Today’s ride was 60 miles, medium to The Sun, Dunsfold with tea at Capel and was led by myself, Mick.

Attendance was Bob, all day, and John C from lunch.  We also met Barbara at the tea stop.

Bob and I set off over the golf course and through Broadbridge Heath.  Then up the hill though Itchingfield, Barns Green and Coolham, taking care here as the A272 has to give way to the minor road.  The promised sun then started to disappear as we headed south and turned right onto the B2133 to Adversane, A29, A272 and Newpound Common.  Nothing much to report apart from being passed by two groups of racers, they must have been on their way for a cup of Bovril.  It was on through Wisborough Green and then to Loxwood where we stopped to check on the Wey & Arun Canal project. Progress was very noticeable since my last visit in 2008.  After the canal we noticed that the Sir Roger Tichbourne pub was now open again - make note for a future ride. It was just after here we spotted John Maxim heading in the opposite direction.  A quick hello and wave and that was it, a brief encounter.

Passing through Alfold Crossways we spotted several pie eaters, i.e. non-thin people.  Several sightings of the Wey & Arun Canal were also made.  It was then onto Dunsfold arriving just in time for the pub to open 35 minutes later! (yes, we were early).  Twelve o'clock came and we ordered our food and as we emerged back into the sunshine with our drinks John C joined us.

After lunch we made our way towards Crawleigh (Cranleigh) nearly meeting our maker when a van overtook an oncoming car oblivious to our presence.  Shortly after passing Baynards my front left brake block came off, stopping with just back brakes I retrieved the block and refitted it.  I can only think a foreign object dislodged it and flicked it off, in 60,000 miles I have never seen the like.  While fixing this we chatted to another couple on bikes, the gent informed us he had just fixed a puncture for another cyclist who did not have anything to fix it, no tube, no puncture repair kit, no pump and no tools!

It was then up Weary Street to Capel for tea at the church.  Barbara made an appearance here, mainly to say hello, pass the Crawley Pedallers onto Bob and arrange the Two Weald Ride organiser’s schedule.

Home was then via Friday Street for me and Rusper for Bob and John.

This Sunday is the next DA Event, the Two Weald Ride. Based at Wisborough Green, we will be manning a small marquee selling tea/coffee and cakes from 10:00hrs on.  As usual there will be four different 25 mile rides on offer with route instructions available for each. If you fancy doing all four 25 mile loops, I'd suggest you start the first one at about 07:30 so that you can be the first in the queue for a cup of tea at 10:00 but we probably won't be there if you finish your last loop after about 16:00hrs! The route instructions are available from the DA website under "DA Events".

From a DA points perspective you only need to do one loop to get maximum points - 5 points for starting and 5 points for finishing. I particularly like the West and South routes although there are fans of the east and North routes as well - take your pick. Above all, this is intended as a sociable event whereby you can have a good chinwag with riders from all three West Sussex CTC sections (and anyone else that turns up).

Hope to see you on Sunday, Bob.

Posted Horsham and Crawley CTC at 8:43 PM BST

Updated: Monday, 29 June 2009 12:43 PM BST

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As the ride included the Worth Way I opted to take the Dawes Super Galaxy for comfort, also I hadn't been out on it for a while so a good shake down ride prior to the overseas trip in August seemed like a good idea.

Waiting at Three Bridges station I felt a bit cold so I put on my Gore paclite jacket and awaited the horde of riders I was expecting. By 09.30 I was still the only one and was beginning to wonder if I had the correct time and location. Just then Peter and Marion arrived on their Thorn Tandem.      

Off we set to pick up the Worth Way at the beginning and made good progress to East Grinstead although care was required due to the number of dog walkers out, not to mention the runners. On reaching Forest Row we backtracked up the A22 to the Ashurstwood turnoff and tackled the steep climb to the village, my relaxing holiday in Turkey was taking its toll and I was sweating by the time I reached the village church. Here we turned for the A264 via Shovelstrode Farm and a nice downhill run for a mile before another uphill slog to the main road where we turned right then left at Goatwick Manor.

It was then right onto the Cowden road - my favourite lane in this neck of the woods. It was now warming up nicely so we stopped for a drink and to remove unwanted jackets, then continued through the delightful village of Cowden - always very peaceful and the pub was tempting but we carried on. Crossing the busy B2026 to White Post we passed the lake that has now been fully renovated and landscaped. Wildlife is returning and we spotted two Herons across the other side.

A few dodgy encounters with Sunday drivers and numerous ups and downs saw us at the tea shop in Penshurst bang on 12.00hrs. Parking next to a Colnago and a Boardman racing bike we enjoyed tea, coffee, prawn and cheese sandwiches followed by a slice of Walnut cake, each delicious.

On the return run we took the road to Dormansland  - another steady climb, on through Lingfield past the Red Barn to Blindley Heath and thence to Smallfield where we joined the remaining cyclists on the London to Brighton run. It was 15.00 by now so whether they would ever reach Brighton is debatable. There was also someone on a skateboard doing rather well keeping up with the said cyclists.

At the Balcombe road we said our goodbyes with 48 miles on the clock after an enjoyable ride on the longest day of the year.
Regards John.

Thanks John, sounds like a very pleasant ride - shame I was eating and drinking my way from London to Brighton on the BHF run, I think I would have enjoyed the spin out to Penshurst! Thanks to John V. for the loan of a bike rack to get me and my team to/from the ride and thanks to the two Petes for their offers of bike racks as well - what a nice friendly club we have.

The ride for Sunday 28th June is rated as Medium although it is down as a 60 miler. Starting at 09:00hrs from Horsham Park Pavilion, Mick is leading us to lunch at The Sun, Dunsfold and then tea at Capel church. If the weather is nice I think this will be a glorious days ride at a fairly easy pace taking in some very pleasant country lanes and finishing sometime around 16:00 ish at a guess.

Posted Horsham and Crawley CTC at 10:15 PM BST

Updated: Tuesday, 23 June 2009 10:54 PM BST

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National Bike Week started on Saturday, so we pitched our Sunday ride at less-experienced riders with a ten o'clock start from Three Bridges station and a traffic-free route along the Worth Way.

Pete S was originally going to lead the ride but due to a family get-together had to hand over the reins to me (Bob). Arriving at the start a good quarter of an hour before the due time I was soon joined by a new attendee, Richard, a colleague from work. Next Anton rolled in having already ridden 26 miles in a large loop from Haywards Heath! Finally another two new riders, Alison and Darren (my daughter and her boyfriend) arrived. We hung around until 10:10 but no-one else joined us so off we went.

The start of the Worth Way is only a few hundred yards to the south of Three Bridges station and was pleasantly cool and shady on what was already becoming a very hot day. With the exception of Anton, everyone was riding mountain bikes with knobbly tyres which, even though the Worth Way has a good surface, makes the riding a bit safer. We were soon through Worth and over the M23 to leave Crawley behind. We'd already seen about 10 other cyclists and as many walkers along the way and we'd only travelled a couple of miles - these numbers would be fairly typical for the whole ride. Carefully crossing the Turners Hill Road at Keepers Cottage (there was a level-crossing here when the railway was active), we headed for Rowfant at nigh on 20mph. At the road crossing by Rowfant station we encountered an old lady with a wheeled zimmer frame who didn't know who she was, where she'd come from or where she was going to. A couple of lady joggers were trying to find out some information from her but weren't having much joy. I knew there was a care home just down the road and Anton rode down there to ask them if they had any missing residents - they did and came back with him to pick the old lady up.

Carrying on, I checked with each of the riders to see how they were getting on and whether they could make it to East Grinstead and back. Everyone was feeling good and confident they could make it there (and back). Arriving in Crawley Down the trail follows a couple of residential streets before going past a pond and back into the countryside. Although it’s (ever so) slightly uphill to East Grinstead, we were spinning along at a good pace and were soon pulling up in the station car park at East Grinstead. I made sure everyone was drinking their water and let them all have a breather whilst I fine-tuned the gears on my daughters bike (there’s nothing more annoying than a continual “clickety-clackety” noise from a bike!).

Everyone was still feeling fit and we decided to ride on to at least Forest Row. We climbed up East Grinstead High Street and out on the Lewes Road before joining the Forest Way opposite the old railway cutting now occupied by Beeching Way. The first couple of miles of the Forest Way is slightly downhill and once again we were zipping along at around 20mph.  So, it was only a few minutes later that we pulled up at the traffic light crossing over the A22 just north of Forest Row. As we got there, who should we encounter but John H out on his recumbent! Now there were six of us and after a quick conflab we decided we’d ride on to Hartfield, turn back and then have a refreshment stop here at Forest Row.

John H hadn’t ridden this far along the Forest Way before, so we were chatting about where it went to and how easy it was to use to get to other places such as Tunbridge Wells, Poohsticks Bridge and also how John V uses it as part of a circuit going out as far as Eastbourne. It didn’t seem long before the stone bridge at Hartfield arrived and we regrouped. After pointing out the various route options from here, I then headed us back the way we’d just come. The weather was still gloriously sunny and I think we’d have been suffering if we’d been in the full sun but we were nicely shaded on the Forest Way and to be honest, the cycling was nice and easy.

Arriving back at Forest Row, Anton led us to a café. It didn’t exactly have the best of locations – on the road next to the amenity tip – but a panini and a nice mug of tea was only £3.30!

At this point Anton left us to head south into Ashdown Forest and tackle a couple of hills, whereas we headed up the constant but gentle gradient back to East Grinstead. As an experiment I decided to ride along Beeching Way to the station – I’m not certain I would use it again as the road was a bit rough and a road merges from the left just before the station – always a danger for cyclists.

The journey back was pretty uneventful although very pleasant and once we arrived at Worth the group spilt up – John H and Richard heading for Pound Hill, the rest of us for Maidenbower and Furnace Green.

Arriving home at about half past one, I’d covered 30 miles, had a very enjoyable ride and still had plenty of time to potter around in the garden – result!

Next weeks ride will be led by John C and starts from Three Bridges Station at 09:30hrs. It’s a nice 45 mile ride heading east to Penshurst Tearooms for lunch with the possibility of a pub stop at Cowden on the way back.

Posted Horsham and Crawley CTC at 6:41 PM BST

Updated: Tuesday, 16 June 2009 1:47 PM BST

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The weather didn’t look promising for this event – heavy rain overnight with heavy showers during the day. The BBC weather forecast even had a big, wet cloud centred over Billingshurst for most of the day. Accordingly it was hard work getting out of bed and I wasn’t looking forward to a wet day in the saddle. When I did get up, it was too late to catch the train so I loaded everything into the car and sped off.

Arriving at Billingshurst Station Car Park (free on Sundays), I was pleased to see a good crowd of riders from the three West Sussex Member Groups. I was especially pleased to see Anton from our group – at least I wouldn’t be the only Horsham and Crawley member. I was even more pleased to spot John H and Martin who’d just arrived by train.

Today’s event could be described as a ”scatter” event: we were given a list of places with “Green” in their name and had to work out a route taking in at least five of them so that we could answer a question in each and then ride back to Billingshurst. The answers for the furthest villages scored more points than the closer ones and the team scoring the most points would win the event.

Dave G had organised things and had sent the list of villages (but not the questions) out during the week so that people could plan their routes. Anton and myself both had ideas for a route and after a quick conflab we decided on what we reckoned would be a high-scoring, 40 odd mile anti-clockwise loop to the north.

Off we set, the sky was roughly 50/50 blue sky and white clouds although there were some darker clouds to the north. A mere couple of hundred yards into the ride we had to stop – Anton had put his front wheel in the wrong way round, so his speedos (yes, plural, he’s got two!) weren’t working. We headed east along the A272 as far as Coneyhurst and then made a quick detour south to answer a question in Balls Green. From here it was back through Coneyhurst and on to Barns Green. Another quick detour to Brooks Green and then we headed through Itchingfield and Broadbridge Heath to pick up more points at Strood Green and Goosegreen Farm both near Warnham. We crossed under the railway using the subway at Warnham station and then headed north past the Langhurstwood refuse tip – it was very smelly today and we were glad to get it behind us. At this stage we could tell that it had recently been raining (quite heavily, looking at the size of the puddles) but no rain fell on us even though we were just under the trailing edge of a pretty dark cloud.

The next Green swam into view with the clue “Does this mean Daytime in the Wood?”  The answer?  Nightless Copse. A quick spin through Capel and we were looking for the emblem on the Beare Green village sign (two ducks). That was as far north as we needed and now we headed west, then south down Weare Street to pick up another 8 points at Paynes Green.

We were tiring now and hungry, so the Punch Bowl at Oakwoodhill was a very welcome sight. We’d like to mention how good the pub is – the beer was excellent and they do a full range of food on a Sunday, including sandwiches and other lighter bites. We only had time for a short break and then were off again. A quick northward loop though Mayes green, Forest Green and Ewhurst Green added another 48 points to our tally but by now we were running a little late and I could see we weren’t going to make the finish by 14:30. We tried to up the pace as we headed south again but straight away we missed a turn and added another mile to our journey! Quickly picking up the answers in Ellens Green, Cox Green and Bucks green, we phoned ahead to let Dave know we were on our way but running a little late.

Next week is National Bike Week and Sundays ride will be aimed at beginners and new riders. It will start from Three Bridges Railway Station at 10:00hrs and head out on the Worth Way towards East Grinstead. The length of ride will be entirely dependent on the abilities of those who turn up. The Worth Way is a nice, safe, car free route with a good surface suitable for all bikes

Posted Horsham and Crawley CTC at 6:57 PM BST

Updated: Monday, 8 June 2009 9:05 AM BST

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Today’s ride was officially the ‘Horsham 100’ but during the ride it was renamed the IOU ride.  IOU standing for ‘Illy ‘Orsham ‘Undred because that was what it was!  This was the second IOU, the first being in 2007 when we had to endure the first 95 miles in the rain.  This year the whole ride was in glorious sunshine.  Unfortunately because of a route change and the call of The Gate public house the official distance was only 95 miles.  This will be rectified!

The ‘Well Hards’ of Anton ‘Iron Man’, Bob, Pete S and myself, Mick, all did the official ride with the first three riding from Haywards Heath and Crawley to the start.  Other attendees were Norman for the first 30 miles and John V (suffering from a bad back) and John C joining the ride on their bling machines at the morning stop and departing at Slaugham Pond.

Refreshed, we continued on to Partridge Green where Norman had to leave us.  Then, heading south on the A281 we met Adrian who joined us for a few miles.  Adrian is still having trouble with his ankles but it was really nice to see him and have a chat as we rode along.  The ride then continued up through Wineham and Warninglid, one of the ‘Illy bits!  The two Johns, bling bling, left the ride just north of here and the ‘Well Hards’ carried along Hammerponds, more ‘Ills, and into Horsham for lunch at the Horsham Park Café.  Barbara, attending a festival in the park, made an appearance in civvies with two family members - that looks like a valid excuse for not doing the IOU.

After lunch, soft drinks for Anton and myself and cider for Bob and Pete, it was off on the afternoon leg.  This leg was over the Golf Course and on to Slinfold before heading south up another ‘Ill.

Next came The Haven and Rudgwick, a long drag of an ‘Ill.  Onwards through Ellen’s Green, Walliswood and Okewoodhill to what was to be the highlight on the ride, Weare Street.  Unfortunately Weare Street going north is uphill and we all started to feel the heat, so the ride became a bit of a slog.

After Weare Street came Capel, there seemed to be a charity ride on and some of the riders looked a bit weary, ‘Is this the last hill?’ was their cry – we rode on, trying to look cool.

The afternoon break was at Henfold Lakes where Bob and I had cream teas without the cream.  Anton had a couple of J2O’s and a KitKat while Pete had a nice cold lager!

After Henfold Lakes it was north then east through Gadbrook where a blue BMW had some sort if issue about bikes turning right, then on though Leigh and Irons Bottom.  After here we changed the route to avoid roadworks and a busy road and managed to lose four miles which meant getting to The Gate at exactly 5 p.m. having covered 88 miles instead of the planned 92.

After some liquid refreshment in the pub, Bob and Pete departed for Crawley and Anton and I continued to Horsham. Individual miles for the Well Hard crew were:  Anton 120, Pete and Bob 106, Mick 96.

Lets hope we see more attendees on the Crawley 100 (CC) or Haywards Heath 100 (HHH) next May.

Posted Horsham and Crawley CTC at 7:01 PM BST

Updated: Monday, 1 June 2009 7:17 PM BST

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As organiser, it was important for me to be at the start before everybody else, so the train scheduled for a 9:15 arrival at Pulborough seemed just right. Using the train also meant that I could enjoy a beer or two during the day (if I so wanted). Arriving at Three Bridges Station, I bought my ticket and made my way up to platform three where I noticed my train was running 6 minutes late - no mind, I'd still be at Pulborough before 9:30. As I sat there observing the life of what is quite a busy station, my train slipped another 4 minutes later and I began to wonder whether I should have used my car instead. Then Pete and Marian arrived, carrying their tandem up the stairs and onto the platform. With someone to chat to, the time flew by and when the train arrived, we'd barely noticed that it had slipped a further 5 minutes later than timetabled! It was an 8-coach 377 series train and we had to move along the platform sharpish to get into the cycle area of the 3rd coach. Fortunately it was empty and we weren't competing with wheelchairs or prams for the tiny amount of space available. By the time we'd sat down, the train was pulling up at Crawley station and next thing we knew, Martin had joined us - he'd had to wedge his bike into a doorway to keep the gangway clear.  At Horsham, another couple of cyclists got on with their machines, but they used other carriages. Shortly after Horsham, the conductor came down through the train. He was very enthusiastic about cycling and we had a good chat with him on the topic and different routes around the area.

Arriving at Pulborough, I was pleased to see that there were already a number of cyclists in the car park, but as they were all busy getting their bikes ready for the ride they hadn't been waiting too long. Even as I walked round to the car park, a couple more riders arrived until eventually there were seventeen of us.

I collected everyone's names, got them to determine their teams and gave them a briefing on the event - with particluar emphasis on safety, as I was concerned that I'd had to use some 5 miles of A road in the route. Then they were off, I however had to stay behind and wait for Anton who I knew was coming but hadn't yet arrived. I took the opportunity to ring the lunchtime pub and the end of day pub to let them know how many of us there would be.

Anton then arrived - this was the first time I'd seen him since he completed his End-to-End so a big handshake and slap on the back was in order before we too set off.

Turning right from the station entrance we were onto the A283 for just over 2.3 miles. This includes an unpleasant little climb after Stopham bridge but that's followed by a downhill most of the way to Fittleworth. Here we turned north and onto the quiet lanes that would make up most of todays route.

As we rode along, I read out the route instructions and the clues and Anton looked for the answers. I'm pleased to say that he spotted all the answers, but I was giving the game away a little by reading them out just before they swam into sight (I knew where they all were after all). After climbing up Bognor Hill, we crossed the A272 and had a mainly downhill ride before catching up with the first of the other riders just outside Kirdford. Barbara and Bob L were enjoying the ride as were Edwin, Anne, Colin and Jeff. As we left Kirdford we caught up with Dave F, Vicky, Alice and Richard and shortly afterwards Dave G, Louise, Christina and John W. Carrying on, we soon caught up with John C and Martin, busy puzzling over a clue that read ""Venue for multiple shootouts?". Resisting the temptation to give them some help, Anton and I pushed on up the hill and then came across Pete and Marian on the tandem. They were enjoying the ride and were happy that they'd got all the clues so far. Once again, Anton and I pressed ahead and were soon passing a strange construction on a hill just east of Northchapel. We think it's a radio beacon for aircraft and indeed it's marked as "Beacon" on the OS map - does anyone out there know for sure?

The route next took us briefly back onto the A283 through Northchapel before diving off on a small lane through a small hamlet called Hillgrove. From here we went through Lurgashall, then Lickfold and finally pulled up at the lunch halt in Lodsworth - the Hollist Arms. They'd reserved some tables for us in the garden and soon they were all occupied as each team arrived. The food was very good, so was the beer and everyone was chatting away - one of the main objectives of the DA events is to enable the members to socialise with each other and that's what everyone was doing. However, one team hadn't yet made it - apparently Edwin had had his derailleaur jam into his rear wheel and had come off his bike. Worried that he'd been injured, I got the phone number for one of his team and phoned it, as I did so I walked out into the car park to get a clearer signal and was very pleased to see that Edwin had just arrived. He'd swapped bikes with Colin who was scooting Edwin's the last mile or so to the lunchstop. With everyone accounted for I set about marking their morning answer sheets.

Soon everyone was setting off for the afternoon section - everyone except for Edwin as, unfortunately, despite the sterling efforts of Colin, we couldn't get his bike back into a usable state. Still, the Hollist Arms is a very pleasant place to spend an hour or two whilst waiting for a friend to come and pick you up!

The afternoon section started with a downhill run to cross the A272 and then went through Selham past the charmingly named "Three Moles" (Sussex pub of the year 2002) and the remnants of a dismantled railway. The route now climbed up onto Graffham Common, then Lavington Common and Duncton Common. These commons are all on a small sandstone ridge and are covered in heathland or pine plantations.

Crossing the A285, we then went past Burton Mill Pond. Incidentally, the mill appears to be up for sale at a mere £875,000. Go on, you know you want it! A mile or so further on, a very large pile can be glimpsed through the trees on the left - Coates Castle - I suspect that would cost appreciably more then the mill.

Having crossed over the River Rother earlier, we crossed it again as we headed up to Fittleworth. From there we retraced our steps along the A283 as far as the old Stopham bridge to the finish at the White Hart. Once again, it was very pleasant sitting in the garden and the cider with ice went down a treat. Gradually each of the teams arrived and I could mark their afternoon sheets. This year, I didn't have to use the tie-break question to determine the winner. Dave F and crew got every question absolutely correct to win by just one point from last years winners, Marion and Pete S. So well done Dave, Vicky, Alice and Richard.

p.s. Venue for mutiple shootouts? ...   High Noons Farmhouse!

Posted Horsham and Crawley CTC at 9:34 PM BST

Updated: Monday, 1 June 2009 7:15 PM BST

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I've just received the following write up for last weeks ride - in spite of getting ready for his big ride, Anton has managed to put a few words together:

Another Sunday so therefore another ride with the Horsham and Crawley CTC, but this one would be different. Firstly it was Mick’s birthday, so the drinks where on Mick, and secondly this would be my last ride with the section before my End to End.

  Having decided to reduce my mileage before the big event, I was undecided whether to cycle to the start of the ride (70 miles for the day) or drive to the start (40 miles for the day). Running late, the car was the only option, and I arrived in Horsham just in time to see Jon, Marion and Rosie cycling to the start of the ride. It was close, but not too late, having just enough time to get myself and bike ready for the ride.

  Besides John, Marion and Rosie, Frank and Pat where also waiting at the start, having cycled over from Crawley, and just as we were leaving John H, on his recumbent, arrived. Eight riders in total.  (Bob says: Mick reckons John C was there as well)

  Mick had a theme for today’s ride; “Food and Drink”, with a quiz during the lunch break, to identify all the places we travelled through that had something to do with? Yes you’ve guessed it “Food and Drink”.

  Leaving the Horsham Park Pavilion leisure centre we where soon over the railway bridge and heading north out of Horsham on the King’s Road and Crawley Road towards Roffey. At the traffic lights with the B2195 we continued straight across onto the Forest Road towards Colgate and Pease Pottage, where we would regroup. Although a car managed to get within a few inches of my right leg during a very poor attempt at overtaking, we all arrived safely at Pease Pottage. We then headed off towards Handcross and the downhill to Staplefield. Mick advised everyone that in Staplefield we would be heading towards Warninglid, so we should regroup near the cricket pavilion. The downhill was too much of a temptation, and by the entrance of Nymans I decided to go for it. GREAT!

  From Staplefield we followed the Staplefield Road, part of the cycle route to Brighton, towards Warninglid and the B2115. I suggested to Mick we could take Mallion Lane, but its steep hill prohibited its use. It was an easy ride after all.

  Once on the B2115 we headed towards Haywards Heath, before taking the first right onto Broxmead Lane. It was mentioned that this lane sees very little traffic, after which we needed to stop several times to allow cars to pass. Typical.

  One of the things to remember about cycling is the fact that nearly always after a downhill, there will be a hill to subsequently climb. This was true on Broxmead Lane. After the downhill, we had a short climb before we took the left onto Buncton Lane and another long downhill, which ended with a short climb to the A272, which we cross onto Stairbridge Lane.

  Leaving the hilly bit behind we continued along Stairbridge Lane towards Hickstead, turning right just before the A2300 onto Job’s Lane and the subsequent cycle path. From here we crossed over the A23 onto Hickstead Lane heading towards Twineham, before turning right at the T junction towards Bolney on Bolney Chapel Lane. The first right is Bob’s Lane (It’s the name of the lane, not an indication that Section member Bob owns it), which we took, heading towards Wineham.

  At the end of Bob’s lane we turned left onto Wineham lane and headed south to the B2116 (Albourne Road/Wheatsheaf Road), where we turned right towards Henfield. The B2116 joins the main A281, where after regrouping we turned right, heading north towards Shermanbury and Partridge Green. Once in Partridge Green we took the second exit on the mini roundabout, onto Littleworth Lane and headed north again to the crossroads with the A272 .

  We were now back with the hills, and after a couple of climbs (and only one descent) we soon arrived at the White Horse in Maplehurst, to be greeted by John C who had ridden over from Crawley. Our timing could not be better, since shortly after our arrival and the ordering of food and drink, a large party of ramblers also appeared and virtually filled the beer garden. John B also appeared, but this was to be expected since this was his local.

  After a longer lunch stop than normal (people did insist on buying Mick a drink), it was time to resume our travels and return home.

  Travelling along Park Lane we soon turn off left onto Prings Lane / Newells Lane and ascended another hill ( only 3 more to go). At the end of Newells Lane we turned right onto the A281, before taking the first left onto Sandygate Lane and Lower Beeding. Once in Lower Beeding it was time for the group to split. The Crawley contingent of Frank, Pat, John H and John C continued along the B2110 towards Pease Pottage and home. The rest of us; Mick, Jon, Marion, Rosie and myself, turned left onto Church Lane. Although another downhill, the road surface is very poor so speed is not the thing here. The problems is there is a very steep climb at the end. However, Mick had other plans with us taking the first left onto Winterpit Lane and the not so steep climb into Mannings Heath.

  Once in Mannings Heath we turned right onto Golding Lane and after another slight climb arrived at Hammerpond Lane. Although we had two hills to climb, they are not so steep as those we would have encountered if we had gone via Buckshead.

  Soon we were in Horsham, where we parted company to go our separate ways. Total mileage was 37, on a nice sunny day. I just hope I get the same weather during the next 12 days of cycling I have planned:

  Lands End to Liskeard 83

  Liskeard to Sampford Peverall 84

  Sampford Peverall to Tintern 98

  Tintern to Shrewsbury 90

  Shrewsbury to Preston 86

  Preston to Carlisle 100

  Carlisle to Kilmarnock 95

  Kilmarnock to Inveray 90

  Inverary to Loch Lochy 97

  Loch Lochy to Bonar Bridge 83

  Bonar Bridge to Bettyhill 62

  Bettyhill to John O'Groats 62

Posted Horsham and Crawley CTC at 6:26 PM BST

Updated: Tuesday, 19 May 2009 10:44 AM BST

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To celebrate his birthday, Mick was leading today's ride. Unfortunately I couldn't attend as I was competing in a Car Rally in the Cheshire countryside around Crewe, but someone must have said Mick was buying a round as we had a good turnout of nine riders. Accompanying Mick were Anton, John C, John H, Frank, Pat, Jon, Marion and Rosie. 

Anton starts his End to End on Tuesday 5th May. To read his Blog of this epic endeavour just visit http://handc-ctc.tripod.com/Anton/ 

He's raising funds for the National Autistic Society and there's a link to his sponsorship page from the Blog. Please support him.

Posted Horsham and Crawley CTC at 6:00 PM BST

Updated: Saturday, 2 May 2009 1:52 AM BST

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