Here's this week's news, reports and an appeal for a leader for next week...

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RIDE REPORT
PHC+ to Brighton 13/07/08

The good weather brought out 18 riders for our first ever club jaunt
to Brighton. There are many routes to the coast but most people know
the famous London to Brighton BHF charity route that climbs over the
mountainous Ditchling Beacon. We opted to aim further west by
piggy-backing onto the Capital to Coast charity ride route.

First we had to get to the route. A series of mechanical setbacks
plagued us as we slowly climbed towards the Downs Lunchbox kiosk at
Epsom Downs, where we stopped for morning coffee. By the time we'd
dropped down Langley Vale and climbed up the other side to pick up the
signed route, all of the charity riders had long since gone. The lanes
to Headley were pleasantly deserted but the route missed a trick by
dropping down the back of Box Hill instead of cresting the top to
enjoy the views.

The 'feeding station' just outside of Dorking was not only deserted
but everything had been packed up and taken away. The signs were still
in place so we followed them up Punchbowl Lane and into the Surrey
lanes. The range of abilities caused the group to split over a wide
distance. Unable to catch those who had ridden off ahead, 5 of us
lunched at the Surrey Oaks whilst the advance posse ate at the Six
Bells in Newdigate.

However, after lunch, disaster struck. The officials organising the
charity ride had removed the directional signs! Boy, did that serve us
right for trying to steal their route! A swift look at the map decided
that the only course of action was to inch east and pick up Sustrans
route 20 into Brighton. It roughly follows the A23 but at one point,
confusion over signage left the group riding literally alongside the
furiously busy and noisy dual carriageway, skirting slip roads by
riding up them to cross the road. After climbing the South Downs, the
Sustrans signs reappeared but the route still mirrored the A23 all the
way to the seafront. The ride had split into 3 groups at this point
but everyone regrouped for a photo on the seafront before splitting
again. Some riders even managed to find the other group who had done
the shorter ride at the station.

About 60 miles from Pollards Hill to the sea. 7 hours of cycling. See
the pix on Flickr at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pollardshillcyclists/sets/72157606141265956
or
http://tinyurl.com/5ajho7

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Here's Laurence's report from the shorter ride:

3 of us followed National Cycle Route 21 from Horley Station which
took us past Gatwick Airport, south to Crawley. Instead of following
the tortuous recommended cycle route through Crawley we by-passed the
northern part of Crawley using the B2036 and A2220. South east of
Three Bridges Station we joined the cycle route which took us south
through Tilgate Forest and over the M23. We then rode west along a
quiet country road to Pease Pottage and south past Handcross Park
School which was the start of the Capital to Coast short cycle route.
In Handcross village we stopped to go to the Spar, about 40 cyclists
passed us at high speed with cars leading them and an ambulance and
other support vehicles following them. We then continued following
signs for Brighton via Staplefield and then crossed the A23 going west
to Warninglid. At this point we could simply follow the sign posted
and marshalled charity bike route. I was struggling up the hills and
the others would get ahead of me on the hills.

We had our packed lunch by the roadside as charity bike riders and
motorcycle marshals passed us. Further south we rode through Wineham
then Blackstone along some very narrow country roads joining the A281
at Fulking then along to Poynings. At this point I knew I would be
walking for a while up the hill to and along the Saddlescombe Road
which was closed to motor traffic for the bike riders. We then joined
the Devil's Dyke Road towards the top of the South Downs just south of
Devil's Dyke itself. I had suggested that we stop at Devil's Dyke Pub
so the others could get a cup of tea but when I got to the pub it was
apparent that they had missed the turn to the Pub and were simply
following the charity bike ride route into Brighton.

At Devil's Dyke Pub I phoned Mark to find out if it was worth waiting
for the PHC+ riders who were riding from Pollards Hill. Those cyclists
were some distance away and so I continued on to Brighton. I followed
the faster charity route and didn't ride the new Cycle Route 82 from
the Downs to Hove. When I got to the finish of the charity ride on
Hove seafront I couldn't see the other riders who must have arrived
there some time before me because of my diversion to Devil's Dyke Pub.
I rode to Brighton Station to catch my train back to Horley via
Gatwick Airport.

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BRIGHTON EXTRAS

Laurence wasn't the only person to see the 40 cyclists with out-riders
travelling at speed. A PHC+ rider who had opted out early noticed a
lot of spectators lining the road. Upon enquiring as to what they were
waiting for, the peloton appeared in the distance. Our rider danced in
his pedals and just about beat them to the finishing line, getting a
chequered flag and cheers from all the spectators!

The two riders from the shorter ride locked their bikes together on
the seafront in search of fish and chips. Unfortunately, the key to
the lock was back at home. They carried the two chained-together bikes
up to the station where a giant pair of boltcutters procured from
station staff freed the two bikes!

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THE FUTURE OF THE PHC+ RIDES

Thanks to all who sent me their comments. The overwhelming majority
favoured removing PHC+ rides from the regular schedule and making them
an optional extra. I also think this is the right move.

Anyone who has enjoyed the longer rides should feel free to offer
their own ride on any Sunday. It will be advertised as an additional
ride to complement the regular PHC ride. Or, you could even offer the
ride on a Saturday leaving your Sunday's free for a slower more social
ride. Drop me a line if you fancy leading one.

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LADIES BIKES WANTED

Does anyone have a decent ladies bike suitable for a 5ft 6in rider
knocking around in their shed? Let me know if you want to offload one
and I'll put you in touch with the person who is looking.

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NEXT WEEK

We're a bit stuck next week as we don't have a leader. It's an easy
urban ride on quiet roads. Although I've advertised lunch in Dulwich,
I think a better option is to go to the Horniman Museum in the morning
and onto the George at London Bridge for lunch before returning via
Brockwell Park and over Clapham Common. Who fancies a crack at
leading? I'll send you a guide route on email if you let me know.
Those who don't want to lead but fancy the ride should still turn up
because we always have someone step in with offers of help in
situations like this.

Mark
PHC Co-ordinator
07711 688189

http://www.pollardshillcyclists.org.uk