14 Jan Chain-Gang Circuits

Hello Chain Gangers

 Be interested in views on the circuit used last night – originally planned for possible use on frosty nights but brought in at very short notice to try out in strong winds with dangerous gusts.

As I crawled over Galley Hill on the way to the chain gang meet the wind was very strong and gusty, blowing me off the path and on to the grass twice. It eased on the downhill run to the meet but there was some strong gusts causing my line to waiver.

 I arrived later than usual and was surprised to see something like 16 of us gathered. There was a comment, what are we going to do. I spoke with Neil about the chance to use the three mile Bexhill Circuit that was being considered for icy evenings. We then had a quick word with Stuart and decided to give the circuit a go since buildings should shelter the riders from the worst of the buffeting. I had explained the circuit to several in the past and used the first half as the start of a few bacon butty runs so some riders would be familiar with the wide roads and junctions, all light with street lights.

 Stuart Hodd explained the plan in outline to everyone with the idea that the first lap be run at a steady pace. Some immediately voiced a preference to do the usual and battle against the wind to Pevensey. I was slow in starting and saw some lights turn left at the end of Bexhill sea front instead on straight on and over the crossroads to go under the railway bridge. I did the circuit as back marker and on the second lap stopped to chat with President Stuart in his usual place. There was a fast group of four riders flying past President Stuart and several who were doing the circuit solo after not hanging on. About 8 were on the circuit and the other 8 or so did the usual run to Pevensey roundabout.

After five laps Stuart Hodd shouted to me and President Stuart that they were going straight on to the usual finish at the lights and I relayed the message as other riders came by.


In the post ride chat at the lights the roadies said they had really enjoyed the circuit, but it had been very hard work and five laps had been more than enough. The only really exposed section was the usual bit going past Cooden Beach Hotel into a howling head wind before swinging left for a very quick run down Cooden Drive before backing off just after the rise to turn left and go under the railway bridge.


If we are to use the circuit (about 3 miles) again on an icy night, please can locals check that the circuit does not have any regular ice patches, possibly not since the roads are well used (buses run on the topside in the evening) yet pretty quiet later on a winter evening, or when there are very strong gusty winds then riders would do well to sort themselves out in to smaller groups, unless they are happy to push on solo and reassemble at the lights after five laps.



Chris Parker