From Henfold I led Pam, Tony H, Ray, Vic, Tim, Brian and Ed south through Newdigate, Rusper, Faygate, Colgate and Pease Pottage where Ian rang to say he was at our lunch venue, The Jolly Tanners at Staplefield. After lunch it was still dry but no warmer as we continued south, but soon we could see the South Downs in the distance, happy knowing we didn't have to go over them. After 3s at Lewes we kept to side roads through Iford and Rodmell to Southease where we turned onto a minor road to South Downs Youth Hostel which had been open for about a week and a half. It is on the A26 and is shown on OS 198 as Itford Farm. It has been nicely converted and is well worth a visit. Our stop coincided with a coachload of Belgian schoolchildren - but they ate after us in the evening and before us next morning - an ideal arrangement.
Next morning we tested the fire alarm by jamming a toaster. Brian led us to Truleigh Hill Hostel via an interesting route.
Friday dawned sunnily. We stopped to admire the wonderful view before riding/walking/slithering down the dry track to Upper Beeding. After passing through picturesque Bramber and Steyning (too early for 11s) we found quiet lanes to Ashurst and a rather early stop at Dial Post Garden Centre - expanded somewhat since our visit a couple of years ago. Further quiet lanes led to Brooks Green and Barns Green. Now being in more familiar territory we soon arrived at The Sussex Oak at Warnham to find Ian had beaten us to it. After a very enjoyable, generous lunch we returned to Dorking via Capel then went our own ways.
A very enjoyable break with good company - thanks folks.
Terry
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