Over the last week the weather has remained excellent. Temperatures have been about 22C with clear blue skies. In the week and a half I have been here I have hardly seen a cloud which is unusual even for Lanzarote.

I had a setback in my cold recovery a week ago. I rode into the hills too early. I was off the bike again for several days. Following that I kept to flat rides along the coastal cyclepath to Arrecife. The path goes past the end of the runway where I stopped on several days for some plane spotting. This is quite spectacular as they roar just overhead to land.

Posted by RideLeader at 20:37 GMT

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I arrived here on Tuesday with the plane on time and 100 spare seats so I had a row to myself.

You may not want to know this but since I arrived there have been clear blue skies, light winds and temperatures 22 to 24C. Lowest nightime temperature has been 16C.

I started on a bad cold just before New Year so I have taken it easy with cycling, limiting myself to flat rides on the cycle path on the coast to Arrecife which is 18 miles return for the first few days.

I brought with me my Digital SLR Camera and a new 10-20mm wide angle lens to try out. Also last month I discovered HDR Photography and have been trying this out. HDR means high dynamic range and involves taking 3 images at different exposures of the same scene and combining them together in software. This results in a higher range of light in the photograph than is normally possible and produce striking images.

Below is a photo of the sunrise on Puerto del Carmen beach. Not too early a start as sunrise was 07.50.

Yesterday I felt well enough for a short ride into the hills. This was up some backroads to 1000ft. I was aiming for some HDR photos of a crater so a tripod was strapped to the carrier. The crater is quite spectacular and I have taken photos from the road before. However there is a footpath which goes round it with an entrance to walk into the crater floor where there is a gap in the rim. I have never done this on Lanzarote before, probably because I don’t normally do walking.

Inside the crater rim it was quite spectacular. The photo below of the crater floor was taken after waiting for a coach load of German Tourists to do a brief visit.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:31 GMT

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Four of us started out from Chichester - Edwin, Gill, Keith and Avryl on a cold morning following a frost overnight.

There were very few customers both at the Tea Shop and our coffee stop probably due to the previously severe weather keeping the Christmas shoppers from venturing out until today.  

We followed a direct route home via Funtingdon, West Stoke and Lavant.   Today had been a positively tropical temperature compared with the last 2 weeks and must have hit a dizzy high of 4 degrees.

Mileage  27mls                                      Notes by Avryl (Leader)

Posted by RideLeader at 21:24 GMT

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There was a break in the recent bad weather for today's Saturday ride - temperature hovered around 4-5 degrees (about 10 up on recent days) and with no wind to speak of  5 people turned up for a bit of fresh air and excercise. I was joined by Julian, Val, Carol and Steve.

The route took us along Bognor seafront but we hadn't set out for more than 10 minutes before Carol fell victim to a puncture. Fortunately Steve carried a spare tube and we were off again in no time. We went along the prom, then through Aldwick Green and  to the Lower Bognor Road, then the tracks across Park Farm to emerge at Lagness. From there it was across Merston Aerodrome, across the busy dual carriageway, and into the Garden Centre.

After coffee and refreshments we found time to go into the main retail area which had been transformed into a winter wonderland, and of course, Father Christmas was in residence.  Val insisted on having her picture taken with him.

Val tells Santa what she wants for Christmas

After all that excitement it was time to return, which was straight down the Chichester-Bognor Cycletrack to Bersted, then backroads to Highfield Bridge, through the college grounds, and back to the library via Hotham Park, completing a circular trip of 12.8 miles.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 23:11 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 19 December 2010 14:40 GMT

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Today due to expected icy rides I had emailed all Sunday Riders to telephone me Saturday evening if they were coming. Only Anne rang so I arranged to meet at 10.00 instead of the planned 08.30 and then rang other possibles to tell them. Gill also came to The Cross on foot to say hello.

The weather today was a little warmer than of late reaching a balmy 4C. The difference in weather on the coast compared to inland was especially noticeable today. On the coast it was clear blue skies while inland on the Downs it was low cloud and mist. On the coast on Friday evening the rain had cleared nearly all snow while inland there was enough left for fields to be covered.

I led Anne on a shortened route taking the B-Road to Funtington and then lanes via West Stoke. We could see the low cloud and mist hanging over the Downs as we rode in bright sunshine. Then it was on via Lavant and across to the B-Road up to the Trundel. We rode up into the clouds at the racecourse. I took the route along the top expecting this to be clear of snow as it is a busier route. Wrong. There were a number of Sections with snow although fairly slushy. We still kept it fairly slow though.

Then it was on to the Stable Bar at Fontwell for Christmas Lunch and a seat by an open fire to warm up.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 22:06 GMT

Updated: Monday, 6 December 2010 16:58 GMT

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On Wednesday night the conditions affecting the North arrived in Sussex with 7 inches of snow blanketing the south coast. Before it was all disturbed I went out and took some pictures of the snowbound cars outside.

Later I had the bright idea of seeing what it was like on the bike by riding the half mile to the local shop. I got halfway with one foot down but then gave up and walked. Even at the main road into Pagham it was just compacted snow with enough traffic to make it treacherous but not enough to clear it.

Later on a few more pictures were taken of local roads.

Friday 3^rd December was very different with clear blue skies enhancing the snowbound landscape. I had thought of going further afield for snow pictures but a very sharp frost overnight had turned compacted snow to ice. I found on the internet that all bus services to Pagham were cancelled. The buses were diverted away from our icy wastes via the A259. All trains from Bognor were cancelled.

Instead the local area provide some picture taking opportunities with some berries up a nearby private road

and some scenes on Summer lane which goes west into open country.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 14:29 GMT

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Six of us started at Chichester Cross, Avryl as leader substituting for Arthur, Alan, Liz, Harvey, David and newcomer Jane who we were pleased to welcome.    We stopped for elevenses at Stansted House, Alan and Liz peeling off a little before then and Jane leaving after coffee, all having other commitments but joined there by Keith for the rest of the ride.

 From Stansted we rode to Forestside, Dean Lane End, Rowlands Castle and Emsworth to arrive for lunch at Boaters Bar, Prinsted. It was a rather dull and chilly morning with a fairly strong NE wind but we enjoyed some sunshine in the afternoon riding around to Chidham and Bosham where the tide was right out.

We arrived in time to stop for tea at the Roman Palace before it started to get dark. 

Mileage 34mls           

Written by Avryl

Posted by RideLeader at 19:21 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 21 November 2010 20:43 GMT

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The meeting point today was Walberton pond. I was the leader and I was joined by Colin and Anne. We had an early 9 AM start. The weather was initially dry but it soon started a steady light rain and it stayed wet the rest the day. Temperatures were about 10 C but there was very little wind.

As everybody in the group was what you might call a fast rider I set a very fast pace as I wanted to be at Pulborough in time to put out the paperwork before everybody arrived. We took a route out of Walberton and then up to the A29. Then we rode along the lanes via Madehurst and up to Whiteways Lodge. As a change from the usual route I then headed down Bury Hill and then onto lanes eventually coming out at Fittleworth. From there it was a fast ride along the A272 to Pulborough Village Hall.

The AGM went very well with about 23 attending. Arthur Smith chaired the meeting and we observed the two-minute silence at 11 AM. The existing committee was re-elected without change. Arthur mentioned that despite the very abysmal weather most of those attending had come by bicycle. After the meeting we got ready to leave from the handy bike park just outside the hall.

Horsham Section went to lunch at the nearby Oddfellows Pub. We and Arun Adur members went to the Rising Sun at Nutbourne. While we had lunch the rain outside became gradually heavier. Upon leaving we got ready with heavier waterproofs and Dave and Richard compared their capes.

For the return ride I let our group on the usual route via Amberley and then on to Houghton. Here we split up with Colin and Anne deciding to take a longer route via Duncton Hill. I continued with a climb up Houghton Hill and then straight home.

The ride from and back to Walberton was 30 miles. My mileage for the day was 47.

Edwin Jones

Posted by RideLeader at 19:46 GMT

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We met at Chichester Cross at 9.30 for today’s ride. The weather was dry but cold at about 10C with a NE wind.

 Gill was our leader and she was joined by myself, Colin and Avryl.

This was a good autumn leaves ride with all the trees showing a good display of colours.

We headed east on lanes via Westhampnett and then up the quiet climb to Pillygreen.

Then it was a fast descent to East Dean and along the lane at the base of the Downs to Upwaltham and along the main road to descend Duncton Hill. A sharp right at the bottom of the hill took us on more lanes via Barlavington.

Then it was on to Tiffins at Petworth for elevenses. Here we met the Arun Adur group, Brian and Sue Howe, Graham and Tony. Brian was motorised but very cheerful after getting the all clear to ride his Bike.

Arun Adur were heading directly home so Gill led us to lunch via Byworth to The White Horse at Sutton where we met John Maxim.

After lunch John headed back home via Arundel while the rest of us took the lane to the base of Duncton Hill.

After the stiff climb we headed south. Colin left us at Upwaltham and the Gill, Avryl and I took the lane via East Dean and Singleton to stop for tea at West Dean Gardens.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 40. My mileage for the day was 51.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:11 GMT

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The official ride today was quite short from Chichester Cross to West Stoke Village Hall for the Group’s AGM. I was the leader and I was joined at the Cross by Harvey, Avryl, Gill and Arthur and Lynn. More  made their own way direct to the Hall by Bike or car with a total of 15 at the meeting.

The weather today was clear blue skies but chilly especially early on with temperatures eventually reaching 10 C.

I led the group west out of Chichester on Clay Lane and then a lane north to East Ashling and then lanes over to West Stoke. There were a lot of other cyclists about with at one stage a group of about 15 passed us while another group of 10 were riding in the other direction.

At the meeting there were no changes in the Committee. The official business finished at about 12.00. We then got on with the serious business of teas and coffees served by Mary and Freda and picnic lunches.

I suggested extending the ride by going over to Aldingbourne. I was joined by Harvey, Colin, Anne and Gill. We rode via Lavant and then the climb up to Goodwood Racecourse. Then it was along the top of the Downs with great views down to the coast. Then it was a particularly long downhill via Eartham to Aldingbourne for an early tea. Here we met John Maxim finishing his lunch

The official ride distance return from Chichester was very short, about 10 miles. With the extension my mileage for the day was 38.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:14 BST

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Today’s ride was led by Arthur and he was joined at the Cross by Lynn, Myself, Avryl, Harvey and Colin. Alan and Liz joined us at elevenses and Gill at lunchtime making 8 out for the day.

The weather today was bright and sunny but much cooler than of late being only about 4C first thing and a maximum of 14C.

Today was a day for spotting strange loads on bikes. On the way to elevenses there was a kid on a butchers bike and another carried in the basket. At Hayling as we were about to leave a man cycled by with a dog tucked under his arm.

From Chichester Arthur led us on the South Coast Cycle Route lanes via Woodmancote and Westbourne and then across to Emsworth and the Greenhouse Cafe for elevenses.

Next it was to Havant and down the first part of the Hayling Billy trail. After the bridge we took the lanes via Nortney and then more lanes to West Hayling before heading along the Sea Front to the Coastguards Cafe.

After lunch it was up the main road a little way before turning off on the Northney lanes. After the bridge we took a walk along the Harbour Path before turning off pick up a back road to Havant.

Then it was back to Chichester with a stop for tea at Fishbourne Roman Palace.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 35. My mileage for the day was 47.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:21 BST

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I led this ride and I was joined at Chichester Cross by Colin and Roger.

The weather was excellent for October with clear blue skies all day and temperatures of 20C.

We took a route via the Centurion Way, West Stoke and Funtington. Then it was the road towards West Marden but turning off on a steep climb to Forestside.

We continued via Chalton to stop for elevenses at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. Then it was up Butser Hill and great views over the Meon Valley.

Then it was on via Ramsdean and Stroud to stop for lunch at The Harrow Inn, Steep.

After lunch we bypassed Petersfield via Sheet and on to Buriton and the steep climb of THAT Hill. It was a pleasant long descent through Buriton Woods with Autumn colours showing.

We had a welcome tea stop at Rowlands Castle where I enjoyed their superb large slice of Apple Pie with 3 large scoops of Ice Cream. We returned via Woodmancote.

52 miles return from Chichester. My mileage for the day was 63.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:45 BST

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Lovely day today, warm and sunny, temperature about 20 degrees, ideal riding conditions although there was a sharp SW wind.

I met Carol, Steve, Val, and guest Paul at the library and we headed on back roads to Felpham, then took the track around the golf course to Flansham. There we picked up Alan & Liz who with perfect timing, arrived just as we did.

The cycle track to Barnham was clear and dry; not so the "extension" the way we had just passed through from Bognor, which had some sticky mud in places where the shelter of trees kept rain water in place from a few days previously. However we all negotiated this unscathed.

Paul left us at Barnham whilst the rest of us proceeded via Mill Lane, Yaton, Horsemere Green, and then the cycletrack over the new bridge to Littlehampton. After a squeeze under the very low railway bridge (where you have to watch your head!), we took a quick tour of the backstreets of Littlehampton (including a little known tunnel!) to the Look-Sea Cafe, where we found Edwin waiting and a long queue for service.

Alan, Liz and Val made their own ways home (Val was cycling on to Worthing) whilst the rest of us returned over the "old" bridge to Climping, then from Bairds Farm a mile of main road before dropping into Middleton via Comet Cottage, then Felpham and home.

My round trip mileage was 17.5.

Graham  

Posted by RideLeader at 02:22 BST

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Our 2nd week in Greece, Lesvos Island on Thursday 1st October started with a ride from Kalloni To Vatera on the southern coast on the eastern side of the Kalloni Gulf. This was a relatively easy ride with less hills than usual. Flat along the gulf with great views. Then a rough road along the coast. The one big climb was very steep for about 2 miles with gradients up to 13%.We stayed at the Vatera Beach Hotel right on the sea front

27 miles for the day and 1158 ft of climbing for the day.

The next day Saturday 2nd October we moved on to Plomari only about 10 miles along the coast but no direct road. To avoid a much longer diversion on roads to the north we took a route along the coast, then inland to Kato Stavros for elevenses. Then it was a steep uphill climb for 5 miles on a dirt road to 1300ft.

Jan who dislikes rough stuff was not at all happy. At the end of the track Arthur pretended to be the Pope and knelt down to appear to kiss the tarmac.

25 miles for the day and 2207 ft of climbing.

We stayed 2 nights at Plomari and on Sunday 3rd October explored some of the pretty cobbled streets of the town.

On Monday 4th October we rode east from Plomari to Mytilene. We split into 2 groups. Most of the riders took a more direct route via Perama and a ferry across the Gulf of Gera.

Richard and I took a longer and hillier ride to the north. First it was a long steep climb out of Plomari for 6 miles to Megalochori the highest village on the Island at 1500ft. After elevenses in the village we took a very steep dirt road for 3 miles with great views of Mount Olympus and reaching a high point of 2762ft.

Then it was down to the scenic mountain town of Agiasos and a Baclava stop.

Then a good 12 mile descent.

33 miles for the day and 3005ft of climbing

On Tuesday 5th October we explored the extensive Castle at Mytilene not far from the Hotel Orfeas where were staying. In the late morning and afternoon we did a circuit of the peninsula to the south with quiet scenic roads after leaving the heavy traffic of Mytilene.  

21 miles and 1295ft of climbing.

On Wednesday 6th October we rode 7 miles from Mytilene to our first Hotel the Hotel Votsala at Pyrgi Thermi. Richard and I extended the ride with a gentle climb into the mountains to Pigi and then Komi and back. 20 miles and 950ft of climb. In the afternoon the bikes were packed.

Thursday 7th October the bikes were loaded on transport provded by the Hotel to get them to the Airport..

I am writing this at Mytilene Airport in the middle of a 6 hour delay to our flight due to a 4 hour Greek Air Traffic controllers strike. Hopefully we will get home sometime today.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 13:14 BST

Updated: Saturday, 9 October 2010 18:07 BST

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Saturday the serious riding started. The first part of the day was up the coast with numerous ups and downs before the serious climb into the mountains to a high point of 1230ft where we recuperated on a bench by a garage.

Then a very sharp 15% downhill for nearly 2 miles to the pretty little fishing port of Scala Sykaminias to stay at the Hotel Gorgona.

Sunday we had a short ride to Molyvos on the northern coast. Most elected to take the short 8 mile route on the coast. Richard B and I went for the 14 mile route into the mountains including the 1.5 mile 15% grade cllimb to 1000ft.

We did 1745ft of climbing

Molyvos is a beautiful town with a byzantine castle on top of a hill with a maze of narrow traffic free paths among red roofed houses spilling down the coast to tne sea. We stayed 2 nights here at the Via Liamis apartments at 250ft just below the Castle walls.

Tuesday was a hard hilly ride to Sigri at the end of a long peninsula on the western end of the Island. After many ups and downs we reached the high point of 1300ft near a monastry perched on a great crag. Everyone rejected my suggestion of an optional out and back ride up the steep road to the monastry. Then it was a 7 mile fast downhill to Sigri past Wind Turbines and great views.

We did 38 miles with 3359ft of climbing.

After staying at Sigri Studios our next destination on Wednesday was back up the great hill and on to Kalloni at the top of a great bay in the centre of the Island. We split into 2 groups with Richard and I taking a longer route and doing the climb to the monastry which seemed to be inhabited by sheep and tough looking monks. The monastry itself did not seem to be open to visitors. We descended from the Monastery with great views over the Island

Our route was 44 miles and 3740ft of climb

We stayed 2 nights at Skala Kalloni and on Thursday had a short ride to a nearby town for elevenses and a visit to some salt lakes.

Distance was 16 miles and 318ft of climb.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 15:35 BST

Updated: Saturday, 9 October 2010 17:53 BST

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Attendees:

Gill, Anne, Colin, Roger, Harvey, John turned up at lunch and tea.

Route:

Walberton towards Wiggonhalt, where Colin, Anne and Roger went off to do some extra hills before arriving at the lunch stop, and meeting John, Gill and Harvey.

After lunch most of use took a route to Amberly and the Kyber pass and tea at the pitch and putt. The pitch and putt is now closed for the winter. A good day, if a little wet in places.

Gill

Posted by RideLeader at 22:48 BST

Updated: Friday, 8 October 2010 10:53 BST

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Today I was leading a ride to Exton near Corhampton in the Meon Valley. I was joined at Chichester Cross by Colin and Gill. Colin arrived a little late having been delayed by having to overtake cars jammed up to get to the Goodwood Revival. The weather was dry, mainly cloudy though with a few sunny spells and a strong SW wind. Temperatures were about 17C.

I led the group out first on the Centurion Way and then cut across to West Stoke and Funtington. Then it was up the valley via West Marden to stop for elevenses at Compton.

Then it was across to the road from Finchdean and a gradual climb up through the woods of Buriton Hill. After Buriton we took the lane to cross the old A3 south of Petersfield. After going under the new A3 and getting ready to turn right to pick up the East Meon lane some kind marshals stopped the traffic for us. We thanked them and told them we were not on their event, a local Sportive Cycle Event.

After a pleasant lane we came into East Meon and went south up a lane we rarely use which winds its way among field before climbing sharply up to Teglease Down near HMS Mercury.

Then it was more lanes this time mainly in a downwards direction with some great views of the Isle of Wight and as far as Fawley. Then down to the Meon Valley and lunch at The Shoe Exton.

In the afternoon it was lanes with a fair few ups and downs south along the Meon Valley via Droxford and Soberton. Then another lane east to Hambledon, After heading towards Denmead we turned off on another lane east to Cathrington and a very sharp steep climb up a hill called unimaginatively Road Hill.

Then it was lanes to Horndean and a good pace with a tailwind to Rowlands Castle. I managed a very large portion of Apple Pie and Ice Cream and Gill had a piece of Bread Pudding so enormous that she couldn’t finish it.

Then it was back via Westbourne and the South Coast Cycle Route lanes.

Return mileage from Chichester Cross was 57. My mileage was 68.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:52 BST

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