Hookwood - Horsted Keynes - Reigate
Ready for the return
Ready for the return
Lunch with E. Sussex CTC at the Green Man Horsted Keynes. Note the CTC Winged WheelWith so many on tour in the Auvergne, today's ride started with an unaccustomed drop down to North Cheam. I was unsure if I would be alone or if the gathered flock would have a bellwether to lead them to the Hookwood superstore. The 'As' were champing at the bit, impatient to be off. So on the dot we were off down Stane Street, picking up Daniel heading North. Between Nescot and Epsom College, I was informed that our number had swelled by two: Gillian mistaking us for a bunch of 'Bs' and Norman. I'm not sure what happened to Chas, who was due to stand in for Bernard. After the Epsom Grandstand and Tadworth, it was downhill all the way (nearly), via Leigh and Norwood Hill to the Tesco horn of plenty at Hookwood, arriving just before 11am.
After half an hour spent strenuously resisting a full English, it was off again for stage 2, to meet E. Sussex CTC for lunch at Horsted Keynes. After Horley and a busy section of the B 2036, we passed through Copthorne, up Turner's Hill and along the Top to West Hoathly. An early, impetuous right turn gave Mark and Graham the chance to loop down to Ardingly and the seductive 1:5 temptations of that irresistible siren, Cob Lane. Wiser heads followed the leader down past the Bluebell Railway to our one o'clock tryst at the Green Mann Inn, proudly sporting a CTC Winged Wheel, at Horsted Keynes.
The E. Sussex riders were already in possession. While some knew each other, intercourse was limited - a somewhat weird occasion. Perhaps we should model the event more along the lines of speed-dating, with a new partner every 5 minutes. Numbers exceeded the publican's expectations, so service was rather more relaxed than intended. After an extended lunch, groups headed for the door. A brief pause before departure in a vain search for a 10mm spanner to tighten a wobbly brake shoe left Daniel to rely on his rear brake for the return.
Our route was via Chilling St. to Tyes X, but despite a wait, Mike M and Adam missed the turn. Although we ended up a few hundred yards apart, M & A had committed to a return via Turner's Hill (shorter). The rest therefore enjoyed a long downhill to Weir Wood Reservoir, followed by a sharp climb up and onward to skirt E. Grinstead. A quick flurry along the A22 took us from Felbridge to Newchapel and the well-worn route through Horne and Outwood to Salfords. By Lonesome Lane the leader was keen to maintain a steady pace to get to Reigate Garden Centre in time for tea. Here, a nonchalant Mike M awaited us, having warned the café of our imminent arrival. Congratulations to Gillian for having stayed so valiantly with the group on a fairly frisky ride. After apple cake and tea it was farewells all round. Home before 6pm with 70 miles on the clock.
Jeff
After half an hour spent strenuously resisting a full English, it was off again for stage 2, to meet E. Sussex CTC for lunch at Horsted Keynes. After Horley and a busy section of the B 2036, we passed through Copthorne, up Turner's Hill and along the Top to West Hoathly. An early, impetuous right turn gave Mark and Graham the chance to loop down to Ardingly and the seductive 1:5 temptations of that irresistible siren, Cob Lane. Wiser heads followed the leader down past the Bluebell Railway to our one o'clock tryst at the Green Mann Inn, proudly sporting a CTC Winged Wheel, at Horsted Keynes.
The E. Sussex riders were already in possession. While some knew each other, intercourse was limited - a somewhat weird occasion. Perhaps we should model the event more along the lines of speed-dating, with a new partner every 5 minutes. Numbers exceeded the publican's expectations, so service was rather more relaxed than intended. After an extended lunch, groups headed for the door. A brief pause before departure in a vain search for a 10mm spanner to tighten a wobbly brake shoe left Daniel to rely on his rear brake for the return.
Our route was via Chilling St. to Tyes X, but despite a wait, Mike M and Adam missed the turn. Although we ended up a few hundred yards apart, M & A had committed to a return via Turner's Hill (shorter). The rest therefore enjoyed a long downhill to Weir Wood Reservoir, followed by a sharp climb up and onward to skirt E. Grinstead. A quick flurry along the A22 took us from Felbridge to Newchapel and the well-worn route through Horne and Outwood to Salfords. By Lonesome Lane the leader was keen to maintain a steady pace to get to Reigate Garden Centre in time for tea. Here, a nonchalant Mike M awaited us, having warned the café of our imminent arrival. Congratulations to Gillian for having stayed so valiantly with the group on a fairly frisky ride. After apple cake and tea it was farewells all round. Home before 6pm with 70 miles on the clock.
Jeff
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