The Arun Crossings - DA Event

I enjoy this ride: we criss-cross the river Arun multiple times between Pulborough and Rudgwick on highways and byways. It's a great excuse to fit the knobblies and let my Kona do its thang!

The crowd was slow getting together at Pulborough Station but in the end there were seven of us (just Michael and myself from H&C).

Turning right out of the station, we first used the old bridge at Stopham followed immediately by the new one then up through the woods and a sandy track with great views of the Downs to the south and east. Next we headed north towards Toat before taking a bridleway west for another crossing.  The bridleway took us through a landscape that probably looks pretty much the same as it did a century ago before climbing up to Bedham Lane. This took us north before we turned right onto a bridleway at Horsebridge Hill. A single track trail took us through some woodland then out onto a grassy ride before crossing a small lane and running along the edge of a small valley. Then we went down and across a grassy plain before another river crossing at Pallingham Quays (I think). We next followed a couple of farm tracks before turning left Blackgate lane and then left again to go past Scrase House and then down the hill behind it on a stony-surfaced bridleway. As we reached the bridge over the river we caught up with a couple of horses and being kind and generous folk, we opened the next couple of gates for them. We flew on up the slight gradient before getting on tarmac again for the last mile into Wisborough Green where we stopped at the Old Mill cafe for elevenses.

A good cup of coffee and a selection of delicious pastries later, we were back on the road. We went north and east, past Fishers Farm and dived onto another bridleway. The nest two crossings took us east then west, past Malham Farm then north, out onto Drungewick Lane. 

Next we took the canal path alongside a restored section of the Wey and Arun Canal and pulled up for lunch at the Onslow Arms in Loxwood.

The afternoon saw us head back along the canal before turning north and going through Tismans Common to Rudgwick and then south along the Downs Link. A bridleway then took us west to run round The Haven and into a wood on another bridleway. Back out on Okehurst Road we headed south before going through a farmyard onto another bridleway west and over the river and canal again. Stopping to change my video battery I enjoyed a sprint through a wood to catch up with everyone else as we emerged onto a drive leading to the B2133 at Newpound. Now it was just a case of popping back to Wisborough Green.

I Had a family birthday party to get to so I didn't stop at the cafe and pressed on south - back over the river and canal up the hill and out onto Black Gate Lane then onto Pickhurst Lane and two small climbs before arriving back at Pulborough station to drive back home.

I'd had a really enjoyable day - the weather was warm and sunny, the riding was excellent, the countryside beautiful and the company entertaining.

Cutty Sark Ride 2015

I thought I'd organize this ride for a Bank Holiday Weekend so that it would only take up 1/3rd of peoples weekend freetime - that should guarantee a good attendance!

I met up with Michael at Three Bridges station and we caught the train to Blackfriars station. We had fun fitting ourselves and two bikes into the lift but we managed it and as we emerged onto the Southbank we were met by Eric. That was it - I'd had a few messages from people saying they couldn't make it but nonetheless we stopped at the start point outside London Bridge Station until the specified start time.

We rode over to Greenwich and took a couple of photos whilst waiting for the second start time to arrive, then we were off.

We've become very familiar with the route now and in many ways it makes the riding easier. We were chatting away and even the couple of minor route detours didn't faze us. With so few riders we weren't wasting much time stopping for regroups and we got to the lunch pub, the White Bear at Fickleshole, before 12:30.

The rain was holding off and it was warm enough to sit outside and share our lunch with a few lazy wasps.

As usual the afternoon started off  with an offroad blast downhill with soggy mud and nettles to avoid, followed by a lungbusting drag up the hill and onwards to Chelsham. My favourite part of the day was next with a nice rapid descent through the trees to Woldingham Golf Course - made a bit more exciting by the gully that has developed in the lower parts of the track! We were back in the pedalling groove as we made our way up the quiet valley past Woldingham school and then along Quarry Road - this bit is always annoying as it takes you down part of the scarp slope before forcing you to climb back up it on a rough track. It does mean however that the crossing of the A22 is safely via a bridge. The road climb just beyond required the use of granny gear but shortly after we had the usual breather at the top of Gravelly Hill. The view wasn't as good as on previous occasions - the weather was muggy and reduced the view to a vague expanse of slightly misty green hills.

Remounting, we had the fast descent through the woods and under the M25 to emerge by the sand quarries. The path zig zags between the pits and was quite peaceful - until Eric swallowed a fly and proceeded to emit the loudest coughs I have ever heard! We carried on, past a cricket match and across Nutley Marsh. Passing a gent walking his dog the damned thing jumped at me but fortunately was prevented from making contact by the owners strong grip on the lead - I  suspect his Rottweiler often tries to play with unsuspecting body parts within range!

We passed through Redhill and then past the East Surrey Hospital. I took a short cut through the housing estate and we stopped at the newsagents for a chocolate bar and drink before having a quick blast along the track and down through the woodland.. We met up with a couple of cyclists riding from the London Eye to Burgess Hill and guided them through the badlands of Horley as far as the station. Eric had a puncture so decided to catch the train down to Three Bridges leaving Michael and I to carry on, past Gatwick Airport. As we went into the industrial estate we met a German cyclist and guided him as far as Northgate Avenue where we pointed him in the direction of the town centre. We then rode on to Three Bridges Station where Michael would meet up with Eric to drive back home and I carried on up and over the final hill to get home having clocked up just over 50 miles. The actual distance from the Cutty Saek to Crawley was about 45 miles and I reckon we should rate the ride as medium rather than hard.

Next weeks ride is the last DA Event of the year - the Arun Crossings. It starts from Pulborough Station at 09:30. It involves crossing the river on tracks and bridleways so is easier on a mountain bike or strong hybrid. 

Downs Link Part II

The intention was to ride to Guildford and back along the Downs link today but the weather conspired against it - although it wasn't yet wet, there was no doubt that it was going to rain. Consequently there were only two of us at Horsham Pavilions in the Park - myself and Daniel. We were both on mountain bikes, so I was quite happy that we would manage the track. Then Pete E arrived - dressed in civvies (no helmet, no cycling appareil) he'd just popped over on his bike to have a chat. However, we persuaded him (it didn't take much effort) to accompany us for a short while.


Pete took the lead out through the mean backstreets of Horsham, through a new development and over the A24 on the bridge to Tesco's. From here he led us down Wickhams Lane and along the bridleway to just short of Itchingfield where we picked up the Downs Link. Pete turned back at this point leaving Daniel and I to race of along the track. It was getting noticeably darker and sure enough it started raining. At this point I found out that Daniels rucksack didn't contain any waterproofs - so I felt guilty about using mine and left them attached to my belt. As we rode along we started getting wetter and muddier. As we rode into Rudgwick we spotted Michael ahead, sheltering under a tree. After a quick chat we decided to alter the ride and pop into Michaels for a coffee.


We had a nice break drinking Coffee and eating cake with Michael and Christine. Daniel and Michael realized that they both worked for the same company and were reminiscing about the various offices/countries they'd worked in. All he time the rain was just getting steadier and everything outside was getting wetter.


We decided against riding on northwards and, saying goodbye to Michael and Christine, Daniel and I headed back to Horsham. I routed us through Broadbridge Heath and over the golf course just for variety. Daniel appeared to enjoy the ride and it would be nice to see him on another one in the future.


For my ride back I cut through Tilgate Forest just to get some extra mud splatters over my bike and clothes before turning up back home having clocked up just over 34 miles.

Downs Link part I

I'm on time for a change - a nice bright morning and I was out and about and bang on schedule. I pulled up at HPP and sat waiting to see who would turn up.

Half past nine came round and I was starting to think about doing the ride all by myself, then Nat and David rolled up. As we were doing the introductions Ken arrived so we had a nice compact group as we headed out through Horsham and onto the Pedlars Way. Surprisingly we found Pedlars Way to be quite wet - the river even looked like it had broken its banks at some point overnight. The climb up through the woods was as hard as usual but Nat and David managed it well. Then we had the comfort of the lanes down to Copsale before gaining the Downs Link.

The surface was good and we were averaging about 10mph so it wasn't long before we reached Partridge Green and stopped for refreshments at Stans Shack. Glancing at my phone I realised I'd missed a call and voicemail from John C. He and John V were somewhere behind us on the track, so I let them know that we would wait at Stans for them. After finishing my coffee and cake I looked up just in time to see the two Johns arrive. Now there were six of us and we carried on at a fairly good pace, chatting as we rode along. We soon passed Henfield and it wasn't long before we had to leave the rail bed and head up that tough climb along the edge of the field - it's not steep but it's always hard work.

We had a breather at the top of the field before enjoying the brisk descent along the stony track. Passing the sewage plant we were now in Bramber and just past the roundabout we came across a new bit of routing for the Downs Link. Rather than using that awkward crossing over the A road, the new route carries on south to the river, goes under the A road before heading north and west to rejoin the original route. The remaining few miles alongside the river always take longer than you think they should. But as I was riding along I had a very good view of a parachute display team - I'm hoping I've got some of their display on my bikecam.

Reaching our lunch stop, the Red Lion, just opposite the old Shoreham footbridge. We queued up for our drinks and queued up for our burgers whilst Nat and David managed to blag a table for us to sit at. The air display restarted after its lunch break with an aerobatic display featuring a propellor driven stunt plane and what looked like a radio controlled model version of the same plane. I found it well choreographed but really wanted to see (and hear) a jet plane. Next up was a Hawker Hunter - immaculately painted in camouflage colours it sped past us, turned, came back, climbed up and into a loop. As it came out I commented that it looked like it wouldn't make it - I hoped I was wrong but it disappeared behind some trees and failed to reappear. Moments later two big clouds of black smoke told what had happened

I don't remember hearing the impact, but I did notice how quiet everyone was as they realised that the plane had come down. Someone said that it had come down in an empty car park but, not having heard or seen the ejector seat go off, I feared the pilot had been lost.

We decided that it was time to start for home and split into two groups - the two Johns headed back up the Downs Link to Christs Hospital where they'd parked their car, the rest of us headed for Brighton.

As we rode along it was noticeable that traffic was backed up for about a mile into Shoreham. We crossed the harbour lock gates just in front of a large ship that only had a foot or so of space on each side in the lock and pressed on into the headwind.


Reaching Hove Lawns, Nat and David said goodbye as they were going to enjoy some time at the seaside before catching the train home. this left Ken and I to cycle onwards as far as Madeira Drive where we stopped for an ice cream.


Refreshed, we rode up the A23 and then gained the NCN20 at Patcham. It's not a bad route but the constant noise from the traffic is very wearying. I was tiring and the hill at Bolney was really hard work so I insisted on a stop at the Bolney Stage. We found a table in the shade of a tree and knocked back a pint or so of water each.


Ken had suggested that we use the Slaugham Bridleway rather than a frontal ascent of Handcross Hill and I reckon this was a good idea - it was shaded from the blazing sun and although rougher than the new tarmac I'm sure it took less of a physical toll. From there on the route was either level or down and it wasn't too long before I was home having clocked up some 60 odd miles.


Sitting at home I felt overwhelmed with sadness as I realised that the plane crash was far worse than I had initially imagined. There was also the worry that apart from my fellow riders, several people I knew - family and friends - had been in the vicinity, thankfully all safe.


Now, several days later, I want to express my sympathy for all the people directly and indirectly affected by the accident but just cannot find any form of words that seem worth putting down in writing.

Cat and Canary, Henfield

Tracks and trails. On with the knobblies - yes, I know it's dry enough for slicks but knobblies are more relaxing and can face anything.

I met up with Malcolm by the shops and we headed over to Horsham via Pease Pottage, our tyres humming along on the Tarmac. Waiting at HPP were ride leader Gordon, Michael, Adam and Frank. 

The route took us through Horsham and out onto the Pedlars Way. It was fun climbing up through the woods and I found it slightly easier than usual. After this we headed down to Copsale and the Downs Link. We made fast and easy progress and were soon at Partridge Green. Here we turned into the Lock Estate and made our way through on the tracks and bridleways before emerging on the lane by the Old Barn Garden Centre. 

We headed south and then, where the lane does a sharp left turn, we took the bridleway - I'd used this right of way many years ago and it was appalling then, now however it is in good nick with a minimal amount of horse related damage. 

On reaching the lane at the other end, we turned left and headed east, crossing over the B road and taking a bridleway down past the farm before turning right and  using a new (to me) bridleway that took us up onto the levee and along the river until we reached the Downs Link. Now it was just a case of heading north to Henfield and then pulling up at the Cat and Canary for lunch.

Shortly after, we were joined by Mick, Pete E and John V followed a few minutes later by Adrian, so we had quite a lively lunch with plenty of discussion about cycling and other things.

For the ride home we broke into two groups - one going by road and the other continuing up the Downs Link. I enjoyed the Downs Link (I'm looking forward to our Downs Link in a weekend rides in late August). At Copsale we were back on Tarmac and made our way north to Sedgwick Lane and up to the A281. Here the Horsham crew turned left and the rest of us (the Crawley crew) headed on through Doomsday Green before hitting the bridleway into St. Leonard's Forest at Roost Hole car park. We didn't see Mick Mills or his opponent as we headed up Mick Mills Race - nor did we see any deer like we often do here. on reaching the Forest Road we headed right, through Colgate (the Dragon is open again) and carried on to Pase Pottage. here we said goodbye to Gordon and plunged into the top corner of Tilgate Forest. The route I use is one I've been riding for many years now and although it's character is essentially unchanged the trees are all noticeably larger than they were.

We stopped off in the middle of the park and enjoyed an ice cream before having a quick blast across the park and along the dam. From here we sped down past the Golf-driving range and emerged bu the Cheese houses in Furnace Green. What a lovely ride - thanks Gordon.

Crawley Family Bike Ride

As ride leader I was pretty nervous about this event - an unknown number of riders with an unknown range of cycling abilities and an unknown number of helpers to marshal it. I'd tried to think of the potential problems and how I was going to deal with them but in spite of the preparation, I was still worried as we gathered outside Oriel School. However, the weather conspired against a large turnout by raining at just the right time to discourage potential riders. One thing I hadn't planned for was that one of the cyclists was on a very low-slung hand-cycle, but after a few minutes thought and discussion with him, we'd identified the potential hazard points and had a plan to deal with them.

The numbers slowly built up to 21 until it was time to go. I gave a quick introduction and description of the route, Gordon kindly did the safety briefing and then it was time for a group photo before we headed off through Maidenbower and up to The Worth Way. With the best part of fifty years age difference in the group, I took it nice and steady with frequent stops to regroup and point out things of interest. I had plenty of experienced riders to help marshal us and keep us safe - we even tried a little bit of bicycle maintenance at times as we tried to cure a squeaky disc brake on one of the bikes.


The rain had given up before we set off and the route was really quite dry, so we made steady progress with the marshals doing a good job at the few road crossings we had to negotiate. On the roads of Crawley Down we kept together fairly well and after a breather by the pond, we all carried on towards East Grinstead.


I was hoping we would arrive in time to see a steam engine run in over the viaduct but we just missed it and only the first few riders managed to see the loco whilst it was in the station. We parked the bikes in the car park where the old High-level railway station was and then walked down, past the modern station and on to the Bluebell Railway Station. Here most of the riders enjoyed refreshments in the café located in an old railway carriage. There was plenty of happy conversation and enthusiasm amongst the riders. Thanks must go to Malcolm and Anton for staying with the bikes and ensuring they would be safely there for our return trip.


Heading back from East Grinstead meant that the route was slightly downhill and everyone was enjoying themselves and travelling at a pretty good pace. We were in several small groups, each of which was chatting as they rode along and all was right with the world.


Then we had the only incident of the day as an experienced rider (no names) managed a slowmotion fall. A quick check revealed no injury  - not even a scratch or bruise and it certainly amused the rest of us!


Arriving back at Oriel School I accounted for everybody and wished them all a safe journey home before heading home myself to a nice relaxing cup of tea and slice of cake.

Beginners Ride

This month I decided to use the Beginners Ride as a run-through for the Family Bike Ride along the Worth Way that we are running as part of National Bike Week in June. Seventeen riders turned up at the start although one was on foot and just wishing us well, two were on close tolerance road bikes and didn't want to risk the Worth Way, and two others popped home and came back on their offroad bikes.

Firstly I took us to Oriel School to determine how best to negotiate the roads/roundabout there and then we made our way up through the woods to join the Worth Way at the Bower. It was all working well and we'd soon negotiated Church Road, passed Worth Church and crossed over the M23. A quick regroup at the farm and we carried on through the woods, heavy with the scent of bluebells, until we came to the road crossing by Keepers Cottage. Here a couple of members marshalled us safely across and then it was on past Rowfant and along the long straight to Crawley Down. This is the next potentially awkward bit but once again my fellow club members kept us together and on the right route.

We stopped by the pond for a breather and to check out it's suitability as a rest point, before carrying on and engaging the slight climb that the rest of the rout does up to East Grinstead. Here we all walked over the footbridge and down to the Bluebell Railway cafe. It's only a small light refreshments operation but coped very well with our numbers and we think will be able to cope (when combined with the Costa Cafe over the road) with the family bike ride - especially as we intend getting everyone to leave their bikes in the top carpark and we will provide a couple of bods to look after them there.

After enjoying our refreshments, a chat and the sights, sounds and smell of a steam engine arriving and departing, we headed back whence we came. The journey back was enjoyable (and slightly easier because it's slightly downhill) although Javier had a puncture just after the farm. Pete and Marian helped sort it out and, having all regrouped by Worth Church, we started to head off home in our various directions.

The group I was with headed back past Oriel School and then up through Tilgate Park over the golf course and along a great woodland track to the top of Pease Pottage Hill. From here it was just a short ride to Gordon and Jacqui's for lunch and the Runslist Meeting.

The draft Q3 runslist has just been emailed to members. Once I've dealt with the responses and finalised it, it will republished on our website.

Next weeks ride is a Horsham Park Pavilions start at 09:00 hrs.  Mick has prepared a lovely ride called The Three Counties Ride. It's only 35 miles and I believe is rated as Medium (although Mick tells me that he can add a 22 mile Hard option for the afternoon if you really want!!  Lunch will be at the Strawberry Fields Cafe on the Old Horsham Road near Roffey.

Fun and frolics at Deers Leap

May bank holiday weekend - three days off work, let's have a couple of days out on our bikes.  I thought a bit of off-road fun at Dears Leap would appeal to a few people. In the end there were just four of us - Corinne, Carol, Narinder and myself, Bob.

Deers Leap is basically an area of fields and woodland with farm tracks around the fields and single track through the woodland. The single track isn't difficult as it winds through the various patches of woodland but it does help improve ones bike handling skills. There are rooty sections, ups and downs and rickety wooden bridges to negotiate.

Facial expressions ranged from worried frowns, through tongue out concentration to big broad smiles as we twisted and turned through the woodland trails. 

Having explored the southern section of the park, we headed back to the cafe for some refreshments and a chat about what we'd been doing and what we were learning. Then it was back out and climbing through the woods to tackle the northern section of the park.

Here there were some new sections of track and a couple of nice swoopy descents before we headed through the woods again, redid the first couple of southern tracks and finally did the first one in reverse before we called it a day and headed back to the cafe. Carol and Narinder went off to visit Standen whilst Corinne and I decided another snack at the cafe was in order.

Getting back home from Deers Leap is quite easy - I just road north, over the crossroads into Imberhorne Lane and then picked up the Worth Way all the way back to Crawley.

We may schedule another Deers Leap visit sometime soon - keep you eyes peeled, or better still let me know date(s) that suit you.

HPP to Maplehurst

Pete E writes:

I woke up this morning to persistent light rain and hoped it wouldn't deter people from coming out on today's ride. Fortunately it had cleared up by 10.00 am and six riders assembled at HPP - Norman, Malcolm, Rachel, Adam, myself and Val who was attempting her first club ride for some time. Just as we were leaving Ann arrived but couldn't find anywhere to park due to an event being held in the sports centre. Norman offered to wait behind for her so I gave him the route and the rest of us set  off at  a gentle pace to allow Norman and Ann to catch us up.

We set off along via Doomsday Green and Sedgwick before getting warmed up on the short but sharp climb on Colstaple Lane. No sign of Norman and Ann so we carried on towards Southwater stopping to watch a buzzard and look at some horses. Not having Norman with us to guide us through Southwater we took the main road turning into Church Lane and enjoyed the descent of Bonfire hill. At the bottom Ann and Norman caught up with us but Val decided to return back to Horsham.
Admiring the bluebells which seem to have appeared this week, we carried on via Dragons Green and Shipley to Dial Post. After crossing the A24 surprisingly easily, at Norman's request we departed from the planned route and took the bridleways through the Knepp estate. We then cycled through Partridge Green and Littleworth up a few more climbs and reached Maplehurst by 12.15 - earlier than I expected after the slow start and numerous hills.

After a pleasant lunch, a few pub games and discussion of the first single we had bought we set off along Park Lane and Newells Lane before taking the A281 and B2110 to Lower Beeding before turning off along Hammerpond Road and a few more hills with Malcolm leaving us to take Grouse Road back to Crawley and the rest of us returning to Horsham.

In all the ride was 31 miles and we ascended 2677 feet - 40 more than last week's ride to Leith Hill!

This coming Bank Holiday weekend sees the club having two rides planned - on Saturday, go to Deers Leap for some offroad fun - meet there at 11:00, then on Sunday we have an HPP start at 09:30 for a medium rated ride led by Michael. This will take us down to Amberley for lunch at The Sportsman Inn.

Redhill Aerodrome

The second Sunday of the month is the day we have our Beginners Rides. We don't have an absolutely predefined route laid down because we tailor the ride to whoever turns up (how dynamic is that?).


The weather was still cold but not brutally so and there was no ice or dampness about. The mainly blue sky was encouraging as was the lack of any strong wind, so I wasn't surprised to find that there were ten cyclists waiting at the start when I arrived. A warm welcome to Debbie who turned out to ride with us for the first time and hello everyone else: Gordon, Jacqui, Frank, Eric, Seb, Jenny, Norman, John V and Malcolm.


A quick chat and Gordon decided to lead us out on the Worth Way then head down Old Hollow and into Copthorne. The Worth Way was pretty good and fairly dry but full of horses - well relatively so in that we saw / met up with six of them! Everyone was in good spirits, due no doubt to the mainly clear sky, and we were soon going over the traffic light controlled crossroads. Taking the next left, we were back on quiet lanes again and were riding in groups all having a good chat - we're definitely a sociable group. At Smallfield we headed west, crossed the motorway and then turned north onto Hathersham Lane. The linear "trench" pothole on this lane seems to be getting deeper and I would warn any cyclist using the lane to be very careful.


I'd told the lead riders that we would take the second road on the right but wished I'd opted for the first right instead.  The second right was Picketts Lane - I'd forgotten about the hill it contains!


Having regrouped at the top, we carried on, over Axes Lane, past the famous hidden house ( see http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/honeycrock-farm-hidden-house-appeal-8056972   ) and then turned right onto Kings Mill Lane which affords views of the Old Crawley Clock which currently languishes in a farmyard not far from East Surrey Hospital as opposed to its rightful place in Crawley town centre:
 


Pulling up at the aerodrome, we piled into the Chef on the Road café and ordered our refreshments. Some of us sat inside to warm up, some of us sat outside to avoid overheating!!


There wasn't much activity going on - probably about 30-40 customers in the café, one light aircraft taking off, one helicopter taking off and a few seagulls lazily flapping around. But it was pleasant enough sitting in the wintry sunshine discussing the pros and cons of an extra runway at Gatwick......


For the route back we just headed back towards Masons Bridge Road where, as we waited to join it, Norman managed to miss his footing and fall on Seb, knocking him into a street sign. A quick check, everyone was OK and off we set once more. At the bottom of Picketts Lane we took the NCN21 route along the badly potholed lane into Horley. We all used the subway, carefully dismounting to do so, and made our way through the town centre and onwards to Gatwick Airport. After negotiating a couple of the backroads in the industrial estate and passing through the tunnel into Northgate, we said goodbye to Debbie as she headed home to Three Bridges and the rest of us headed into Crawley Town Centre. Gordon then lead us up the High Street, up Brighton Road and Halfway up Pease Pottage Hill before crossing over and entering Broadfield through a gap in the fence. A couple of minutes later we pulled up at Gordon and Jacqui's House where we enjoyed some delicious food and hammered out the runslist for Q2.


Our next ride is on Sunday 15th February and starts from Horsham Pavilions in the Park at 10:00hrs. Anton will be leading us on a 31 mile loop to the south of Horsham with a lunch stop at either The fountain in Ashurst or The Partridge at Partridge Green. We expect to arrive back in Horsham some time in mid afternoon - probably 15:00 -15:30.

Muddy ride with Gordon

Want a complete cycling experience?  Come out on one of Gordons Rides.


The day started with breakfast at Gordon and Jacqui's before an enjoyable warm up ride along Parish Lane and down through Tilgate Forest. Gordon, Ken and I did a bit of exploring through Furnace green and sued the northern tunnel under the railway - recently extended and refurbished with excellent lighting and a good smooth surface, this tunnel offers an excellent and (in some instances) shorter alternate link between NCN20 and NCN21. However, we were on our way to Three Bridges Station so we turned left onto Billington Drive and rode past a long stream of waiting traffic to arrive at the station for 10:00hrs. Here we were joined by Michael and Malcolm, then Mike, an acquaintance of mine.


Gordon led us back up Billington Drive and onto the Worth Way. Conditions were muddy but grip was good and I soon had a splattering of mud over me. Someone suggested that the Irish called the weather conditions "Soft" - an excellent description - the clouds were indistinguishable from each other and seemed to reach the ground without quite making things foggy, the vegetation looked somehow soft - even the branches and with big fat knobblies on my bike, the ride was pretty plush as well.


We were riding at an easy pace and I was having fun along the way, practicing hops, taking detours up banks. At Crawley Down we took the slope up to the B road and then used it up to Turners Hill. Never an easy hill, I realized that none of the cyclists waiting near the top had actually ridden the entire hill (all the way to the crossroads) - so I told them so, and claimed King of the Hill for myself!!


From Turners Hill we headed west along the ridge through Worth Abbey to Back Lane. Here Mick decided to head for home (via the Cowdray Arms I think), having assured me he knew where he was and how to get back to Crawley.


Meanwhile the rest of us enjoyed the long glide south and west before the short, sharp climb into Balcombe. Gordon had recce'd the route a few days earlier and was in the process of telling us about some ice he'd encountered when, as I shot down a tiny lane he'd led us to, I realised there was ice all the way across it!!  Not a problem though, I didn't need to turn or lean or brake or accelerate and just floated uneventfully across it, shouting out a warning as I did so.


Other features of this lane were:  (i) the smooth, new tarmac  (ii) a conversation with some chickens and (iii) a couple of hills (granny gear for the use of).


A right turn onto a busier road took us up to Cuckfield where we headed West then north to Staplefield and a quick visit to The Victory. What a great pub - warm welcome, warm fire, good beer (we went for the Wilmington Brewery Long Man) and good food. Actually, the good food observation was based on previous visits, as today we were going to lunch at Gordons, so it was time to get back out in the cold.


From Staplefield we carried on west, under the revamped A23, to Slaugham and thence the bridleway up to Handcross. As we were starting to feel hungry, we took the shortest route back to Gordons where he and Jacqui treated us to a delicious lunch. An hour or so later, after some good discussions about life, the universe and the CTC, we all headed off home.


Next weeks ride starts from Horsham Park Pavilions at 10:00hrs and will be a fairly easy loop to the south of Horsham led by me - unless anyone else wants to volunteer? -  with a lunch stop at The Bax Castle.

Easy Ride with Michael

Time for another attempt at a poem methinks:

Cold day, cold nose, cold in the head.

Hard climb, hard wind, hard to make the time.

Warm legs, warm welcome, warmed up ready to go.

Through Horsham, through the tunnel, through the slippery mud - oh!

Over Newbridge, over the old bridge, over the Itchingfield climb.

Wait for the ladies, wait in the sunshine, wait - Michael, make up your mind.

Cross over the railway, cross over the B road, don't cross the A 272.

Pick up the pace a bit, pick up the ladies, pick up a tailwind too.

Back through Barns Green, back past Dog Barking, Bax Castle for a stop.

Plenty of eating, plenty of chatting and plenty of juice of the hop.

Before braving the cold, braving the traffic and braving Tower Hill to the top.

Hmmmm.   That crashed to a halt!  Unlike the ride which was actually really enjoyable. Thanks to Michael for leading, Barbara, Christine, Frank, Norman and Pete E for riding.

Our next ride is a Crawley start and is styled as "Muddy Ride – offroad on bridleways – nothing extreme".   The official start is from Three Bridges station at 10:00hrs, although if you wanted to meet up with Gordon at Pease Pottage a bit earlier, I'm sure it could be arranged.

The Queens Head at Barns Green

Some days riding a bike is as easy as riding a bike, other days it just seems like hard work - I was having a hard work day riding over to Horsham today. I blame the wind as it was in my face all the way. The rain was just about holding off and arriving at HPP I was pleased to see several other club members all congregated ready for the ride. Michael was leading Christine, Barbara, Norman, Ken, Sandra and myself on today's easy ride. We headed out of Horsham on The Pedlars Way which, in spite of the recent wet weather, was firm enough for even my slick tyres. Ken was having trouble with one of his shoe clips, so we stopped and managed to straighten it up with some well-aimed pressure from a multi tool.

Michael now led us through Newfoundout, to and through Southwater and across the A272 to Shipley. Now we turned North and recrossed the A272 into Dragons Green. The rain tried to put in an appearance but failed and as we approached Barns Green, so the sky cleared.

We were pretty much the first people in the pub but almost all the tables were reserved. However we managed to find one big enough for all of us and settled down to a nice lunch with plenty of food and drink (I gave the free cheese and crisps on the bar a good going over as well).

When we got going again, the sky was still blue but the temperature seemed to have dropped a couple of degrees. We headed back past the Bax Castle, up Two Mile Ash Road and on to Tower Hill. Reaching Horsham town centre we all split up to head our separate ways home - Ken and I going back to Crawley via Roffey , Colgate and Pease Pottage.

Next week is our Christmas Dinner - you should all have booked and paid your money to Pete by now. We've arranged two rides - one starting from Three Bridges and one from HPP. They both start at 10:00 hrs with the intention of meeting up at Rusper at about 11:15 before heading on down to Faygate having worked up an appetite for dinner.

Pooh Sticks

The weather forecast for Sunday was "unseasonably warm with occasional showers".  Waking up to a dull,  overcast day with dampness in the air I though the forecast must be wrong and was feeling a bit glum as I waited at Three Bridges station to see if anyone else would turn up. I'd already arranged to meet up with Ros and in response to a John V text, I'd arranged to meet him at the same place, so I knew there would be three of us but then Michael emerged from the rail replacement bus laden car park.  Due to the time I'd arranged to meet Ros and JV, we left Three Bridges bang on 09:30 and just a few minutes later I received a phone call from Ken asking where we were - we must have missed each other by seconds!  Anyway, we all managed to find each other at Keepers Cottage and continued along the Worth Way to East Grinstead. There was a bit of splatter coming up from the surface - it didn't trouble anyone though: everyone else had mudguards and I didn't care about getting muddy!


It didn't take us long to get to East Grinstead and here we split up, more or less according to bike type. The road and hybrid riders used a road route through the town and on to Forest Row, the mountain bikers tackled the station steps, the ascent of the west face of Grinny High Street and the motorway standard bike path that is the first part of the Forest Way before arriving at the Café (by the tip) in Forest Row (ahead of the road/hybrid johnnies).


The café was 10 minutes or so from opening so we didn't hang around but carried on east with the skies starting to clear a bit and allow the sun to warm things up a touch. We seemed to fly along and it was only a short time before we were at Hartfield. We rode up through the village and on up past the Gallipot Inn (I collected some sticks and twigs on the way). As we were paused to regroup at the crossroads we had a chat with some poor bloke who'd just filled his diesel car up with petrol and was waiting for a breakdown truck to arrive (he'd already been waiting about two hours!!!).


I had to ride carefully along the bridleway/private drive as I had a whole handful of sticks ready for the coming competition. As usual, I said hello to other people as we passed them and remember doing so to an oriental couple shortly before arriving at Poohsticks Bridge - they seemed amused that I had brought my own Poohsticks.


We had a good few games of Poohsticks and also spotted a rather large crayfish in the river - although it disappeared when a large dog jumped in and started hauling an eight foot long branch through the water!

As it was now 11:45 it was time to head for the pub, so we climbed up through the woods to the car park and then enjoyed the quiet lane heading West. As I approached the ford it looked like it was really deep - at least two feet - but on closer inspection it was only about 5 inches deep so I rode backwards and forwards through it a few times, washing the mud off my wheels and demonstrating to the others that it was easily negotiable.


From the ford it was just a half mile up the lane to the pub at Colemans Hatch (not Chucks Hatch as I keep calling it). The pub was busy and full inside, but it was pleasant enough to sit outside and we quickly got our beers and food ordered. Unusually for pubs these days, this one did a good range of sandwiches on a Sunday. The beer was very good and the sandwiches (which were very nice) arrived pretty quick. We would definitely recommend this pub for cyclists (as would the other twenty odd cyclists that were also there).


I gave everyone the choice of a road route home or to use the Forest Way/Worth Way again. They all opted for the latter which pleased me as it was the one I wanted to do. The ride back to East Grinstead was very pleasant with the sun flickering through the trees and colourful leaves swirling around in the wind, which we were just beginning to notice (it was now in our faces). Arriving at East Gribnstead station we said goodbye to Ros and just before we pulled off I noticed the oriental couple we'd seen earlier just going to catch a train (I said hello again).


We made good progress back along the Worth Way with the trees sheltering us from the effects of the headwind and reaching Worth we said goodbye to first Ken then John before I left Michael to head back to the station by himself.  I swooped down through Maidenbower and used the newly reopened second tunnel under the railway - it's all neatly surfaced and illuminated now. Just a couple of minutes later I was home and getting ready to head across town to a family party.


Our next ride is on Sunday 26th October and will have an 09:15 start from Horsham Pavilion in the Park (it's not early, you'll have had an extra hour in bed due to the clock change). Going via the Black Swan at Pease Pottage at 10:00hrs, Mick will lead you on a very nice, clockwise loop to the south and on to lunch at Newbridge Garden Centre. This will be a medium rated route entirely on road and about 35 miles in total.


Before then, it's our AGM.     Please come along to the Dog and Bacon in Horsham on Wednesday 22nd October at 1930 - help make your club work for you.

Gordon's B-Ride

Lot's of words begin with B and Gordon tries to tick off as many as possible with this ride - breakfast, bacon, beans, bread, bikes, Broadfield, bridleways, Bob, beer, beautiful weather,

I took Gordon up on his offer of breakfast and rolled up on his doorstep at the unearthly time of 08:30. As we ate we discussed the coming ride and speculated on who else would turn up. When we ventured out the early morning chill was starting to dissipate and by the time we reached Parish lane we were getting quite comfortable. Gordon, Jacqui and I paused at the noticeboard for the Tilgate Downhill Bike Park where we read that it has ceased to be!

I enjoyed a speedy run down the firebreak to the "Orange" tree and having crossed the motorway I was just winding up to speed down through the golf course when I spotted two horses coming up so I came to a halt whilst they passed.

The downhill was clear so I rattled down at speed with a big smile on my face. Then it was through the woods and down the steps into Marion Road (everyone else uses the gate, but I love using the steps). Gordon took us on, into Maidenbower and then up the cycle path to the Worth Way and across to Three Bridges Station.

The station forecourt was a scene of carnage - the railway to Brighton was shut and so there were buses everywhere, taxis toing and froing, and displaced cars filling in the remaining gaps. Three cyclists (Ken, Eric and Sebastian) managed to negotiate through it all and now there were six of us.

We headed through Three Bridges along NCN20 until Northgate Avenue where we followed the cycle path towards the town centre. Next we travelled along The Boulevard and then up the High Street before negotiating the one way system, crossing the railway and turning right onto Springfield Road. The day was getting better and better as the temperature continued to rise and the blue sky stretched from horizon to horizon. We passed through Goffs Park, crossed into Gossops Green, ran down into Bewbush and then through the scrubby woodland to the railway crossing point.

This is NCN228 and we stayed on it until the far end of Wimlands Lane where we turned right (instead of left) onto Wimland Road and headed towards Rusper. At the end of the road we turned left onto the Horsham Road and followed it down the hill before turning left (and back onto NCN228) onto Channells Brook Bridleway. There was quite a strong chemical smell here, but we soon passed it. At the end we turned right, crossed the railway and then the A264 before stopping for a tea break at the Strawberry Fields café (at New House Farm).

Refreshed, we carried on along the Crawley Road to the Roffey traffic lights and onto Harwood Road. we popped in to the car park at Leechpool woods to see if there was a route across to a bridleway we wanted to use, but no luck, so we carried on, turned left at the roundabout onto Comptons Lane and then left, just after the mini-roundabout, onto Hampers Lane. This lane is a public bridleway and starts off as a tarmac surface but then turns south away from the tarmac. Eventually it spat us out onto Hammerpond Road for a quick downhill across the tail of Roosthole Pond. Everyone else faced up to the incline to the car park entrance but I cheated, leapt off the road and road through the undergrowth to avoid the climb. I rejoined everyone in the car park and was greeted with some sarcasm (although I reckon it was envy). The trail up from the car park to Mick Mills Race has been much improved since last I rode it and was very enjoyable in the bright sunshine. The main drag up Mick Mills Race was a pleasure too and seemed to take but a couple of minutes.

On reaching the Forest Road we headed east to Colgate and then turned right onto Blackhouse Road. This was a pleasant downhill roll followed by a short climb and a left onto Grouse Road. From here we headed on into Pease Pottage and my party-piece ride down the slope by the Marie Vesco steps. Once over the road, we said goodbye to Eric and Sebastian who were heading through Tilgate Forest and back to Maidenbower.  The rest of us pulled up at Gordon's where we were treated to a delicious lunch - ahhhhh, this is the life - cycling, sunshine, food - and beer!

Thanks Gordon and Jacqui for a most enjoyable day.

Next weeks ride starts from Horsham Pavilions in the Park at 10:00 hrs and will be an easy ride over to Rudgwick for the Apple Fair.  Hopefully it won't be wet like last year when we didn't actually get there because it was so wet!

DA Event - Arun Crossings

The last DA Event of the year is one of my favourites. The Arun Crossings is just that - several crossings of the River Arun - linked together by quiet lanes and sometimes challenging bridle ways. Although there are only so many places to cross the river, thanks to Colin we have a different route every year.

This year he led us north from the station, over the railway and then onto an old sunken track that climbed a sandy ridge and led us down to the old bridge at Stopham.

Click here for a 2 minute video

From here we climbed along the western side of the river, through Stopham, up and up and eventually out onto the road at Bedham Hill. 

Turning right onto a bridle way we plunged down the valley side and made our second crossing, shortly followed by a bridge over the canal (empty at this point). On reaching Toat Lane, Colin took a gamble that there was a route through to the northeast but we reached the end of the lane there was no route for us to use (my MAPS.ME app on my phone confirmed this), so we headed back and then took Pickhurst and Blackhurst lanes before using the bridleway north for our third crossing. We were now only a mile or so from Wisborough Green but a hissing sound announced that I'd got a puncture!

After replacing the tube I caught up with everyone at The Old Mill Café where we had our tea break.

Colin now took us north up Durbans Road and then right onto a bridleway that took us over to Fishers Farm. From here we headed east then north before turning onto another bridleway.

This collection of sometimes muddy bridleways now spat us out by the sports club at Loxwood where we had a short downhill before stopping at the Onslow Arms for lunch.

Like many pubs, the sunday menu didn't have any sandwiches/lighter meals but I found a tasty starter and had a pint of cider to wash it down. The sun was out and with about a dozen of us sat around a large table next to the canal, we had a good chat about various things.

After lunch we headed off along the canal towpath to Drungewick - here's a shortish video of this very pleasant part of the route:

Loxwood to Drungewick

Then a combination of lanes and bridleways took us over the river several more times as this video shows:

How many times did you see us cross the river (and canal)?

Downslink in a Weekend - Part two - Slinfold to Shoreham

Up early again, ride over to Horsham again, arrive at Horsham Pavilions in the Park early again!  Yes, I know, EARLY, AGAIN!! It didn't go unnoticed nor without comment - thanks folks.......

Norman was already there and we were soon joined by Pete E, Val and Malcolm. Nine thirty passed without anyone else arriving, so it was time to get going. As yesterday, we were heading for Slinfold but this time once we got to Broadbridge Heath, Pete led us along some quiet roads, through the underpass and then along some new cycle paths through the building development and back onto the road at Newbridge. Arriving at Slinfold we took the gate that was at the end of yesterday's video (and Norman was happy).

Once again, the surface of the Downslink was just right and the weather looked like it was going to be the same. We were enjoying the ride and had soon passed Christs Hospital and the Bax Castle before arriving at Southwater Country Park and having a quick comfort break. Next it was under the A24 and through Copsale out into the country.

Partridge Green was next and we noticed a new cafe just south of the village as the route leaves the main road opposite the Lock Estate. We were travelling at a fairly brisk pace but needed a bit of a break when we reached Henfield. I had the urge to eat a Mars bar and conveniently there's a convenience store on the road just opposite the Cat and Canary.

In spite of our progress, we were running slightly behind time and the drag away from the line of the old railway seemed to take forever. My camera battery gave up on the rough stone track just after that - it always seems to run out just there. So I still haven't got any footage of my death defying style down that hill on the stones!

Now we just had to get through Bramber and cross the Shoreham Road - doh! We were stuck there for ages as there seemed to be an endless steam of traffic in both directions. The stretch along the riverbank was very pleasant and easier than last time as the vegetation has been cut back. It wasn't long after that we pulled up at the Red Lion for lunch.

The pub was packed but amazingly, just as we were looking for somewhere to sit, an entire bench became free and we settled down to eat, drink and watch the Airshow. As it happens, that was just the time that all the flying stopped for lunch! However, we can always keep ourselves entertained and we had a good hour of chatting before the ear-shattering sound of a Eurofighter announced the air displays were restarting. As last year, the Eurofighter (also known as Typhoon) was my favourite, but I also enjoyed the two historic trios of WWII RAF planes that followed -  firstly the Gloster Gladiator / Spitfire / Hurricane: 

and then the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire / Hurricane / Lancaster):

We remounted and headed back north with the bright sunshine on our backs. Stopping every now and again for a breather, we didn't seem to be making very good progress - I think the wind was slightly in our faces. When we got to Partridge Green we stopped at the new cafe. It's called Stans Bike Shack Cafe and we would recommend it highly - good coffee, great cakes and reasonably priced. I noticed a track pump available for use and there was also a work stand there suggesting that a bike mechanic was available.

We carried on but I was now running late and had to meet up with my wife in Horsham so I said goodbye to everyone at Christs Hospital and raced off.

Meantime, Val was feeling the pace a bit and whilst stopping for a breather realised she had a puncture as well. Norman fixed the puncture and eventually everyone made it back to Horsham.

Our next ride is the final DA Event of the year, the Arun Crossings.  it will start from Pulborough railway station at 09:30 hrs. Lunch will be at the Onslow Arms in Loxwood. I would recommend using a mountain bike or at the very least a strong touring bike for this event.

Downslink in a Weekend - Part one - Allez Guildford

A Saturday ride - would anyone turn up?

The answer is yes, for I was joined at Horsham Pavilions in the Park by Barbara, Corinne, Norman and Ken. Pete E even popped by to see us off, but would not be riding until tomorrow.

I decided that we would head for Slinfold, so we went over the Golf Course, through Broadbridge Heath and past Newbridge. Barbara was getting worried that we'd be going up the hill in Slinfold but no, we turned onto the Downslink just beforehand. 

The weather was improving as the cloud burned off and the surface of the track was good so a nice days riding was in prospect. 

Before long we reached the double bridge and we stopped there for a breather and a spot of sightseeing. A couple of other cyclists were also there and we all had a pleasant chat standing in the sunshine. Before long, the two minute break I'd intended had become 15 minutes!! Time to get going again - especially as Michael would be meeting us somewhere near Rudgwick. 

We crossed the A281 and proceeded through Rudgwick but I could see no sign of Michael. Then he replied to the text I'd sent to tell me he was at Baynards, just north of us. A couple of minutes later, on the climb past the tunnel, we met up with him as well as son Eric and wife Christine. The climb up the ridge (the tunnel diversion) was harder than I remembered it but I enjoyed the fast run through the woods on the other side. Unfortunately Barbara had a minor off there and decided to hit the road and head back to Horsham. The rest of us headed on, back onto the Downslink (avoiding the flooded stretch near Baynards) and soon arrived at Cranleigh. Christine left us here - the call of the coffee shop on the High Street was too great. 

The next few miles were covered as we chatted about the new Icelandic volcanic eruption - Norman is waiting for a call to say "Come and view me". He's been to Iceland before an eruption and after an eruption but not during. At Bramley we paused for a few minutes (comfort break) before carrying on and then, after crossing the A281, finally leaving the route of the railway just before it merged with some still existing railways. The official Downslink had headed off to the north east and St Martha's Hill where it meets up with the north Downs Way. We were now on  part of the national Cycle Network route to Guildford. it took us alongside the A281 on and off for the next few miles before finally putting us on the tarmac for the last few hundred yards into the centre of Guildford where we crossed over the old bridge and pulled up at the White House pub for lunch.

Lunch was enjoyed sitting outside on the terrace but I have to report that we lost another one of our riders here - Corinne had seen a Duck she fancied and because she couldn't carry it on her bike had decided to head home by train. I believe she named the duck "Gillie" and I should point out that he wasn't a real duck!! Gillie is a sand filled leather duck shaped doorstop.

For the return trip, we decided to use the towpath to exit Guildford. The towpath is a "permissive" path which means cyclists are allowed but don't necessarily have a right. So, we rode along it taking our usual high standard of care. It presented a couple of minor challenges - a landslip and some building works but was very enjoyable to use. Here's a video of pretty much the entire route back from Guildford to Slinfold (I speeded it up but it's still 23 minutes long):

Just before Rudgwick we stopped off at a new cafe that's opened in the old Rudgwick brickworks. There's also a brewery there, so Norman and Eric were in their element. The rest of us enjoyed refreshments in the cafe (where we met up with Christine once more). 

That left just three of us - Ken, Norman and myself to say goodbye to Michael, Christine and Eric at Rudgwick and then have an uneventful ride back to Slinfold. From there it was but a few minutes back to Horsham where Norman peeled off as Ken and I headed to Roffey. Here, we parted - Ken prefers to use the A264 back to Crawley whereas I'm much more comfortable using the Forest Road.

Tomorrow we'll do the southern part of the Downslink - I think we'll have to start from Slinfold again as Norman has been making noises about us missing out the middle if we start from Copsale and he might have to complain to the committee! (tongue in cheek).

The Cutty Sark Ride 2014

The timing of this weeks ride was determined by three factors - normally we run it in early Autumn, but I wanted to make it more of a Summer ride; we needed to be able to get to London by train (so we had to avoid engineering works - such as the closure of London Bridge Station); we had to avoid other London cycling events (so we would be able to get on the train with our bikes). This Sunday ticked all those boxes, so it was just a case of hoping the weather would be good.
My day seemed to be running smoothly - I was up and about in plenty of time, my bike and all my gear was ready, I'd pre-booked my rail ticket - but I still managed to miss my train (by seconds).  Fortunately the next one would get me to London on time but I had to wait 40 minutes before it would come.  After a while I was joined by Michael and when the train arrived, he and I got in the second carriage. I then received a text from Anton to say he was in the fifth carriage, so there were three of us that disembarked at London Bridge and made our way to the rendezvous point outside Evans Cycles. Michaels son, Eric, met us there, then Ros arrived and finally Pete S (he'd just spent some time in a coffee shop having successfully caught the train I missed). As it was a little bit chilly and I knew that there were no more trains arriving from Sussex until gone 10:00 hrs, we started riding off along Jamaica Road.

Here's a video of the start and end of this section (click me)

This was the second rendezvous point and within a minute or so of pulling up we were joined by Norman. A couple of us popped into a nearby coffee shop for a bit of breakfast and as I was mid way through my coffee and pain-au-chocolate my phone rang. It was Ken. Still at London Bridge he had missed us and didn't know the way to the Cutty Sark - I told him the route to follow and Anton rode back along it to meet him.

Once Ken had arrived and had some refreshment, we took a team photo or two:

And then we were off,




As you can see, the route mainly follows a couple of rivers (hence it's called the Waterlink Way) and most of the time it doesn't feel as though you are riding through the London suburbs. As you approach Croydon it starts to get a little hilly but then, all of a sudden you are in the countryside and pulling up at the pub for lunch.

Our timing was almost perfect and we enjoyed our food and drink outside on the patio before popping inside the pub for s second drink just as it started raining! By the time we'd finished supping and were ready to ride, the rain had cleared, so we didn't even need to put on waterproofs.

The afternoon section of the ride goes straight into a tough little off road section and it was here that we said goodbye to Ros who wanted to stay on the road and would head across to Warlingham station for a train back to East Grinstead. The rest of us bounced downhill on a bridleway and then most (not all) of us had to push our bikes up the second part of it before enjoying a nice ride through the woods. A couple of roads later and we turn onto another bridleway for one of my favourite bits - the downhill blast out onto Warlingham golf course. Here it is at normal speed:

 

I enjoyed that!

We were now deep in the heart of the North Downs and we headed up through Warlingham School and then onto Quarry Road before turning right onto a horrible little bridleway climb up through some woodland. Next we crossed over the A22 and climbed higher on a couple of lanes until we reached the viewpoint at Gravelly Hill. Here we stopped for a short while to look out over the Weald and watch aircraft as they made their final approaches to Gatwick.

Eric left us at this point, to head north, down the dip slope, to the station and a train back to his North London home. For the rest of us it was off-road time again and a nice fast descent through some scrubby woodland and under the M25.

NCN21 zig zags its way westwards using a combination of minor roads and bridleways until it pops us out in the middle of Redhill. From here it uses a couple of residential roads, skirts by East Surrey hospital and tries to lose us in a housing estate. But, being the seasoned campaigners we are, we know the route and that the housing estate hides a shop that opens seven days a week. We stopped there for cold drinks and/or ice creams before launching ourselves into the easy last few miles of the ride.

First there are a couple of enjoyable single track bridleways and then into the flatlands of Horley. Gatwick whistled past, the smell of aviation fuel bringing memories of plane spotting there as a kid, and then we were into the Industrial Estate where we decided to leave the NCN21 and use Tinsley Lane instead. Not far now - over the footbridge, down behind Tesco's and then St Mary's Drive all the way to Haslett Avenue and Three Bridges Station.  All done, with less than 50 miles on my speedo (Ken had almost double that as he had ridden from Crawley to the Cutty Sark at the start of the day!!!).

If you've got nearly 40 minutes to spare, here's a video of the afternoon section of the ride - I speeded up the action and cut out most of the stoppages, but it should give a good flavour of what the route is like:

Click on this for 40 minutes of "action"

Our next ride is led by Frank and takes us to the Castle Inn at Chiidingstone - a very nice, National Trust owned village not too far away. The ride is rated easy/Medium and will be about 40 miles long. Meet at Three Bridges Station at 09:30 hrs.

Combination Ride

The second Sunday of the month is the day of our regular Beginners Ride..this month it would start from Horsham.

At the last Runs List meeting we decided we would add a Crawley start to this ride and use it as an opportunity to get to know the Crawley to Horsham cycle route (NCN228) before meeting up with the Horsham bods and going for an easy ride as one group. 

Six of us were gathered at the Three Bridges Station start - Gordon, Pete E, Val, Malcolm, Anton and me, Bob. Then my phone rang, it was Ros and she would be with us in ten minutes. We waited, Ros turned up and off we went.

Gordon took the lead - as a Sustrans Ranger, he knows all the local cycle networks. He took us into Crawley town centre and then through Goffs Park and Gossops Green to Ifield Mill Pond. Here we crossed into Bewbush and then over the railway for the gentle climb up and onto Kilnwood Lane.  Next we used Wimlands Lane and enjoyed a fast descent to the Frog and Nightgown (sadly now closed). Just before the railway crossing we took the bridleway on the right which took us across to the Rusper Road. A  bit of zig-zagging through the North Heath area of Horsham and soon we were at Horsham Pavilions in the Park HPP), ready to meet up with anyone else coming on the ride.

This film shows the route so far:

At HPP we stopped for a coffee and were joined by Sandra and Mick. Mick had actually ridden all the way to Three Bridges for the start but missed us and had been on our tails all the way back to Horsham.

We left Horsham using the Golf Course route then headed through Broadbridge Heath to Tesco's via the underpass. From here we headed south towards Itchingfield on the Bridleway but then across to Christs Hospital to get onto the Downs Link and then to the Bax Castle for lunch.

Here's another video for that bit:

After a nice break, we remounted for the return trip. Pete led us on along the Downs Link to Southwater and then we dared ourselves to attempt a route through the middle of Southwater again - last time we failed miserably and were spat out back on the Old Worthing Road, this time we got it dead right and popped out on Southwater Street - exactly where we wanted. Then it was through Newfoundout and onto the Pedlars Way for a quick blast down through the woods and onto the mean streets of Horsham.

From the Bax Castle back to Horsham

Arriving back at HPP, we said our goodbyes and each trotted off home. I accompanied Val and Malcolm out along then A264 as far as Faygate and then left them to head for Lambs Green and on to a family party.....


Our next ride, on Sunday 20th July will be led by Mick and leave Horsham Pavilions in the Park at 08:30. It will head to Newbridge Garden Centre for lunch but pass by the Black Swan in Pease Pottage at 09:15, the Railway Inn in Crawley at 09:30 and Rusper Village at 10:00.  It will be a fairly easy, all road ride of between 25 and 40 miles (depending on where you join/leave it).  See you (somewhere) there..