Bognor Ride - Easter Monday

[Nicolas]

Is it still on? Weather seems pretty good tomorrow!
Do you plan to leave at 9:00 sharp or can I take the train supposed to arrive at CSS at 9:03 ?

[Antloony]

[quote="Nicolas"]Is it still on? Weather seems pretty good tomorrow!
Do you plan to leave at 9:00 sharp or can I take the train supposed to arrive at CSS at 9:03 ?

[Nicolas]

Brill, see you all there then!

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Leaving home at 7:40am was a bit of a shock, but the thermometer read 10 degrees, and the forecast was good, so a good indication for shorts and shortsleeves - armwarmers considered, but left off at the last minute. Trundled round the A264 and up the A23 for a pleasant ride up to CSS. Keeping it steady - 26 miles - 1:20.

Got to the Station bang on 9:00 and a group was already there, which swelled as we chatted for a few minutes to 10 by the time we set off. Heading off along clubrun route, George suffered our first crevasion of the day by Gatton Bottom. Despite his protesttions that we should carry on and he would catch us up, we agreeably waited for him.

On through to Newdigate where we turned off the clubrun route and went down via Capel, Ockley and Weare Street (my award for the best lane in the South East) where Mark L suffered our second and final puncture of the day. On past Walliswood and Ellens Green, down through Rudgwick and out towards Loxwood, where we encountered the Surrey League RR and Michelle/Keith sunning themselves. Unfortunately we had just missed the bunch and couldn't wait 20/30 minutes for the next lap (sorry Andy ). Loxwood came and went, missed the turning to Wisborough Green, but this meant more lanes and less main road . Navigated through to Petworth and off up Duncton Hill. Paul on the Pearson was off like a shot.....with George and Ant paying close attention. PVT bringing up the rear

Nearly all downhill now, except for the big uphill bit and a tough offshore breeze for the final 6 miles. Stopped at a beach cafe (remember Apples?) in the now glorious sunshine. Ben was getting a bit warm in his long sleeved undervest, long sleeved top, legwarmers, overshoes and padded gloves No-one wanted to move off, but eventually we headed back.

I decided to change the route back from the one I had planned to be a bit more direct, but unfortunately as we approached Arundel things didn't go to plan and we had to climb the hill twice as I missed the turning and we circuited the town. Then we were set for a steady run back, although Mark was beginning to suffer on the hills.

Back up through Storrington ( a nice draught behind a van got me back on after a climb ) we had a break at a petrol station and refuelled, for the next section through Coolham (the SCCU 100 course) Barns Green, Dragons Green, Southwater village and into Horsham where mark and Serge(?) decided to let the train take the strain. The remainder headed up to Tunnell Towers for a well deserved brew courtesy of Mrs T, sitting in the sunshine in the garden. that was journey's end for me - a super ride with 115 miles on the clock average 17.1mph - thanks guys.

The others headed home line astern behind George....but that's another story.

[Alan M]

Little to add to this comprehensive report. We were all tired at the end but pace along through Rusper, Newdigate and Merstham was quite fast. George got the Newdigate sprint and we finally enjoyed a blast along the A23 amid traffic returning from the coast. I latched on to George who was gaining on Anthony and at one point we were doing 32mph, not bad after around 110 miles. Tired legs today and had a bit of cramp last night but just did a steady 20 to recover so should be OK for next weekend. Thanks one and all and especially Paul and Ruth who supplied a very welcome cup of tea

[George]

Nice Agreeable ride to the coast n Back with

Alan I ride round here all the time with the over 40's dont you know Malarkey
Paul look at my Tunneling Tunnell
Ben saggy snot pants Fancourt
Paul and his technicoloured Mapei coat on a pearson
Nicolas oh est la gare de Horsham
Mark L honest I had 2 punctures, I wasn't napping in a bush Leedham
Antloony lalala this is soooo interesting lalala can I get a remix Leeson
Serge I'm alergic to salt water so I'll just watch at Alfold instead
George I've got this new cycling app on my phone Brent
who did I forget?

Lunch on the beach very cheap and very naughty but like Paul says it'l get ya home
[img]http://i40.tinypic.com/28re5v5.jpg[/img]

[Andrew G]

Agggghhhhhhh Paul got the white shorts out again!!!

[Antloony]

[quote="Andrew G"]Agggghhhhhhh Paul got the white shorts out again!!!

[Paul on the Pearson]

Yeah a great ride. 140 miles on the clock. Unfortunately the chips and mushy peas only got me as far as Newdigate The Ye Olde village shoppe was shut so was forced to rummage around in my pockets and luckily found a bit of energy bar, a fast tow from George and Ant to get me back to Alan and Ben and started to feel better.
Cheers
A good day was had by all.

[Ben]

When's the next sunday ride ?

[Rob C]

I bet it's a Sunday!

[Jim B]

Quicker than Cav!!!
Lol.