A Group Ride Report 3 July

Quite a few regular faces missing from the smaller than usual crowd at Cobham. So the mood I sensed suggested a less ambitious distance than in recent weeks. However, hopefully shorter distances do not necessarily mean less interesting routes.

We mustered 14 riders for the grand depart, the destination being Ifield, around 24 miles distant, but taking in some little visited farm tracks to add variety and escape the traffic.

Lunch was at The Plough located in a lane by the church in what was originally the heart of Ifield village, which conceals quite well the fact that Ifield is now part of Crawley. Here we were joined by Geoffrey Shields who had made his own way there.

Food was quickly served and we were on our way by 2.15. Once again we took little visited lanes, by-passing Rusper as far as Capel. The final challenge was the climb up Anstie Lane, rewarded by a view from the top over to the South Downs. From here it was the familiar descent from Coldharbour to Denbies to tea.

Thanks to everyone for their company, and for their care in negotiating some tricky crossings of the A24 and A29.

Many thanks to Mark for diligent back-marking, even on the final descent, and for the maps and stats.

Relaxing after Anstie Lane