Shoreham Century – 21 June 2017

Well that was quite a ride.

Four of us left North Cheam at 8.45 including Christina and Miles who normally ride with the B’s. We were joined by Mike Morley at Walton on the Hill who proved a most helpful back marker.

At Tanhouse a group of 18 set off just before 11, after posing for Geoff’s camera. It promised to be the hottest day of the year so far, and we were not disappointed. However Mark Gladwyn’s southbound route cleverly ensured that for much of the time we were riding in the shade of roadside hedges and trees on our left. Conditions became more trying around Small Dole and as we approached the South Downs, with little shade, a southerly headwind and more traffic. After crossing the River Adur on a gravel track, the final couple of miles to Shoreham were much pleasanter.

Lunch was at the Bridge Inn, where we arrived just after 2pm. Food was good and served surprisingly quickly. We were joined by Angie Launder, a long-time friend of the Sou’westers, who had cycled over from Worthing.

Getting going after lunch was more difficult; the thought of a 40 mile ride back to Leatherhead certainly made the thought of a second cool drink more attractive. Two of the company left for the station, so now we were 16. By 3.40 we were on the road, after crossing the fine new cycle bridge to Shoreham Beach. No time to pause at the Airport, we made reasonable time helped by a tailwind, almost to Partridge Green, where an enforced puncture stop meant the traditional ice cream stop had to be postponed until next year. The temperature was still above 30 even as we approached Horsham around 5.30. Here two hardy riders elected to ride on without refreshment, others to make their way to the station for trains home.

The final 8 left Horsham around 6pm to tackle the climb up Old Holbrook, steep but by now getting cooler. By Rusper the group got the feeling that home was not far away, and we completed the ride with a visit to Leatherhead’s Wetherspoon. Unfortunately I was too desperate for a drink to remember when we arrived.

71.5 miles Tanhouse to Leatherhead, but most will have done considerably more. 3,590 feet of climbing – not bad for a flattish ride.

Congratulations to all who took part; undoubtedly the most challenging of all our Shoreham rides.

Particular thanks to Geoff and Simon who shared back marking, GPS and photographic duties. It was a reassuring to me that we had a couple of riders with the GPS route loaded, so that we could on occasion split the group. Thanks also to all the corner markers who helped keep the ride flowing.