There were 2 rides today, a long ride to Chiddingfold and a short flat ride to Hayling Island. I opted for the shorter ride which was led by Arthur.

Despite the forecast of showers it ended up dry with a lot of pleasant sunshine.

At the start there was Arthur, Lynn, myself, Graham, Martin, Alan, Liz, Jan, Keith and newcomer Bob Birtwell on a Pashley. Chris was also at the start having missed the long ride by about 3 minutes but he decided on his own ride. As I forgot my camera the ride pictures today are thanks to Lynn’s Iphone.

We took the lanes via Wodmancote and Westbourne to stop for elevenses at Fintstones Cafe, Emsworth near the harbor. Alan and Liz headed back from here and we gained Linda and Zeffy.

Then it was on to Havant and a back road and track to a path following the line of Chichester Harbor to the bridge. Then it was across the bridge onto Hayling and the lanes via Nortney. Then down to South Hayling and a stop for lunch at the Coastguards Cafe.

The first part of the return ride was similar to the outbound journey. At the harbor path we came across some swans one of which took a nip at Martins shoe (sorry no action shot taken)

Then it was back to Flintones cafe for an ice cream stop where we queued up behind holiday makers.

Then it was a fast ride with a tailwind along the A259  cycle path to stop for tea at Fishbourne Roman Palace Cafe. Return mileage from and back to Chichester was 35. My mileage from Pagham was 47.

I took the next 2 pictures of the Tour de France on stage 1 from my viewpoint on Buttertubs Pass, Yorkshire on Saturday 5^th July..

The first image used photoshop editing to select and highlight with colour the Tour riders.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/14419304410/in/photostream/

The next picture was looking down on the Tour riders as they were forced into a narrow passage where the climb was at 17%. A zoom effect in photoshop was used to concentrate attention on Cav and Condador and a very excited spectator.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/14628044615/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 22:20 BST

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 Philippa led today’s Saturday ride from Chichester Library which was advertised to run to Wellies Cafe at West Stoke.

 However shortly before the start time Philippa discovered that due to a large private party, Wellies would be unable to accommodate us. So a quick examination of the map found an alternative destination, the Aerodrome cafe at Goodwood.

 It was a lovely sunny afternoon with temperature hovering around 22 degrees, and light wind. The fair weather brought 11 to the start point: Philippa, Alan, Julian, Graham, Liz, Debbie, Galya, Christine, Clair, Nicola, and new rider Karen.  

 We set off through Chichester City Centre to join Centurion Way, a route we would have taken in any event had we gone to Wellies. Then just before Lavant we took a shortcut through a farmyard to emerge at the East Lavant turning. Through East Lavant and then right took us onto the Lavant Straight. We then took Stocks Lane, which is a somewhat overgrown bridleway skirting the Goodwood perimeter.  None of us had been down this track for a considerable number of years - it looked like nobody else had either but in fact apart from one muddy patch the riding  was not too bad at all. Halfway down we came across two cyclists repairing a puncture but they didn't require assistance and fortunately the same fate didn't befall us as we all got through intact. [Pic is us just coming off the track back to civilization]

(Editors Note – last time I used that track there were 10 in the group and I was the only one not to get a puncture! – Edwin)

Emerging just south of the Rolls Royce roundabout it was a short sprint to Goodwood where we had to jump out of the way of two souped up sports cars charging out through the entrance tunnel.

We had a pleasant refreshment stop watching airplanes.

Our return route was northwards back to the Lavant Straight and then down Fordwater Lane, where the Lavant was in full flow, to Summersdale, then College Lane to Chichester.

We ended the ride at North Street. I cycled back to Bognor with Clair, Galya and Debbie. My mileage was 25.6.

Round trip from Chichester would have been about 11.

 Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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A lovely evening today, dry, Clear and sunny, with the wind dropping making perfect riding conditions. 10 riders at the start point:  Julian, Graham, Steve, Carol, Harvey, Russ, Liz, Suzanne, and 2 new riders Nicola and Clair who we hope enjoyed themselves and we hope to see again soon. Dave met us at Aldwick making 11 out in total.

We took the promenade route to Fish Lane at Aldwick, then dropped into Barrack Lane, turning left at Stoney Stile Lane  to emerge eventually at Nyetimber, where we took one of our regular routes down Summer Lane and across the Pagham Rife to Bowley and south Runcton.

Most of this route will become officially recognised as part of National Cycle Route 2 if Sustrans lobbying is successful.  No shortage of midgies across the fields, but the ground was hard and not quite as lumpy as I've known it, so no-one had any problems negotiating it.

Then it was south through Fisher on waymarked Route 88, turning at Chalder Farm to briefly inspect the site of Chalder Station on the old Selsey tramway, before emerging on the main Selsey Road right next to the Anchor pub. Richard & Elizabeth were there to meet us, having made their own way from Chichester. This particular route probably has more off-road riding than any of our other routes, but the scenery and absence of any other road traffic at all between Pagham and Sidlesham more than makes up for it.
 
For the return route, we had a bit of a dilemma - whether to return by road or take the shortcut around Pagham Wall and the Harbour. It was on this route last year that Julian and his bike took an impromptu mud bath in the harbour. However it was quite a bit lighter tonight and after some discussions we decided the moon rising over the harbour was a sight not to be missed. So it was down Mill Lane and across tracks to Halseys Farm to reach Pagham Wall, which on this occasion was negotiated entirely without incident. We arrived back in Pagham before sundown.  Then it was through the Bay Estate back to Aldwick  and then back along the prom, with people peeling off along the way.
 
My mileage for the evening was 19.8.
 
Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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The weather today was mainly sunny though with some cloud and dry. Temperatures reached about 20C.

Colin was the leader and he was joined by just myself and Rex for the 9.00am start at Walberton Pond. However Colin got a text from Anne to say she and Roger were at Chichester Cross, had they got it wrong? Yes and Colin texted to meet for elevenses at Sumners Pond, Barnes Green.

Colin, Rex and I headed out via Madehurst at Collins usual brisk pace and then on via Houghton and Amberley. We tood a little lane before Storrington going past the Gliding Club and came across 3 from Arun Adur heading out on their ride to Midhurst.

Then it was on a bridleway across the West Sussex Golf Club near West Chiltington with some sandy tracks which we walked. Then it was some beautiful out of the way lanes across to West Chiltington.

Colin took us though West Chiltington, down the old Freewheel Comp hill and on via lanes via Broadford Bridge and Conyhurst to stop for elevenses in the pleasant surroundings of Sumners Pond Cafe. At one point Colin and Rex were looking very studious and engrossed in technology.

Anne and Roger soon joined us after cutting across country via Duncton and Wisborough Green.

Colin then took us on a little loop to the east of Barnes Green on beautiful lanes via Southwater, Maplehurst and Partridge Green. Then it was a very quiet lane from Ashurst.

We soon arrived at The Old Barn Nursery Cafe with both having sandwiches first and then on to the Cafe for Coffee.

After lunch it was more quiet lanes south of Shipley and then down to Ashington. Then a lane with a steep climb up to Warminghurst Church and on to the edges of Storrington. We continued to ride through Pareham Park where we saw 2 deer, sorry too quick for me to get a picture.

Then it was on to Amberley to stop for tea at the village tearooms and stoking up with more calories from delicious cakes.

We spit up after tea with Colin and Rex taking the track to Arundel and the rest of us heading up Houghton Hill. By coincidence the Bognor Regis Cycling Club riders, the local time trial club came past on the hill on the way home from a 100 mile club ride to Box Hill and back.

On my mileage the distance from and back to Walberton Pond was 61. However the leader Colin did an extra loop via Arundel so his official mileage for the day would be about 65. My own mileage for the day from Pagham was 80.

On Wednesday evening I took the bike train assisted to Lancing and then went up to the Downs north of Sompting and Lancing to take pictures of a Poppy Field. This one was taken about an hour before sunset.

For more details and a bigger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/14325568507/in/photostream/

Edwin.

Posted by RideLeader at 21:21 BST

Updated: Sunday, 29 June 2014 21:24 BST

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After a week of hot weather, the forecasters told us that it would break this evening, with heavy showers likely.

 Certainly that looked accurate in late afternoon when the clouds rolled in and spots of rain appeared.

It was very dull and threatening when I arrived at the start point but a brief shower had by then run its course. The forecast probably accounts for the fact that only 4 of us were at the start point - Julian, Michelle, myself, and new rider Suzanne.

We set out tentatively wondering what the weather would bring, but somewhat incredibly, we had not one drop of rain for the whole circuit.

 Our route took us up the cycle track to Barnham, where we stopped at the old canal to inspect progress on the reconstruction of Hollinsworth swivel bridge. Then it was Hill Lane to the Mill, then onwards through Yapton and Horsemere Green.

 At Climping School we took Bread Lane down to the shoreline before heading back up Climping Street past Bailiffscourt to the Black Horse for a well earned refreshment stop.

 We left the pub about 21.30 when it was still light, so i decided to take an off road route through Ancton Woods. On our way there, in Climping Street, we were passed by 4 Black Daimlers all bearing consecutive registrations, so we speculated that somebody important was staying at Bailiffscourt.

 Turning into the field that leads to Ancton Woods, we found the pathway very overgrown but still cycleable, albeit on the bumpy side. The woods were their usual picturesque self but coming out into the open on the south side, the track was again quite overgrown.  Happily we all made it through to Elmer unscathed and without incident.

 Suzanne left us at Elmer to head home whilst the three of us headed back to Felpham and our separate ways. It had only taken 30 mins to ride back through the woods, and was still not quite dark when i got home.

 My round trip mileage was 14.75

 Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Friday, 27 June 2014 09:16 BST

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The weather today was warm and mainly sunny except for a cloudier spell around lunchtime and temperatures reaching 21C.

I was the leader today and I was joined at Chichester Cross by Sam, Chris, Keith, Russ and newish riders Bob Birtwell and Brian Burdford.

We headed out via the Centurion Way and then on a lane observing the nearly completed large solar farm. Then it was on via West Stoke, Funtington and West Marden to stop for a pleasant 11s stop at Compton.

A good shot here of Keith’s Bamboo Bike unaffected by last week’s panda encounter.

Then it was some pleasant quiet lanes with some ups and downs via Apple Down.

Then on via North Marden to descend for lunch to the Isolated Royal Oak Pub at Hooksway for lunch.

The only problem with Hooksway is that you have to tackle the steep climb back up again, not good for those with too heavy a lunch.

After the fast descent to Chilgrove we turned off on the quiet backroads to West Dean some parts of which actually had sections of new tarmac for the first time in many many decades. Then it was on to the Centurion Way. One section of this north of Lavant narrowed down to tiny passage with undergrowth of near 7ft overshadowing us and making us think of jungle, hint to WSCC!

We continued via Lavant and Westhampnett to Tangmere and the great Strawberry Tea at Avry’s. As usual there were large amounts of Strawberries and lashings of cream. More joined us here who rode direct including Harvey, Anne, Gill, Steve, Carol, Dave and Jan.

The main ride would have been about 33 miles from and back to Chichester. My return mileage from Pagham was 43.

Last Tuesday evening I went to Goodwood Motor Race Circuit to take pictures of the cycle racing. This shot was taken with a long lens and then a zoom effect added in Photoshop.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/14270247268/in/photostream/

On Saturday I took some pictures at the Bishops Palace Gardens, Chichester including this one taken in the wild flowers section of flower buds. The image is taken with a macro lens which has a very narrow area of focus. This one uses focus stacking and 16 images were taken and combined to get all in focus.

See more on my Photo Blog at http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog/2014/6/wild-flower-buds-focus-stacked

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:28 BST

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Today the weather was dry though mainly cloudy and cooler than of late at about 18C.

Arthur was the leader today and he was joined at Chichester Cross by Lynn, Avryl, Graham, Martin Hines, Keith Dodman, Harvey, myself  and Brian a Havant member joining us so 9 out on the day. We also coincidentally met at the Cross John Maxim cycling home from the ferry at Portsmouth after a week in the Dordogne.

Next we continued on lanes via Westerton and Waterbeach followed by a few hills added to the menu riding via Halnaker and Eartham before descending to our lunchtime Cafe stop at Aldingbourne Country Centre Cafe.

When we arrived some other cyclists were just leaving and they stopped to admire Keith’s Bamboo Bike. Following a suggestion by Graham I decided to add another admirer having another interest in bamboo.

The selection of the Panda is credited to usename OZinOH through Flickr creative commons license. A link to the original Panda Picture is http://tiny.cc/ktdihx

We then continued on lanes including Slindon Bottom Road with beautiful views of Slindon Woods.

Then it was another climb up to Slindon and down to The Forge Cafe and a tea stop. This was extended a bit when Graham found he had a puncture and everybody gathered round for the cycle sport of watching the mending of a puncture.

We continued via Walberton. Most of the group headed back from there to Chichester. I split off to return home via the Barnham cycle path to Flansham.

I took time out to explore the new road being built for the Bognor bypass near Flansham. A footpath took me from the Barnham path to the new road which is blocked from traffic by 2 sets of barriers. My route was only possible on a Sunday when there is nobody around to say no. I got through the first set of barriers through a small gap. Then it was on to enjoy a tarmac road which has not yet seen a car.

The second set of barriers was more difficult. Part of the side barrier was laid flat but on a steep bank so I had to scramble down that. Then it was on to the open section of road and on via Flansham.

Mileage for the day from and back to Chichester was about 30. My mileage from Pagham was about 35.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:23 BST

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An unpredictable day weather-wise ensured only 6 at the start point for today's ride.

Overnight thunderstorms followed a sunny morning before the sky turned cloudy and threatening around lunchtime.
 
With the temperature hovering around 18 degrees and not much wind, it was quite humid when i set off with Steve, Carol, Julian, Liz & Bob.
 
We made our way to Felpham via back roads, and then through the new Estate at Flansham before taking the cycletrack to Barnham.
Just after crossing the river bridge the weather broke and a light shower set in. By the time we had reached Barnham Church this had turned into steady rain and a few hundred yards later the heavens opened.
Fortunately we were able to take shelter under trees but it was 20 minutes or more before the rain eased sufficiently to continue the ride.

It wasn't clear whether this was a temporary lull between showers or whether the rain had passed for good, so we thought in view of that and the time  it would be foolish to press on to Aldingbourne (especially as they do close quite early on a Saturday afternoon). After some debate we headed through Barnham towards Eastergate intending to stop at the Wilkes Head and then complete a circuit back to Bognor via Shripney.
 
As we went down Eastergate Lane, two things happened.
Firstly, the sun came out, and stayed with us for the rest of the afternoon.
Secondly, we came upon Eastergate Church Fete which was in full swing with an invitingly placed tea and home-made cakes stall.
Our stop was decided and we paid our 50p admission to access this very "village-like" event with Maypole, tractor rides, pony rides, and tea for 50p, with a generous portion of strawberries and cream offered for £1.00.

 
All in all it made for a very different day and a very different refreshment stop.
 

To complete our circuit we went back to Bognor via Norton Lane to the Oving Road and then the Woodhorn Lanes back to Colworth. Bob and Liz left us there heading back to Chichester, whilst the rest of us took the cycletrack into North Bersted, through the new Estate and back through South Bersted to Bognor town.
 
My mileage for the afternoon was 21.
 
Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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The weather for the ride today was ideal being dry with a lot of sunny spells, temperatures up to 19C and light winds.

Arthur was the leader and he was joined by Lynn, Avryl, Jan, Graham, Sam, David Sinclair, David Glue, Martin Hines, Martin Guarnaccio, Gill Marshall and Peter. I joined the ride at lunch and Alan and Liz met us for tea so 15 riders out during the day. Team backup van (sag wagon!) was provided by Brian and Di Noyce

The ride started at 7.00am and the morning included lanes to the west with breakfast at The Boaters Bar, Prinsted.

Having ridden hundred miles many times before I decided to join the group for lunch and ride the afternoon section. I went to East Wittering via Chichester Yacht basin and spotted these 3 ducks lined up in a row by the canal lock gates at Chichester Yacht basin.

At East Wittering there were too many for one cafe so the group spread out and regrouped at a junction.

Then it was lanes up via Sidlesham and Hunston and on via the cyclepath to Bognor. Some parts of the seafront Cycleroute were used.

Then it was lanes out to Elmer and on to Yapton to rendezvous with the team backup.

For the curious wondering what everybody is looking at here is a picture.

Then it was on via Ford to Arundel for the main tea stop where Alan and Liz met us. Lynn arrived at Arundel with a swollen knee having developed over the last few miles so the sag wagon was put to good use.

We returned via Ford, Yapton and then a brief stop in the sunshine at Walberton Pond.

Our last stop was at Woodhorn near Oving for another feed stop.

My mileage for the day was 67. Everybody else except Lynn completed their 100 miles.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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There were 7 at the start at Felpham Leisure Centre...the usual suspects being  Julian, Graham,  Carol,  Steve, David,  John and new rider Michelle out for the first time. Harvey met us at the pub having mistaken the start time and found no one else there.  The route was via south and  north Bersted, Shripney Lane, Woodgate  and then alleyways.

The route continued via the Wilkes Head in Eastergate lane, and then on to Barnham and the Murrell Arms where Graham took a quick shot of the group.

Edwin joined after Time Trialing. Most returned on the Barnham path while Edwin and John returned  on road via Yapton.

Round trip about 14.5 miles.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Saturday, 31 May 2014 11:11 BST

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The weather today was beautiful and sunny though with a cool SW wind and temperatures up to about 16C.

I was the leader and I was joined at Chichester Cross by Sam, Jeff and Keith.

We headed out up the Centurion Way and then lanes via West Stoke to Funtington. Then it was on the valley road towards West Marden. Before the village we turned off on a back road towards Forestside  with a steep climb. Near the top we were overtaken by a stream of riders from Alton CC.

Then it was on with a sharp descent to Finchdean and lanes round to Chalton and then onwards to stop for elevenses at Queen Elizabeth Country Park.

After elevenses it was a lane to Clanfield and up and past the Bat and Ball before turning off on some very quiet lanes with ups and downs via Chidden. At a brief regrouping stop Sam took advantage of the break to be unhealthy. He was very pleased with his new chainset which had its first outing today.

Then it was a sharp downhill to Exton with some walkers and their dog not noticing Sam hurtling down the hill towards them and hurriedly pulling back from crossing the road after a loud shout from Sam.

We stopped for lunch at The Shoe Inn which has a garden with the river Meon running past.

For the return route we took beautiful lanes above the valley via Meonstoke and  Soberton.

Then it was lanes across to Hambledon and a steep climb on a quiet lane. Then we worked our way East on Lanes via Cathrington and Horndean and on to stop for tea at Rowlands Castle.

Then back to Chichester via Westbourne. When descending into Westbourne from Rowlands Castle the lane through the village, formerly a mass of potholes has finally been fully resurfaced.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 55.. My mileage for the day from Pagham was 67.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:40 BST

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This Event had a start at Southwater Country Park Cafe at 9.30 and participants made their own way there. The weather was beautiful with clear blue skies and warm summery temperatures up to 22C.

I planned to get there train assisted though engineering work closed the line from Chichester to Ford making a train from Littlehampton required. It was a pleasant ride along the seafront to start with this picture taken at about 7.00 at Felpham .

After arriving at Billingshurst it was then about an hour’s ride to Southwater. The only other Bognor Chichester members taking part were Colin and Russell. There were 4 from Arun Adur and 7 from Horsham Crawley plus the organizer this year, Pete Ayres.

I joined Colin, Dave Fox and Richard Boulton in a team and set off with our route and clue sheet. The ride was mainly on quiet lanes with few hills and about 30 miles during the day.

The lunch stop was at Fishers Farm Cafe, Wisborough Green where John Maxim joined us. Colin left at lunch.

The rest of us continued with more clues returning to Southwater for tea and the results. Our team was third. Gordon and Jacqui from Horsham Crawley were 2^nd and Val, Barbara and Bob from Horsham Crawley were first by virtue of the tie break of the number of post boxes on the route.

With the addition of riding to and from Littlehampton and to and from Southwater my mileage for the day was 70 depite the train assistance.

My latest processed HDR picture was taken in London on 19^th May looking straight up at a building next to London Bridge.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/14042022977/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:18 BST

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Sunday 11 May. Ride to New Alresford

The weather today was a little blowy, well actually steady 30mph gusting to 40mph mainly from the west with a little south. We managed to avoid the isolated showers and stayed dry all day. It was mainly cloudy in the morning and pleasant sunshine in the afternoon. Sam was the leader and joining him at Chichester Cross for the early 8.30 start were myself and Colin.

We headed out into the wind on the South Coast Cycle Route via Westbourne , Rowlands Castle and Finchdean. As we started up the gentle climb towards Buriton we started to encounter riders on the Hampshire Hilly Hundred, a Sportive Event organized by British Cycling. The riders had started from Winchester at 8.00am. The riders kept coming in the opposite direction as far as East Meon. After the first few hundred times of saying hello it got a little tiring!

As we cycled through Buriton Woods the combination of the dull day and less light under the trees lowered the shutter speed for a nice effect.

As we descended the steep north side of the Downs towards Buriton groups of Sportive riders were coming up with cars trapped among them and Sam let out a somewhat annoyed (understatement) yell as some cyclists were way over on the wrong side.

We continued on the lane near Ramsdean to East Meon and a coffee stop at the village shop which does hot drinks.

Then it was on to West Meon and quiet lanes to New Alresford for lunch. We found a good cafe with bike parking at the back so I took a photo for future reference.

Then it was more lanes via Tichborne and Cheriton and then a fair few climbs on lanes south to Bishops Waltham.

Then it was more lanes east, finally picking up a tailwind to Swanmore and on to Lotts Cafe, Hambledon for an early tea. Camera man for a change is Colin.

After tea there was a steep climb on a lane with some curious onlookers.

We continued on lanes via Cathrington and Horndean and then Rowlands Castle. Here Sam stopped for a second tea while Colin and I having further to go pressed on for home.

The nearest a shower got was this view from the Bognor Chichester cyclepath. Luckily it shifted away east and out to sea before I got to it.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 73. My mileage for the day from Pagham was 87 making it my longest ride of the year so far.

Below is a picture I took a City Hall London last year which I processed for a panel of 3 for a Camera Club Competition and which gained 3rd place.

For a bigger picture and more info see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/14119740486/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:30 BST

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I led this ride in place of Phillippa, who was indisposed.
 
We had no rain today, nor was any forecast, but we did have to contend with a very stong South Westerly wind, around 30mph and gusting to 47mph, making Westbound cycling very challenging, probably the strongest wind I have cycled any distance in. Fortunately, from Chichester the route was almost entirely on a Eastward heading, meaning the wind was behind us. 
 
There were 8 of us at the start point  - myself, Debbie, Julian, Carol, Steve, Bob, Liz, and Russ.
 
We took a back street route around Chichester to arrive at Madgwick Lane in Westhampnett. Then it was up past Goodwood and the Rolls Royce factory turning down narrow lanes through Streetington and Waterbeach to Halnaker. As we passed through Boxgrove we had time for a short stop at Boxgrove Priory where we inspected both the ruins and the still used Priory Church.

 From Boxgrove we took the 1/4 mile long bridge crossing of the A27 and straight into Tangmere and the Aviation Museum.

.

For the return ride, Russ headed off back to Rustington whilst Julian, Carol, steve, Bob & Liz battled the wind and the Tangmere Strait back to Chichester. Debbie and I took advantage of a tail wind to return direct to Bognor via Oving and Colworth.
 
The round trip mileage to and from Chichester would have been about 14. I clocked up 20.4  by the time i reached home.
 
Graham 

Posted by RideLeader at 21:31 BST

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There was excellent weather for this year’s long weekend away on the Isle of Wight. Dry and sunny and although chilly at first each day it later warmed up.

Those taking part were myself, John Maxim, Sam Roberts and Debbie Lord. Most of the group rode to Portsmouth for the ferry. I had a special Camera Club event taking pictures of Chichester Cathedral. I later took the train to Portsmouth and caught up with the rest for tea at Godshill. The others had also been joined by Brian and Sue Howe who were staying at Alverstone.

The rest of us continued to our B&B at Ventor.

The next day was the Round the Island Ride.  2152 riders took part starting from various checkpoints on the route which spreads the riders round. We started from Whitwell. John went ahead at his own faster pace. Sam, Debbie and I went round together.

One of the best parts of the route is the south coast and especially the road along the cliffs above Freshwater. Below is Debbie doing a fair imitation of collapsing at the top of the hill. Actually she was trying to scramble up the bank until we pointed out the nearby steps.

After getting sorted this is the final picture.

The next control point was Yarmouth where we stocked up sandwiches and cakes at bargain prices supplied by the school.  The next part of the route had major changes due to the Cowes Chain Ferry being out of action. Repairs were due to have been completed by Friday but when they got it into dry dock they found a hole in the bottom, oops.

The organizers, the Isle of Wight Wayfarers , an independent Cycling Club did a great job with Marshalls and signs directing everybody on the diversion via Newport. The council also gave help where the route had to take a busy main road with a giant lit sign “Caution Cyclists” though I think it was fairly obvious with a continuous stream of bikes.

We eventually got round arriving back at Whitwell at 5.50 just 10 minutes before the controls closed.

On the Monday we headed back with an elevenses stop at the Garlic Farm Cafe near Newchurch in the centre of the Island. In the background of the picture you can see a large group of cyclists who had been over for the event from Exeter CTC.

The Garlic farm had 2 birds of Prey being shown by some people who take them round various locations. This cute owl was a required picture.

After elevenses we had a vertical climb and unusually I was ahead of John and able to get a picture.

We headed on to the Ferry from Fishbourne. The ferry was held up at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour to allow the frigate HMS Richmond to exit.

We rode back with a tea stop at Havant.

Below is one of the pictures I took of Chichester Cathedral on Saturday. This one is of the North West Tower.

For more see

https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/14119081312/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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It had been dull and cloudy for most of the day, with the weather constantly threatening a heavy downpour, but never actually delivering one. Until 20 mins before the ride, when the heavens opened.

However such was this short sharp shower that it had completely stopped by the ride departure time, and 7 of us left the ALC heading for Oving -  Myself, Julian, John, Harvey, Carol, Steve, and special mention to Liz who came specially down from Midhurst.

We set out around the back of Bognor through South Bersted and as we carried on toward North Bersted it became apparent that the roads were now completely dry and it had not actually rained at all here. localised weather indeed!
 
A new route through the housing Estate still under construction at Site Six in North Bersted kept us away from, and on the right side of, the main A259 road until we joined the cycle track at Elbridge. Then it was via Colworth and Woodhorn to run around the back of Oving and into the Gribble. Here Edwin joined us fresh from time trialling making 8 out in total.
 
Our return route was back to Colworth via the railway bridge, into North Bersted, then Highfield Bridge, Felpham Cricket pitch and back to the Leisure Centre, people peeling off for home along the way.
 
Round trip mileage from the ALC, a modest 13.5
 
Graham.  

Posted by RideLeader at 08:46 BST

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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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