Five of us set off from the Drome in the sharp air of a typical Indian summer. I did wonder if some riders had been put off by our Chair's Update comments about 20% gradients! After 10 miles, the arm warmers came off as the sun came through and the temperature rose. The warm-up was completed on Bashurst Hill followed a few miles later by the steeper Woods Hill before descending into West Chiltington.
After a short stretch of the A238 past the RSPB Reserve at Pulborough Brooks, we took to the lanes again to Amberley, where we enjoyed lunch overlooking the River Arun in the Riverside Tea Rooms. Reluctantly we took to our bikes again (I dismissed. with difficulty, the thought of a couple of beers in the sun before catching the train home).
A mile down the road at Houghton, we took the lanes to Bury, West Burton and Fittleworth. After a long climb and a steeper descent to Wisborough Green, we headed home via Dungewick, Rudgwick and Weare Street. At Newdigate, I was comprehensively dropped except for Philip who kinfly hung back to accompany me home.
I registered 80 miles and 6200 ft of climbing; another enjoyable ride in the last of the September sun.
Mike Ormerod