The weather was good for cycling and we had three groups raring to go. Here is the official route.
First off was Team Dave, and Dave Vine writes -
We left @ 10.40 and arrived at the Sussex Oak exactly on time at 12.30, after a stop to view the distant chimney at Shoreham. Eagle-eyed Brian spotted Lancing College chapel and Chanctonbury Ring. After these distant splendours Potholes 1 and 2 went almost unnoticed.
The pub had tables reserved with our arrival time, a remarkable feat of organisation. Lunch was speedily served, and after a brief photostop we were off by 1.25. With only the olfactory delights of Warnham landfill to distract us we were at Hillier's Garden Centre by 2.30 leaving plenty of time for a leisurely tea while encouraging Patrick to attempt a direct ride up to the Box Hill viewpoint.
Next off was Team Three Daves. Geoff Gregory writes -
Eleven o'clock and all ready to go. A quick chat about the one serious drag up Green Dene and we were off. For me there were no unpleasant surprises as I had been on the route last Sunday.
Sandy Lane came and went and so on the straight (almost) line to lunch. On our way we took in the sights recommended - Neil's big imposing property pretending to be a school and then the view down to the sea. So much to see, the guy being rescued by the RNIB, the flocks of wading birds, thanks for pointing out. If I go this way again I shall take a telescope.
The rest of the route was near perfect, herds of deer, birds of prey swooping down, one nearly lifted Dave F off his bike but a quick sideways grab by Dave W saved the horrors of what could have been.
Those little adventures behind us we arrived at lunch, three minutes before one. Easy to order food and drink and very quickly served. Dave Vine's group were soon to leave as Neil's group arrived shortly after us, very quick pace was made by hanging on to Pete Bett's new electric bike.
Lunch over and Dave W having to leave before us brought our numbers down (obviously ) for us and on the road again shame about the small undulations after Warnham station, we all managed ok. A fast ride to tea for us, Dave F chose to stay for tea, Jennie and Dave plus myself decided to head off home.
If I was a card player I think our group would have been a good hand, three Jacks, three Daves, one Queen, Jennie and myself as King. The rest of the groups I see did not have such a good hand, mishmash of names.
Finally I was leading Team No Daves. We were all concerned that Patrick had a forty minute start to get to the food but we had a secret weapon -
Every time we got to a hill Pete would glide up, Keith would chase after him (despite handicapping himself by carrying a spare square-taper bottom bracket!) and Frances and Steve would follow. I would eventually reach them at the top and lead the whizz down the other side.
The Sussex Oak garden had plenty of space and the food arrived promptly so we were all happy. Keith took the traditional photo as we left.
Now the wind was behind us and we made good time to tea at the Hillier's Garden Centre in Dorking.
Thanks to everyone for joining me.
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