6/8 Ditchling Beacon to Chanctonbury Ring

I have passed Ditchling Beacon on a mountain bike many times but never driven to it . This was the start point however for Steves latest new route.

I had no idea how to get to it but Steve was going to navigate on his mobile and so we set off with Ivan and Malc behind in Ivans van.No sooner had we got to bexhill bypass when Ivan whisked past  me at the lights.So they were still ahead at Brighton bypass but missed the turn so we turned at next junction . As soon as we were on the right road they then missed the left turn. Turned around again and then missed the next left turn.We arrived to find Duncan and Paul already .
Already the car park was packed with walkers and para gliders taking off just outside car park.

Brief stop at Chanctonbury Ring

No climb to the top this time so off we went down hill but as always with the downs the long descents are followed by long climbs but in good time we were at Chanctonbury Ring an old hill fort. There is nothing to see there but Steve assures me it is there but just covered up. He then gave us a history lesson on ancient Rome with some very strange facts not suitable for publication. I suggest you ask him if you want to know more. Quick photo then off again.

How am I supposed to ride over this?

From here there is a very steep descent which is narrow and covered in tree routes but as it was dry this not a problem. The wood at the foot of the hill was a problem as shaded and very wet and a large tree had fallen across the path meaning a four foot climb over branches trying to carry a bike which weighs twice what a road bike weighs.

Our stop was at Partridge Green . I had not realised this was the place we had stopped on our Downs link ride a few weeks ago. It is a velo cafe with sensible prices but much to Malcs disgust no ability to make scrambled eggs. Apparently its all about what type of hot plate you have.When I last visited with Steve and Malc we all said we would not make the mistake of having coffee and cakes with loads of sugar . So what did we do, you guessed. To put it right some had egg and bacon rolls ( Duncan having 2 as they got Ivans order wrong )  so thats ok then. We had also decided not to stay so long this time but after and hour sitting in the sun!!!!!.

A happy hour at Stan's Velo cafe 

We were off and following the downs link but Malc had this plan to go off route and cycle along the river bank. Some gates to climb over and hard going on grass into a strong wind but after a few stiles we were on a dirt track beside the river and good going. It was here we came across a dog walker with 2 dogs not on leads that decided to chase a herd of cows. It's weird how what looks like a nice dog can change into an aggressive monster in these circs. They ended up stampeding the herd in our direction . The others had passed but me and Steve had them hurtling towards us. They turned just before they got to us but bit scary. The dog owner is lucky as  his dogs could have been shot. There's me trying to tell Andy F to take up MTB to avoid Audi's !!!

We were at Bramber a village we love. From there its a massive ascent to Truleigh Hill and from there a short up and down ride back to Ditchling. Normally we would stop for a beer but I said I have to get back.  Ivan pulled an undertaking trick that had me behind him again . Another great day with great weather and a good route.

Derek