Hookwood - Ardingly - Redhill Aerodrome
Ed led his platoon from North Cheam, while others plotted an independent path, but all routes led to Hookwood Tesco. Simon W escaped from work to put in a brief guest appearance and we were also introduced to Stewart (Stuart?) Downey. Refuelled with tea and baked beans, we were soon following Ed on quiet and pleasant farm roads to Copthorne, where we joined the B208 for the climb to Turner's Hill.
At this point, faced with two choices, we plumped for the B2110 towards Worth, before taking Back Lane and Paddockhurst Lane to head South on a long downhill to West Hill and the descent to Ardingly reservoir. With Daniel on fixed, his legs were pumping like red hot pistons and steam was coming out of his ears, until the inevitable climb from water level to Ardingly. With a choice of pubs, we favoured the 'Oak at Ardingly' with our custom - pleasant if a little pricey - with refreshing Hophead for some, rejuvenating Harveys for Pete B, but no draught cider for Terry.
After lunch in the sunshine, Ed spurned Cob Lane and headed briefly South before taking Burstow Hill Lane and Hanningdean Lane for the long haul up to Sharpthorne. Daniel had enough time to lubricate his chain before a quick right and left took us into Grinstead Lane for another long downhill to Weir Wood reservoir, followed by the unavoidable short, sharp shock to leave the water and the scientologists behind. Then down to Felbridge, where Richard was given his head to lead the unsuspecting flock to savour the mud and flint of Stubpond Lane. John Bellamy was the puncture casualty. One dissenter preferred the A22 to Newchapel, to await the group at Church Road, for the climb at Horne to Outwood.
Here, another choice: Fanny's or Redhill Aerodrome?
Believe it or not, dimwitted, bone-headed lexicographers (now known as 'asset development managers') of the Murdoch owned Collins dictionary have decided that the word 'aerodrome' is now extinct and will no longer be included! Will the aerodrome still be there? The anoraks say 'no', the signs say 'yes'. Terry's opening time intelligence was accurate, so it was tea and cake at the phantom Redhill Aerodrome.
After tea, still a little climb to cross the A25 to Merstham and Gatton Bottom, with a halt under the M25 to cape up . Then it was the climb past Fanny's, now closed, and the parting of the ways, in time for the rain to stop. My Cateye told me 58 miles, though all others will have done much more. Our thanks to leader Ed.
Jeff
Author: Jeff
8 Comments:
Tony 29 August 2011 at 17:17 BST
Still those blessed with larger "Dictionaries"! don't have a problem!!
Lisa 29 August 2011 at 20:39 BST
Has Pete done something to upset you?
Daniel V 30 August 2011 at 15:36 BST
An excellent ride all told, considering the sights (reservoirs, Sussex weald), sounds (4xMerlin engines), tastes (roast beef, Hophead [Dark Star, Brighton] and Harveys), smells (evaporating damp in late Summer sun) and the feel of several sharp climbs (hamstrings pulling hard on 72" fixed).
The only disappointment was to miss out on the tea and multiple cakes at Capel, which Ed thought was out of the way - and besides he declared he was 'cheesed off' with Henfold Lane. Still, we managed to see Redhill Aerodrome before it ceases to exist using that term - at least according to the 'boneheads'.
Jeff 30 August 2011 at 16:03 BST
Was by special request. I think Pete also wanted a 6 pack, pecs, blonde mullet, a big Collins dictionary and a beach babe on each arm. I'm still taking my C&G in haute coiffure. Next time maybe!
Jeff 30 August 2011 at 18:36 BST
Bye the bye, how much attention do you all pay to a lady's crowning glory? A very special prize to anybody who can identify the source of Pete's flowing locks.
Tony 30 August 2011 at 20:36 BST
An Afghan hound! (bitch)
Jeff 30 August 2011 at 22:19 BST
Tony, I won't tell her that you said that! She would tear you to pieces!
Lisa 31 August 2011 at 07:42 BST
Pete or the Afghan...?
