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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Balcombe Cafe

Excellent ride, led by Gordon, hilly in places but enjoyable mix of roads and tracks.

Chiddingstone Castle

Worth way to East Grinstead.


Coffee at Ros's.


A very enjoyable route on some lovely lanes.


A smashing lunch at Chiddingstone.


A pleasant return ride.

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.

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.

Freewheel DA Event

A Horsham start and a roundabout route to Barns Green. We used Granny's Lane, Rowhook Hill, Rudgwick, The Haven, New Road and then pulled up at Summers Ponds just before midday. The Bognor and Chichester riders were already there. We sat in the sun and enjoyed our food and drink but we had to hang around for an hour and a half before the Arun and Adur bods were ready to roll.

We all went back to New Road, climbed to the top and started the Freewheel challenge. We each took it in turn to roll down the hill and see who could get the furthest. John C has been best at this in previous years but this year Sam from BogChi was the high roller. We did however get best lady  - well done Anne. 

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.

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.

Stooks at NewBridge

Thanks to Mick for leading what looks to have been an enjoyable ride with plenty of riders out who must have all remembered to alter their clocks!

The start was 9:15 @ HPP where I met Michael and Christine. Next was a new member, Frank from Christs Hospital. Then Norman and finally Pete. We headed off along the Forest Road to Pease Pottage where we met Pete and Marian, John C and Ken. After ringing Stooks to add two to the booking we headed for Handcross, then Slaugham and on to Lower Beeding. Turning right onto the A281 we then went left towards Maplehurst and Copsale. Right and left took us to Southwater Street then over the A24 and into Southwater itself. Bonfire Hill took us to Two Mile Ash and north to Christs Hospital. It was then a quick blast along the A264 to the lunch stop spot on 12:00!
Barbara met us there.
Lunch was good, see picture. 

After lunch Frank headed back home while the rest of headed towards Warnham. Christine couldn't manage the hill so she and Mike returned to HPP via the golf course. The rest of crossed the A24 and railway.
At the T junction Pete, Barbara and Norman turned right to Horsham.
The Crawley members were unsure on their route so I took them part of the way.
Not sure how many miles as my GPS battery died on me! 

Next weeks ride is an easy one - it's Old Crocks Day!  So we will meet up at There Bridges Station at 10:00 hrs, ride into town and see if we can spot a few veteran cars before pacing/racing/crawling along with them out as far as (perhaps) Staplefield before returning to Crawley, At 13:00 all members are invited to the Runs List meeting at Gordon's House (contact me for details) where we can determine what rides we want to go on during Q1 of next year (January, February, March 2015). Gordon and Jacqui are kindly providing refreshments once more.

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.