With many G3 regs on the way to Brighton, we still assembled an eager group ready for a different route to Balcombe.
Mild but windy, we picked up Coopers Hill Road under the motorway. (Too many punctures on the ruts down Crab Hill Lane in the past)
Straight down to Smallfield before to left and right to Downlands Lane. An awol brake block was the first mechanical of the day, reducing the group to twelve.
So, on to Turners Hill, ticked off without problems. Long descent down East Street and on towards the tip of Weir Wood Reservoir. Always entertaining when riders at the frontguess at the route - invariably the wrong way.
Up the long climb of Legsheath Lane to the crossroad and a re-group. Now back to Sharpthorne and West Hoathly. Hook Lane was entertaining, first a mum plus small kid on electric car in middle of the road, rather surprised as we threaded past. At this point Dave G was at the front as we came up behind a couple of large horses being led between fields. Dave must have taken the "own the road" pills first thing, dishing out grump-old-man advice to the tardy horse leaders. For the next couple of cars ahead, a rapid sweeping hand jesture (get off my road) spread the love even further.
All forgotten, Cob Lane gets steeper and steeper down hill at this point. Been down Cob Lane from Ardingly a few times, but never up it. 50 meter climb bending left then right. Proper steep (20% sign at the top) damp road with a new sensation - front wheel lifting as you pedalled.
A couple of riders ran out of gears/legs but the rest pedalled to the top. A puncture stop at the top then down College Road, across to Borde Hill for the final drag up to the Tea Stop.
Fabulous Cake as ever, slight delay as another group (Crwaley Tri) had arrived a minute before us and got their orders in.
Refreshed for the photo, back down Mill Lane and the first reservoir climb then up Paddockhurst Lane to the back of Worth Abbey.
Enough of the hills, down past Tulleys and the quick route home. Over the M23 and plenty of headwind on Hathersham Lane.
Excellent group, plenty chatter, 14mph and brilliant cake.
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