You’d think that after six weeks cycling in hilly Italy with a full touring load, I might just be fit and prepared for a good old thrash around the lanes of Surrey and Sussex. Well, you’d be wrong! I very nearly got off my bike and walked up the final hill I was so pooped! What is it about cycling that suggests that one almost seems to need to train specifically for individual disciplines. OK, so I’m not on the same bike, so my gears are nowhere near as low, plus I’ve actually not ridden my bike since getting back a fortnight ago, but really…. I thought a day out on the bike without luggage and on a lighter bike would be a walk in the park. It wasn’t!
But it was still great fun, helped by being in the best company, although our ranks were somewhat meagre – a mere four! It’s not surprising really when you see what the weather was like – and the photos have been enhanced! It was grey and damp and deeply autumnal and, to be honest, really rather lovely. Of course, the fact that it was warm made the day good for me, because I am not a lover of the cold. Warm, damp autumn days are very special and this was one of the best!
Clive’s knowledge of the local road network means that he’s usually able to come up with something new, and todays route to Midhurst was certainly that. I’d never before gone up the road from Thursley to reach the track round Devil’s PUnchbowl to reach Hindhead. And the roads south, passing through Hammer, Lynchmere, Redford and Woolbeding to Midhurst was pretty much all new to me too.
We partook of coffee and cake at the Cafe Verdi in Midhurst before making our way eastwards to RSPB Pulborough Brooks for further refreshments before our return home via Fittleworth and Plaistow.
Thanks to Clive for another good ride / route, to Nick and John for their company too, and finally to Heidi who shamed me into coming out on this ride and then didn’t turn out herself. There will be words spoken….
Detailed info on the route may be found by clicking here but here are the main stats with a map of the route:
Exif_JPEG_PICTURE
Exif_JPEG_PICTURE
Exif_JPEG_PICTURE
Exif_JPEG_PICTURE
Exif_JPEG_PICTURE
Exif_JPEG_PICTURE
Exif_JPEG_PICTURE
Exif_JPEG_PICTURE
Exif_JPEG_PICTURE
Exif_JPEG_PICTURE
Exif_JPEG_PICTURE
Exif_JPEG_PICTURE
Exif_JPEG_PICTURE
Yeah, he was a right dodgy geezer – stoned out of his mind, I reckon. As for rain, William, I never put my waterproof on all day. Got mildly damp before coffee but windproof dried out by lunch.
Looks like a great ride despite the rain! Not sure about the beige coloured bloke in the blue hat!