Eight of us met at The Shipley Bridge for lunch on Wednesday 27 May prior to a brief Hostel trip (sadly Tony was shingling). Heading south through Copthorne and the edge of Crawley we soon picked up Routes 23 and 20 leading to Handcross, Staplefield and horsey Hickstead. A fairly new community shop at Sayers Common provided 3s (I'd alerted them earlier, their reply 'We usually cope'). We were now in sight of the South Downs and after a poorly signposted stretch we were on the Downs admiring the view. The descent into Brighton coincided with no-rush hour but we found the new Hostel (formerly the Royal Hotel) with no difficulty. Being new the Hostel is well appointed and well worth a visit. Dinner was at the nearest JDW (the Hostel does provide meals).
Thursday night's stop was booked at Truleigh Hill Hostel, only six miles away so we used a slightly longer route, starting with the designated cycle path unfortunately alongside the A27. 11s were at our favourite Lewes Riverside cafe after checking the Meridian plaque. Heading north we diverted slightly to check the Meridian obelisk, in front of which were parked a couple of cars, rather spoiling the photo opportunity. At Offham we turned onto the quiet minor road running west parallel to the Downs then via Plumpton, Westmeston and Ditchling to Clayton for lunch at The Jack and Jill inn. Suitably rested and refreshed a visit to the Jack (now a private dwelling, no longer operational) and Jill windmills was a must, again wonderful views from the Downs. Soon we were in Pyecombe but now found our correct route first time, again below the Downs on a quiet road to Upper Beeding via Poynings and Fulking. A tea stop was discussed and rejected and thanks to Neil's local knowledge a short cut led to the minor road to Shoreham. Shortly before the airport we rode over the old toll bridge crossing the Adur, across the Downs Link (formerly the Guildford - Shoreham railway track) into Shoreham. Soon we turned left into Mill Hill and the three mile climb to Truleigh Hill Hostel. On arrival we were pleasantly surprised to find Pete Barnard and Kyle already in residence. There are no eating out venues anywhere near, so the delicious Hostel meal provided plus a couple of bottles of Merlot were a very pleasant way to end the day.
So far the rides had been dry, warmish but windy. Friday dawned rather grimly but still dry so we decided the steep, rutted downhill track to Upper Beeding was 'doable'. The route to 11s at Dial Post Garden Centre via Steyning and Ashurst was quite quiet and reasonably flat so we made good time. Soon after leaving the rain started and was with us to the lunch stop at Warnham, where Keith and Neil decided to carry on lunchless. During the break the rain stopped and we had a dry run home (at least I did!) but possibly others might not. A pleasant break, mostly good weather, no irritating mechanical problems, thanks to all for good company.
Terry
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