Shoreham Century Ride Report

As I write this on Thursday morning it’s windy and raining. So I really appreciate what a wonderful day’s cycling we enjoyed on Wednesday. A temperature of just about 20 and a slight headwind on the outward leg kept us cool. A freshening tailwind made us feel like we were flying on the return, except on the occasional hill.

Some 21 riders left Tanhouse, a Shoreham record, and a good third of them normally B Group members which is a tribute to the lasting appeal of this quite challenging ride. It took us just over 2 ½ hours for the 30 miles to Shoreham. The only mishap was that my left crank fell off, requiring immediate action, as a result of which your “leader” was the last man in.

Lunch was at the Bridge Inn on the terrace, where some of us basked in the sun, while hardier riders chose their seating more exposed to the freshening wind. Unfortunately the pub had run out of bread for sandwiches, but most of us found a reasonable alternative. 

We were on the road before 3pm, taking a scenic diversion round Shoreham harbour to discover that most of the boats appeared not to have moved since last year. 

On previous rides the return trip has found us in low spirits, so Mark most generously offered to ride ahead to Partridge Green to buy up all the ice creams in the village store and thus revive our morale. Unfortunately the shop freezer was broken, so no ice cream this year. 

Helped by the tailwind we completed the 22 miles to Horsham just after 5pm for a tea break, in preparation for the chicken run across the busy A264 and the by now unwelcome climb of Old Holbrook up to Rusper. By now it felt as if home was in sight, so we made the run to Leatherhead by 7.20pm.

Riders had left the party at various points either to take the train or to ride straight home, so only some half dozen of us remained to celebrate with a drink in Leatherhead ‘Spoons. 71 miles from Tanhouse, 13.1mph, notably faster in the afternoon even on tired legs, 3000 calories.

Most thanks go to Geoff for such professional and patient back marking, to all who corner marked, especially Janice and Mark, and to all rider for being such a lovely bunch of people.Thanks also to Geoff and Tim for photos, Mark for maps & stats & Janice for video.

I should also mention that Angie had wanted to join us but had a prior engagement, and sends her best wishes to all.