This ride was led by Arthur and met at Brockenhurst Station at 11.00. I obtained a lift from Richard and the drive to Brockenhurst with a lot of the route on the fast M27 was only an hour. We joined Arthur and Lynn at the Station Car Park and also numerous friend of Arthur from the Moulton Club and some CTC riders from Southampton . There were 14 of us in total.

Next it was a very quiet back lane passing to the south of East Boldre. A stop was required as I noticed my crank was feeling very loose and looking down at it the crank was wobbling enough to be on the verge of falling off. This was my Roberts Bike and a few months ago I had replaced the bottom bracket and chainset. A suitably sized large allen key soon had it tightened up.

We continued to the riverside at Lymington and split up to have lunch at various locations and then met up at 2.45 for the return ride.

The ride was 25 miles. I had cycled up to Richards so my mileage for the day was 39.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:19 BST

Updated: Sunday, 8 August 2010 20:25 BST

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For today’s ride we met at Walberton Pond. I was the leader and I was joined by Colin, Avryl, Anne and Gill. Alan and Liz and Freda and Jim went by car to Wiggonholt and then rode from there to join us for the Picnic at Wisborough Green so 9 out for the day.

Weather was mainly cloudy though with some sunny spells and temperatures up to about 22C. We rode via Slindon Woods and Eartham and over the downs on the main road. When we reached Duncton Hill for a fast descent we were pleased to discover that it has been resurfaced with good smooth tarmac. We continued on lanes to Tiffins at Petworth for elevenses.

Mileage from and back to Walberton Pond was 40. My mileage was 57.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 21:26 BST

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John R led this ride accompanied by Graham and Julian.  Harvey and Edwin joined us at the pub.

The weather had been miserable all day but the sun came out in the evening, making for very pleasant cycling.

The route taken was via Yapton, Ford Lane, Tortington, and along the rough  track through Binsted Woods to emerge back on Walberton Lane.  Then past the Royal Oak, over the A27 and in an upward direction to the pub.

We went our separate ways on the return ride home, and the round trip mileage was approx 19.5

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 02:33 BST

Updated: Sunday, 1 August 2010 02:41 BST

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Today there were 2 rides. I was leading the longer ride to Portchester and Harvey led the shorter ride to Staunton. The weather started cloudy but cleared to sunny intervals and temperatures up to about 24C.

En route to the start I came across some wildlife. First on a path crossing the Pagham Rife there was a swan with 6 cygnets. The Swan hissed at me as I passed no doubt in a protective mood. Later on the Canal Path from Hunston to Chichester I encountered a Heron on the path. It lives on the canal but I have never seen it on the path before. To avoid disturbing it I stopped far enough away and took pictures with a zoom.

We took the usual route on the South Coast Cycle route lanes via Woodmancote and Westbourne to Rowlands Castle for early elevenses. Just as we were leaving Harvey and his group who started 30 minutes later arrived.

Then it was on via Forest Gate, Worlds End and near North Boarhunt. Finally we climbed up the steep ridge to Portsdown Hill coming out by Nelsons Monument. Then it was straight down the other side and into Portchester and the Castle. Sam, Gill and Colleen had lunch at the nearby Cormorant Inn while Colin and I had sandwiches in the Castle grounds. The castle is free entry apart from the Norman Keep. The walls which front onto Portsmouth harbour date from Roman times and I explored the path along the waterfront.

We took a similar route back via Westbourne. Mileage from and back to Chichester was 47. My mileage was 60.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:48 BST

Updated: Sunday, 25 July 2010 20:59 BST

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5 riders met at the Cross on a humid, warm but overcast day - Edwin, David Glue, Sam, Harvey and Avryl. We rode to a second meeting place at Walberton where we were joined by Alan for a short while. 

Via Madehurst we rode up to Whiteways where we had coffee alongside an unusually large gathering of motor-cycles of all shapes and sizes.

After a long break we set off again in sunshine via part of the Arun path and then Ford road.

We had a strong headwind to Barnham having decided to investigate a new teashop. We found that it is called "Lily's" and is opposite the Chemists shop. It is open until 3.00 pm on Sundays. We were made very welcome and what thirsty cyclist can refuse tea at 90p a cup! 

From here we started splitting up to go back our various ways.  The Chichester contingent found themselves in hitherto unknown territory through the pathways and back streets of the city.

Mileage 31 mls.            Notes by leader...... Avryl. Photos by Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 22:06 BST

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The weather today consisted of strong winds and a dark threatening sky. It had rained hard earlier in the afternoon and threatened to do so again; however in the event nothing more than (literally) a few drops fell until long after the ride had finished.

Only Jo and I met at the Leisure Centre, although we were later joined by Harvey who had made his own way to the pub.

As the weather wasn't particularly encouraging, we took a short route via Felpham village, Middleton Green and Elmer and straight along the beach from there to Climping.

The continuing sea protection works along that stretch of coastline mean you never quite know what state the "path" is going to be in. Tonight we found that much of the length had been scraped of shingle to leave it rideable in places but soft sand in others. As we got closer to Climping the shingle became rideable again.

The return trip followed the main A259 road from Climping to Comet Corner. By the time we got there the traffic had been so light and with the wind assisting so efficiently, we carried on down the 259 to Worms Lane, taking the shortcut on the abandoned stretch of old road to miss the roadworks at Flansham.

Back to Felpham before 10pm and still in daylight, I recorded a modest 10.5 miles.

Graham 

Posted by RideLeader at 23:12 BST

Updated: Friday, 16 July 2010 23:27 BST

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Today was the 2 Weald Rides organised by Horsham Section where riders from all West Sussex Groups met at Wisborough Green and had a choice of 4 approx 25 mile routes. The weather today was sunny in the morning with more cloud building up in the afternoon and temperatures of about 23C. There was a strong SW wind

There were 19 in all with a fair spread from all Sections. From Bognor Chichester there was myself (Edwin) Anne, Colin and also Alan and Liz who arrived later and did the southern route.

After tea and cakes 6 of us set out together on the western route, Myself, Anne, Colin, and John Wickins and Phil and Verna.

The Western route is challenging (hilly) and probably the prettiest. I did not check the exact amount of climbing for the route on my bike computer but from the total for the day it must have been well over 1500ft which is fairly good for 26 miles.

We took a route west to Kirdford and then a lane towards Northchapel before turning of for Ebernoe. Here in the Woods according to Phil and Verna who did a visit, there is a Bat reserve where many species of Bat hang out in the trees.

We passed the Cricket Ground looking quite parched and on to the main road and a right and then left for Lurgashall. I carefully descended the steep hill where last year on the I-Spy ride my old Mercian came to grief. In Lurgashall village a cricket match was underway on the Green, classic summer country scene.

Then it was more lanes in the Lodsworth direction but turning off for the village of River. This is a very pretty lane with a steep descent to a stream and then a vertical climb up through the village. I got a good start on this and stopped for a picture after the steepest part.

Then it was on up through the village and along a lane which has views across to the Downs.

At the end the official route was right to the main road to Petworth. I felt a prettier route would be left on a lane to Tillington and then Petworth. This meant an extra hill thrown in gratis to the group.

At Petworth we stopped for a welcome elevenses at Tiffins. This is always a cheery place to visit where everybody whatever their age is called young man or young lady.

Onwards and it was through Byworth and then a good long hill over the Weald before descending to Kirdford and Wisborough Green. Most of us went to the Café for lunch and caught up with stories from Dave Fox and Richard Boulton of their Corsica trip.

We all made our own ways home some having come by car, train or cycled up.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:47 BST

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A really lovely evening for cycling - warm and sunny, with no wind to speak of.

I was joined at the start point by Edwin, Julian, Jo, Steve and Carol.

We headed west to North Bersted skirting north Bognor, then took Shripney Lane and northwards to Lidsey and Woodgate. Then it was through Aldingbourne village via Hook Lane. At Aldingbourne I took the group down a little known bridleway which runs from Aldinge Farm to East Hampnett.  Its been a while since I took this track and was a little worried as for the first 200 yards or so it was very overgrown. Fortunately it widened out (just as well, as it is about 3/4 mile long) and we were able to negotiate it without difficulty.

Half way down we came across some friendly horses, obviously not used to seeing anybody on what is truly off the beaten track.

Emerging at Crockerhill, we negotiated a very busy A27 and into the pub. There we were entertained by what appeared to be the local guitar club, having a sing-a-long.

On the route home, Edwin peeled off at Aldingbourne to return via Oving and Colworth, whilst the rest of us headed for Barnham. By the time we got there it was still light eough to take the cycetrack across the fields to Flansham and Felpham, completing a circular ride of 16.3 miles.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 22:24 BST

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A HOT summers day.  How often can one say that?  No need to take waterproofs or warm clothes.

7 of us met at Chichester Cross - Harvey, David, Avryl, Arthur, and Linda, Zeffy and Karen from the Moulton Group.

We headed off to Stansted House for our coffee stop going via Clay Lane and Aldsworth.  From here we went up to Forestside and down to Dean Lane End and Rowlands Castle.  We went through Westbourne, where Linda had a puncture, and Southbourne to reach the A259 and hence to Prinsted.  We were joined at The Boaters Bar by Alan and Liz, Lynn, Keith and two more Moultoneers, Di and Bri, who came by car due to Di's injured leg.

After lunch we cycled around the Chidham peninsular then back on the A259.  At the Bosham roundabout we lost Arthur and Lynn because Arthur had a problem with the bearings in his front wheel and wished to keep the riding to the minimum.  David and Keith left to get home to try and catch some of the all-important England v Germany football match in the World Cup (which we lost hopelessly). 

The rest of us cycled round the Bosham peninsular where the tide had gone out sufficiently to allow us to go round the water's edge.  We carried on to Bosham Hoe and came back to the A259 at Fishbourne.  Waiting to join us at the The Roman Palace for our tea stop were Alan and Liz, Arthur and Lyn, and Di and Bri.  

From here we continued to Chichester and there went our various ways to home.  Everyone declared it a most enjoyable day.

Total mileage  34mls.                         Ride notes by leader.......Avryl 

Posted by RideLeader at 22:17 BST

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Today the weather was sunny and hot with temperatures up to 28C though we caught an occasional cooling breeze from the SW.

The meeting point for the ride was Chichester Cross. I was leading and I was joined there by Sam, Rex, Gill and Colin. We later collected John Wickens at Havant

I led us out via Clay Lane and the South Coast cycle route lanes to Westbourne and then Havant where we met John. From Havant it was up Portsdown Hill with good clear views down across Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight. Then it was down a lane next to a monument to Nelson and a winding route on lanes before joining the B Road into Wickham. We stopped here for elevenses. We had intended to go to the main cafe in the square but this was packed with a queue out the door so Gill led us to The Baytree Cafe up an alley to the back of the square.

We then continued on more lanes towards our destination of Upham. We skirted Bishops Waltham and onto another lane to start the climb to Upham This involved some narrow lanes and a fair bit of climbing

In the afternoon we headed on a different lane back to the edge to Bishops Waltham and then a lane via Dundridge and then over Shepherds Down to the top looking down to Droxford and the Meon valley. We stopped to regroup and take on water in the gathering heat.

 The fields were especially green with hay and early corn fields as we dropped down to Droxford and then lanes along the valley via Soberton and then a winding lane across the Downs to Hambledon. There was some discussion as to whether we would make it to Rowlands Castle before they closed or whether to stop at Lotts Café Hambledon. Gill made the sensible suggestion of stopping at both with an ice cream at the shop in Rowlands if necessary.

After tea at Lotts Cafe I took everybody by surprise by turning into a road with gates looking like a driveway which is actually a public road on a lane up a stiff climb.

 Then it was a fairly gravel strewn tarmac lane which probably only ever sees tractors. After another stiff climb (17% by my new bike computer) it was on to Horndean. I was now well into the World Cup Match and as we got to the junction there was the novel site of no cars at all on the usually busy road there. John left us at Horndean to ride down to Havant where his car was parked.

We continued on lanes to Rowlands Castle and although the café was in the process of closing Sam persuaded them to serve us. Colin and Rex needed to get back so just Sam, Gill and I stayed and tucked in to our second tea.

We returned on the usual route via Westbourne.

The ride distance from and back to Chichester Cross was about 61 miles. My mileage was 71 miles.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 22:07 BST

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Today the weather was dry and sunny with some cloudy spells in the morning. A northerly wind kept temperatures down to about 18C.

Gill was our leader and she was joined at The Cross by myself (Edwin) Harvey, Sam, John Wickens and Sue Howe.

We took a route out via Clay Lane, West Ashling and then the B Road via Funtington and Aldsworth where we stopped briefly to regroup.

Then it was on to Stansted for elevenses where our usual bike park had been taken over by more tables so we parked them on the grass. We met there a big group from Bognor CC on their morning Club Ride.

After elevenses it was up Forestside and a lane along the top before a fast descent to West Marden and on to Compton. Then it was a quiet lane with a fair few ups and downs. A final climb took us to North Marden.

After a short ride along the B Road it was a fast descent to Hooksway beating large numbers of walkers who later formed a queue out the door. Colin joined us after making his own way there.

After the sharp climb out of Hooksway it was a fast descent down the Chilgrove road and on via Lavant to Tangmere for the Strawberry Tea at Avryl’s. We were soon tucking into Strawberries and cream, Carrot Cake, shortbread, orange juice and teas and coffees.

We were joined there by Eric, Richard, Arthur and Lynn, Brian and Brian and other friends of Arthur. Dave Glue joined us late after having ridden the London to Brighton Bike Ride. 19 of us gathered altogether on Avryl’s lawn.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 35. My mileage was 45.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:46 BST

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John R led this ride from the Arun Leisure Centre. There were four riders at the start, Edwin, Graham, Julian and John. Harvey met us later at the pub.  It was a beautiful sunny and warm evening, excellent cycling conditions.

We set out via the Barnham cycletrack up to Walberton. Then it was the beginning of an uphill slog as we sweated our way via Fontwell and Slindon Bottom, then the long hard climb up to Eartham and the pub. 

After some welcome refreshment the return route was downhill all the way to Crockerhill and then Aldingbourne, where Edwin and John turned off to return via Oving and Colworth, whilst Julian and I took a more direct route via the Island at Westergate, then Shripney and a final "hill" over Highfield Bridge back to Felpham.

I'd done 19.3 miles by the time I got home.

Graham for John.

Posted by RideLeader at 00:43 BST

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The weather today was fine and sunny though with temperatures reduced to about 18C by a stiff SSW wind.

The ride today was led by Colin and he was joined at Walberton Pond by Gill. They took a route via Wiston for elevenses and then over to Poynings Garden Centre for lunch.

I was still taking it easy after my hip flared up a few weeks ago so I got a train to Hove. From there it was up though town and on to the Devils Dyke Road and a long but gentle climb to the top of the Downs above the Devils Dyke. Then down to Poynings and a short way round to the Garden Centre. I arrived a few minutes after Colin and Gill. We were also joined by John Wickens who had made his own way direct from Worthing.

The return route was along the back of the Downs via Bramber and then Coombe lane to Shoreham with fine views along the lane.

We passed round Shoreham Airfield where there was a special event and it was good to see a lot of families out on bikes. We then took the seafront cycle path trough Lancing and on to Worthing Pier where the others stopped for tea.

 I went on to Worthing Station to use my day return ticket to go on to Barnham. I then took the Barnham cycle path across to Flansham and stopped for an ice cream break at the seafront at Felpham.

My mileage for the day was 38 so Colin and Gill must have done a lot more.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:36 BST

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It was a dull and cloudy today, but the wind was warm and it never looked like raining as four of us set out from central Bognor.

Val, Steve, Carol and I headed eastwards via Bognor Golf Club then off-road through Flansham to join the Barnham cycletrack. From  Barnham it was on to Eastergate, where the village fete was in full swing as we passed by. Briefly making use of the A29 we turned off-road again up Northfields Lane to join Level Mare Lane. The offroad tracks were puddly but, despite the recent rain, not muddy.

From Level Mare Lane it was life-in-your-hands time as we crossed a very fast and busy A27 and the final few yards to Aldingbourne Country Centre. Waiting for us was Edwin, resplendent with new Mercian, and Alan & Liz, who had ridden up earlier to check out a new track for Sunday's ride. 

 As soon as we arrived the clouds moved over, the sun came out, and a warm afternoon began to turn into a hot one.

Tea stop at Aldingbourne Country Centre -  Low Resolution, resized image

 Edwin joined us for the run back to Bognor, which was via Crockerhill, Aldingbourne Village, Hook Lane, Westergate, Shripney and North Bersted village, completing a circular ride of about 17 miles.  My mileage starting and finishing at home was 23.3.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 22:40 BST

Updated: Saturday, 12 June 2010 23:21 BST

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Very pleasant evening tonight, sunny with not much wind, although it got noticeably fresher as dusk fell.

There were 5 of us at the start point - Val, Jo, Julian, John, and myself.  As i had done a few miles earlier in the day I decided on a straightforward gentle route avoiding the busy roads. From Bognor Golf club we went up North Lane to join the Barnham cyclepath at the top of Hoe Lane. Then it was on through Barnham, down Lake Lane and over the railway at the occupation crossing in Maypole Lane.

We passed the Maypole pub, ran along Ford Lane and straight to the Ship & Anchor.  The campsite next to the pub was full of campers for this half term week, including a contingent of german motorcyclists working their way along the south coast. Also camped there was a lone chap on his pushbike, touring from Kent to the Isle of Wight. I was chatting to him in the pub and he told me he was worried about the trafffic in Portsmouth. Using his OS map I drew his attention to the route via the Hayling Ferry. He said he had wanted to incorporate Hayling Island in his trip but didn't think he had time. Hopefully he will try our suggested route.

We returned to Felpham direct via Ford Lane, Yapton and Middleton, arriving back just about 10pm when it was still not fully dark.

My round trip mileage was 13.6.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 23:22 BST

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The weather today was dry with sunny spells and temperatures up to 18C but feeling a little chilly at times in a strong NW wind.

Harvey was our leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by myself (Edwin) Alan, Liz, Mark Dudman and Robin Birtley.

We rode out of Chichester on West Street and then the cycle path past the Roman Palace. Then it was onto the lanes winding around to come out at Bosham Harbour and round the Harbour with fine views of the village and Church.

A lot of seaweed had washed up on the road which floods at high tide. This was exceptionally thick and all over the road near the village. I took a diversion onto the higher footpath to save my new Mercian from duel attacks by seawater and seaweed.

We stopped for elevenses at The Arcade Cafe. Outside were some very posh steel hammock chairs. They looked very nice until one read the price tag of £2900.

After refreshments Harvey took us up to the Bosham Roundabout and then the old road and a lane up to Hambrook where Robin left us to return home for lunch. We continued via Woodmancote and then past Racton to stop for lunch at the Barley Mow, Walderton. Alan and Liz left here to have sandwiches and then return home direct.

After lunch Harvey, Mark and I headed back via Funtington and then the quiet lane from Funtington to West Stoke.

After a Tea stop at the Roman Palace Cafe we headed back into Chichester and split up to head home. Mileage from and back to Chichester was 25. My mileage was 36.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:46 BST

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Yesterday I had finished building up my new Mercian Frame into a complete bike. Today was its first outing. Dry warm and sunny. No rain, no mud so it avoided all the things it will be allergic to.

On the Way to Havant for the start of the Langstone ride I stopped at Chichester Cross for 9.30. I had thought they would be going in my direction for a while but Colin planned to get there via Cocking. Colin led a group of 6 in all.Colin, Anne, Gill, Rex and Roger at the Cross and joined later by Chris Dart. I gather they had a good hard ride stopping for coffee up at Rake near Petersfield. Then it was a late lunch at West Meon and tea missed out because Rowlands Castle was closed by 4.00.

I continued to Havant via Westbourne for the start of the Circuit of Langstone Harbour Ride meeting at Havant Station car park at 10.30. The ride was originally due to be by Richard but as he was away Arthur took over. From the CTC there was Arthur, Lynn, Dave, Jan, Harvey and myself. However Arthur’s multiple Moulton connections brought in another 11 so 17 in total.

We rode down the start of the Hayling Billy trail to Langstone Harbour Bridge and stopped for elevenses at the Marina at North Hayling. This has a drinks machine which supplied me with a Hot Chocolate and a few others with drinks before it gave up under weight of numbers and the heat and broke down. After a rest we gathered outside ready to cause chaos on the lanes of Hayling with the poor motorists trying to get past.

Anticipating problems getting on one ferry Arthur and Lynn and a few more including myself left early leaving the rest to get the next ferry in 30 minutes. It was a nice smooth crossing and we settled on the other side at another fry up Cafe to wait. I passed up another lunch but did have an ice cream.

The others missed this Cafe as we were ready to go as their ferry arrived. We took a convoluted back street and cyclepath route through the eastern edges of Portsmouth and eventually onto the eastern road cyclepath with a sea breeze tailwind behind us.

My mileage for the day was 49.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:24 BST

Updated: Sunday, 23 May 2010 20:41 BST

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I was leading the long ride today and as I rode up to Chichester Cross there ahead of me was a great gathering of about 200 cyclists…What’s going on? Has our turnout suddenly escalated. Do they all really want to ride to Northchapel?

Our turnout was more modest at 7 with Anne, Gill, Colin, Jeff, Avryl and Rex joining me. The Mayor of Chichester was there to see off the Charity Riders. He then had a chat to Jeff, good to have friends in high places! We sort of got seen off by the Mayor, heading off soon after 9.30.

The route had to be a little different from normal due to the Goodwood Duathlon. Run Cycle and then run. This had involved a lot of roads near Goodwood being closed for the morning.

There was a slight surfeit of cycling events this morning. As well as the all important CTC ride to Northchapel there was the Charity Ride, The Duathlon and two Sportives. We met riders from the 133 k Duncton Sunday Sportive near Eartham. This did a circuit East –West between West Meon and Parham. Then north of Petworth we saw signs for the South West Road Club May Flyer Sportive which did a North – South circuit starting at Cobham and going as far south as Amberley.

To avoid the Duathlon roads I took a route via Tangmere, Halnaker and Eartham. Then it was down Duncton Hill and lanes to Petworth for elevenses. It was very chilly, about 13C with a NE wind. We met Arun Adur riders at Tiffins just as they were leaving. We were due to meet again for lunch at Northchapel.

After elevenses I took quiet lanes vial Balls Cross and lanes up to Northchapel. Apart from Jeff we all had sandwiches on the Green and then went into the Pub to join the Arun Adur riders.

Getting ready to leave outside Colin entertained us with a little dance to keep warm, well not exactly dance, more jumping up and down.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 50. My mileage was 61.

Ride to West Wittering

Arthur led a shorter ride gathering a flock of 15. Arthur and Lynn, Alan and Liz, Barry, Dave, Jan, Sonja, Dawn and Fred and 5 of Arthur’s friends from the Moulton Club.

They stopped for elevenses at Chichester Yacht basin and with their 10.00 start managed to avoid the massed charity riders.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 22:59 BST

Updated: Monday, 10 May 2010 11:20 BST

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