A start from Tanhouse allows some freedom to go a bit further south than usual. We've been to the White Horse before, the last time in 2024 with Andy C, but typically only every 5 years or so. Andy took a clockwise loop so this time it had to be anticlockwise with a slight variation from my previous offering in order to make the morning ride a suitable length.
Everyone arrived at Tanhouse in good time in spite of the roadworks at Henfold so both groups were on the road a few minutes after 1100.
Janice's group was first.
The weather conditions were fine for our ride, not too hot, cool but not too cold and not raining. However, closed roads caused possible problems for some in reaching Tanhouse. Henfold Lane was closed so I set out on a route to avoid it, which included going down Pebble Hill. At the top of the hill there was a road closed sign and whilst I definitely didn’t wish to be turned around at the bottom to have to climb up it I decided to take a chance. Fortunately, I was able to get through. Phew!
My group comprising Fiona, Mike R, Patrick, Dave B, Neil W, Guy and myself just about made it to set off in time.
I always find turning right out of Tanhouse to be quite tough as it’s more uphill than it looks and it also felt like the wind was against me. It may or may not have been as the wind felt against me on the way back too!
The route to Maplehurst passed pleasantly enough with quite a few roads that were new (or forgotten) by us. Some remembered the pub from previous visits and we all enjoyed our reasonably priced lunch (excellent toasted sandwiches) which came with good service.
The route back was similarly pleasant and as we had enough time, we passed the tea stop in Brockham and headed for Betchworth post office instead due to the lure of a better selection of home-made cakes. Unusually, the whole group stopped for tea as I think we were all in need of refuelling for the onward journey home.
A lovely day out in good company and for some it was a long ride, 80+ miles and with a few hills. Thanks to Brian for his inventive route using little used or never previously used roads. Thanks also to Fiona for skilfully back marking.
My group consisted of Andy C, Dave V, Geoffrey S, Hans, Karl, Peter S and Richard. It was a pleasant temperature to ride though, for once this summer, a little more sun and warmth would have been nice. Apart from a short busy stretch of the A264 after Broadbridge Heath it was mostly quiet lanes and we made good progress to lunch. The rear four had a good viewing of a buzzard on the Downs Link and I had a similar experience in the afternoon descending Tower Hill.
Geoffrey left us to take the train from Horsham and we rode back to Brockham arriving before 3.30 where Andy, Richard, Peter, Karl and I stopped for tea.
A lovely day out in good company. My thanks to Janice for subleading, Peter for back marking and Andy for both the photo and offering to lead if necessary.
