The Shoreham Century - Off to the Seaside

Next Wednesday's ride is the Shoreham Century, a summer favourite for the Wayfarers.  Most people know how it works, but for new members here are a few notes.

The Shoreham Century is pretty relaxed in its interpretation of 100 miles.  If you start at North Cheam, the traditional meeting place, and return to there you will have done 100 miles.  Equally, by adding on your home to ride mileage you may well have done 100 miles - or indeed you could do the extra miles you need to make your total, or more.  In the past people have done more than 120 miles.

But this is all up to you.  If you don't feel like doing 100 miles then you don't have to.  If you fancy a ride to the seaside and going home by train that's absolutely fine.  There are stations along the route to make it easy.  The important thing is to have a good day out.

The led ride will start from Henfold Lakes, meeting at 1015 and getting on our way as soon as we're all ready.  Being ready for an early departure is a good idea, as it's a fair way to lunch.  There will be a back marker and the corners will be signalled by outriders.  We'll set a fair pace, but no-one will be dropped.  Lunch will be at the Bridge Inn, Shoreham, outside on the terrace if we're lucky.  We should arrive about 1315.

After lunch, the rules change.  There will still be a led group, but, as people choose to linger a little over lunch (or dip their toes in the sea) it will be less formally run than the ride out.  In the past there have been several grupettos on the way back.

Tea will be at the Horsham Leisure Centre, in the park opposite the station.  It's not a top cafe, but the opening hours are long, which may be important to some.

From Horsham we take familiar roads through Rusper back to Leatherhead, where some take an early supper at Wetherspoons, in the High Street.  It is also a popular place for rehydration.

That's the end of the led ride, enthusiasts can top up their mileage as they choose.

If anyone wants a GPX track or further information, please drop me an email.  Otherwise, I look forward to seeing you at Henfold.

Mark