East Sussex Randonnee 2011
Sunday 12th June 2011.
Having decided to apply for this event some weeks ago,I duly motored over to the
start point at Ringmer Scout Hall where I met Neil and Jo Taylor from Shoreham who were
doing the 100km ride. I was doing the 80km ride this year so after booking in and
partaking of the usual quick cuppa and biscuits, I made an early start as the drizzle
had already started.
The route went via Norlington to the A26, through Barcombe Cross on through Newick
and North Chailey, Jackies Lane and Freshfield Lane. Passing the Sloop PH, I pressed on
along Ketches Lane and Sliders Lane to the first control point at Heaven Farm, Danehill.
Several other riders had already arrived and I enjoyed a quick coffee and toast, noting
that a smart terrace area had been constructed outside the barn - sadly unusable due to
the rain that day!
I met up with Paul, an independent CTC rider from Portslade and we set off on the
next stretch via Furners Green, Sheffield Park, skirting Fletching, Nutley, Fairwarp,
and Coopers Green. Bypassing Uckfield, I reached Copwood where I stopped for sightseeing
purposes leaving Paul to continue on his own. On reaching Isfield, I had a quick
refreshment break in a convenient bus shelter before continuing on through High Cross,
Palehouse Common, Chiddingly and Golden Cross which was the second control point where
I met Tony and Becky Green from Brighton.
After a most welcome drink and three cakes, I decided not to stop at the pub but
followed some others back to the start point via Ripe, Laughton and some new lanes
at the back of Ringmer village. I duly checked back at 14.15 having started at about
9.15am.
A very well organised event, as usual, with less riders this year perhaps due to
the drizzle which persisted all day and got heavier as expected. The refreshments at
Ringmer were well provided as ever. I found no problems following the route sheet
provided and was pleased to find some new lanes, particularly around Chiddingly and
Nutley.
John Wickens.