16th July - Meet up with E. Sussex CTC

Next Wednesday we have our annual coming together with East Sussex CTC at Horsted Keynes. While designated an 'A' ride in the programme, B riders are very welcome to join in for this annual social lunch with our East Sussex colleagues at the Green Man, proud possessor of a 'Winged Wheel'. Elevenses is at the large Tesco store at Hookwood, with a pretty prompt start at about 11.15am. Mileage should be about 18 miles to lunch and 20 miles to tea. No centuries this week!

As an alternative to starting at North Cheam, you are very welcome to join me at 9.15am on the bench by Walton-on-the-Hill pond, to feed the ducks and enjoy a leisurely amble to Hookwood. If it is raining, I may be in the bus shelter.

There may be a little bit of off-road. When I did the recce, two 4wds baulked at the prospect, so bring your galoshes and choose your mount sensitively. I did have to remove both wheels to regain traction. Rain before Wednesday may demand a plan B, but  no chevrons and a steady haul up to Sharpthorne, with a lovely long swoop down to HK, near the Bluebell Railway.

The amount of mingling over lunch is up to you. It can be a bit like boys and girls from single-sex sixth forms coming together for a dance and lining up on opposite walls. The choice is yours.

After lunch there will be a steady climb back to West Hoathly and a return, with some busy roads, via Turner's Hill, Copthorne, Horley and Lonesome Lane for tea at Reigate Garden Centre. Hopefully the sun will shine upon us.

Jeff

Author: Jeff