Cycling report, January 2014, wet and windy, Horsham, Sussex

The first month of 2014 brought little encouragement for cyclists in Horsham and the wider Sussex area. Persistent wet and windy conditions made it difficult to get out on the bike, and the opportunities to ride were few and far between.

Even so, three rides were completed during January, each lasting around an hour and covering roughly 13 miles. Modest as that sounds, it represents more mileage than the same period a year earlier, so the month was not without its positives.

A lack of proper wet-weather clothing makes heading out in the rain an unappealing prospect. For now, the approach is to watch for brief gaps in the weather and make the most of them.

Every ride completed so far this year has been an enjoyable one, which is ultimately what matters most.