Janice's Report
The forecast wasn’t promising but my group of Dave V,
Brian, Ged and Mark were keen. We were happy to be first off as the heavy winds
and rain forecast were due to get worse as the day went on.
There was a strong headwind for the outward journey but
it was a pleasant route and occasionally we had shelter from hedges. Everyone
was impressed with the new cycle route through Horsham which more or less ended
at the Black Jug. The pub was full of diners but our pre-ordered food arrived
in no time. The soup was very tasty!
Over lunch the rain started and the wind speed and gusts
increased so we discussed the various options of trains or the possibility of
cutting the route short if need be.
Mark headed off for Horsham station leaving Ged as the photographer with the remaining 3 in the photo.
Suddenly feeling super fit we sped off, 20mph on the flat no problem and whizzing up hills. Possibly the 25+mph tail wind might have been a factor!
Although it was still dry at Rusper, we decided it would be wise to divert off the course and take the road straight to Newdigate. A few miles further on we felt we’d taken the right decision as we were suddenly hit by increasingly gusty strong winds and hail. The latter settled down into steady rain. With a long journey in front of him Ged decided to get the train from Dorking.
On the A24 cycle path we met the B’s and Brian peeled off to have tea with them whilst Dave V and I carried on for home.
A memorable and enjoyable day out which was only possible because of the good company.
Fiona's Report
Some of us arrived wet at Dorking, others had managed to take shelter in bus stops or even avoid the showers altogether.
We had a good ride out to Horsham, although the strong head wind made us work hard for our lunch. Patrick and David J, helped bufffer me from the wind by sharing the lead, which was greatly appreciated.
The Black Jug at Horsham produced a lovely lunch, which was quick despite the pub being very busy.
Dave W left us at lunch but had kindly backmarked us to the pub.
The expected tail wind, on our return, seemed to turn into gusty squalls coming at us from any direction.
Feeling wet and a little wind swept none of us stopped for tea at Brockham.
A good route with good company.
Clive's Report
The morning started with some concern about strong winds and weather warnings that were forecast for later in the day. After liaising with my sub-leaders and the Bs leader (Francis) my mind was put at rest and we decided to press ahead and just see how things would develop. I had also received a message from the pub in Horsham warning me to watch out for a sink hole that had developed overnight in their car park!
My group was last off and was gradually whittled down from six to three riders by the time we left Dorking: Me, Gill and Dave F.
We set off from Dorking expecting a hard slog into the headwind all the way to Horsham. In fact, it wasn’t too bad at all as it turned out. Despite the blustery conditions and a shower of hail we had a very pleasant ride, mostly in sunshine, down to Horsham admiring the bluebells that were starting to appear here and there. They should be in full bloom by next week.
After riding through the country lanes of Surrey and West Sussex, we entered Horsham from the direction of Broadbridge Heath, taking cycle paths through residential areas before arriving in Horsham town centre on the historic and preserved Causeway. When I first recced this route, I wasn’t expecting very much from Horsham having only ever driven past it on the ring road, but I was very pleasantly surprised at what a pretty and thriving town centre it has – timber framed buildings, cobbled streets, etc.
When we arrived at the Black Jug pub in the centre of Horsham the other two groups were already there and the first group were already having their lunch. The food was good, despite the absence of sandwiches on the menu, and was served very efficiently - and the sink hole had been fixed with some fresh tarmac.
The weather forecast for the afternoon was looking worse; they were saying the wind would get stronger and there would be more rain. Deep down I was relieved when my group decided to end the ride in Horsham and take the train back to Leatherhead.
Many thanks to Fiona and Janice for sub-leading and to Brian, who gave me some valuable tips on the route.
Here's the route, though not all completed it. Another time hopefully.
Author: Clive J
