The weather today was fairly mild up to 12C though cloudy with a few sunny spells. It stayed dry despite forecasts of a little rain in the afternoon..

Sam was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Jeff, Roger and Mark so 5 out on the day

We headed out up North Street and then a fast training type pace up the main road via Singleton and Cocking before turning off on a lane via Heyshott Green and Lavington Common to the Petworth Road. After a brief spell on this we took another lane via Burton Mill Pond. Then it was on via Shopham Bridge and lanes to Petworth for a welcome elevenses.

Next it was north from Petworth before turning off onto lanes via Balls Cross and Kirdford to our lunch stop at The Old Mill Cafe, Wisborough Green.

The return route took us back to Kirdford and a long gradual climb to Flexham Park and the down to Byworth. Then it was back via Shopham Bridge and a lane to Barlavington. We stopped at the base of Duncton Hill for a break. Mark discovered that he had forgotten to drink a bottle of beer he brought to have with his picnic lunch. Sam did not have it, that was set up for the camera, Mark had to cart it back with him.

After climbing up Duncton we had a gradual downhill. Most of the group turned right at Upwaltham to head back to Chichester via East Dean and Singleton. I took a more direct route home via Eartham, Aldingbourne village and Colworth.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 52. My mileage from Pagham was 64.

My latest picture to be processed was one of the Lloyds Building, processed in Black and White for a dark skies look.

For more details see http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog/2015/3/metropolis-at-lloyds

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:19 BST

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The weather today was warmer than of late reaching 10C with most of the day sunny. Luckily the rain held off until about 5.00 when we were all home. There was a very strong westerly wind which we fought against on the way out but blew us home.

Arthur was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by Lynn, Avryl, Sam, Russell, Bob, Jeff, Graham, Rex and myself so 10 out on the day.

We headed out on West Street and the lanes near West Ashling where there was a brief stop to divest excess layers.

Then it was on via Woodmancote and Westbourne to a stop for elevenses at The Greenhouse Cafe, Emsworth.

Russell headed back after elevenses and the rest of us continued to Havant and turned off on the road and then path going down to the waterfront and along to the Hayling Bridge. When we crossed there a strong crosswind so it was just as well to have the cycle path. Then it was lanes round to North Hayling and lunch at Meadow Farm Nursery Cafe. This was the first time this one has been on the Rides List and we will certainly return. Sam needed to hold his stomach in before the photo was taken.

My latest picture is of a new Spiral Staircase opened a few days before my visit at The Wellcome Collection, Euston Road, London.

More details at https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/16621471965/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:26 GMT

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There were 2 rides today a morning only ride led by Arthur to East Wittering and a longer hillier ride scheduled to go to Steep nr Petersfield. The weather started sunny and frosty with some ice and went downhill from there to wind and rain by the afternoon and temperatures up to only 6C.

I was joined at Chichester Cross for the 9.00 start by Sam, Jeff and Mark.

To avoid any ice on the Centurion Way I headed out via North Street and then up the B-Road a ways before taking a lane up to West Stoke and quiet lanes to Funtington. We stopped there briefly for a hand warming stop (where did that bus get to!)

Then it was on over the hill to Racton and up the B-Road via West Marden to Compton where we stopped for elevenses in the welcome warmth of the Cafe. I had decided earlier to turn back at elevenses due to an eye infection. Jeff was going to take over and lead the others over the Downs. However having entered the Cafe in sunshine we came out to dark clouds and the first spots of rain. The others decided to join me in a morning only ride. The very light rain continued during our return though it later turned out to be localised to the area west of Chichester and was in advance of the main rain which arrived soon after 1.00

From just north of Compton we took a route over a short hill to Idsworth and the lanes via Finchdean to Rowlands Castle. Here Sam and Jeff diverted to the Cafe for a second coffee stop/early lunch. Mark and I headed on back to Chichester via Westbourne and Woodmancote.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 27. My mileage from Pagham was 40. I got home with 20 minutes to spare before the serious rain.

Earlier in the week on Tuesday I took the following picture of a Crocus at a small green at Aldwick. It was a bright sunny day like spring, didn’t last! The photo method used is called focus stacking with 20 pictures taken a different focus settings and combined together.

See more at my Photo Blog at http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog/2015/2/february-spring-crocus-bloom

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 15:17 GMT

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We met at Walberton Pond with Rex as the leader and he was joined by myself, Colin and Sam. It was a special day for Rex as it was his first ever Ride Lead. The weather was dry with clear skies to start on the coast but we got low cloud as we went over the Downs. This cleared to sunshine by after lunch. Temperatures were up to a pleasant 10C, almost spring like.

Rex led us over the Downs on the lane via Madehurst up to Whiteways. Then it was along the ridge on the A29 with misty views towards the Arun valley. Amberley could be seen in an isolated patch of sun. After a sharp descent of Bury Hill we took the lane via West Burton and then towards Bignor. As we rode a herd of Deer ran ahead of us in the distance at the foot of the Downs before joining another Herd. I tried taking a picture but they were too distant.

Then it was on via Bignor and Sutton and the lane via Shopham Bridge over the Rother to Petworth and a welcome stop for elevenses.

We returned via Shopham Bridge before turning off on the lane via Coates to Fittleworth. Then it was a short way on the main road to the Garden Centre Cafe at Stopham Bridge over the Arun for lunch.

The return was back to Fittleworth and then a stretch of the B-Road south before turning off on a lane and a sharp climb to West Burton.. Then it was over the main road and lanes via Bury to Houghton and down to the Riverside Cafe for tea.

The return was on the usual route via Houghton Hill. Rex provided us with a good pleasant route on a beautiful day. Mileage from and back to Walberton was about 35. My mileage from Pagham was  53.

My latest picture to be processed was of traffic and Bus Trails on Westminster Bridge looking south towards the London Eye.

For a larger picture and more details at

https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/16454699496/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:09 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 15 February 2015 18:12 GMT

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Today's weather forecast suggested light rain between about 2pm and 4pm - right about the time of our ride. However I set off with blue sky above, but by the time I arrived in Chichester, it looked decidedly black.

 There were 11 of us at the start - Richard, Bill, Steve, Carol, Graham, Michelle, Dave, Julian, Alan, Liz, and brand new rider Hilary.

 Richard led us from the City Centre, through West Street and down to Appledram Lane where we joined Salterns Way. The off road section was a welcome relief, as there seemed to be an unusually large  number of cars about, all anxious to shave a few seconds from their journey time trying to get past our group at awkward spots.

 We continued down Salterns Way, which was puddly from earlier rain but perfectly rideable. When we got down to Birdham Pool the rain started. This changed from light rain to steady as we crossed Chichester Canal, and then  to heavy as we passed Birdham Church. However a few hundred yards later we emerged onto the main road where it was a short sprint up Birdham Straight to Russell’s Garden Centre, and a chance to stay dry.

 After suitable refreshments, blue sky had returned and we set off back  more or less the way we came, but with a different circuit round Birdham and riding on Appledram Lane instead of the track.

 Carol & Steve left us early to head back to Bognor, whilst the rest of us continued back into Chichester. Cloud cover returned, but fortunately we made it back in the dry.

 My mileage for the afternoon was just shy of 20; a round trip from, and back to, Chichester Library would have been about 13.

 Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 GMT

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The weather today started cold but with sunshine all day temperatures rose to a spring like 11C. Harvey was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Sam, Russell, Rex, Bob, Richard, Avryl, Arthur and Lynn so 10 out on the day.

For a change we headed up North Street and up the B-Road from Northgate. Then it was lanes to West Stoke and an early elevenses stop at the Fox & Hounds, Funtington which is open for coffees on Sunday morning. The warmth inside soon removed the early morning chill. Richard headed back after elevenses.

We headed on up the hill to Racton and then the B-Road towards West Marden but turned off before that for a short but steep climb through the trees. Then it was on via Forestside and a steep descent to Deanlane End. Then a short way on to lunch at Rowlands Castle.

The return was on lanes via Westbourne and Woodmancote and a stop for tea at Fishbourne Roman Palace Cafe.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 24. My mileage from Pagham was 37.

My latest picture to be processed was taken at London Bridge Underground Station. I processed it to mono and increased the shininess for a futuristic feel.

More details at https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/16433440672/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:37 GMT

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The weather today was very cold with a strong NW wind and mix of sun and cloud. Luckily though it had stayed a few degrees above freezing overnight so there was no ice to worry about.

I was the leader and I was joined at Chichester Cross at 9.00 by Colin and Andrew.

We headed out on West Street and then up Centurion Way. As we took to the wilds north of Chichester remnants of yesterday’s snow could be seen in occasional patches. It is reliably reported that areas like Chichester, Barnham and Littlehampton had snow yesterday morning but sunny Bognor stayed clear of it.

We continued on lanes via West Stoke and Funtington. Then it was up the valley on the B.Road via West Marden  to a stop for elevenses and to warm up at Compton Tea Rooms.

Then it was the long climb up Harting Hill before a sharp descent to Harting Village. At this point we finally turned east. For me from Pagham it had been 20 miles to Harting all of it riding directly in to a 20mph NW and very cold headwind!

We next headed east via Elsted and Elsted Marsh to the main A272 which we crossed and turned on to more lanes via Stedham and Woolbeding to Midhurst. Lunch was down as choose cafe on the day. We settled on Garton’s Coffee House located in the Old Town Hall and Jail. The cells are now used to store Wine. Large portions and a good range of light bites at reasonable prices. A future regular methinks.

We headed back on the lane via Bepton and then up Cocking Hill. Then it was Singleton, Lavant and Tangmere and back across the airfield. Mileage from and back to Chichester would have been about 43. My mileage from Pagham was 54.

Strava Map from Andrew

My latest picture to be processed was taken a few weeks ago on Westminster Bridge and is a composite of 2 pictures with Bus light trails.

A larger picture and more details at https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/16368575356/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:33 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 1 February 2015 18:19 GMT

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Nonetheless 9 hardy cyclists set off from the library and headed straight into that bitter head wind.

Steve, Julian, Alan, Dave, Graham, Michelle, Deb, Nicola, and new rider Lea set out along Bognor's back streets and across  Aldwick Green to the Lower Bognor Road.  Then it was an amble across the usual farm lanes via Butterlees Farm. I noticed several spots where repairs had been carried out on the worst of the broken concrete roads, so the trail was a little smoother, the downside being that recent agricultural activity had made it a bit muddy - but perfectly rideable.

We reached Manor Nursery in about an hour and headed straight for the Palm House Restaurant, where hot drinks - and a late lunch for some - were the order of the day.

For our route back to Bognor we completed a circular ride by taking Merston Lane through the village, then cycle track to the Colworth loop, where the flood water across the road was as deep as usual. The temperature was just as cold on the return but the tail wind made cycling a lot more pleasant.

A brief  - and probably never to be repeated - exploratory trip up the Northern Relief Road  followed, using the narrow painted margin that may or may not be a cycle lane. We turned at Shripney Lane, a detour only available to cyclists or pedestrians, and made our way back to town via North Bersted Street and Highfield Bridge, dropping people off along the way.

Round trip mileage from Bognor library was about 13.25 - I'd done just shy of 20 by the time I got home.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 21:28 GMT

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16 people turned up for Arthur’s birthday ride from Chichester to Emsworth. The ride was our first trial of a morning only ride and attracted a few people new to Sunday rides, joining us from the Cycle Bognor group. We even had a tandem join us.  And despite the ride being a short one, some people managed an astonishing three coffee stops.

We headed west out of Chichester under the A27 via Clay Lane.

We added an additional stop in at Woodmancote after some mechanical issues (a slipping chain) split the group. After the stop we cycled the few miles on to Emsworth for coffee stop two.

On the way back we came straight down the cycle path along the A259. Some stopped off in Chichester Cathedral for another coffee. Over coffee in Emsworth I had said that one of the things I didn’t know how to repair was a broken chain. Just outside Bognor my chain broke and I had to walk the last mile.

The total distance to and from Chichester was around 19 miles.

The route (including my loop to Bognor) is here

David

Posted by RideLeader at 09:27 GMT

Updated: Monday, 26 January 2015 09:28 GMT

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Sunday 25^th January. Ride to Wiston Tea Rooms.

First thing this morning it was very cold with another hard frost. Later it warmed up to 8C with a mix of cloud and sun. The following picture was taken just before 9.00 near the start at Walberton.

Colin was the leader and he was joined at the start by myself, Rex, Jeff and Chris so 5 out in all for the long ride. This was overshadowed a little by the first of our morning only rides from Chichester, short and easy paced which gained an attendance of 16.

Colin led us out from Walberton up the A29 and after a short ride on that we turned off onto the scenic lane via Madehurst leadings us up to the Whiteways Roundabout.

Then it was along the ridge overlooking the Arun Valley before the steep descent of Bury Hill before turning off on the Lane to West Burton. Soon after we came across ice across the road. Most of us found a way around it but Jeff went right over it managing to slither to a stop and walked to the end of it. Then it was lanes across to Coldwatham, through a flood before the river and on to Wiggonholt for elevenses to get warmed up.

Chris left us at elevenses and we continued via Nutbourne Common where we passed Ray and Jo of Arun Adur Club. Then it was on via West Chiltington, Thakeham and Ashington for lunch at Wiston. The tea rooms still have their  usual menagerie.

We headed for home via Rackham, Amberley and Houghton hill. Mileage from and back to Walberton would have been about 52. My mileage from Pagham was 69.

My latest picture to be processed was taken in London last Monday at Kings Cross Underground Station. Smile as you leave the Underground!

For more details see my Photo Blog at http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog/2015/1/smile-underground-exit

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:43 GMT

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Following a wet and windy morning, the day cleared for a sunny afternoon, with the wind gradually decreasing.  The improvement in the weather brought out 15 cyclists for a ride from Chichester to Bosham.

Leaving Chichester library, the group cycled down West Street towards Westgate, before going through the A27 underpass and joining the cyclepath towards Fishbourne.  Unfortunately, the cyclepath was closed off at Salthill Road, so we had to divert via the main road towards Bosham.  We then turned left into Old Park Lane.

Then left again into Hoe Lane, which took us on a very windy ride around Bosham Hoe! We then took the main harbour road into Bosham village, with the tide lapping at our tyres!

On the way home, we took a much shorter route back to the main road, via the designated cycle route, taking in Walton Lane and Chequer Lane in Bosham.  We then continued along the A259 and back through the underpass into Chichester.  Most of the group left us at Westgate to take the cyclepath via Chichester College.  Those of us remaining then continued along West Street back into the city.

Philippa

Posted by RideLeader at 15:39 GMT

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The weather today was cold and windy though sunny for the morning before cloud moved in for the afternoon.

Arthur was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by Lynn, myself, Sam, Graham, Martin, Rex, Bill and Harvey so 9 in all.

We headed out via West Street and Clay Lane and then the South Coast Cycleroute to Woodmancote to stop for elevenses for a change at the Woodmancote Arms. We enjoyed a warm fire with hot drinks!

We continued via Racton with Racton Tower standing out very well with the tree foliage removed. Then it was on up the valley road via West Marden to Compton for lunch. Throughout the morning we had seen numerous other groups of cyclists both large and small. Unfortunately there were 2 groups at Compton with not a seat to be found inside or out. We ordered and waited around and eventually tables came free. Out of the wind and in the sun it was almost warm (with enough layers)

Just as we were leaving Graham Young turned up, a member a while ago and he rode back with us. We returned down the valley and then over the hill to Funtington. Then it was Watery Lane to West Ashling and back to Chichester. Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 23. I returned via a visit to the Chichester Camera Club Photography Exhibition at North Mundam. Then a longer route home to Pagham to complete  38 miles for the day.

My latest picture was taken at the Tate Britain converted to black and white using the High Key method, (more whites)

A larger picture and more details at https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/16226815301/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:43 GMT

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Today was the Mince Pie Ride to the house of Philippa and William at Bracklesham Bay.

We met at Chichester Cross at 9.30. Those on the ride were myself, Sam, Harvey, Gill, Russell, Bob, Richard, Rex and Bob and Gill Marshall so 10 in all. The weather was about 3C at the start and was cloudy early but sun later and light winds. Sam was cold.

We headed out on West Street and then Appledram lane. We missed the mud of the Salterns Way path by taking a stretch of the main road. Then it was lanes via the Yacht Basin and Birdham Pool to Birdham. Then another stretch of main road but surprisingly little traffic on it. We then turned off onto Piggery Hall Lane to East Wittering and on to Philippa and William at Bracklesham Bay.

We had a splendid spread provided including sausage rolls, Stollen, Mince Pies and Profiteroles. Sam was still cold.

More club members arrived coming direct, some by car and some by bike being Dave, Jan, Alan, Liz, Arthur, Lynn, Freda, Jim, Cath and Roy so including Philippa, William and David there were 23 in all.

On the way back we took a route on lanes via Almodington to Sidlesham Common. After a short stretch of main road we split up with some heading straight back to Chichester and I led others back via Hunston and Merston.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 20. My mileage from Pagham was 29. It was essentially a morning only ride.

This afternoon I went to Pagham Harbour to take pictures of the sunset. This one was taken with a 2 minute exposure with a 10 stop filter which reduces the light  by 1000 times enabling the long shutter speed to be used.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:16 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 4 January 2015 19:19 GMT

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The weather today was cloudy and windy from the SW and much warmer than of late at 11C. There was a little light drizzle at times but it was otherwise dry.

I was the leader of the New Years Day ride today and I was joined at Walberton Pond by Rex, Bpb and John Rigarlsford.

We headed out east from Walberton and then over the A27 which had few cars on it, everybody presumably getting up late. Then it was up Shelbridge Lane to the A29 and on to the lane for Madehurst. We waited for Bob by Madehurst Church where he decided to head back.

Then it was on the lane to Whiteways and then down Bury Hill. Going downhill John got a bad case of Shimmy (vibrating Bike) and only just managed to stop the bike safely. We continued on the lane via West Burton and then cut across to the Fittleworth Road. Then it was another lane across to Coldwaltham. After crossing the Arun we took Greatham Lane to Rackham and on to The Sportsman at Amberley. John Maxim was there ahead of us. There were 9 from Arun Adur arriving later. They were doing the ride as a rendezvous ride meeting for lunch rather than a led ride.

The return ride was more direct via Houghton Hill, Walberton and the A29 back to Bognor. Mileage from and back to Walberton was 22. My mileage from and back to Pagham was 39.

My latest picture to be processed was taken from one of the link passages at the top of Tower Bridge. This is accessed as part of The Tower Bridge Exhibition. Taken with a Fisheye lens.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/16146826765/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:50 GMT

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The weather today was overcast and dull with a very light drizzle, hardly enough to wet the ground. Temperatures were up to 11C. Arthur was the leader and he was joined by Lynn, myself, Graham, Sam and Bill and arriving after the picture was taken were, Russell, Keith, Alan, Liz and Bob so 11 in all. The picture was taken by a stallholder nearby so the author gets in the picture for a change.

We headed out via West Street and then the Clay Lane route before descending straight to Bosham and the Arcade Cafe for elevenses. We gave a miss to the harbor road today as it was under water with high tide.

We continued by returning to the main road and after a ride along the adjoining cycleway turned off on the lane via Chidham. As we returned to the main road we started seeing frequent groups of Santas on bikes. This is part of a traditional ride from Hayling Island. In the picture are 2 lady Santas, well, women Bishops so why not, though a real lady Santa might have problems with the beard.

We continued on the lane to Prinsted and lunch at the Boaters Bar which provided the usual enormous portions.

On the way back we returned on lanes via Southbourne, Hambrook and West Ashling Lane to return to Chichester on the South Coast Cycle route. Mileage from and back to Chichester was 21. My mileage from Pagham was 34.

A week ago Saturday I cycled with cameras and tripod on a very cold and clear evening to a lane which runs into a bridleway from Halnaker crossroads. It has some skeletal trees which made for a great foreground for a Star Trails picture. Taken with a fisheye lens.

For more on Star Trails see my Photo Blog at http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog/2014/12/halnaker-downland-star-trails

Another picture to be processed was taken on a London trip early this month looking from the north at Canary Wharf.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/15861058990/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:19 GMT

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Today’s ride was supposed to be from Walberton to Barnes Green , but Rex had cycled from relatively tropical Littlehampton  to join Colin and was as  frozen as the surrounding fields. So Rex returned to the coast whilst Jeff  who had arrived from Selsey but in a car,  was more optimistic and left with Colin to go at least as far as RSPB Wiggonholt. 

As the temperature rose it was  decided to make for Ashington Garden centre for morning coffee.  Here Jeff nearly swopped identical wallets with a man in front in the queue but they decided not to take the chance! On emerging from the cafe it started to rain so pedals were traced . An improvement in the weather encouraged a diversion from  the outward route  to  Pulborough and Fittleworth, stopping for picnic lunch in the porch of the church in Coates.

After a discussion on the age of the stonework which required  referring to  the architectural bible  later, we opted to climb  Bignor Hill to avoid Houghton hill . This meant  Colin achieved at least one piece of off-road before the tarmac was rejoined north of  Madehurst.   

Afternoon tea at the Forge Slindon  then back to Walberton made a 41 mile ride. 

 Jeff

Posted by RideLeader at 21:29 GMT

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Today was the Tinsel Ride to Aldingbourne. After a cold start temperatures warmed up quite a bit though with some scattered showers. I had intended to go on the long ride to Barnes Green but the discovery of a puncture just before I left put paid to that. The advantage of a Marathon Plus Tyre is that it very rarely punctures, at least 4 years for the one in question but the disadvantage is that they are absolute pigs to get on or off.

Harvey was leading the short ride standing in for Arthur. He was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Chris and Keith. As Harvey was the only one to decorate his bike he was the runaway winner of the best decorated bike competition.

We headed out via the Centurion Way to Lavant and then across to Goodwood Airfield for elevenses at the Control Tower Cafe. Harvey timed it perfectly as a shower arrived just after we got inside.

We continued via Halnaker and on to Aldingbourne for lunch which was fairly empty after another group of cyclists left.

In the afternoon Keith headed back to Chichester while the rest of us headed back via the Fontwell underpass and Walberton. I headed home via Yapton, Middleton and the seafront Cycleroute. The only other rain of the day arrived just as I got to my front door, lucky!.

Mileage from and back to Chichester would have been about 20 miles. My mileage from Pagham was 30.

My latest pictures to be processed are first an old one from Salisbury showing the reflection in the font.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/15362525363/in/photostream/

Next is a picture taken while in London last Monday with a little bit? of editing with a new program called Glow. The original picture was of a Hoodie on a travelator.

I have put more pictures edited with the program on my Photo Blog http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog/2014/12/topaz-glow-review-and-tutorial

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 16:09 GMT

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Quite a few people gave their apologies in advance for this ride, apparently it is Christmas this month and there are a lot of things to sort out. However albeit chilly, it was a beautiful sunny December day - the third Saturday in a row with excellent weather - and this brought 5 out to the start point - Alan, Julian, Graham, Bill, & Nicola.

 Whilst there wasn't a cloud in the sky and very little wind to speak of, there was no mistaking it was December - the temperature hovered between 4 and 7 degrees, adding a little bite to today's ride.

 There was a Christmas Market in Bognor town centre and the place seemed really buzzing, so we  set off by walking through the precinct to check out the various activities.

Then it was to the sea front and along the prom into Aldwick, West Meads and the Lower Bognor Road. The usual diversion through Butterlees Farm took us on a very pleasant ride away from the tarmac until we met the road again at Runcton. Then a turn down Merston Lane and Green Lane took us past the massive greenhouses of Groves Farm  before we emerged on the Bognor-Chicheser cycletrack at Merston. Then just a short sprint found us at our destination.

 The Brick Kiln Nursery had laid some entertainment on, a Jazz trio, although not sure whether this was especially for our benefit or just a part of their run up to Christmas.

 After our refreshment stop, Bill left us to cycle back to Lavant whilst the rest of us returned down the cycletrack towards Bersted. We took the Colworth loop (not too flooded) where we saw a paraglider landing in a field, but with no clue as to where he might have taken off from. Entering North Bersted, we took a route through the new Bersted Park Development to North Bested Street, also taking the opportunity to see part of the new relief road, which opens to traffic this Weds 17th December.  Then it was back into central Bognor via residential roads and back streets.

 I did over 20 miles this afternoon, but the mileage from, and back to the start point, was about 14.

 Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 22:01 GMT

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The weather today was forecast to be rain lasting all morning but in the end it was quite light and patchy clearing up by mid morning.  

Just 4 of us met at Chichester Cross, myself, David, Sam and Bob, John Maxim was there as well but left us soon afterwards to head for Rowlands Castle. There were 22 in all for the Christmas lunch later at Runcton.

We headed out via the Centurion Way, West Stoke and Funtington with light rain arriving soon after Funtington. I took a route straight to Compton on the valley road via West Marden. We stopped at Compton Village Tea Rooms for 11s, well 10s really.

Then it was across to Findchdean and Rowlands Castle and back to Chichester on the South Coast Cycleroute via Westbourne and Woodmancote.

At Runcton we settled in to a long 3 course Christmas lunch with our numbers gaining us a room to ourselves.

..

My latest picture to be processed was taken a few months ago at Oxford Circus Underground Station.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/15324128593/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:20 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 7 December 2014 20:04 GMT

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The weather for today’s ride was very good with temperatures fairly mild at 10C, light wind and a mainly sunny day which got sunnier as the day went on.

Arthur was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Lynn, Sam, Graham, Martin, Jan, Richard Carlise, Harvey and Bob so 10 in all.

Arthur led us out via Appledram Lane and then to avoid the mud we took the main road to Chichester Yacht Basin Cafe which seemed to be occupied by large numbers from Worthing Excelsior. Sadly this will be our last visit to this much frequented cafe over many years as it permanently closes on the 7^th December and the site will then be redeveloped.

Jan and Richard left us after elevenses and the rest of us continued on lanes via Birdham Pool where the tide was very high but not quite flooding the road. Then it was on via Birdham and Shipton Green and on to East Wittering for lunch at The Boulevard Cafe. They served their usual enormous portions.

In the afternoon we headed back on lanes via Earnley, Almodington and Sidlesham Common before retracing our steps to Appledram Lane and a stop for tea at  Fishbourne Roman Palace Cafe. This one closes as usual mid December and reopens 1^st February.

Mileage for the day from and back to Chichester was 22. My mileage from Pagham was 36. It did feel like we the sort of day when we spent more time in cafes than on the bike and very enjoyable too..

My latest picture to be processed was taken on a tour of the Channel 4 Building in London looking down at the entrance area.

For a larger picture and more detail see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/15863930916/in/photostream/

On a Christmas note my latest picture to be published is on the front cover of InBath a local Events Magazine and is a view of Bath Abbey taken a few years ago at Christmas.

See also the write up on their Blog about my Photography http://www.inbath.net/2014/11/edwin-jones-photography-provides-this-issues-front-cover-image/

Note that this Thursday 4^th December is the Club Night with a Christmas Quiz and that next Sunday 7^th December is the Christmas Lunch Ride followed for those who have booked by the Christmas Lunch at The Walnut Tree, Runcton.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:04 GMT

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