The Return of the All Day Ride to Worthing - a Series of Fortunate Events

It was an eclectic mix of riders who signed up for the October ride - riders drawn from all sections. We unfortunately lost a few in the run-up due to various illnesses and whatnot, but fortunately gained Karl, who I placed with Steph my very able sub-leader. Unfortunately I forgot to tell Karl, so he promptly followed me out of Nonsuch Park making mine a group of 7 riders, and Steph's a group of 5, but no matter. As everyone had arrived promptly we were fortunately able to leave a few minutes early and via a dirt track to avoid the Park runners eagerly lining up, and it was nice to see Colin and Carolyn there for the run. 

The route to Tanhouse Farm was fairly standard, with maybe some tweaks here and there as this was intended to be a route on quieter roads. Up and over the North Downs, the highest point of the day, and then down through Betchworth and Brockham and out towards Newdigate. Fortunately the rain only started as we approached our elevenses stop, and was at its heaviest when both groups were safely inside. And fortunately I didn't need my sunglasses much after that, as I had unfortunately broken them within the first 6 miles.

First leg under our belts, we set off again, a little late due to waiting for the rain to pass over and the unfortunate situation of only one toilet being open. We took a fairly straight line through Rusper and Littlehaven, staying wide of Horsham town centre and heading to Copsale and Maplehurst, finally arriving at Partridge Green where the pub was expecting us. I didn't need to have booked as the pub was pretty empty, the food was basic but reasonably priced and served by friendly staff. Steve left us there after lunch to cycle back home and clocked up quite a few more miles.     

Karl keeping his gloves safely behind his back....or was he??

Angie was meeting us at Worthing, so a quick update sent to her and off we went again - the last leg through Ashurst and picturesque Steyning, with the South Downs looming ahead. Fortunately for us there were just a couple of short sharp climbs to deal with and then it was over the River Adur and onto the Downs Link, where it was then flat for the rest of the way. We got as far as the Shoreham memorial before unfortunately the rain started again, so jackets went back on. We decided to continue the ride, having got this far, and started along the NCN2 coast path from Shoreham to Worthing, but by the time we got to Lancing I was fed up with cycling headlong into the rain and wind. Fortunately we had stopped right beside a lovely café right there on the cycle path, so made the decision to go inside for our hot drinks, cakes and sea views. Steph's group came past not long after and perhaps wondering about all the parked bikes they stopped, and joined us inside. Which was really fortunate, as Angie had meanwhile discovered that the intended tea stop was in fact closed for a private function which perhaps had surprised even themselves, as they hadn't mentioned it days earlier. 

Blinking cyclists photo-bombing the River Adur 

Fortunately the rain had stopped again while we were inside, so we completed our route along the coast path and then took a right through Worthing to land up at the station, where fortunately the ticket office was just being re-opened, allowing those of us in my group who were unfortunately without an advance ticket to purchase one with a group discount. And so we made our various ways home, with some train journeys being more fortunate than others.

Five Go Down To The Sea

Thanks to Steve and then Simon for back-marking, and for their company along with the rest of my group of Rob, Alan, Bob and Karl, and especially to Steph for sub-leading.  Let's do it again!   

Rob's amazing video gives a taste of the day and can be viewed here: CTC SW Worthing 2024

Steph writes: 

Steph's group set off quickly after Diane's and by cutting through a footpath just cleared the main avenue before hundreds of Park runners began to chase us.

The toil up onto Epsom Downs was rewarded with slightly misty views but a downhill run through Pebblecombe and beyond made the first 17 mile chunk to Tanhouse an easy wheel.  There were lots of cyclists out and the queue at the one working toilet was growing but Helen asked them to open the "staff only" facilities and soon we had wee'd and were on our way again. This middle 17 mile chunk was a mixture of pleasure and pain, the great green cycle bridge helped us avoid the centre of Horsham but the 17% climb on Kerves Lane was a muscle builder to help us tackle the lesser but more frequent uphills that were to come. Lunch at Partridge Green with our big bowls so full of melted cheese (we couldn't see the baked potatoes) fortified us as rain fell outside.

The last 17 miles were a challenge, Steyning was beautiful, St Botolphs church was charming, but the rain began to batter us as we crossed the bridge in Shoreham and turned right for the coastal deluge!  We battled through and were rewarded by an earlier tea stop than planned and fantastic views across the sea as the rain stopped but dark clouds and a turquoise sea were highlighted in the shafts of sunlight.

A quick game of Grandma's Footsteps by St Botolph's

The Bridge On The River Adur

A fab day out. Thanks Diane for routing so neatly into thirds and my friendly followers, Helen, Arwyn, Lorraine and Paul (who was invaluable in helping on the route around Horsham and lending me a charger to get my phone going again).