I'm from Horsham which is 10ish miles from Crawley so I might be able to help.
Crawley is pretty shitty, it is rideable (just like anything is) but getting the train is the sensible option. Trains to Clapham Junction will be your best bet and will take around 40 minutes. Southern trains always have a bike carridge so it's not too bad getting the train. Not really worth it for drinks everyweek but for big forum rides or events it won't be much trouble at all.
As James said you can get out in to the sticks really easily and there are some nice quite roads about, I'd suggest getting some gears though.
I'm from Horsham which is 10ish miles from Crawley so I might be able to help.
Crawley is pretty shitty, it is rideable (just like anything is) but getting the train is the sensible option. Trains to Clapham Junction will be your best bet and will take around 40 minutes. Southern trains always have a bike carridge so it's not too bad getting the train. Not really worth it for drinks everyweek but for big forum rides or events it won't be much trouble at all.
As James said you can get out in to the sticks really easily and there are some nice quite roads about, I'd suggest getting some gears though.