South Downs Scramble

14th July 2024

Meet at Tesco New Malden (KT3 4PJ) at 09:45hrs. Pre-ride briefing is at 10:15hrs prompt. Our policy is no briefing - no ride.

Coffee Stop & Petrol Stop: Rykas.

During the Second World War, there were many military airfields across the South of the UK. Many were satellite fields long forgotten or used now for other purposes, but others, such as Goodwood and Biggin Hill remain active to this day. We will be passing through one, formerly RAF Ford, and ending the ride at the former RAF Tangmere. Ford was heavily involved in D Day, and Tangmere was known for flying secret agents into occupied France.

Due to ongoing work at Warr’s, we will meet at Tesco New Malden car park (post code KT3 4PJ) and head, after the briefing, down the A3 to Rykas, for a comfort stop and chance to refuel for those with a smaller tank. We will then leave Rykas, pass through Dorking to meander through the Surrey Hills towards Arundel, where we turn to pass through HMP Ford. This is based on a part of the old RAF Ford and still uses some of the buildings of that establishment. It is bisected by a main road, and has a Café, Serving Thyme, which serves the general public. Please do not stop and pick up hitchhikers, as you may be ‘Banged Up’ and ‘Slopping Out’!

Leaving Ford, we will sweep around the remainder of the airfield, hopefully avoiding the car boot sale traffic, and head back briefly to the A27, before turning off to the Tangmere museum, where we will have the group photo. This will be the end of the official ride. Much of Tangmere is now given over to farmland and industrial units, but the old control tower is still visible. Entrance is £12.20, with concessionary charge of £10.00 for those over 60 and/or with service ids, and there is the Cockpit Café if you are hungry.

Alternatively, there are many places in Chichester, Arundel or others nearby, should you want a more substantial meal. Smith and Western in Chichester is a few minutes away. Their post code is PO19 8DN, and website is smith-western.co.uk. Please pre-book for around 14.00 if you wish to make a reservation.

Your ride leader: Nigel Gaskin - C&F Road Captain