A Group 20th June - The Shoreham Century

Pictures by Ray

Sunny at North Cheam, and a good turnout of As and Bs ready to enjoy the day.  We set off promptly at 0900, and the group divided at Ewell, some going over the Downs and some round them, on the way to Henfold.

Even more Wayfarers at Henfold, some for the Shoreham Century, some to take advantage of the sunshine and some en route to Dieppe.  Frank was there with his beautiful new trike, but he didn't feel that it was ready for a trip to the coast yet - though it is already racking up the miles.

At 1045 sharp a bakers dozen Wayfarers set off for Shoreham, some planning the whole route and some part.  Bit of a kerfuffle in Rusper, where a lady in a Japanese 4x4 took exception to the presence of bicycles on the road, but mainly uneventful riding past the Hammer Ponds and on to Warninglid, where Grant turned for home.  He had said from the outset that he would only come on part of the ride, so I hope he enjoyed his day.

Steadily Southwards until Upper Beeding, where we forsook the tarmac for a gravel track, to allow us to cross the river and avoid the unpleasant main road.  Not just gravel, but manicured gravel, so everyone was happy enough with it.

Past the airport and over the bridge, a short piece of cycleway and there was the pub.  The tide was in and we were able to sit right at the edge of the water.  Seafood for most; the service was a bit mixed, as they were busy, but no-one was in any great rush to leave, anyway.  Steph had a better plan, and bought her seafood at the Fish and Chip Shop across the road, allowing her to make an early start for home.  Jeff had a different plan to get home - he set off for the station, with a brisk half-century in the bag.

So, over the footbridge and up to the edge of the beach before turning back past the Airport and up to Steyning on the way home.  A short stop for ice-cream at Partridge Green led to major problems - the group set off in two blocks and a helpful lady at the corner, when asked where the cyclists had gone, pointed down the wrong road.

A few miles up the road this caused consternation as it was realised that four of our number were missing.  Cellphones were no help - very poor service - nor was re-tracing the route, as they weren't there.  So the conclusion was that pressing on to Horsham was the best bet, and so it turned out to be.  Familiar bikes were outside the tea-room and familiar faces within.  John left the group at this point to take a train - 74 miles on the clock and a good ride for him.

Onwards and homewards - the steep hill on the Rusper Road wasn't very popular at this stage, and two more of our number left at Dorking - Rob to pick up his car and Geoffrey to catch a train.

So it was that just before 1900 the Magnificent Seven swept into Leatherhead - Pete going directly home and the rest going to re-balance their carbohydrate levels in Wetherspoons.  Our long tea-stop meant that we missed Steph, which was a pity, but satisfaction all round, and maybe, just maybe, we might do another without waiting a year.  We'll see - but a good ride in good company - heroes all.

96.32 miles to Leatherhead at a rolling average of 13.1 mph; maximum speed 38.6 mph and 4,315 calories.

Mark