22 January - Walberton start - Limeburners' Arms, Newbridge near Billingshurst
3 women (Jill, Anne & Mary) and two men (Jeff & Phil) met at Walberton Pond on a clear but cold morning to tackle the challenging ride to Newbridge and back. The temperature rose slowly as we rode, but it was still jolly cold when we stopped for coffee at the RSPB at Pulborough Brooks having followed the usual route out through Amberley and Rackam. Our leader decided to try the off-road route due north from the RSPB turning at the White Horse and following the road across the A29 to eventually pick up the bridleway to cross the river by the old stone bridge. The bridleway was passable - on foot - but the four bikes were caked with sticky mud by the time we reached the main road near Wisborough Green, and we had several stops to clear the mud from mudguards and pedals during the rest of the day.

Turning right at the main road, we soon reached the Limeburners where a large Horsham group were already on their second round of drinks and starting into their food. We ordered ours and exchanged pleasantries with the Horsham group.

After lunch, we returned to Wisborough Green and then took the minor road over the hills to Fittleworth, taking care to avoid the low-flying owls as usual. From Fittleworth we headed in a slightly round-about way to Bury where we stopped at the tearooms for afternoon tea. We then headed across to climb Houghton Hill to Whiteways and then on to the spur where we parted company with Anne and Jill returning via Barnham, and Mary, Phil & Jeff heading down the main road to Eastergate.