Cycling to Spin up in a Brewery, beer, BBQ, Dark Star

A cycling event billed as “Beer, Bikes and BBQ” drew riders to a brewery site in Partridge Green on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

A group of friends and I made the trip by mountain bike, setting off from Horsham on a route through Warnham, Broadbridge Heath, Barns Green, Dragon’s Green, Shipley, Dial Post and Lodge Lane before reaching Partridge Green. The aim was to add a few extra miles rather than take the most direct line. The return leg was more straightforward, following the Downs Link to Copsale and then Sedgwick Lane back to Horsham. All told, the round trip came to 30 miles, mixing country lanes with bridleways.

We arrived just after 1pm to find plenty of people already there. Two organised ride-outs had set off from Brighton, and the brewery yard was steadily filling with bikes as we pulled in.

The afternoon’s programme included a barbecue, roller racing against the clock, beer stalls and a beer bike, along with several stands selling cycling gear and other food, cakes among them. We spent the afternoon drinking a few ales, watching riders post some impressive times on the rollers, browsing a range of well-made bikes and looking over the brewery shop, which stocks a mix of beer and cycling equipment.

It was also good to meet Lois, who was running a stall selling bicycle art prints and badges.

The day was thoroughly enjoyable. It is encouraging to see cycling events of this kind supported by local businesses, and the marketing value for the brewery seems clear. I will certainly be heading back before long to pick up one of their “beer fuelled” cycling water bottles and a few pints from the brewery shop.