Ride Report - A Group ride to Horsted Keynes, 15 July

We had 11 riders for our annual pilgrimage to mee the East Sussex CTC at Horsted Keynes. Not bad for present times on a challenging route in hot weather, but quite do-able if you take it in stages. We had two groups with Janice leading the speedier riders.

Mark Gladwyn’s classic route gives the rider everything, from the Gatwick Terminal underworld, a long cool section on the shady Worth Way, one big climb out of Weir Wood Reservoir followed by a glorious scenic descent to Horsted Keynes. The afternoon is different, a long climb up through Highbrook which felt challenging but in reality no higher than Box Hill, a few busy roads, followed by three notable hills.

My group of 5, Brian, Sue C, Neil C and back-marker Ged – many thanks Ged, left the scenic Tesco carpark promptly on time, and arrived at the Green Man for lunch just on 12.30. Janice’s speedier riders were already there, as well as the East Sussex, including many familiar faces from previous meetings.

We all sat together on one long sociable table and it was good to see Bob P who rides with both groups. Pre-ordered lunches were served promptly, good portions and reasonable prices too.

                                     

The Green Man has been looking after CTC riders for many years, evidenced by the venerable CTC sign displayed on the front wall.

        

Too soon it was time to leave, but we parted the E Sussex with agreement to meet again next year.

At 28 miles the return was longer and hillier and hotter than the morning, with a NE breeze to provide cooling and a little extra challenge. Brian left us at Smallfield seeking less headwind and fewer hills homeward. The rest of us got stuck into the three remaining climbs, compensated by some great descents.Three of my group stopped for “tea” on Banstead park where the lure of ice-cream proved irresistible.

Janice’s report follows.

Neil W, Andy C and I made a select group in the upstairs cafe at Hookwood Tesco’s and it was a relief to find that most of the rest of my group, Peter S and Patrick were ready and waiting downstairs. As our departure time drew near, I started writing a text to Steve W to say that we had gone on when he arrived with impeccable timing on the dot of 10.35. 

As we travelled the busier roads after the Beehive of Gatwick airport, I missed a left turn (the first of 3) but Andy C had already spotted it. This led to us thinking we’d lost him for a while but thankfully the group were together again for the cool shady Worth Way.

As we arrived back on my more comfortable territory of tarmac roads we passed Dave’s group. There was a glorious descent with fabulous views on our right before the final sharp climb to the pub in Horsted Keynes. 

    
It was good to meet up, and share the lunch table, with several familiar faces from East Sussex CUK. 

Suitably refreshed it was back on the bikes for the hilly-ish ride to Banstead. The climbs started more or less immediately on leaving but it was Coopers Hill into Nutfield leaving some to regret their choice of bike for the ride. A rehydration stop at the top was certainly warranted! 

After that there were ‘only’ 2 hills to climb, Markedge Lane and Park Rd into Banstead where all but Peter stopped for welcome refreshments at Cafe Italia. 

A lovely route, beautiful views, challenging hills, nice weather and great company including our counterparts from E Sussex. Many thanks to Peter S for expertly back marking.

Finally, thanks everyone who rode and made the day a success, especially Janice for expertly leading her group.