounds perfect for cycling and I'm sure we'll have some great views of the Sussex countryside.
Sunday, 15 January 2012
The George and Dragon
Barbara led us on this ride,
Out of Horshams southeast side.
Near Doomsday Green then Sedgwick Lane,
And down to Copsale once again.
We headed east and I, at first,
Thought we would stop at Maplehurst.
Then realised that's way too soon,
We only stop when it is noon.
Heading southward on we rode,
And on across the main road.
Camelia Botnar uses up
All the syllables in this coup(let).
Littleworth village next was seen
Leading us into Partridge Green.
Over the Downs Link we rode on
Along the B road on and on.....
Spithandle Lane now on the right,
Slow down for horses wearing bright
Yellow vests and looking nervous.
Next Wiston, future rendezvous (well, it looks like it should rhyme!)
North on Hole Street to Ashington,
Under main road - Worthing, London.
Continuing northwards up until,
Turning right onto Spear Hill.
Hooklands lane is undulating
Broomers Corner to us did bring.
Countryman Lane goes to the pub,
For gallons of ale and lovely grub.
But we didn't stop there, oh no,
Up Smithers Hill Lane we did go
Again a Main Road we came upon
Crossed it, arrive at George and Dragon.
A cider each and soup and pate
Made us each feel rather fat, eh?
A second pint washed that away
Then it was back into the day.
Up Bakers Lane and Old House too
Then along Marlpost Road we flew.
Two Mile Ash Road was soon behind
And we had to make up our mind:
What route next? "Straight on," said I
"The Carfax, to the other side,
Then past the Station on North Street
Is the route I think most fleet."
Norman and Barbara now turning home
Left Bob by himself, all alone
Riding along the Forest Road
Back to Crawley ("Field full of crows").
Our next ride is Sunday 22nd January. Starting from Three Bridges Station at 10:00 it will be an Easy ride, led by Pete S, with a lunch stop at The Jolly Farmers at Horne. The weather forecast seems to be for a dry, slightly chilly day - good cycling weather, go on, get out on your bike!
Out of Horshams southeast side.
Near Doomsday Green then Sedgwick Lane,
And down to Copsale once again.
We headed east and I, at first,
Thought we would stop at Maplehurst.
Then realised that's way too soon,
We only stop when it is noon.
Heading southward on we rode,
And on across the main road.
Camelia Botnar uses up
All the syllables in this coup(let).
Littleworth village next was seen
Leading us into Partridge Green.
Over the Downs Link we rode on
Along the B road on and on.....
Spithandle Lane now on the right,
Slow down for horses wearing bright
Yellow vests and looking nervous.
Next Wiston, future rendezvous (well, it looks like it should rhyme!)
North on Hole Street to Ashington,
Under main road - Worthing, London.
Continuing northwards up until,
Turning right onto Spear Hill.
Hooklands lane is undulating
Broomers Corner to us did bring.
Countryman Lane goes to the pub,
For gallons of ale and lovely grub.
But we didn't stop there, oh no,
Up Smithers Hill Lane we did go
Again a Main Road we came upon
Crossed it, arrive at George and Dragon.
A cider each and soup and pate
Made us each feel rather fat, eh?
A second pint washed that away
Then it was back into the day.
Up Bakers Lane and Old House too
Then along Marlpost Road we flew.
Two Mile Ash Road was soon behind
And we had to make up our mind:
What route next? "Straight on," said I
"The Carfax, to the other side,
Then past the Station on North Street
Is the route I think most fleet."
Norman and Barbara now turning home
Left Bob by himself, all alone
Riding along the Forest Road
Back to Crawley ("Field full of crows").
Our next ride is Sunday 22nd January. Starting from Three Bridges Station at 10:00 it will be an Easy ride, led by Pete S, with a lunch stop at The Jolly Farmers at Horne. The weather forecast seems to be for a dry, slightly chilly day - good cycling weather, go on, get out on your bike!
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