The Shoreham Century

Reasonably sunny at Henfold, and a good turnout, with some welcome visitors to the Wednesday ride.  Twenty-two of us set off at ten thirty, taking advantage of Brian's innovation of an early start.  This worked well, and undoubtedly helped later in the ride.

As we rode down the drive from Henfold Ray was coming in for his elevenses, having come to see us off.  He wasn't riding this year as it was a racing Wednesday, and he needed to save his legs.

On to Newdigate, where Geoff was our first corner marker, a system that definitely helps to keep the group rolling and keeps people on the right road.  On to Rusper, with a short stop to phone the pub, then Faygate, Tower Hill and Grouse Lane.  Another short stop here, to re-group after a mechanical, then South again though Warninglid and Wineham and on to Blackstone.  With a healthy tail-wind we were flying.

At the end of Horn Lane we split into groups of two and three for a safer ride on a couple of miles of busy A road, re-grouping on the roundabout outside Upper Beeding.  A short stretch of gravel track here, taking the South Downs Way over the Adur and then back on the tarmac at Botolphs for a few pretty miles to the foot bridge on the outskirts of Shoreham.  Another re-group, and, learning that Rob had punctured, we decided that the pub would be the best place to wait for him...

We were well served at the Bridge Inn, as usual, with tables outside but out of the wind.  Service was pleasant but a bit varied - complicated dishes like salads seemed to come very slowly, while others came in a trice.  But we were all served in reasonable time, and were pleased to meet Dave's wife Sue, who had come down to meet friends for lunch and to cast an eye over the miscreants that Dave spends his Wednesdays with.

Back on the road and over the splendid new cycle bridge that crosses the harbour, on to Beach Road and into the wind.  Ah.  Passing the Airport it was very strong and right on the nose, and our pace was well down.  But, going through Steyning and up to Partridge Green things weren't so bad.  The hedges helped, and away from the coast the wind might have been a bit less.  It never went away entirely, but it didn't bother us much.

The hills leading to Maplehurst found out some tired legs, and we were glad to be in the Pavilion at Horsham, enjoying tea and cakes.  While we were there, the Internet revealed that Froome had withdrawn from the Tour, which was a big disappointment.  Several riders left the group at this point, making their own ways home.

Climbing to Rusper, then a rolling road to Newdigate where we re-grouped once more.  Helène set the pace from here, with Geoff and Jeff peeling off at Denbies.

Handsomely into Leatherhead, where Mr Wetherspoon took good care of our hydration needs.  73.7 miles Henfold to Leatherhead, rolling average 13.8 mph, 4,238 feet of climbing and 3,302 calories.  Adding in their ride to home mileage a good proportion of the group would have done more than 100 miles.  Congratulations to them all.

My thanks to Paul, Brian and Dave for acting as back markers, and to all of the riders who took a turn as corner markers.  It was a pleasure to undertake a sporting ride with such a capable and companionable group.

Mark