Soixante Stan

Today’s ride started at HPP at 9 but there were no takers so I headed off to the alternate start at Pease Pottage. Fortunately there were some takers, 10 in all.
Once assembled most of us headed off for the next start point. One attendee was running late so four waited and caught up with the main group at the next start point near Horsham. Three others met us there so we had 15 attendees in all.
Once assembled we headed off towards Southwater where Pat left us. A slow puncture held us up for a few moments as we headed off towards Shipley, Ashington and Ashurst. Arriving at Stan’s Bike Shack at just after noon. 30.6 miles.
After lunch four of us headed off for the afternoon section of the ride.
Off we headed off through Henfield just after which the slow puncture needed fixing. Next it was Blackstone, Sayers Common, Hickstead and Slaugham. This was undulating to say the least!
The remaining four split here,  two headed for Crawley and two for Horsham.
Got home feeling a bit tired but I had done 56 miles with 2500' of climbing!

WD40

Today’s ride was scheduled to be a 40 mile round trip to Dunsfold via Wisborough Green (WD40). I was a bit concerned about the weather as the forecast was mist and light rain.
Attending were me, Michael, Pete, Bob, Frank and Ken. 
I had planned on 20 miles to lunch and 20 back. 
We headed off over the golf course towards Rowhook and on through Rudgwick and down to Wisborough Green. We stopped there at 15 miles. According to my calculation we were making a good pace so I decided to go a bit slower. At 20 miles we were still 5 miles from the pub. I had got my distance wrong! So it was all systems go to make up lost time. We got to the pub at 12:20.
We did not have to order lunch as it had been pre-ordered which made life easier. The beer and the company was good so we headed off for home. Having over estimated the out journey I tried to cut the return distance. 
Back through Cranleigh and right in Ewhurst took to the Walliswood turning where Michael left us. On towards Weare Street where Ken left us. Only four left so we headed towards Warnham where Frank left us.
The remaining three, Pete, Bob and I headed over the railway line at Warnham and over bypass into Horsham. 
Total distance today was 45 miles and no mist or rain!

AV Ride

Today’s ride was the 'AV Ride' to The Cat and Canary in Henfield. There was some doubt that the pub may have been closed so The Plough was a backup.

It was a dual start so Pete,  Al, Denis, Bob and I set off from HPP and headed for Pease Pottage. It was here that we were joined by Gordon,  Jacqui and Malcolm. Anton was also there but was not cycling. Off we went to Handcross where we met up with Ros.

The route took us through Handcross, along the new cycle path to Warninglid, over the A272, Wineham and on to the lunch stop where we met Adrian Veiler (AV), Michael and Christine. The beer was good but the food took a long time to come. I negotiated an extension to our usual lunch hour.

So it was home time. We headed north to Partridge Green and Maplehurst where the Crawley members headed off.

The rest of us headed back to Horsham via Kerves Lane. 35 miles.

Bacon Butty Ride

Today’s ride was a beginners ride to Copsale Village Hall for bacon butties. 
After waiting for no shows we headed off towards Broadbridge Heath utilising the new bridge over the A24. Once over this we headed south on the newly refurbished bridleway through Wickhurst Green, rejoining the road to Christs Hospital. Here we joined the Downs Link to Copsale. 

I had texted the hall to say we were coming but it went unread. Luckily they were prepared for an influx of 16 cyclists. 

After refreshments we headed for Sedgwick and Doomsday Green. Some Crawley members left us here so we said our goodbyes and the rest of us headed back to the Pavilions. Some of us went to the French Market in the Carfax. 
We only did 15 miles but everyone said it was a success so plans are afoot for a revisit. 

Our next ride is an "awayday" ride.  We will meet up at Chichester Station at 10:00 hrs for a "Surf and Turf" ride of about 30 miles. It should be fairly easy as it is all coastal plain down there and quite flat.

East Sussex Mystery Ride

A quick thrash along The Worth Way to East Grinstead for Ken, Malcolm and Bob before meeting up with Ros, Pete, Rachel, Paul, Annie and Denis.

Ros led us on a very nice ride through Forest Row and up onto Ashdown Forest and Nuthurst for lunch at Fletching. Great views, great weather, great company.

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 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.

The Horsham 100

Six fifteen on a summers day morning - easy!  Well no, I struggled to get out of the house and didn't actually meet Malcolm until 06:30.  Even then, after we'd been riding just a few minutes I realised I'd forgotten my water bottle. No matter, I'd just have to get some water on the ride.


It was trying to rain but was pleasantly warm as we travelled along the Forest Road and we were quite comfortable spinning along. But as we entered Roffey, the rain got a little heavier and was staying on the road surface so we started to get wet, mainly from the spray.


Four hardy souls were waiting at Horsham Park Pavilions - Pete, Rachel, Ken and Mick. The rain now stopped and we headed off, over the golf-course and down through Broadbridge Heath. Mick pointed us in the direction of Slinfold and we settled in to the first climb of the day. After a mile or two of the A29, we went west to The Haven and then due south opposite the Blue Ship. The roads were pretty dry now and the cycling was very pleasant. We crossed the A272 and headed down past the Limeburners Arms and on to Adversane to go back across the A29. A couple of miles later, at Broadford Bridge we turned right and started the climb of Woods Hill. As we crested, Pete realized that he had a puncture. I stayed with him to help change the tube whilst everyone carried on, down to West Chiltington and a loop to the south which then brought them up Smock Alley to the Garden Centre. Pete and I met them here having taken a short cut once Petes bike was fixed. Now we headed east then North and then east again to The Countryman at Shipley. As we were running a bit late, I chopped out the Shipley loop and we carried on to Dial Post. Here it became apparent that Pete's rear puncture had returned. He and I stopped to reflate the tyre and everyone else carried on, over the A24, past the Old Barn Garden Centre and down to Ashurst before turning north towards Partridge Green and Stans Bike Shack - the breakfast halt.  Pete and I took another short cut in order to catch up and went through the Lock Estate needing only one further stop to reflate the tyre.


At Stans, we settled down to bacon rolls and cups of tea - I took my shoes off in order to try and dry out my shoes/socks and get some warmth into my numb and frozen feet! We took the opportunity to repair Pete's puncture - this time we managed to find the cause - a small flint hiding in a crack in the tyre tread. I was particularly annoyed as I'd failed to spot it earlier despite having a really good look for it! We were joined by Anne at Stans - her plan was to ride with us to Horsham then ride back to Partridge Green to pick up her car.


The next part of the ride took us east, then down the A281 before heading east again then north through Twineham. Crossing the A272 we had a couple more climbs (including that short, sharp killer at Warninglid). Now we were on the home straight and rattled off  Hammerpond Lane quite easily - Malcolm headed home up Grouse Road having clocked up well over 50 miles - leaving the rest of us to negotiate the wilds of East Horsham and pull up at the Conservatory Café  in Horsham Park for lunch.


Well, that's 50 miles done - time to refuel and get psyched up for the second 50........


It was warm and comfortable sitting outside in the shade, chatting and people-watching. but all too soon it was time to get going again. Only three of us volunteered to try the afternoon ride - Mick, Ken and myself. We headed north through Horsham and over the bypass before tackling the climb of Old Holbrook. The hill was hard work but mainly in the shade of trees and it didn't take us long to get up to Green Lane. Heading east, we used Rusper Road and then Wimland Road before heading toward Lambs Green. As we approached the right turn I recognized the cyclist coming in the opposite direction - it was Anton on a 200k Audax ride. We stopped for a chat and found that Anton was suffering from back pain (to the extent that he only rode a few more miles before packing in). After chatting for a short while we carried on, only to stop a few yards later as Ken realised he had a puncture. At this point Mick decided to head for home and tube replaced, Ken and I carried on through Lambs Green and along Rusper Raod into Ifield. We sped through along Bonwycks Lane and then passed the end of Gatwick and into Charlwood. I'd run out of water and was tiring quickly so Ken took the lead as we went through Povey Cross and headed north. As we went up Horse hill my energy completely ran out and at the top I decided to turn for home myself. I gave Ken the route map so that he could carry on and, when we got to Stan Hill I said goodbye and headed downhill to Charlwood. As I rode along I suddenly felt sick and realised I needed to stop and recover - as luck would have it there was a pub nearby, so I popped in and recovered by having a nice cold drink of cider! Honest, it worked. Twenty minutes sitting in the shade, supping a cider worked wonders and I was reinvigorated when I got back on my bike. I rode straight from Charlwood, past Ifield Wood, through the Town Centre and arrived back home with 84 miles on the clock. About an hour or so later I received a text from Ken to say that he was safely home and had completed over 100 miles - nice one Ken. Here's a Strava screenshot he sent me:

Our next ride starts from Three Bridges Station at 09:30 on Sunday. Michael will lead us on an easy 30 mile route with a lunch stop at The Dolphin in Betchworth

Beginners Ride - Tracks and trails

Second Sunday of the month, Beginners Ride, good turnout.


In spite (or because?) of the ride being advertised as "Tracks and Trails" there were eight of us milling around at Three Bridges Station waiting for Gordon to lead us away. Gordon, Jacqui, Corinne, Anne, Christine, Michael, Kevin and myself. Once everyone was happy that they were on the right bike and that their saddle was correctly adjusted, we set off.


Firstly we used the Worth Way, encountering a couple of large horses on the way. Gordon worked us over to Worth Abbey and then we took the bridleway past Whiteways Lodge before crossing the Balcombe Road and blasting down through the woods to the railway bridge and the end of Parish Lane. Here we turned right into Tilgate Forest and enjoyed some lumpy singletrack whilst reminiscing about Gordon's pile-driver crash the other year! Crossing over the M23, we sped down through the golf course before crossing a couple of fairways and reaching the clubhouse. From here we ran up to and along the dam before heading west almost to K2.


Now Gordon lead us into the woods again and we enjoyed some singletrack all the way up to the M23 which we crossed on the second bridge. More singletrack and firetrack fun ensued before we emerged on Parish Lane. We headed east on the tarmac for a short while before heading south then west through a couple of large fields and into some woodland around the back fence of Billy Bridges scrapyard.


Next we crossed the A23 on the bridge and headed into Pease Pottage. From here it was but a short ride to Gordon and Jacqui's for lunch.


Having drunk all their champagne and ate all their food, everyone headed off home.  I led Anne, Corinne and Kevin back into Tilgate Forest to enjoy some more singletrack before stopping at the mansion for a breather. Corinne headed off home from here, leaving the rest of us to head back across the dam and past the clubhouse into Furnace Green.


Back home, I'd only clocked up 15 miles but I'd enjoyed them all.


Our next ride is a big one (if you want it to be). It's the Horsham 100 and starts from Horsham Pavilions in the Park at 07:00hrs. There will be a tea-stop at 09:30 in the Old Barn Garden Centre at Dial Post just off the A24.  Lunch will be 12:30 at The Conservatory Café in Horsham Park.  Afternoon tea will be 16:00hrs at Capel church. with a target finish sometime near 19:00hrs back at Horsham.


If you don't want to do 100 miles, why not just do the morning or afternoon loop?  Alternatively, why not ride a direct route to/from one of the tea stops. I believe a couple of folk are planning on driving to the Old Barn, riding back to Horsham (then driving back to the Old Barn to pick up the first car).


Who knows, the weather might actually be good on Sunday!!

Two Weald Ride (DA Event)

Whilst I compose some words, here's a film:

https://youtu.be/s31cS3yPU_Y


A slightly damp start to the day probably reduced the numbers slightly but didn't stop a trio of hardcore riders making early starts to tick off the loops.


Anton and Robert both (individually) started at about 6am I believe and Ray started at about 8am.


Barbara, Pete and I set up the control point at about 09:30 and other riders started arriving.

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.

Rendezvous Ride

I'd cheekily set this club ride up as a rendezvous ride so that I could take part even though I was doing the London to Brighton Bike Ride for the BHF!


The idea was that we could all work out our own routes and just meet at the Ardingly Inn for lunch. In the end, only Ros and myself turned up, but the food was good and I was surrounded by my family (celebrating fathers day) and some friends, one of whom, Kevin was riding the L to B with me.

Let me take you down (copyright The Fab Four)

Today’s ride started at HPP at 9:00. It was a dual start so Pete,  Norman,  Mike and l headed off to Pease Pottage to meet Pete and Marian, Frank Tinsley,  John Veitch, John Clark, Corinne and Ann.
We headed off south towards Handcross and used the new cycle route alongside the A23. At the Staplefield turning Mike decided to cut the ride short as he had just recovered from illness. 
The rest of us headed further south with several hills (the ride was defined as hard), over the A272 and on to Hickstead. It was then a nice level ride towards Twineham. It was here we started to meet a Sportif.
Heading north we re-crossed the A272. More hills!
The Sportif riders started to come thick and fast here.  Their road sense left a lot to be desired. Overtaking with traffic approaching!
The route then headed towards Hammerponds and Grouse Road.
John Clark and the Smiths headed for home here so only seven made it to lunch. Mike meet us there. 
There were no takers for the afternoon ride so l headed along (up) Wimlands to allow Crawley members an easier way home. 
I clocked 46 miles and 2500' of climbing.

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.

Charlwood

'Keen to put a bit of variety into our list of rides, I'd decided to do a fairly short loop to the west and north of Crawley. It seems like this appealed to people as we had nine riders out today - Michael, Christine, Pete E, Norman, Frank, Ann, Adam, Paul and me, Bob.

The first part of the route took us along the Old Three Bridges Road. Next we used The Boulevard and then headed into West Green before using the tunnel into Ifield. 

The Rusper Road took us past the scene of the recent "body in the boot" murder and then we headed into Ifield Green and up Hillybarn Lane. At the top we stopped for a breather and to allow Bob to adjust his new Spd pedals - he was struggling to release his shoes from the too tight clips. Adjustments done, we headed along the Mount and then North to Newdigate.

Reaching Parkgate, Bobs plan was to head north and east but the group consensus was to head straight for Charlwood down Stanhill. So we pulled up at The Greyhound in Charlwood at only half past eleven. The pub wasn't busy and we were soon sat outside eating and drinking. Everyone was surprised at the low price but good quality the food and drink was. As we were so close to the airport, conversation naturally centred on the (potential) expansion of Gatwick.

Our homeward route took us past the western end of the runway and we witnessed several planes taking off as well as a few landings before we headed towards Ifield along Bonnetts Lane. Crossing the River Mole into Ifield, I took us along a quiet lane to Ifield Green and St Margaret's Church. Here several of our riders went to look around the churchyard whilst I looked after the bikes and chatted with a Churchwarden.

Heading towards Ifield station, Norman left us to pick up NCN228 back to Horsham, whilst the rest of us used the new cycle track and old subway back into West Green. Next we used Springfield Road and the back streets of old Southgate to get to the Hawth Avenue traffic lights before taking a quick sortie through Furnace Green to pick up the Black Path which led us to Haslett Avenue and thence Three Bridges Station.

Not a long ride today - a mere twenty odd miles - but everyone seemed to have enjoyed it.

Our next ride on Sunday 12th April will have a 10:00 hrs start at HPP. We will head south then west to have lunch at Sumners Ponds with the other West Sussex CTC groups before popping round to New Road to take part in the Freewheel DA Competion - it's dead easy: all you do is roll down the road and see who can roll the furthest - John C is usually our best competitor, why not see if you can give him a run for the money?

Tanfield Farm Shop

Four of us out today - me, Norman, Malcolm and Michael. Forecast was light rain and windy but rain wasn't much more than drizzle and we didn't really notice the wind until we were on the way back when it was against us.

Route was Broadbridge Heath, Warnham, A29, Weare St, Capel, Newdigate and then back via Rusper.

We tried the new footbridge across to Tescos and contrary to the criticism posted on Facebook recently didn't have any problems with it. The barriers they have installed on the slope on the Tesco side are easily negotiable by any competent cyclist and probably necessary to deter skateboarders, reckless cyclists etc. as it is a long straight downhill with a sharp U turn at the end. It's a big improvement on the old bridge and my only comment would be that they perhaps should have separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians. It wasn't an issue for us but could be at busy times.

Pete E

The Green Man at Horsted Keynes

I didn't beat about the bush with my description of this ride - I rated it medium because it was fairly low mileage (less than 30) but with several hills in it.  Seven hardy souls joined me at the start and we were kept entertained by the usual displays of inept driving on and around the station forecourt as we waited for Norman to finish his breakfast snack.

Todays attendees were Michael, Malcolm, Frank, Pat, Norman, Frank, Gordon and myself.

The first part of todays route went up through Pound Hill and out over the motorway on the Turners Hill Road. Stopping to regroup at Keepers Cottage revealed that Michael had had to turn back because of a puncture, so we were now down to seven - no matter, once we reached Turners Hill we were joined by Anton and John V.

I didn't hang about there because I knew a steam train was due to cross our route shortly, so sped off down the road to meet it.

We all gathered at the side of the road and had a good view of the train, high up on the embankment. It was the 'wrong' way round unfortunately (travelling tender first). Here's a quick video:
https://youtu.be/waVDc1nfUbU

We carried on, up to the crossroads where we turned right towards Saint Hill Green. Next we passed Deers Leap Park where we'll be having some fun on Saturday May 2nd. Then it was down the twisty-turny hill to the tail of Weirwood Reservoir - no matter how hard I try, I always have to use my brakes to get around the second bend (otherwise I'd end up in the bushes).

We regrouped at the bottom and then carried on along Legsheath Lane. This lane starts off all nice and level but then turns away from the water and climbs up to the heights of Ashdown Forest. The climb is worth it as the scenery becomes more open and there are good vistas to the north. A quick breather at the crossroads then straight on for half a mile before turning right onto Twyford Lane.  Here's a video showing what a delight this downhill portion of the route is:
https://youtu.be/gaZbLOG-qS0

From here we just had a short sharp climb up onto a ridge and then travelled along the road into Horsted Keynes for lunch at The Green man. I was really pleased to see that Michael had joined us and even more pleased with the welcome from the pub staff and the quality of their food and drinks.

Consequently we must have spent about an hour and a half in the pub before venturing out to tackle the hills on the route home. I gave people a choice of routes and was hoping they'd opt for the Sharpthorne route back but no, they all wanted Ardingly. Once we got to Ardingly we split into two groups, pretty much on the basis of bike type - the road bike riders carried on up past Wakehurst Place and on to Turners Hill whilst the mtb'ers took the reservoir route and on to Worth Abbey.

As far as I'm aware, everyone made it home safely - if anyone knows any different, let me know!

The next ride is a 10:00hrs start from Horsham Pavilions in the Park with Pete E leading an easy ride which will have a lunch stop at Tanhouse Farm Shop.  Don't forget, the clocks Spring forward one hour on Saturday night.

Anniversary Ride

Half past eight on a Sunday morning - I wanted to be in bed snuggled up to a warm woman, but no, I was out on my bike on a crisp morning and riding into a chilly wind. The nice blue sky and fluffy clouds wouldn't have been out of place in summertime but the temperature shouted that it was still winter. I plodded along the Forest Road with the wind testing the seams of my top and trying to sneak up my sleeves. I knew I was going to be late and as I passed the Rusper Road so my phone lit up with a "Where are you?" text from Anton.  I didn't bother stopping to answer as I was only a couple of minutes away. Anton was waiting with Norman and Malcolm - everyone else had dropped out. We waited a few minutes in case of stragglers then Anton led us away - across the golf course where we encountered a large group of dog walkers (I think they had been taking part in a protest about some potential development in the area).

Byfleets Lane and Strood Lane were both resurfaced last year but are breaking up terribly now - an indictment of the West Sussex road maintenance programme if ever there was one. Anton next took us up Rowhook Hill, then across to Cox Green and into Rudgwick. We stopped every now and again so that Anton could phone the pub to let them know there weren't as many of us as he'd provisionally booked for. However, he was unable to get through in spite of trying on at least half a dozen occasions. We crossed the A281 and headed towards The Haven before turning south opposite the Blue Ship. We followed Rowner Road all of its length, enjoying it's generally downhill disposition, then followed the A272 into Billinghurst. Anton was getting into his stride now and led us South, over the railway and down to the B2133. We whistled along in a compact line until we eventually turned North up Spear Hill and on to Broomers Corner. Now it was but a short ride to the lunch stop at The Countryman. 

The landlord seemed a bit grumpy that there were only four of us but we settled down and enjoyed some good food and drink. The pub was not busy and put a lie to the landlords claim that he'd had to turn away business to accommodate us. I suspect that we won't be visiting The Countryman again for quite a while.

Anton gave us choice of routes back to Horsham and we plumped for the shortest. From Shipley we crossed over the A272, through Dragons Green and on up to the Bax Castle. Not long after we arrived back in Horsham and dispersed back to our homes.

Our next ride is a Beginners Ride, starting from Three Bridges at 10:00hrs. Pete E will lead us along the Crawley Horsham cycle route and then across to the Strawberry Fields cafe for refreshments before returning to Three Bridges.