Harrow Club run

I arrived at the Harrow just before 8 not knowing whether to expect anyone else to ride bearing in mind that there had been 2 rides on the Saturday and that the weather overnight had been appalling.

But i was greeted by Tom who had Rule 9'd it and ridden over from Eastbourne and Gary, then shortly followed by Malcolm and finally and most surprisingly, given his record of getting out of bed, Nigel.

So we set off back through Battle negotiating alot of standing water and debris from the overnight armageddon along the way.

I planned a route to stop off at the Lakeside cafe in Horam, a usual sunday club run stop.

But this time we rode out through Netherfield and around the Darwell reservoir, this is a really nice and testing start to the route, with great scenary and a pretty good road surface.

We rejoined the traditional route at Brightling, then past Woods Corner and up to Bodle street.

The roads at this point were getting really waterlogged with mounds of debris making handling precarious at times.

Although it was staying dry and not too cold so we were thankful for that at least

The climbing and rolling profile continued through to Rush Lake green, Vines cross before finally arriving at the very welcome sight of the Lakeside cafe.

We timed it just right as a couple of other rides arrived shortly after.

We all tucked into coffees and various meat in rolls apart from Nigel who had cooked up

some rice with beef, treacle and ginger. Although he looked on enviously when the guy on the next table was tucking into a 'Scooby-doo burger', a heart attack on a plate consisting of 3 burgers, onion rings and a block of chedder.......and chips.

We then ventured back out into the cold air and made the turn for home along Gun hill, past Arlington avoiding the usual marsh road at Hankham because of the tricky road conditions.

At Pevensey we then said goodbye to Tom. 

I had to say my farewells too as i was running late and the cycling police at home had given me a curfew. 

I put the hammer down for the remaining ride, arriving home just on time and therefore proving to be 'reliable'.

Talking of which, see you all next weekend for the ESCA Reliability ride.

Over and out

Lee S


Ride it...
http://www.strava.com/activities/217234022

8/11 Saturday Early Bird- Benenden Buster

After several days of heavy rain it was pure luck that it had stopped just in time for this Saturday early bird. A good turnout of five riders were at the Harrow but we knew we would also gain another rider at Pett Level (peter B)  As is often the case, Steve D set out too fast and we were very spread out along the ridge with Derek struggling to keep up, fortunately this time Steve did slow down and we were all back together by the steep descent of Chick Hill. Passing by the Smugglers pub Peter B tagged onto the group.

Mark's 'Suffolk'  received many Admiring Glances!

Another rider, Mark was also waiting for us, this time on the harbour road, which took our numbers up to a pleasing seven. Mark was on his brand new steed, a Whyte Suffolk. This is a new kind of road bike , having cable activated hydraulic brakes, a sturdy alloy frame with lots of clearance, rear rack mounts, cyclocross style straight bladed forks, taller than normal head tube and super comfortable flattened handlebars http://whyte.bike/2014/product.php?xProd=116
These bikes are selling as fast as they can be made and Mark was very fortunate to get hold of one. He much prefers this for general winter riding than his Giant defy which he finds flexes too much (this is going up for sale), despite being alloy its a comfy  frame and the disc brakes are far better than rim brakes for the winter.With JV having purchased a fairly similar bike in the form of a Genesis Croix De fer, could a new trend of disc braked durable Winter bikes be upon us? While the rest of us had to endure the expensive rasping sound of grit wearing out our rims, Mark had the benefit of superior stopping power that would never wear out his wheels. So, after five years or so this bike will have paid for itself by saving the cost of replacements!

The roads on the 'Buster'  are exceptionally quiet and in very good condition, so we made good progress Northwards . The one road that we knew would be in poor condition would be Moore's lane, but Mark knew a  diversion that would avoid this muddy stretch. Ignoring the off course beeps from our Garmins we all followed Mark who took us on a very pleasant diversion around the Woodchurch area. I have saved this diversion and this will now become the official 'Benenden Buster' route for the future.

Hydraulic Disc Brakes- lovely!

On the Northward leg the riding is easy because its mainly flat, however the Southward leg is much more lumpy and our average speed began to drop and our legs to tire, but at least we knew that we would have a fuel stop in Bodium. This was a new cafe for us in the castle grounds which I chose for the simple reason that it was the only cafe in the area and would give us chance to catch our breathe before the last and hardest seven miles. Unfortunately, much to Malcolm's dismay they don't start cooking until 12:00 so bacon butties were off the menu , at least we could console ourselves with carrot cake, scones and sausage rolls.

A New Member for HSLCC?

Everyone knew the way back so after exiting the cafe ,  it was every man for himself with riders branching off at various points. As usual the ride back from Sedlescombe past the vineyard,three oaks and then rocks lane was really tough (but still strangely enjoyable). To celebrate a great ride myself and Malcolm decided to stop off in the Standard Pub in the old town for a swift pint of beer which soon became two!

This is a perfect winter route, made even better with Marks diversion around Woodchurch and is definitely a route we will repeat again before winter is over.

Full Moon and Fireworks

As I rolled out of the drive on my way to the chain gang, I thought there might be a low turnout. But 'cold and dry' beats 'wet' for most riders and last night we were blessed with clear skies and lightish winds. After bossing everyone into a group photo, I counted 21 riders. John and son 'Fast Freddy' Cordner joined us after we'd pedalled off, making 23. With temperatures forecast to dip to 3 degrees, I was impressed.

The 'super-fast' group left first, captained by the excellent Stuart Hodd and the awesomely powerful Barney, with seven riders willing to ride together at a 'super-fast' pace. However, last night was not as super-fast as it might've been as there was sufficient wind from the north-west to put a dent in all our efforts. The merely 'fast' group of 14 riders set out a couple of minutes later, having been shouted at (in a friendly way) by Chris, John V and me.

The aim was to ride through and off as a single group for as long as possible, with John and I corralling the riders into some sort of order. It didn't start too well... 'What speed we going?' was the entirely fair question. '19 to maybe 22mph' I replied. 'How does 15mph sound?' Slow, frankly!

Not surprisingly, with such disparate intentions, the fast group split early in the ride, I think by the end of Bexhill front. It wasn't helped by someone taking a turn at the front and buggering off into the distance, despite shouts of 'ease off'. Perhaps he misheard that as 'piss off..?' He was then followed by someone who knows better but who will remain nameless, even though I know their name and could name AND shame them. Yes, you matey - it's a chain gang!

John V and continued to shout after the terrible-twosome but gave up, deciding instead to concentrate on getting the rest of the group of nine or so riders into order. And things went well! I felt a bit of a prat shouting instructions at grown men but I felt it was in a good cause. Most managed a turn or three on the front, before the ever rising pace (thanks John) saw a few riders drop off the back. I went on the lower slopes of Spooky Mountain. I know it's just a bump but last night my legs really didn't have the oomph to power me up and stay with the group. It felt like Agony Hill. Ugh!

I was blowing hard so I settled for a steadier ride, eventually catching another rider with whom I rotated along the rest of the road to Pevensey roundabout. The air was crisp and cold, without being painful, and the roads were mostly dry. What's not to like?

After a good rest at the turn waiting for the 'moderately fast' riders (the 'mods' to the super-fast's rockers..), we headed back as we saw fit. Chris encouraged me to ride with the super-fasts, which was fun until again Spooky Mountain did for me. I was gasping! Must be the altitude. From there I rode a solo until I reached the level crossing and pushed on down Herbrand Walk. The full- moon was shining a silver path across the sea, lighting a route you can only sail. The lights and shouts of the approaching group became ever brighter and louder, and I allowed them to catch me near the beach huts.

From there, with a few hiccups, we rode in a good formation all the way back to the lights and at a fair pace. We met a Gritter on Cooden Drive and the ride was suddenly accompanied by a gentle crunching as if riding over rice crispies. My tyre tread turned white as they picked up the salt. I shouted at someone for going three-abreast and they dropped back. Sorry about that! I'd make a terrible traffic warden - a tiny bit of authority and I turn into a cross between Captain Wainwaring
and Hilda Ogden. Picture that on a bicycle, if you can...

I swear the ride ended with 25 riders or so; Chris says 29! Where the extras came from I don't know. There followed some lively discussion in some quarters on the importance of riding predictably. Clearly, a manoeuvre near a junction had caused some consternation but the issue was discussed and resolved amicably. We had a few new riders - some friends of Dan Selmes I am told - welcome chaps!

My circuitous ride home was romantic in a moonlight, smell of burning and fireworks sort of way. The ride was a lovely way to enjoy the pleasures of the season. I got home feeling knackered and saw my inhaler in the garage. Ah, I forgot to take it before sucking in the cold night air! Peak flow was down 100 - well that's this week's excuse anyway!



Cheers, Neil

2/11 Club Ride

A hardy bunch of 8 gathered for the morning ride. The forecast was for strong winds and possible rain mid morning, so after 5 mins wait we set off presuming that nobody else would show up. As we set off a panting Kie came zooming up to us, running a little late and fearing he would have to ride hard on his own to catch us.On the approach to Battle, Malcolm pulled over with a faulty gear cable, and decided to head home and change his bike.
The rest of us cruised into Battle and we soon getting warmed up on the the climb of Netherfield hill & the rolling roads to Woods Corner & beyond. We took to the shelter of the lanes as we turned towards the coast & into the stiff headwind. We headed through Hailsham en-route to Pevensey for a cafe stop. 5 of us felt that we had worked hard enough to treat ourselves to a cooked breakfast for homeward fuel. We then doubled back to the Pevensey lights and up the Wartling road towards Boreham Hill, with Ivan commanding a relentless pace ( made all the harder with a full stomach), proving that a cup of tea was all that he needs.
We now faced the long drag up into Ninfield, fortunately with the wind in our favour ( it's all in the planning......), and through to Sidley & along Bexhill Road. We regrouped at the bottom of Filsham Road, before all going off in our homeward directions, making it home just before the rain started.
I expected to see more club members out for the ride as there were no main events on this weekend. With only Ivan, Malcolm D and Peter Baker from the club in addition to the regular Sunday Early Bird Riders, could it have been the weather forecast that kept people tucked under their duvets? Let's hope for a better forecast this coming weekend and hopefully a large field of riders & a good showing for the new club kit!!!

J.V

26 Oct-Ups & Downs of The Sunday Club Ride

A group of 9 enthusiastic cyclists set off from the Harrow at 8 am to do battle with hills of East Sussex. It was good to see some new faces amongst the regular ones, maybe due in part to the friendlier start time of 8.00am and hopefully by awareness from the club blog & regular email alerts.Simon G & Ivan were great additions to the regular Sunday field, as were "newbies" Gary & Adam. We set off, heading down Queensway, taking the turning towards Crowhurst and our first set of hills, as we climbed all the way back up Forewood Lane to Telham. The long drag fragmented the group and we regrouped at the main road. This would be the pattern for the rest of the ride, with riders pursuing Ivan up the hills and regrouping at the top.
Through Catsfield, before the climb up to the North Trade Road took us further inland through Penhurst, followed by the pleasurable ascent of Brightling Hill. A timely saddle problem for Dan H & puncture for Nick S gave the group a chance to rest the legs briefly at the top.

 Descending into the Darwell valley could mean just one thing, another climb. This time it was to be Eatenden Lane, over the Mountfield level crossing and all the way up to Netherfield Church, before the fast drop & slow climb up towards Battle.Through Whattlington to Cripps corner, we then took Poppinghole lane to Robertsbridge, where we had our second equine encounter with a rather jittery horse that kept scuttling sideways as we tried to pass. Cautiously we all made it through without spooking the horse or jockey to much. Yet another tough hill took us towards The Curlew, with Nick attacking Ivan at the start of the climb and then running out of gusto, as Ivan camly rode past and disappeared into the distance, as did most of us at that point, to the amusement of the whole group, with the usual barrage of abuse that such a failed move deserves.The sight of the Curlew Pub meant that we only had a short descent to Bodiam Castle, and a well earned stop at the Castle cafe. It was here that newbie "Adam" informed me that I know his sister-in-law, the gutsy & courageous "Iron Man" competitor "Nicky Wood", whom I have ridden with on several occasions as part her training. Having a sister-in-law with a never quit attitude, puts Adam in the rather uneviable position of never being able to chuck in the towel, whatever the ride threw at him, or face ridicule from the family!
After resting the legs, we remounted and took the steady climbing lanes to Northiam, followed by the newly resurfaced Furnace lane climb to Broadoak. Nearly done, all we had left was the drop through Brede, before the climb into Westfield and back out again up to the Ridge.
Heart rates were raised & legs truly tested, with all 9 riders finishing with slightly weary smiles on their faces. A tough ride & a baptism of fire for Gary & Adam on their maiden club outing with 52 miles & 4850ft of climbing!!
J.V

Good weather for Inaugural Official Saturday Morning Double Butty Run

Since everyone has been saying how good the coffee is at Di Paulo's I made sure I was there early to savour it. When I got there at 9:25 Steve Curtis was already there to make his once a month guest appearance on the ride. Yes the coffee was good but I went for toast and marmalade rather than a bacon butty as others arrived and we chatted. As 9:45 approached no one from Pre Bacon Butty Run (BBR) had turned up.

As I thought about going outside to unlock the bikes Tom N and Peter B appeared and ordered a coffee. The Pre BBR of four riders, several regulars were not free to come along, were a bit behind what I had been told was their usual schedule. Paul popped in to chat with us, but went without coffee, and first timer Gary headed off back home straight away.

So the BBR of seven riders set off at 10:00 sharp, a little later than the advertised depart time of 9:45, if you read my emails. It was a good job we were late leaving otherwise Malcolm D would have missed the roll out by arriving at 9:58. It was not until the afternoon that I found out the BLOG Calendar said departure was 10:00 which contradicted my emails but would actually suit me better.

We will stick with the advertised BLOG departure time of 10:00 even though I was told the Pre BBR riders can get back by 9:20 some weeks when they have a shorter ride and longer coffee stop.

As a one off we did a slight variation on the route out of Bexhill to check out a possible chain gang circuit for evenings when there is ice on the marsh road. As usual everyone regrouped in the car park of The Lamb at Wartling after the dig up Horsewalk and confirmed we would be heading for Chilley Farm on the summer route and not switching to the winter stop at Pevensey Bakery.

Unusually there were a few hairy moment as we set out south from Herstmonceux. Often we do not see a car but it must have been an MG owners run coming the other way along what is little more than a single track road. When group is riding in to blind corners on narrow lanes the first two riders need to go through single file and shout very loud if a car is coming the other way so everyone behind can file up. As we hit the first blind corner I was riding at the back, outside and slightly offset behind as I chatted to Steve. Since we were a bit spread out I had not heard any call that a car was approaching the corner. It was a close shave as I locked the rear wheel and then released to just miss the car with blaring horn ........ So make sure you always shout warnings very loud and if not filed up make sure you are not level side by side as you ride in to a blind corner. Although several more MGs were coming the other way, and not keen to move tight into the side of the road in their precious vehicles, they were fortunately going at a sedate pace otherwise there could have been more potential problems.

There had been rain forecast, there was a hint before we set out, but by the time we were at Chilley Farm there was blue sky and warm sun as we sat outside in September like conditions on the first day of November. No one had a bacon butty at Di Paulo's and Chilley Farm , which would be unusual for me since I always had a bacon roll at The Bridge Cafe, so who will be the first to reach Gold Standard on the Double Bacon Butty Run?

Chris Parker

P.S. vegetarians are very welcome and can become Gold Standard Double Butty riders if they have two egg Butties, one at each stop.

P.S. Platinum Standard is for those that can make it three Butties on weeks there is a Triple Butty Run with some going further on a leg out to e.g. Heathfield after the Chilley Farm stop and having end of ride sustenance back in Hastings!

31/10 Friday Night Ride- Five Minute Separation

Dan ready For His First Fri Night Ride!

A great turn out of eleven riders on a perfect Friday night including the welcome return of Stu Hodd (who hopes to come more regularly from now on) and Dan Selmes on his first every Friday night ride.

Myself ,Derek , and Paul set off five minutes (by my watch) early down battery hill as we are all nervous descenders ,Malcolm also came with us as he was determined to have an easy ride and would stick with myself all evening. Simon and all the others set off at 7:35, five minutes after us.

Great To See Stu Is Back!

 Once the nervous group arrived at the  sea defences we had a strong wind at our backs and ended up riding quite fast despite putting in little effort, however,we still thought the rest of the group would catch us up by at least the entrance to the harbour.  By the time we entered the reserve there was still no sign of the second group so we rode more slowly through the reserve. At the 'dogs leg' I stopped altogether, deciding I would not go on until I at least saw their lights. After a few seconds I could see them coming down the long straight of the reserve.I gave chase to the rest of the first group and we waited a while at the road junction before deciding we might as well start the ascent up to Broadoak.

A Stonestile Virgin No More!

Derek soon got dropped, but myself, Paul and Malc worked together as a mini chain-gang with partial success. Finally about two thirds of the way up Stu and Marcus came past us  but Simon and the others did not catch us up until we neared the Broad Oak junction. Simon and the others were not impressed with how the evening had gone  and I felt really guilty as only a few days before I had emailed everyone to remind them of the 'traditions' of the Friday night ride and yet had unintentionally split the group in two! With hindsight, five minutes was far too long a head start  (even Pete Tadros would struggle to close that gap) and we all agreed that from now on, the nervous descenders would only set off one minute ahead of the others and would ride really slowly on the flat util the others had caught up (i.e nervous group set off at 7:34 and main group at 7;35).

After apologies had been offered and accepted, group harmony was restored and we continued together until Stonestile ascent. Here we were amused to discover that not only had Dan never done Stonestile on a Friday night ride, he had never ridden it it at all as so was 'Stonestile virgin'. As happened to Andy L a couple of weeks ago he was caught out in the wrong gear on the first and nastiest section of the hill but unlike Andy, Dan kept going and made it to the top so fully deserves the traditional first ascent photo!