A Group 10th April

The first challenge of the day was getting to Henfold.  The signs said 'Local Businesses Open As Usual', the cafe owners had spoken to the road menders, so it was no surprise that we were swept through the barrier with a smile.  Nor was it any particular surprise that a little further down the road  another man threatened us with the fires of Hell and Eternal Damnation.  We ignored him.

Coffee and chats in the sunshine, then off on our way - hanging back a little for John B, but, in the end, we went without him.

Photo: Mike Barrett

The route offered a number of small hills, taken at pace, and this worked very well.  A decent tailwind helped, and our outward journey was pretty sparky.

The Journey Out

We were at the pub by 1245; 21 miles in an hour and a half, which is not bad at all, in hilly country.  The extra time served us well, as lunch took a little longer than expected.  The Eight Bells made us very welcome, with a large table prepared for us, but service, based on a complicated system of forms and spreadsheets, was rather slow.  Clearly, this is of no great import to cyclists, and, as Frances said,  'I'm so hungry that I could eat my own hand'...

Anyway it all worked out in the end.  We were well served, with good food, by some very pleasant and kindly people, and, miracle of miracles, John appeared, having sought a talk-down from Simon.

We didn't leave until half past two, with kind farewells and the certainty of a warm welcome if we should wish to return.

Worried about tea, I chopped a few miles off the return route.  No complaints, but in the end quite unnecessary, as the mighty A-Group Peloton powered over Sussex and Surrey hills, into the wind, to arrive at Tanhouse just after four.  A very good show.  The group divided here, some going straight home, and some staying for tea.

The Journey Back

A very good day out, with Spring in the air, though still chilly at times.  37.6 miles and just over 2,500 feet of climbing.  My thanks to all for the pleasure of your company on a fine Spring day; to Simon for back-marking and to the indispensable corner markers.

We could have done more, which is always a satisfying way to finish the day.

Mark