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Bognor Chichester CTC Ride Notes- Club Website is at www.bognorchichesterctc.org.uk
Monday, 10 February 2014
Sunday 9th February. Ride to Aylings Garden Centre, Trottton
The weather conditions today were dry, cold & extreme Gusting Westerly!! Only Sam the leader turned up at Chichester Cross. The route taken was Centurion Way, West Stoke, Funtington, Walderton, Up Marden, Compton for elevenses where Sam was joined by Colin for the rest of the day. Then on via Harting, Trotton, Iping Cross Rds., Didling, Cocking, Home. 43Miles for the day. Sam
Posted by RideLeader
at 09:01 GMT
Saturday, 8 February 2014
Saturday Ride - Bognor Library to Manor Garden Centre, Runcton
After more than a month of seriously bad weather, perhaps it was too much to expect that today's ride would take place in reasonable conditions. Whilst the temperature was unseasonably mild at about 8 degrees, there were weather warnings for both wind and rain today, so it was always likely that plans would be disrupted. When I left home the sun was shining so although the wind was very strong (met office recording gusts of 63mph locally at 13.00 hrs) i decided to set out for the start point to see if anyone turned up. I cycled via Hotham Park where the narrow gauge railway (which is operated by a company that also has interests in main line engineering and so has been properly ballasted and laid) was showing signs of the recent torrential downpours and just managing to keep its head above water.
At Bognor library Steve & Carol turned up, making 3 of us out in total, which is 3 more than was anticipated. As we were debating what to do, a heavy hail shower started, which made our minds up that we would curtail the ride to somewhere a bit closer. After the hail shower, it didn't actually rain until almost 5pm, so we could probably have done the full ride in the dry, although the sodden ground meant no possibility of any off roading, so it would have meant main roads there and back, plus hard going against the wind.
In the event we ended up at the "What a Waffle" cafe in Bognor High street, which at 0.4 miles from the start point must make this the shortest ride of the season so far. After a pleasant hour or so debating life, we went our separate ways. Graham
Posted by RideLeader
at 20:16 GMT
Sunday, 19 January 2014
The weather today was sunny for once but just 7 degrees. Four turned up for the ride to Midhurst on a bright and sunny winter's morning but unfortunately the leader ( Sam) came with a sick note from his wife and assigned the role of leader to Jeff . Gill decided she was not coming after all and that left Andrew and Jeff. So a 50% fall out before the start! Sam prescribed the route to use and this we followed up to the Goodwood ridge then along where we stopped to looked at the fantastic view. Here Dave Rang went past us on Phil’s (RIP) Titanium Enigma and from a standing start I could not catch him, but I nearly did! We headed down Duncton Hill and into the Seaford College where all the old dormitories have been demolished and in their place smart private housing is being built to fund new accommodation for the school. We stopped for a brief photo stop at Graffham Church.
The village shop in Graffham does decent coffee and the tables outside were in the sun, so this turned out to be the morning coffee stop and lunch.
We headed to Selham and then to Ambersham where the lanes were awash with water and sand.
Lavington came without mishap and then a quick photo in the newly landscaped square in Midhurst. (Well done someone for removing the cars)
Then we headed back via Bepton .We emerged onto the main road at Cocking and then a fast run to West Dean then Centurion Way back to Chichester by 1.45 pm. A great ride. Get better soon Sam, you were missed. Jeff Lander Ride leader
Posted by RideLeader
at 20:02 GMT
Sunday, 12 January 2014
CTC ride to West Marden Sunday 12 Jan
Ride write-up With Colin in China and Edwin in Lanzarote, it fell to Sam to lead today's ride. As Sam had spent yesterday cutting up logs he had just the right back angle for riding ( see picture).
Gill, Harvey, Jeff, Keith and Mark turned up for a direct ride to Emsworth for a coffee stop where Sam charmed the waitresses in his usual way.
Keith's Bamboo bike
It was the most direct route up to West Marden via Westbourne and the 'valley route' as it was a dismal cold day threatening rain. (here Edwin feels very smug no doubt cycle in a sunny 20 degrees C) 4 elected to have sandwiches in the covered bus shelter and 2 opted for soup and a roll in the Victoria Inn. The Victoria Inn was heated by a lovely wood burning stove, the bus shelter wasn’t.
Warm Lunch Wood Stove
Sam's Old Man's Bike!
Sam took little persuasion to abort the stiff climb to Forestside to head down to Rowlands Castle as it had started to drizzle. So yet again the shortest way home via Funtington and West Ashling was chosen and we were all safely home by 2pm. Thank you Sam. Jeff
Posted by RideLeader
at 18:49 GMT
Saturday, 11 January 2014
Saturday 11 January. Chichester Library to Chichester Yacht Basin
Philippa led this ride with completely contrasting weather to all that has happened since Christmas. In a break from the strong biting winds and continuous torrential rain, today was glorious sunshine and no wind. With temperatures in the sunshine topping 14 degrees, it could have been March, April, or even May. Hard to believe it was still January. Debbie and I had set out for the start point via the Flansham - Barnham Cycletrack which although sticky in parts, had dried out very considerably and was rideable without difficulty. I have previously ridden it when the river has burst across it and fields on either side have been lakes. Not so today but interestingly, the dry bed of the Ford - Hunston Canal now held water.... proving that over 150 years after it was closed and abandoned, the clay poddling laid by navvies almost 200 years ago was still doing its job of sealing the canal bunds. I've never seen this before so snatched a quick photo.
Arriving at the start we found the brilliant weather had brought out a good number of riders who evidently had been desperately waiting for a break in the poor conditions to get out cycling. No less than 14 set out - Philippa plus Alan, Liz, Steve, Carol, Debbie, Mike, Graham, Rachel, Roy, Avryl, David, plus new riders Sue and Rod.
Our route took us through central Chichester and Apuldram to the Salterns Way which we followed all the way to the Yacht Basin.
Along the way we noticed in an adjacent field a gaggle ( I'm told that’s the correct term of venery) of what must have been over 100 geese. They appeared to be feeding.
Our turn came when we stopped for refreshments at the Spinnaker restaurant. For the return trip, Philippa took a tour around the basin before heading back up Salterns Way and Chichester. No less than 9 of us left the group at this point and headed directly back to Bognor, via Hunston and the Lower Road farm Lanes to Aldwick. My mileage for the afternoon was 22. The return trip to Chichester would have been about 14. Graham
Posted by RideLeader
at 20:44 GMT
Sunday, 29 December 2013
Sunday 29th December. Ride to Selsey
This ride was nominate leader on the day so I ended up as leader. The weather was cold and sunny with early ice. I was joined at Chichester Cross by David, Sam and Tony. I had no problem with ice on the way to Chichester keeping to treated roads. However Tony reported that he came off 3 times though escaping injury. On one occasion he fell off on ice and got out of the way as a car approached. The car then skidded on ice and smashed into another car.
Sam reported that earlier the hard riding South Down Velo club had met at Chichester Cross and decided to cancel due to the ice risk. We had to go one better than that but I decided to keep well away from slippery back roads and we kept to the treated main road to Chichester Yacht basin where we tried out the new cafe, very warm with a view of the harbor. Richard met us there by car before taking the dog for a walk.
After elevenses Tony left us as he had to get back early. The rest of us took the main road straight down to Selsey to stop for lunch at the Riviera Cafe which has the benefit of being very warm and serving large portions. In the afternoon with ice melted our route took in lanes from Sidlesham via Highleigh and a concrete track to Birdham. Then it was lanes via Birdham Pool and across the lock gates at the Yacht Basin. Then the Salterns Way track across fields and back to Chichester. We stopped for tea at Chichester Cathedral Cloisters Cafe.
Mileage from and back to Chichester was 25. My mileage from Pagham was 37. My latest images to be processed are first an image of a Bus light trail on Westminster Bridge. The second image was taken in Bath over Christmas at Landsdown Crescent with a filter used to gain a 40 second exposure and show the cloud movement.
For more details and a larger picture see http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/11527809895/in/photostream/
For more details and a larger picture see http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/11600086086/in/photostream/ Edwin
Posted by RideLeader
at 19:31 GMT
Updated: Sunday, 29 December 2013 19:35 GMT
Sunday, 22 December 2013
Sunday 22 December. Morning only ride to Rowlands Castle
Today it started a torrential downpour about 9.20 as I was ready to head out to Chichester Cross and didn’t clear until 9.55 in Pagham. The weather forecast, weather radar and blue skies moving in from the West all confirmed the rest of the day would be fine and sunny as it proved. I gave a miss to getting wet and put off leaving to just before 10.00 to go direct to Rowlands Castle. Only Gill and David arrived at the Cross for 10.00. It was nominate leader on the day and Gill being the only one to know where she was going Gill was nominated. Graham also went direct after just missing them. He didn’t know where he was going either so he followed the main road to Emsworth and then followed signposts. I took a route on the backroads encountering floods, puddles and streams of water crossing the road under the blue skies. I met up with the rest at Rowlands Castle.
Gill led us back via Westbourne and Woodmancote on quiet if wet lanes. Knowing there was a flood on the route I rushed ahead to get a suitable picture but was still struggling to get the camera out from a pocket under layers as the group arrived. David and Graham kindly went back and did an action replay.
David asked to be going faster in the picture so I am happy to oblige, zoom effect in Photoshop
We were back in Chichester for 1.00. Mileage from and back to Chichester was 21. My mileage from Pagham was 35. My latest HDR picture was taken at Baker Street Underground Station a few weeks ago.
More details at my Photo Blog at http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog/2013/12/london-underground-station-seat Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all in the Club and anybody else happening across this Blog. Edwin
Posted by RideLeader
at 18:43 GMT
Sunday, 15 December 2013
Sunday 15th December. Tinsel Ride to Aldingbourne.
The weather today could best be described as dark and dank with drizzle and a spell of heavier rain in the morning and drying up in the afternoon. Arthur was the leader and despite the weather he was joined at Chichester Cross by Graham, Avryl, Sam, David, Gill and myself so 7 in all. John Maxim, Keith Dodman and Lynn met us for lunch at Aldingbourne.
We headed out west from Chichester and then north up the Centurion Way to Lavant. Then it was east on lanes to 11s at Goodwood Airfield Cafe. The drizzle was not felt as much as there was a good SW tailwind. The warmth and dry of the Cafe was much appreciated.
Then it was onwards taking lanes via Westerton and Waterbeach and on to Halnaker. Then it was a short stretch of main road before turning off on lanes to stop for lunch at Aldingbourne Garden Centre Cafe. The best decorated bike prize went to our new Treasurer David Sinclair.
After lunch we split up, John and Keith headed back in the Littlehampton direction, David and I headed to Bognor via the Barnham Path and the rest headed back to Chichester on a similar route to the outbound one. Mileage from and back to Chichester would have been about 23. My mileage from Pagham was 30. My latest HDR image to be processed was of the new spiral staircase at the Tate Britain.
For more details and a larger picture see http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/11335585185/in/photostream/ Note there is one last Ride before Christmas which is a morning only ride next Sunday with 11s at Rowlands Castle. Edwin
Posted by RideLeader
at 17:14 GMT
Updated: Sunday, 15 December 2013 17:19 GMT
Saturday 14 December - Bognor library to Brick Kiln Nursery, Merston
The round trip from Bognor was an easy 15 miles.
Posted by RideLeader
at 15:43 GMT
Sunday, 8 December 2013
Sunday 8 December. Ride to Sutton
The weather today was good with a fair bit of sun, dry and milder than of late reaching 10C. I was the leader and we met at Chichester Cross. I was joined by Sam, Mark, Andrew, Ian and Tony. We left a few seconds before time at 9.30. It must have been 30 seconds later that Rex arrived and missed us. He made his own way to Petworth to meet us at elevenses. To avoid the pedestrians and market I headed out briefly down South Street before turning into West Lavant. Andrew and Ian missed the turn and went on down South Street. After a bit of searching we eventually met up again at the east end of East Street. The route was then on via Westhampnett and lanes via Waterbeach to the long climb of Pillygreen Hill and a regrouping at the top.
Then it was along the ridge road with great views down to the coast. We then joined the main road via Upwaltham and on to a fast descent of Duncton Hill. It was a sharp right at the bottom onto a quiet lane. Fairly uneventful apart from a squirrel getting in a tizzy and rushing across the road in front of Sam and then back and then back again, remarkably managing to avoid colliding. Coincidently there is a report in Cycling Weekly this week about the manager of Scunthorpe United coming off his bike due to a squirrel going into his spokes. Many fans dressed up in fancy dress as squirrels for the manager’s return recently! We continued on lanes via Shopham Bridge to stop for elevenses at Tiffins Cafe, Petworth. We were meeting Arun Adur group for elevenses and lunch. Dave Fox, Richard and Jo arrived a little late and not long before we left.
For the ride to lunch I took a direct route retracing the lanes we came in on before taking the lane to Sutton. On the hill before the village some repairs were required as Andrew’s bottle cage came undone. After about an hour for lunch we were just going out the door as Arun Adur arrived. Apparently they had taken a long route to get there.
Immediately after lunch it was a short downhill but a very very steep uphill to keep everybody awake. My bike computer registered the gradient as 18% though it felt more. We regrouped at the top by Bignor Church.
Then it was on past the Roman Villa on lanes via West Burton and Bury and on to Houghton hill and a long climb up the Downs. We regrouped in the sunshine at the top.
We continued via the Madhurst Lanes and a last climb of the day up to The Spur. We split up at Yapton with most heading west towards Chichester while Andrew and I headed to Bognor via Middleton and the Prom. Mileage from and back to Chichester would have been about 42. My mileage from Pagham was 46. I got Andrew to send me copies of his Strava Cycling GPS Smartphone App results for the day. The images below are first a summary, then a map of the route from Bognor and then a graph of the many hills during the day.
My latest HDR photos below were taken on my last London trip. First a view of St Pauls from the New Change office building a then a I second exposure of a London Bus approaching Big Ben.
For a larger picture and more details see http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/11168107014/in/photostream/
For a larger picture and more details see http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/11238840736/in/photostream/
Edwin
Posted by RideLeader
at 18:05 GMT
Sunday, 1 December 2013
Sunday 1 December. Ride to Hunston Christmas Lunch
Today the weather was very dark and grey but at least it was dry with temperatures up to 9 centigrade.
The ride today was to the Club's Christmas lunch and it was designated as an appetite improver ride. I was the leader and I was joined at the Cross by Sam and Arthur. John Maxim joined as briefly at the start but then went on his own ride. Arthur was out on a new road bike bought second-hand from city cycles for £250. This is very different from the usual small wheels and is very lightweight.
The Route out was first West from Chichester and then up the Centurion Way. Just as we started up the path Sam punctured and decided to go the short distance home to change bikes and then meet us at elevenses. Arthur and I continued on the path to Lavant. Here in order to avoid the mud further up the path we took a section of the main road and then rejoined the path to West Dean. Just before the village we turned left on the remote and hilly lane to Chilgrove. We saw a lot of a lot of pheasants and some beautiful autumn colours. Then it was on to the main road and a sharp climb. Unusually for the longer rides I was able to get up the hill well before Arthur and could therefore get into picture taking mode.
We continued on the main road and then took the next left to North Marden. After a short descent we took a right turn onto the Compton Road followed shortly by a very steep climb probably of equal gradient to Buriton. From the nearest farm I would call this Fernbeds Hill although Arthur would have another name for it which it would not be appropriate to mention on a family friendly website. Arthur had to walk part of the hill but soon got back on the bike when he saw my camera ready.
Then it was on down the lane to Compton and the village cafe to meet up with Sam. The refreshments were very welcome.
From Compton there is a long and very gradual downhill before turning off on the short Hill to Funtington. Then it was onwards and turning off onto Watery Lane to West Ashling. We headed back to Chichester on Clay Lane. Because we were quite early at this stage I decided to take a diversion and we turned off onto Apuldram lane. We stopped at a junction to get onto the main road. As I started forward the wheel went into a dip and I overbalanced and fell off. This was despite having normal pedals not clipless. Possibly it was getting a little too long since my last accident.
Luckily nothing was broken but despite having three layers on I managed to badly graze the right elbow. A kind motorist stopped and gave us an antiseptic wipe and a dressing. I was able to ride on without any problems to the lunch at Hunston.
At lunch many more came direct by bike or car including Richard, Elizabeth, Dave, Jan, Avryl, Philipppa, William, Roy, Harvey, Mike and Lynn so 14 in all.
Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 35. My mileage the day was 47.
My latest image to be processed was of a suitably autumnal scene taken in woods near to Whiteways Roundabout.
See more at http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/11097647133/
Edwin
Posted by RideLeader
at 19:15 GMT
Sunday, 24 November 2013
Sunday 24th November. Ride to East Wittering.
The weather today was cold and generally cloudy though dry with temperatures up to 8C and a chilly NE wind. Arthur was the leader and he was joined at The Cross by Lynn, Harvey, Graham, Martin and myself.
With a number of gleaming Moulton Bikes on display Arthur’s route kept well clear of any muddy tracks which suited me as well, preferring not to have to wash my bike. We headed out on West Street and then south on Appledram lane. Then it was a stretch of main road before turning off into the Yacht Basin and a stop for elevenses at the Cafe.
Next it was on over the Canal, Birdham Pool and lanes to Birdham. After a short stretch of main road we did a brief diversion on lanes towards West Itchenor before heading back to the main road and across on to a lane to East Wittering, free of traffic due to a road closure which we got round. Then it was on to the Boulevard Cafe, East Wittering for lunch.
I had a steak and Kidney pie which was an enormous portion which they called a standard size, they also have a large size!! Note to self, never order a large size of anything at this cafe. During lunch we saw one cyclist heading for the beach carrying a large surfboard under his arm. Another cyclist came past towing a kid on a skateboard. After lunch it was lanes via Earnley, Highleigh and then joining the main road south of Hunston. Then it was back to Appledram and on to Fishbourne Roman Palace for tea. We seemed to be there very early but made up for it with about an hour of chatting over tea. Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 23. My mileage from Pagham was 35. My latest pictures to be processed were first an autumn scene on a path at Houghton Woods, Whiteways with a blur effect added in Photoshop.
See more at http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/10922604984/in/photostream/ The next one is a shot of the top of City Hall, London taken in September at Open House.
See more at http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/11006134783/in/photostream/ Edwin
Posted by RideLeader
at 19:41 GMT
Sunday, 17 November 2013
Sunday 17th November. Ride to East Meon
Today it was mainly dry but very overcast and reaching about 9C. Sam was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by only myself and Jeff.
We headed out up the Centurion Way and then on via West Stoke and Funtington. From Walderton we took a nice scenic lane and long climb to the appropriately named Up Marden. The it was more lanes and on to Compton to warm up for elevenses. Next we took the lane across to Ibsworth and up the gradual climb of Buriton Hill with some beautiful Autumn leaves.
After a fast descent to Buriton Village it was more lanes to the south of Petersfield making our way across to lunch at the Isaac Walton, East Meon. We took a fairly direct route back taking a long but gradual post lunch climb over the HMS Mercury ridge.
Then it was a fast descent to Clanfield and on via Chalton and Finchdean to Rowlands Castle for tea. Sam managed a well timed puncture 100 yards from the cafe. I managed to snaffle the last piece left of the Apple Pie.
The return route was via Westbourne and some lanes and some main road back to Chichester. Mileage from and back to Chichester was 48. My total mileage from Pagham was 60. My latest pictures to be processed were first a corridor at Kings Cross Underground Station.
See more at http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/10794950475/in/photostream/ The next one is a shot of a beautiful sunset taken at West Beach Bognor last Friday.
See more at http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/10882177463/in/photostream/ Edwin
Posted by RideLeader
at 18:09 GMT
Sunday, 10 November 2013
Sunday 10 November. Ride to Pulborough
Today was the Ride to Pulborough Village Hall for the DA AGM of all the West Sussex Groups. The weather was cold but for a change it was clear blue skies. I was the leader of our Ride starting 9.00 at Walberton Pond but I was the only one to turn up. We had a few more people out with Colin going direct to the AGM and Chris going direct to Lunch at the Rising Sun, Nutbourne. I took the route on the lanes via Madehurst and stopped for a quick picture of this beautiful cottage next to the lane.
Then it was via Houghton and Amberley and on to Pulborough for the AGM at Pulborough Village Hall. Officers were reelected unchanged. In a consultation about changing the Pedaller to colour this was approved in principle with the final decision left to the Committee after technical checks on quality. Our CTC Councilor Richard Bates reported on discussions at CTC about a possible change of name for the CTC though no final decision has been made yet. Then it was on to lunch. Most of those there were Arun Adur and with the Pub pretty full we retired to the garden making a few location changes to follow the sun.
I returned on close to the same route out except for heading for my favourite route home along Bognor Prom which since July has been a cycle route for most of its length.
My mileage was 47 from and back to Pagham. From and back to Walberton was about 30 miles. Next are some of the pictures processed in the last few weeks. The first one is a scan of a slide of John Maxim and Richard Klemperer near the peak of the 11200ft Pico Veleta in southern Spain in 1989. I scanned this image for the theory part of a Workshop I did last month for Bognor Regis Camera Club.
The next one was taken during the practical part of the Workshop at an Interclub cycling Hill Climb with various local racing Clubs on the lane climbing up from Charlton to Goodwood. This was a week ago on Sunday 3rd November.
The last one was taken last week and shows the tidal outflow from the entrance to Pagham Harbour after a Spring High Tide and the water flowing over a groyne supported by rocks.
For more on these pictures see my Photo Blog at http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog Edwin
Posted by RideLeader
at 20:18 GMT
Sunday, 27 October 2013
Sunday 27 October. West Dean Ride
The weather today ended up dry with some sun but very windy and blustery no doubt a taste of the coming big storm. Harvey was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Tony, Avryl and Keith.
We headed up out on West Street and up the Centurion Way with the usual number of dogs walkers with their dogs not on leads. They always seem a little surprised to encounter cyclists on a Cyclepath. At Lavant we headed into the village and then across to Goodwood Airfield Cafe. We made it inside just ahead of a short shower, good planning Harvey!
Over a long elevenses with a lot of chat we decided to give a miss to West Dean because of the strength of the wind and worries about gusts blowing us into traffic, We decided instead to head for Chichester Cathedral Cloisters Cafe for lunch. We retraced our outward route which had the advantage of returning on the traffic free Centurion Way. In the following picture the movement blur occurs because the camera was on a long shutter speed due to the low light under the trees. The camera and the cyclists ahead are travelling at the same speed while the ground is blurred.
We headed on to the Cloisters and a long lunch break thoroughly putting the world to rights.
Then it was a little more bike riding to make our ways home. Mileage from and back to Chichester was just 12. My total mileage from Pagham was 25. A few more HDR pictures below – First an image of the Travelator at Waterloo Underground Station
More details at http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/10341114465/in/photostream/ The next one is an image of the Nelson Stairs at Somerset House taken with a Fisheye Lens
More details at http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/10454941934/in/photostream/ Edwin
Posted by RideLeader
at 18:23 BST
Sunday, 20 October 2013
Sunday 20 October. Ride to the Club AGM at West Stoke
The ride today was very short just from Chichester to West Stoke Village Hall for the Club AGM. The weather could have been worse. The heavy rain early morning had just cleared by the time I needed to leave. I was the leader and I was joined at Chichester Cross by David, Tony and Avryl. A lot more went direct to the hall.
We took a fairly direct route west from the center and then up the Centurion Way Cyclepath. Then it was an out of the way narrow lane to link up with the Lavant backroad. There must have been some very strong squally winds early morning as the lane was blocked by large branches at several points. Much easier to get round on a bike though.
At the Hall more members joined some by car and some by Bike including Richard, Freda and Jim, Arthur and Lynn, Dave and Jan, Jim and Colin. We were joined also by Lorraine Stone from CTC HQ who gave us an interesting update and dealt with many questions. One interesting item is that CTC will soon go through a rebrand with a change of name dropping Touring to be more inclusive and a new logo. After the meeting we made our separate ways back. The weather on the way back was not as kind with a torrential squally downpour by the time I got to Chichester so I diverted to the Cathedral Cloisters Cafe for a break until it cleared. My mileage for the day from Pagham was 25. Edwin
Posted by RideLeader
at 17:40 BST
Saturday, 12 October 2013
Saturday Ride - Bognor Regis library to Littlehampton, Look-Sea Centre
Posted by RideLeader
at 21:16 BST
Sunday, 29 September 2013
Sunday 29th September. Ride to West Marden.
There was fairly good weather today, starting cloudy but sunny from 11.00 and temperatures of about 19C. I was the leader and there was a pretty good turnout. I was joined by Sam, Alan, Avryl, Chris, Tony and Marilyn, Harvey, Jo, Andrew Kerry- Bedall and newcomer Andrew Willis so 11 out for the day.
I had checked the tides beforehand so knowing we could avoid wet feet we headed out on lanes towards Bosham Hoe and then the lane round the harbor with the usual picturesque views.
We settled in for a pleasant elevenses stop at the arcade cafe Bosham just as the sun came out. Some members were told off for taking a shortcut to the terrace via the fire escape door and repeatedly setting off alarms, oops.
We continued on lanes north from Bosham and Sam resumed telling me about the numerous steel work jobs he had done as we passed relevant properties. We continued via West Ashling and then Watery Lane to Funtington. After a short climb and descent we headed along the valley road to West Marden for lunch at The Victoria.
My route back resulted in a few grumbles as we headed up the steep hill out of the village, ideal for straight after lunch! The compensation was the long descent first to Forestside and the down the long hill through the woods past Stansted House. Then it was the usual route via Westbourne and Woodmancote. We stopped for tea at Fishbourne Roman Palace Cafe.
Mileage from and back to Chichester was 28. My mileage from Pagham was 40. Last weekend I was away in London taking pictures during Open House weekend of properties open only the one weekend of the year. These included City Hall, Lloyds, The Foreign Office and Battersea Power Station. On the Sunday afternoon I went to see the final stage of the Tour of Britain with a 10 lap circuit from Whitehall to the Tower of London and back on the embankment to Westminster. Below is a shot of City Hall on the South Bank neat Tower Bridge and it’s amazing spiral staircase.
Below is a shot of Wiggo coming round the corner past Parliament and into Whitehall.
Posted by RideLeader
at 18:37 BST
Sunday, 15 September 2013
Sunday 15 September. Ride to Milland
Today there were two rides on the program, a long hilly ride to Milland and a short flat ride to Selsey. Colin led the long ride and he was joined at Chichester Cross by Sam, Anne and newcomer Martin. The weather started bright and sunny, then clouding over and heavy rain starting late afternoon. The group stopped for elevenses at Compton where Sam turned back. The rest continued to Milland for lunch. The rain did not start until they were nearly back to Chichester. Harvey was unable to lead the ride to Selsey so I stepped in but nobody turned up, possibly put off by the poor weather forecast. I did a short ride round to the north of Chichester before heading home to make it a morning ride of 30 miles My last 2 images to be processed were taken last month on a day trip to London. First a shot of the futuristic Southwark Station on the Jubilee Line.
Next a shot of a spiral staircase in Somerset House looking up from the basement
Edwin Jones.
Posted by RideLeader
at 22:16 BST
Saturday, 14 September 2013
Saturday Ride - Chichester Library to Sidlesham
The weather wasn't particularly encouraging today, dull and cloudy but the forecast had suggested no rain and indeed there wasn't any - although it kept threatening. However it was mild with a light wind and perhaps this was the reason why there were 12 of us at the start point - an excellent turn out.
Philippa led this ride and was joined by Alan, Steve, Carol, Graham, Debbie, Liz, Roy, Julian, David and newcomers Galya and Mike. We took cycletracks past the College to the Station, then the canal basin where we followed the canal to Poyntz Bridge.
Then to North Mundham and lanes to South Mundham and Fisher where a blackberry picking stop was made, overseen by a group of inquisitive cows.
We then continued along off road lanes and tracks, a waymarked route now designated National Cycle Route No.88, until emerging at Rookery Lane Sidlesham. Then 2 minutes on the tarmac to the Crab and Lobster, our refreshment stop. For the return route the group split into two, with one part heading back to Chichester via NCN88, North Mundham and Vinnetrow Lake to Bognor bridge, and the other group making a direct return to Bognor via Halseys Farm, Pagham Harbour Wall and Church Farm. Mindful of the last time we went this way when one of the riders took an unplanned dip in the harbour, we were a little more careful and got back wihout incident (helped by the fact it was daylight rather than late night when we last came this way). The round trip mileage from Chichester was about 16. I went back with the Bognor group and clocked up a little over 21 by the time i got home. Graham
Posted by RideLeader
at 21:54 BST
Updated: Sunday, 15 September 2013 08:25 BST
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