Today the weather started cloudy and grey with showers clearing by the afternoon.

Sam was the leader and we met at 08.30 for this planned 70 mile ride. Colin, Andrew and I joined at Chichester Cross. John Maxim met us there as well but he was off on his own ride.

We headed out via Westhampnett and then the first hill of the day up the lane to Pillygreen and a fast descent to East Dean. Then it was along the lane through the valley to the A285 and on to a fast descent of Duncton hill. With no other traffic around Sam could be sure he had triggered the Slow Down sign at 45mph coming into the bends at the bottom and a 30mph limit. Then it was along the lane to Seaford College and even a brief glimpse of the sun.

We continued through the college grounds along the bumpy lane to Graffham and on to the village shop to stop for elevenses (at 10.00) which coincided with a dry spell.

I decided on a shorter ride and also part of a wet avoidance strategy headed back from there. The rest of the group being less wimpy headed on to lunch.

On my way back I took a lane from Graffham to the Heyshott crossroads where the woods were full of bluebells. The following shot was taken on the lane using the macro function of my cheap compact camera.

Shortly after this the heavens opened and I sheltered under a tree.

Then it was on via the lane to Heyshott and then Cocking. I stopped at West Dean Gardens for a second elevenses which soon after I arrived happily coincided with the last shower before home. I was back by 1.30

My mileage for the morning from Pagham was 46.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:24 BST

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Today it was a beautiful spring day with blue skies and temperatures up to 14C. The NW wind was all there was to add a little chill.

I was the leader and I was joined at Chichester Cross by Sam and Rex. We also chatted to a South Down Velo rider who went off separately.

Rex lasted as far as the start of the Centurion way where a twig caught in his mudguard breaking it leaving part of it hanging forlornly from the stays. He decided it was best to head home to Littlehampton.

Sam and I continued via West Stoke. We saw here a Church congregation walking with the choirboys and priest at the front carrying sticks in a Palm Sunday tradition. Further along the lane there was a beautiful field of rapeseed in full flower on rolling hills and in the woods on the other side bluebells were out.

We continued via Funtington and West Marden to stop for elevenses at Compton just as 2 more cycling clubs arrived, one from Farnham. We secured seats in the garden where the shelter from the wind made for a warm suntrap.

Then it was on via Ibsworth and the climb up through Buriton Woods with the trees just coming into leaf.

After Buriton it was lanes via Ramsdean and Stroud to stop for lunch at The Harrow Inn, Steep. The Pub is well known for its generous portions, Sam had an enormous bowl of soup and I had a sandwich.

The return route took us via Sheet and the edges of Petersfield. Then it was some lanes via Goose Green and Quebec. Luckily the Sussex versions are closer than their better known counterparts. We continued on a lane to Nyewood. Then it was another lane to Dumpford. This lane had until a few weeks ago been closed due to fooding. We saw a field where the soil had been washed across and water flowed down the lane leaving a lot of gravel and sand behind.

We continued on lanes via Elsted Marsh and Didling to Cocking to stop for tea at The Moonlight Cafe and another warm suntrap.

The return was up Cocking hill, down to Singleton and the Centurion Way back to Chichester.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 53. My mileage from Pagham was 64.

My latest HDR pictures to be processed are first a sunset view of Tower Bridge.

For more details and a larger image see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/13687307693/in/photostream/

Next a view from a escalator coming up Canary Wharf underground, a futuristic image I call “Emergence”

For more details and a larger image see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/13754032943/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:40 BST

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A dry warm April day saw 11 riders at the start point - Debbie, Galya, Julian, Alan, Liz, Harvey, Graham, David, and new riders Michelle, Paul, and Jane, all of whom we welcome and hope to see out with us again soon.
 
We headed out via backstreets to Bognor prom, where we turned West for Nyetimber. In this direction along the prom it became apparent how strong the prevailing South Westerly wind was, a comforting thought being we were doing all the hard work into the wind on the way out, so the return journey should be very pleasant.
 
We reached Nyetimber via Stoney Stile Lane, then it was Summer Lane where we stopped at the bridge for a quick picture.

The path here was dry but had heavy tractor tyre imprints which made for a bumpy ride. However we reached the other side unscathed.
 
A straight run then followed via South Runcton, Green Lane, and across Merston Aerodrome to the A259 cycletrack for the sort sprint to the Brick Kiln.
 
Our return trip was via Colworth and the cycletrack, then around the back of Bersted to central Bognor, dropping off riders as we went.  The return mileage to and from the library was 15.3.
 
Graham.

Posted by RideLeader at 22:25 BST

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Sunday 6 April. Ride to Sumners Pond and Freewheel Competition

With early rain today I opted to take the train to Christ’s Hospital and then a short ride to the Cafe at Sumners Pond Campground, Barnes Green to meet the other West Sussex groups for lunch. Gill took her car as far as Pulborough and then rode to join us. Colin, the leader started from Walberton Pond with Anne who went as far as elevenses at Billingshurst. Colin then continued to join us for lunch. There were 4 riders from Arun Adur and 4 from Horsham.

From Barnes Green we headed west to the top of the freewheel hill and met at the top for instructions.

Richard Boulton went down first as the organizer to officiate and I was second to get in place for photos. John Clarke from Horsham Section came speeding past to 2^nd place.

Bob was perhaps celebrating being saved from the Lantern Rouge by Colin!

Those who took part were, Edwin and Colin from Bognor Chichester.

Richard, Gerry, Dave and Ivan from Arun Adur.

Ken, John, Anton and Bob from Horsham Crawley.

Horsham Crawley swept the board for placings. Ken Taylor was First. John Clarke was second and Anton Brown was third.

All in all the easiest competition to take part in for cycling apart from the little matter of riding up the hill to get to the start before riding down.

The following is my latest Photo to be processed taken a few weeks ago on the Jubilee Line in London.

For a larger picture and more details see –  https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/13597560424/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:07 BST

Updated: Sunday, 6 April 2014 20:15 BST

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The weather today was again warm dry and mainly sunny reaching 17C

Colin was the leader and he was joined at Walberton Pond by Jeff, Rex and myself so 4 out on the day.

We headed out first via The Spur and then the back lane via Madehurst.

Then it on and down the sharp descent of Bury Hill, in the absence of Sam I filled in with a reckless descent reaching 43mph. Then it was lanes via West Burton and Coates to Fittleworth and a steep climb via Bedham to an 11s stop at Wisborough Green.

Next it was the lane towards The Haven before turning off for the A29 crossing near Sotheby’s. We appreciated some amusing advert signs en route. The first was “Taking the Lead, Canine Training” later there was “Website Scrappage Scheme”

Next we followed the road of next week’s freewheel completion and I got in a trial run, the others pedaled – tut, tut.

After Barnes Green in was on to unfamiliar lanes passing near Shipley and on to Dial Post village. Colin, Rex and I stopped here for sandwiches.

Jeff went on to The Barn Garden Centre for Lunch and met up there with Horsham Section. The rest of us got to the Garden Centre just in time to say goodbye as the Horsham group left.

In the afternoon we started with a track and farm road everybody except Colin were unfamiliar with further east to Partridge Green. Then it was a circuit of pleasant lanes coming out at Ashurst before heading on to Ashington and the lane with a steep hill at the end to Warminghurst. More lanes at West Chiltington . Then it was a circuit of lanes with more hills taking us out near Wiggonholt Common and back via Amberley and Houghton.

Mileage from and back to Walberton Pond would have been about 63. My mileage from and back to Pagham was 82.

My latest pictures to be processed are first a night time HDR shot of the BBC.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/13382416673/in/photostream/

Next a shot of reflections in a Skyscraper at Canary Wharf

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/13445092914/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:25 BST

Updated: Sunday, 30 March 2014 20:31 BST

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The weather today was much colder than last Sunday at about 8C but a lot of the time was sunny with some roaming showers around. We only encountered a brief spell of light rain just before lunch and a hailstorm during lunch.

I was the leader of the long ride today and I was joined bright and early at 9.00 at Chichester Cross by Sam, Colin, Jeff, Anne, Roger, John Maxim, Andrew and newcomer Zara who is in training to do Lands end John 0’Groats in May. Andrew arrived late so is not in the picture. There were 9 out in all. There were also 6 out on alternative short ride to Climping so good numbers overall.

We headed out up the Centurion Way and on via West Stoke and the back road to Funtington. Then on via Racton and on to the Rowlands Castle road which is still closed due to flooding (river flowing across it) We avoided wet feet by using the pavement and ford footbridge. From Rowlands Castle it was lanes towards Blendworth and then a sharp descent to the Chalton road. After a long climb to the crossing over the A3 we stopped for elevenses in the sun at Queen Elizabeth Country Park Cafe.

The second part of the morning involved some beautiful Hampshire back lanes. We headed via Clanfield and then lanes via Chidden  and then lanes to the north and west of Hambledon via Hoe Cross and Hoe Gate to lunch at the Horse & Jockey, Hipley. Colin, Anne and I found a field for sandwiches, coping with a hailstorm in the process.

The rest had lunch at the Pub some inside and some in the smokers shelter/bike shed. The area was taken over by our bikes and those of another group.

The return was on more lanes first via Forest Gate near Denmead and then via Cathrington and Horndean. Some of us stopped at Rowlands Castle for tea on the way back.

Return mileage from Chichester was 50 and my mileage from Pagham was 66.

My latest HDR pictures were taken in London a few weeks ago both at the Spiral Staircase at Heals Department Store, Tottenham Court Road. The first was looking down.

 More info at http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog/2014/3/spiral-down-heals

The second was looking up.

For a larger picture see http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/13304070104/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 21:35 BST

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A beautiful warm day today with cloudless blue skies all day and light winds. There is something about a sunny day with a totally flat short ride with maximum cafe stops which brings out the largest numbers.

Arthur was the leader and 16 in all met at Chichester Cross with another joining after a mile so 17 out on the day. Left to Right in the picture there was newcomer Russell Sopp, Liz Tyler, Alan Tyler, Richard Carlisle, Brian Wey, Martin Hines, Sam Roberts, Harvey Probert, Jan Bambridge, Ian Meeks, Avryl Bavister, Linda Myaan, Arthur Smith, Zeffy Myaan and David Sinclair. I was taking the picture and Keith Dodman joined us later.

We headed out on West Street and then down Appledram Lane. Then it was down the Salterns Way track, dried out now, to Chichester Yacht Basin for elevenses.

After the welcome break in the warm sun we took the footbridge over the canal and lanes among the daffodils to Birdham Pool.

We continued on lanes and tracks following the Saltern’s Way cycle route to West Itchenor. Then it was on a back lane down to East Wittering and lunch at The Boulevard Cafe. 3 of us took our sandwiches to the beach where the sea was calm and there was a clear view of the Isle of Wight.

After lunch we took lanes towards Earnley but our progress was obstructed by a Road Closure due to the construction of a very large concrete culvert. We were just able to get through with the bikes.

We continued on lanes via Highleight before briefly taking the main Selsey road before heading across to Yacht Basin where we stopped to watch some boats coming in through the Sea Lock.

Sam did his best to look very cool.

Then it was back on the Salterns Way and Appledram Lane to stop for Tea at the Roman Palace Cafe.

Mileage from and Back to Chichester was about 25. My mileage for the day was 35.

Below are my 2 latest images to be processed. The first is a pillar at the refurbished Blackfriars Station.

More details and a larger picture at http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/13081423515/in/photostream/

The next was taken at Birdham Churchyard during last Wednesdays Clun Ride when I took my SLR and diverted briefly before lunch.

More details and a larger picture at http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/13142638565/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:20 BST

Updated: Sunday, 16 March 2014 20:27 BST

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Today the weather was exceptional with clear skies and sun dawn to dusk, light winds and temperatures more like summer reaching 17C. For Bognor the average for this date is 11C and the previous record is 13C.

Colin was the leader and he was joined at Walberton Pond by myself, Rex and Chris. Anne joined us at lunch making it 5 on the day. 

The outbound route was on the coast via Yapton and Littlehampton. We had started from Walberton at 9.00 and arrived at Littlehampton Footbridge at 9.30 just in time to chat with the Arun Adur group meeting for their ride a flat ride to Bracklesham. The weather and a flat ride had brought out their numbers with I think about 8 out.

We continued along the seafront road and then onto Colin’s convoluted route through the private estates from Rustington to Ferring. To get though we had to get onto the Greensward by the beach to the Bluebird Cafe. This involves a pedestrian gate too tight for bikes and a vehicle gate the bikes had to be lifted over. The gate is always locked save that today after lifting all the bikes over we noticed it was unlocked – still we needed the upper body exercise!

Even at 10.00 the Bluebird cafe was full. Early for elevenses so we kept going. On the lane between Ferring and Worthing we were going the same direction at a lot of runners on the Worthing 20 mile running race. The supporters cheered us on as well.

We followed the prom through Worthing and on to Lancing. Everybody was out, lots of cyclists, runners and walkers, like a busy summers day. We found a cafe with some available seats on the prom at Lancing.

We continued on the prom to Shoreham. We had reached a back road when a cyclist coming the other way shouted at us “You shouldn’t bring your bikes along here racing” oops, better slow down Colin. Still the man should know you don’t race with saddlebags!

Then it was on past the Shoreham airfield, across the A27 and along Coombe lane to Steyning. Then it was up the Partridge Green road a little way before turning off on Spithandle Lane west to Wiston.

Colin, Rex and I had sandwiches at the Church before joining Chris and Anne at the Cafe.

We got in a fair few more miles in the afternoon as Colin took us on a near circle, first back on Spithandle Lane and at Ashurst onto beautiful quiet lanes taking us via Dial Post, Whitehall near Shipley and then down a lane towards Ashington and then Thakeham and back via Parham Park. At Rackham as so often on the ride we passed many daffodils at the roadside.

We stopped for tea at Houghton Bridge and met Dave Fox there, a refugee from the Arun Adur flat ride. The cafe there is waitress service and after waiting in the garden for 10 minutes for anybody to appear and a long way to get home we decided to give it a miss. I refueled on emergency rations from my saddle bag.

Then it was up Houghton Hill, the lanes round Madehurst and on to The Spur where we stared to split off to head for home. I returned via  Yapton and Middleton and then the Prom with the sun still strong at 5.15.

Mileage from and back to Walberton Pond was about 60. My round trip mileage from Pagham was 80.

My latest HDR pictures were taken in London last Monday. Both were of the new Premier Inn at Blackfriars which has a great Spiral Staircase. The first picture is looking down and the second looking up.

More details and a larger picture at 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/12943875285/in/photostream/

More details and a larger picture at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/12985622635/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 21:43 BST

Updated: Sunday, 9 March 2014 21:50 BST

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Philippa led this ride on a glorious sunny afternoon with no wind to speak of and temperatures hovering around 18 degrees.
13 were at the start point - Liz, Bob, Graham from the Moulton club, Roy, Alan, Steve, Carol, Debbie, Graham, Avyrl, Richard, and Julian.
 
We took a straightforward route along Centurion Way, stopping for a quick picture where it rejoins the main road at Binderton. Richard left us at this point heading back via Lavant.

Then a very short detour to inspect two disused railway tunnels on the long-closed Chichester to Midhurst railway. The first was the very short 49 yard Binderton Tunnel, which is open and in use by the West Dean Estate.  The other (pictured) is West Dean Tunnel, somewhat longer at almost 800 yards and securely sealed. The Cycling Charity Sustrans harbour long term hopes of opening both of these tunnels to cycle traffic in an extension of Centurion Way. However this is a difficult and very expensive project and at present is still at the aspirational stage.  Still it was great to visualize bikes running through there on the way to Midhurst.

Retracing our steps to the Selsey Arms we took the very picturesque route through West Dean village and Church, then the sharp climb to the main road and dropped down into West Dean Gardens for tea.

Leaving West Dean i discovered a slow puncture and a problem with my front derailleur preventing the front chain set from operating effectively. However the puncture appeared to be very slow and Carol's super efficient new pump provided just enough air to get me all the way home. The derailleur did not stop me riding all the way home either, but looks like a more difficult repair that the puncture.
 
For the return ride we broadly retraced our step back down Centurion Way to Chichester, where we went our separate ways, a small contingent riding back to Bognor.
 
My round trip mileage from home was 34.1
 
Graham 

Posted by RideLeader at 21:45 GMT

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The weather today was cloudy, dry in the morning and patchy light rain in the afternoon.

Colin was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by Sam, Andrew, Jeff, Anne, Roger and I so 7 out altogether.

We headed out on Clay Lane and on to West Ashling and then via Watery Lane to Funtington. The lane is well named with a small spring each side though no flooding. Then it was on the lane via Walderton and Stoughton with some of the lane more like stretches of river though luckily not too deep.

We continued via East Marden and North Marden to the main Harting Chilgrove road and the long climb up the hill with woods each side. It was very noticeable that with the amount of rain of late the moss on the trees was far thicker than normal giving almost a Fantasy type Lord of the Rings look. Photo project maybe?

Then it was the steep side road descent to Turkey Island and on via Elsted and Trotton to stop for elevenses at Trotton Garden Centre

We made sure to follow the directions to the Cycle Parking location.

Most continued on to lunch at the Garden Centre at Rake. Jeff and I opted for a shorter ride and headed back via Bepton, Cocking, Singleton and The Centurion Way path. My mileage for the day from Pagham was 48, plenty for the day and home by 2.00.

For the main group mileage from and back to Chichester would have been about 56. Climbing was 3078ft. See the exact route on Andrews Strava Page -

http://www.strava.com/activities/117260614

For my recent HDR images the first one is a shot from Bognor Pier. Using a filter I reduced the light to obtain an exposure of 30 seconds and smooth out the troubled waters. The sky was uninteresting so I replaced it with another long exposure taken on Lanzarote.

For a larger image and more detail see

http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/12777410774/in/photostream/

The next image, a glimpse of Spring was taken last Wednesday at a park in Aldwick showing crocuses with daffodils in the background.

 For a larger image and more detail see

http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/12831487505/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:27 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 2 March 2014 19:49 GMT

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Today the weather was cloudy and windy thought dry with some sunshine in the afternoon.

I was the leader and I was joined at Chichester Cross by Sam and Colin. Sam was looking a little chilly in the picture.

Jeff sent a text to warn roads were flooded at West Marden, Ibsworth and Finchdean after he did a ride yesterday. Quick change of plans and we headed to Rowlands Castle for elevenses. We met John Maxim there though he went home from Rowlands. Sam had been coughing all the way so he also went home.

Colin and I continued by taking the Horndean road and then turning off it to go towards Charton and bypass the flooding at Finchdean. Colin had a puncture after previously suffering one just before Rowlands. It turned out to be the tyre bulging so Colin used a piece of canvas to go inside to stop it puncturing again.

Then it was on via Chalton and up the climb to the A3 bridge. Then it was along the lane up to Butser Hill and the sharp descent to East Meon. Colin and I both had sandwiches so we bypassed the pub and had lunch on a seat by the river which was much lower than I expected. Thanks to Colin for the picture.

Then it was up the hill on the Clanfield road and turning down on the lane coming out at Hambledon Cricket pitch, at the top of the hill, not at Hambledon village with its floods. Then it was on to Clanfield and for a change up and down through Clanfield village, across the A3 at a gap in the reservation and on via a lane coming out on the Horndean Rowlands Castle road.

The road from Rowlands Castle was closed due to a big flood with a sign warning of prosecution for disobeying due I heard to lorries getting stuck in the deep water.

We were able to get through thanks to the higher pavement followed by a footbridge.

We then returned via Westbourne where the river was a raging torrent and back to Chichester on the South Coast Cycle Route.

Mileage from Chichester was about 46 and my mileage from Pagham about 58.

My latest picture to be processed depicts a viewpoint from a planet about to be drawn in to the Super Massive Black Hole at the centre of our Galaxy. All created from my own pictures taken a little closer to home on Lanzarote.

To see a larger picture and how it was done see http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/12673320705/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:54 GMT

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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

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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

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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

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 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

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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

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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

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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

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 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

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The round trip from Bognor was an easy 15 miles.
 
Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 15:43 GMT

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