John writes:
It was great to see a good turn out of B riders at Tanhouse Farm for our ride that promised to go further south than usual. We did indeed make it to Southwater, about five miles south of Horsham, which in itself is further south than usual.
Thank you to Tim G and Francis for being subbies, especially in light of the fact that they had already turned out for a recce that was somewhat interrupted by cold, heavy and continuous rain.
~ John A
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| Elevenses at Tanhouse Farm |
Elevenses at Tanhouse Farm meant long rides by most just getting there. Suitably rested and fed, my first group of 6 riders (Mick, Christina, Dave, Linda, Geoff (back-marker)), set off on time for a reasonably quick paced ride south towards Warnham and the quiet lanes of Broadbridge Heath for a hydration break and a group photo opportunity. By now, the sun was shining bringing some warmth as last, so happy days!
We continued towards Barns Green and the southern most tip of the route, Southwater. Then it was straight up to Horsham and lunch at the ever-dependable Lynd Cross pub (the 14th-century name of the junction between the Bishopric and Springfield Road, now the site of the Wetherspoons pub).
Post lunch, it was a straight forward ride back into the familiar territory of Parkgate and Brockham, then a short ride to The Old Clunker in Dorking for Tea.
A great route from John A, taking us to new interesting territory south of Horsham. My thanks to all the riders for their company and to Geoff for his diligent back-marking.
~ Francis
Tim C writes:
For Tim G's team the adventure began before we set out, when Madeleine discovered a flat tyre on her front wheel. She had the wheel out in no time and with a group of experts wrestled the new tube into place. There was no need for the usual analysis of who had the shiniest and most efficient pump because Madeleine had trumped our old technology with a compact CO₂ inflator.
After an unintended burst of escaping gas Madeleine attached another cyclinder and screwed the connector onto the valve. With a new whoosh of gas the tyre was quickly up to what felt like 150 psi. Time to unscrew the pump from the valve. But sadly, neither Madeleine nor any of the wise men in the team could get the thing off.
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| Madeleine's puncture party |
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| We couldn't get the thing off! |
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| Ready to go |
We suggested trying to ride with the gizmo still attached. Somehow she made it to Holmwood Station (3 miles away) to catch a train to Horsham where she left her bike with A D Cycles and joined us all for lunch. If these gadgets can be such a source of amusement I think I'll get one!
Meanwhile the rest of us had a good ride, and a good lunch at the Lynd Cross. It was a long day. Some (many ?) did the ride on a train-assisted basis. Our team skipped tea, some of us to catch a train from Dorking.
Thanks to John for his A Group view of the world and to Tim for leading us so carefully.
~ Tim C
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| Two photos by Pete |
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