May 5 2014

A most unusual ride - 30 miles to elevenses, but only four more to lunch! Despite the modest 70 miles, we were late at every checkpoint. I reached home just before seven. Sunny but windy and not as warm as many had hoped.

Ed hopelessly outnumbered by women lost three at Rusper (partly due to car boot traffic) so delivered only Lilian to Horsham. If the truth be known they had told him in advance. That swelled our ranks to a modest seven though Dave W was soon for home. Despite an up-to-date map showing a bridleway leading from the station, Bob assured us that Downs Link had to be joined a mile or so to the west of Christ's Hospital. Here a lady (photo to be supplied by Jeff) caught our attention. When finally we did reach The Red Lyon Slinfold, it was well after one and the late-starting Neil was here supping a first pint.

Close to the site of Slinford railway station (now a caravan site) saw us back on the Downslink and we further dallied at the double bridge over the Arun when some went in search of wild garlic! After taking a tumble near to the A281 crossing but unharmed, Bob disappeared Guildford. At Rudgwick we took the familiar route to Capel via Weare Street. By now it was 1530; Steve and Anne, Terry in mufti and Sally had got there before us. And so another hour was lost sampling the cakes......