Twelve of us met on a frosty morning in Woodhatch Park. After about three miles, four riders, led by Russell, shot off the front for their short fast ride. The rest of us continued on the longer ride.
Three riders turned back at about 11 leaving the remaining five to complete the full ride; and a lumpy ride it was. Once we had past Copthorne, as soon as we had climbed one hill, we seemed to be descending before climbing the next. However, we rode through some glorious countryside in the autumn sun. Ashdown Forest is particularly beautiful as this time of year.
We stopped at the Glynde Tea Rooms, which disappointingly no longer serves cooked food. Fortunately they had ten scones which we devoured accompanied by the usual multiple cups of tea. The ride home via Lewes, Wivelesfield Green and Slugwash was slightly less lumpy. We arrived back having cycled 78 miles at an average speed of 15 mph.
Next week, Jacquie leads a ride to the Watts Gallery Tea Room in Compton, for the best Welsh Rarebit in the South East!
Mike Ormerod