There were 2 rides today, an early 8.00am start to ride to Chiddingfold led by Colin and the 10.00am start for the morning only ride led by Arthur. I had intended to go on the early ride. However despite all precautions and sending out the local rides list to multiple proofreaders there was an error. The Pedaller Rides List showed the start at 8.00 Chichester Cross and the local Rides List showed the start at 8.00 Walberton Pond. The Pedaller Rides List was correct and obviously everybody else looked at that while I looked at the local list. Nobody else turned up at Walberton Pond and having forgotten my mobile I could not contact Colin. Still even though I had not realised the error at least somebody was there in case anybody turned up.

While waiting I was able to amuse myself by giving crumbs from my flapjack to the local ducks who obviously enjoyed it as much as people do and probably about as good for them as it is for people!

I rode over to Chichester to join Arthur’s ride taking a route via Fontwell, Eartham, Halnaker and Lavant. Early morning cyclists were much in evidence. First there were Wiggle Off-road Sportive riders who started overtaking me at Fontwell. Then at Halnaker there were a lot of cyclists taking part in a Southdown Velo Hilly Time Trial Event. By the time I got to the start of the short ride at Chichester Cross I had cycled 24 miles.

For the ride to Aldingbourne Arthur was joined by Lynn, myself, Harvey, Russell, Chris and Avryl. Alan and Liz joined us for lunch so 9 out on the day.

Arthur led us out up the Centurion Way where we negotiated a path between the nettles, hint to WSCC!.

We turned off at Lavant to continue through the village and then the Lavant straight where preparations continue apace for the Festival of Speed next week. We continued to Halnaker via Waterbeach.

 Then it was a stretch of the main road before turning off on a lane and down to Aldingbourne for elevenses. We were joined here by Alan and Liz..

Harvey, Chris, Russell, Alan and Liz headed for home direct from elevenses. Arthur, Lynn, Avryl and I retraced the route to Halnaker and then headed back via Tangmere.

The ride distance from Chichester and back would have been about 18 miles. My mileage for the day was 47.

Colin reports that on the long ride there was just himself and newcomer Mike Healy. They arrived Chiddingfold at 12.00 after coffee at Kirdford and on through Dunsfold and down to Hidestyle before turning south to Chiddingfold via Vann Lane.

The return was via Pook Lane, Gospel Green, Lodsworth, Graffham (a drink at the shop) Seaford college, Duncton Hill, Eartham and Walberton as Mike lives at Middleton. Back home at a little after 3.00.    Mike is quite a fast rider.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/18295904953/in/dateposted-public/

On Friday evening I took train and bike to Falmer north of Brighton to take pictures of a large poppy field there.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/18801022079/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 16:16 BST

Updated: Sunday, 21 June 2015 18:59 BST

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Another early start today for a long ride from Walberton Pond at 08.00. I left home and before 7.00 and headed out via Bognor Prom and the Barnham Path. Riding up Flansham Lane I had to wake up these Ducks sleeping in the road.

Colin was the leader and he was also joined by Paul and Chris. We headed out via the Madehurst Lane to Whiteways.

After descending Houghton Hill highlights included lanes to the back of Storrington, the edges of West Chiltington, lanes to the back of Ashington and Wiston to stop for elevenses at Stans Bike Shack at Partridge Green. A Worthing Excelsior Rider kindly took a picture of all of us.

After Partridge Green we were soon in little explored lanes and notable points were Wineham and Hicksted. Bob’s Lane drew my attention. Then it was on via Hurstpierpoint and a back lane to the Jack & Jill Inn at Clayton. We met up there with a large Group from Horsham/Crawley CTC including Bob of lane fame.

After lunch we rode together for quite a way heading back north via Hicksted.

We then headed south on a lane via Blackstone to Small Dole and then on to Bramber. At this point I split off from the rest of the group. They continued back via Steyning and Storrington. I took a farm track to explore Steyning Bowl before heading back along the coast.

I had hoped to scout out a field for Photography near Lancing which was full of poppies last year. However this year it was different cultivation and nothing had appeared so I avoided a wasted trip later in the week.

Mileage from and back to Walberton would have been about 75. My mileage from Pagham was my longest of the year to date at 97. No, I didn’t bother riding round the block 10 times to make up the 100 as I have cycled 100 miles many times in the past.

My latest photos to be processed include the one below taken at Clapham Common underground.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/18405351069/in/dateposted-public/

The next one is of an Orchid at West Dean Gardens taken on Monday 8^th June. It is made up of 31 pictures all taken at slightly different focus and the combined together in Photoshop to get the best possible focus.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/18076615753/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 21:05 BST

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For the Saturday ride today I (Julian) was the Ride Leader on a very windy afternoon. I was joined at Chichester Library by Alan, Richard, Steve, Carole, Nicola, Liz and a friend plus 2 new people making a total of 10.

I led the ride out of Chichester going west, then down Salterns Way Cycleroute to the Chichester Marina. We then kept on the cyclepath towards Itchenor and then circled back to Russell’s where we stopped for refreshments. Carrot cake seemed to be very popular.

Steve, Carole and Nicola went straight back to Bognor after refreshments and the remaining 7 of us went along the main road for a way before branching off cross country until we joined up with Route 88 which took us across farmers fields and a lane via Fisher to come out near South Mundham. From there we cycled through Hunston and then up the Chichester Canal path back to Chichester town centre. The wind had eased off by then making the ride more enjoyable.

Julian

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Wednesday, 17 June 2015 20:06 BST

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There were 11 on the Thursday evening ride. We went along the prom to Aldwick then Nyetimber and Summer Lane and across the field to Honer Lane.

 We  turned before fisher across the usual field tracks to come out at Hunston church. Just before the rough stuff John had a rear puncture so we were a bit late arriving.

Ann and Roy had to turn back at the puncture stop due to our late running. Just after Fisher the track went across a newly ploughed field. Edwin joined us at the pub after time trialing.

 On the way back  a bizarre incident occurred when the bracket at the top of Julian’s saddle stem  snapped suddenly. He was left uninjured but with no saddle. No repair was possible so he cycled standing up for the last mile or so back to the Arun Leisure Centre.

 Round trip mileage was 16.

 Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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Today was Arthur’s Easy 100 Kilometre Ride, a toning down of previous years 100 mile rides. The idea is to ride entirely on the coastal plain with not a hill to be seen anywhere on the route. The weather was brilliant with warm sunshine all day and light winds.

The start was scheduled for an exceptional 7.00am start. As I left home at 6.00 am there were advantages to be found in the early hour. Not a breadth of wind stirred and moving cars were notable for their absence as their normal occupants slumbered. I headed up to Chichester on the back route via Summer Lane, a track across the field and then Honer Lane to South Mundham and Hunston. The only encounters of note were a few bunnies and lazy ducks.

To help those coming from further afield our start unusually was at Chichester Station car park. The group gradually arrived with eventually 13 assembled. There was Arthur, Lynn, myself, Sam, David Glue, Graham, Martin Guarnaccio, Martin Hines, Bill, Bob, Avryl, Jan and newcomer on his first ride with us Dale Dunning. Jeff joined us for a short while after lunch so 14 were out in all.

We headed out through the quiet streets of Chichester east at first via the Oving Road to Tangmere. Then it was over the A27 flyover to Temple Bar and Westerton. The first of the month Goodwood Breakfast Meet was on so our tranquillity was disturbed by Ferraris and the like. Then it was on through Westhampnett and back through Chichester, 2^nd time for those not paying attention.

We encountered an artificial hill with the cycle bridge over the Railway to Fishbourne. At the end of that Bill fell off (first time) though none the worse for wear. After a short stretch of cyclepath alongside the A259 we turned off onto lanes to Bosham. Then it was back to a cyclepath alongside the A259 before turning off onto the lane via Chidham which does a loop south before returning to the main road.

After a short stretch on the main road we turned off on another lane via Prinsted and on to our breakfast stop at the Boaters Bar. Here some of us partook of far too much food with their substantial English Breakfasts.

Next we retraced out steps including a loop round Chidham (2^nd time) and a loop round Bosham (2nd time)

We continued on paths alongside the A259 where Arthur came off worse in an encounter with some Brambles and Avryl fell off behind him and Bill piled in and came off too (2^nd time). Arthur was the only one needing some quick first aid.

We continued via Apuldram Lane and the path to the Yacht Basin. Then on via Birdham Pool to Birdham and a short loop via Shipton Green. Then it was a lane down to East Wittering and lunch at the Boulevard Cafe.

When we left we nearly but not quite lost David. We headed out via Bracklesham, Earnley and quiet lanes via Almodington.

On via Sidlesham Common where Arthur had a close encounter with a car whose driver pulled out as we were all lined up to turn into his road and signalling. This led to an amazingly polite exchange of views (honest). Then it was through Hunston and on to the cyclepath and some close encounters with some nettles. From North Mundham we did a loop down to South Mundham and then over to Merston and a loop via Colworth. Then across the airfield and tea at the Tangmere Museum Cafe.

After tea I headed straight home while the others took a route back through Chichester (third time) and back to the Station Car Park to clock up 101.5 Kilometres or about 62 miles, mission accomplished! My mileage including from and back to Pagham was 73.

My latest picture to be processed was taken at Clapham North Underground Station. The tilt was deliberate to add more drama to the picture (honest).

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/18453581271/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:48 BST

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 The 11s and start point were at Wiggonholt and we were about a mile short when a very loud noise came from my back wheel as everything jammed up. I managed to stop without falling off. A gear change had resulted in the derailleur being torn off the frame gear hanger. The gear hanger was also bent and the chain half broken. I cannot be accused of having mechanicals by half’s.

We spent a while at the roadside removing the bent derailleur and trying to set up a single speed but without success. I walked to Wiggonholt and got Rex to ride ahead to tell everyone else. There were just 4 from Horsham and 2 from Arun Adur. Bob advised they were going to just go for a ride and cancel the event. Possibly award points to those who turned up at the start. Very kindly Pete Eyre  gave me a lift to Pulborough Station. In line with my emergency procedures for total bike breakdown I got the train to Chichester Station where they have black Cabs which take bikes and got the taxi home.

 Looking back to sunnier times I visited Goodwood Motor Race circuit on Tuesday evening to take pictures of the cycle racing. I used a zoom effect in Photoshop to focus the image on a club mate from Bognor Regis Cycling Club.

More details and a larger picture at https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/18163556216/in/dateposted-public/

Posted by RideLeader at 14:26 BST

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The weather today was warm and sunny. The ride was led by David and in all 17 gathered outside Bognor Library for the start.

We went along the prom and then to Nyetimber, Summer Lane and the dry track across the field to join a lane up to South Mundham. Then it was Runcton and round Merston old airfield to the Brick Kiln Cafe for a tea stop.

The return was via Colworth and North Bersted. My round trip mileage was 20.25 so the round trip from the library would have been about 15.5.

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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A lovely sunny evening, temperature around 12 degrees and the wind having dropped significantly from earlier in the day, made for a very pleasant evening ride tonight.

I led 8 riders - Julian, Carol, Steve, John, David, and guest riders (from Sky Rides) Maureen and Dmitry around the back of Felpham to cross into the new estate and a new exit from it into North Road where it directly meets the Barnham Cyclepath at the top of Hoe Lane.  North Road is an ancient old track which has been off limits due to construction work but is now available for use again. Due to its sunken level and sheltered position it has always been vulnerable to flooding and as its had no work done on it directly, this is likely to continue to be a problem. With no significant rain for several days, tonight the surface was hard and dry. When work on the new estate is finally finished, we are promised a suitable upgrade and surface dressing, but for the moment it will be a judgment call whether or not its sufficiently dry to be used.

We stopped for a picture at a bridge used by the Barnham track.

From the Barnham track we came out into Church Lane Barnham, then crossed under the railway and headed for Walberton. We noted that construction had started on the Barnham- Walberton cyclepath (essentially an extension of Felpham-Barnham) as work in progress could be seen running parallel to the road on the Western side.
 
On reaching Walberton pond, it was left into West Walberton lane and the short climb to Fontwell village, then turning into Fontwell Avenue and crossing over into the Old stables bar, where conditions were still warm and pleasant enough to sit outside.  Edwin joined us at that point, fresh from his time trialing.
 
For the return ride, we completed a circuit by taking the rather bumpy track behind Fontwell Racecourse known as Northfields Lane down to Westergate, and then down a very quiet A29 all the way back to Bognor. Very unusually we met a vehicle coming the other way whilst down Northfields Lane. This is the first vehicle I've ever seen down there, and as it drew closer we discovered it was a police Landover. Quite what it was doing there, we never found out.
 
The mileage from, and back to, the Arun Leisure Centre, was a modest 14.
 
Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Friday, 29 May 2015 08:22 BST

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The  weather today was mainly sunny with temperatures up to 16C and the promised rain failing to materialise. Arthur was due to lead the ride but it appeared he was away cycling in France and had forgotten to appoint another leader, oops. After a little confusion I was nominated as leader. Those on the ride were myself, Sam, Rex, Harvey, Chris, Russell, Bob, Christine, Keith and newcomer Alan Harding so 10 in all.

We headed east on lanes via Westhampnett, Strettington and Waterbeach to Halnaker. Then a short stretch of the main Petworth road before turning off on lanes via Mount Noddy to stop for elevenses at Aldingbourne Garden Centre Cafe. For the next picture outside the cafe as discussed I made an edit in Photoshop to trim Bill’s tummy, far left.

We continued by taking the lane past Slindon Woods and under the tunnel and on down to Walberton. Then it was down to Yapton where I stopped to let the tailback of traffic built up behind us get past. Then on to Ford and to the Marina Cafe which is on the west side of the river near Littlehampton Footbridge. Russell and Rex lived a few miles away so they left us here. After lunch more left us with Chris Dart and Christine both living to the east.

There were just myself, Harvey, Sam, Keith and Alan heading back west. We headed back on the minor lanes to Climping. At the Ford road roundabout we really noticed the Bank Holiday traffic with a never ending stream of traffic coming from the Littlehampton direction. Sam managed to get across and the did a circuit of the roundabout to block the traffic allowing us to get across, nice one Sam!.

We took Horsemere Green Lane and back to Yapton and then Barnham where Harvey headed for home. The rest of us continued down the lane by the Murrell Arms to pickup the Barnham Cyclepath to Flansham. For a bit of exploration I took the group on a diversion to the nearby (closed) new road. We did not attempt to go towards the bridge which is thoroughly closed off but turned in the Flansham direction along part of the road which is closed to traffic.

When we got to the barrier rather than lifting bikes over a low fence to one side we went through a gate thanks to a padlock being left unlocked.

We continued to Flansham and then back streets via the Summerley Estate with a few mutterings from the ranks about Colin like diversions. We stopped for tea on Felpham seafront at the cafe by Felpham Yacht Club.

Sam reported that the mileage from and back to Chichester was 35. This was 10 miles more than the scheduled 25 but blame it on the leaders diversions. My mileage from and back to Pagham was 37.

My latest picture was taken looking up through a sort of Skylight from the basement of an Office building in the City. I was struck especially by the coloured windows.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/17959449691/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:19 BST

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The long ride today was to New Arlesford in Hampshire and was led by Sam. The weather was fair, mainly sunny with temperatures up to 15C.

Sam was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross for the early 08.30 start by myself and Rex. We were later joined by Jeff and Graham Young so 5 out on the ride in all.

We headed out on the usual South Coast Cycleroute lanes including stretches with bluebell and more unsually one area with wild garlic growing on the verge with suitable smell effects. We headed via Westbourne to Rowlands Castle where Jeff was waiting to join us. Then it was on lanes via Finchdean to the lane up through the beech trees of the southern climb of Buriton Hill. The low light produced a long shutter speed in the picture and a nice feel of speed.

After a fast descent of Buriton Hill we continued on lanes to East Meon and then on to West Meon intending to stop for elevenses at Springs Cafe only to find it was closed for a few days. We continued on up hill and down dale on quiet lanes and rode on to New Alresford. We came across repeated Road Closed signs which we ignored as usual until we came to the town where we found the streets choc a bloc with stalls and people for the Watercress Festival. Our intended lunch stop was packed so we moved on to stop for lunch a few miles up the road at the Tichborne Arms, Tichborne. Where we arrived at about 11.55.

We were ready to leave by 1.00 and decided to give up on Graham who was going to meet us at the pub after riding up to Lasham. We headed a short way up the road when I realised I left my jacket on the chair, I went back to the pub and discovered Graham who had just arrived. He then rode back to Chichester with us. We headed back on some beautiful lanes via Cheriton and Soberton and then Hambledon. We took a sharp climb out of Hambledon on a narrow lane.

Then it was on via Horndean to stop for tea at Rowlands Castle.

The return was the usual route via Westbourne and the distance from and back from Chichester was 70 miles. My mileage for the day from Pagham was 81.

My latest photo was of Westminster taken with a filter to cut down light enabling an exposure of 126 seconds which smoothes the clouds and water.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/17637534185/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:42 BST

Updated: Sunday, 17 May 2015 22:05 BST

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After torrential rain for most of the day, the forecast had promised a dry "window" for the ride to go ahead in. Steve, Carol, and David met Julian the rides leader with the sun struggling to appear and very light spots of rain still falling.
 
It had actually stopped raining when the ride set out, but the consensus was that the lanes and tracks would be too wet to go across to Ford, so combined with continuing uncertainty  about the weather, the group decided to divert the ride.
They set out towards Bognor town, past Hotham Park and then took a route eastwards along the prom then byways through to Ancton Lane and then a loop around the private estate at Elmer. They then decided to call at the Elmer pub for a refreshment stop.
 
Sometime later they returned on a direct route down Elmer Road and middleton Road, back to the Arun Leisure Centre. The rain had restarted for this return trip, but it was light and not nearly as intense as earlier in the day.
 
The round trip was in the region of 8 miles.

Julian

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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Following an unpromising wet start, the weather cleared in the afternoon for a ride to Wellies Cafe in West Stoke.

Fourteen cyclists gathered at Chichester Library, including a couple of newcomers who had seen the ride advertised on the Sky Ride website.

The group headed west towards Westgate, over the Fishbourne crossing and then north along Clay Lane, totally ignoring a ‘Road Closed’ sign.  Fortunately, it only applied to cars and was to our advantage as it meant the road was free of traffic!  At the crossing with Salthill Road, the group headed straight over, in a westerly direction.  Having crossed over the A27, everyone then took the next turning on the right, crossed over the B2178 east of East Ashling, and then headed straight on towards West Stoke.  Following a steady climb of about a mile, the group stopped for a breather before continuing a short distance south east to arrive at Wellies Cafe at exactly 3 pm.

The cafe had been warned to expect at least 10 cyclists at 3 pm and were prepared for us, with a plentiful supply of tea and cake.

The route back to Chichester was fairly short.  Turning left out of Wellies, the group took a couple of picturesque bridleways which came out into Hunters Race, Lavant, almost opposite one of the entrances to the Centurion Way cyclepath.  Everyone then whizzed back to Chichester along the cyclepath, arriving back in town at the Fishbourne crossing.

Philippa

Posted by RideLeader at 16:03 BST

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The weather today was fair with cloud clearing to sun by the afternoon and temperatures up to 15C. I was the leader and I was joined at Chichester Cross by Sam, Jeff, , Rex and Russell so 5 out in all.

We headed out via the Centurion Way, West Stoke and Funtington. Then it was lanes over to Rowlands Castle and Horndean and on to The Garden Centre Cafe Then it was on lanes via Rowlands Castle to stop for elevenses at Horndean Garden Centre Cafe.

Then it was onwards via lanes towards Cathrington and then a very quiet lane running to the north of Denmead. Then it was down to Hambledon and up a very sharp hill 18% where we started being overtaken by riders on the Hampshire Hilly 100 Sportive’ A few though were struggling with their too high gears. Further on their route took them on  a longer loop so when we rejoined their route near Soberton I am sure some had to overtake us again. We stopped for lunch at the Shoe Exton with its garden adjoining the River Meon.

Having arrived for lunch at 12.00 we left soon after 1.00 and as we cycled a hill out of the village we saw Chris Dart coming towards us to meet us for lunch. He decided though to continue to stop for lunch. We continued on a very quiet lane south of Old Winchester Hill and climbed up between trees to Westend Down.

Then it was more lanes via Chidden and on past the Bat and Ball and the location of the first ever Cricket Match. Then down to Clanfield and on via Chalton to Tea at Rowlands Castle. Just getting ready to leave were Arthur, Lynn, Avryl and Graham. They were accompanying Lynn on her first ride of her new Titanium Bike. There was a lot of chat over tea on the popular topic of bikes.

We headed back to Chichester via Westbourne and Woodmancote passing on a lane large amounts of wild garlic on the verge  just coming into full smell. Mileage from and back to Chichester was 53. My mileage from Pagham was 64.

There follows a few pictures from the last weekends Isle of Wight weekend. The first one was on the Round the Island Randonnee. Sam is seen climbing up Blackgang Hill as we rode into the very low cloud base. 69 miles that day and 6000 feet of climb.

The next picture was taken as we cycled back from Ventnor on the Isle of Wight on Monday and was the first time I have seen a red squirrel. We had stopped for elevenses at the Garlic Farm Cafe, near Newchurch. The cafe had set up a box near the terrace containing nuts. 2 red squirrels lived in a nearby tree and took it in turns to get to the box, open the door and grab a nut.

The last picture was taken in London The part on the left started out life as a straight shot straight up of the much photographed Northern and Shell Building on Lower Thames Street, in London. This is also locally known as the Rubik Cube Building and is ideal for this kind of treatment. It was then flipped and both parts copied into a new image and combined. A shot of an edited star scene I had taken earlier was copied into the middle.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/17169049567/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:14 BST

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The weather for the ride today was a lot better than expected. There was a little drizzle on the way up to Chichester but after that the rest of the day was dry though cloudy with a light northerly wind.

I was the leader and I was joined at Chichester Cross by Sam, Paul and Jeff so 4 out on the ride today. We also saw Rex but he went home to get dry after being soaked en route from a heavy shower (more rain out east) Chris who stopped off before going bell ringing had experienced the same thing.

We headed out up the Centurion Way and then on via West Stoke and Funtington encountering many Bluebells on the way and indeed all day. We continued via Rackham and then lanes across to Rowland Castle. Then up the lane towards Horndean before turning off on a quiet lane which led us to a descent through woods to the Chalton lane. After a climb up to the bridge over the A3 we went on to the Queen Elizabeth Country Park Cafe for elevenses. Our arrival coincided with a big group from Alton Cycling Club.

Our ride next took us up to Butser Hill from the relatively gentle side. The views were missing due to low cloud. We descended on the steep side and then lanes via  Ramsdean and Stroud. We took a lane for Steep ignoring the Road Closed Sign and luckily we got through OK. I stopped of at Steep Churchyard to have my picnic while the others continued to the Pub. My picnic was enjoyed on a bench surrounded by Bluebells.

I continued to join the others at The Harrow Inn which is also in a very pleasant rural location.

After lunch we headed back 0n lanes via Sheet. Then it was on to the B-Road in the Harting direction but turning off before then to take the lane via Ditcham Park School which has some beautiful views on an out of the way route with little traffic.

Then it was on via Finchdean to stop for tea at Rowlands Castle.

We returned to Chichester via Westbourne and Woodmancote. Mileage from and back to Chichester was 51. My mileage from Pagham was 64.

On Monday I went to London and visited the Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie skyscraper in the City. Admission is free subject to pre-booking online. Pictures were mainly of the Architecture rather than the gardens. The first image shows the very top floor which most visitors seem to miss.

For a larger image and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/17033742818/in/photostream/

The second image shows the view looking down on the bar and balcony viewing area. Both images were taken with a fisheye lens.

For a larger image and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/16632532773/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:12 BST

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I led 15 out on today's ride -  Deb, Michelle, Dave, David, Julian, Alan, Liz, Liz (2), Clair, Nicola, new riders June and Alan (2), and Ann & Roy who, having been regular riders with us 10 or so years ago, have  dusted off  their bikes again!

 It was good cycling weather, bright and sunny with light SW winds, and although light rain was forecast for the afternoon, this did not appear until we reached the outskirts of Bognor on the return ride, and then it ias literally a few drops which did not trouble us greatly, so i think its fair to say it was another dry one for us.
 
Having established that Denman's shuts at 4pm, with last orders in the Cafe 3.30pm, we set of on a reasonably direct route, over Highfield Bridge, skirting North Bersted on the back roads and then past the thatched cottages in Shripney Lane, crossing the ugly scar that is the Bognor Northern Relief Road, where it severs this picturesque old lane.
 
A short cut through old Shripney brought us out onto the main A29, for a mile of main road before turning off into Hook Lane at Woodgate.    The A29 was in fact reasonably free of traffic and the cars that came across us didn't seem too confident about passing 15 cyclists all in single file, so this short sprint was incident free.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 22:02 BST

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Another sunny Sunday today with temperatures up to 12C. The only problem was a chilly and strong NE wind. It was more north than east so we battled against it on the way out.

Sam was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by myself (Edwin) Paul, Jeff, Mark and Rex so 6 out on the ride.

Sam led us out of Chichester up the Centurion Way and then lanes past the solar farm and up towards Mid Lavant.

The it was on via West Stoke and the rolling lane to Funtington with bluebells spotted en route. After a short climb we descended to Racton and then the B-Road up the valley via West Marden to stop for elevenses at Compton. We arrived soon after 10.00 and bagged a table in the sunshine before other cycling groups started arriving.

Next it was the lane over Compton Down cutting across towards Ibsworth starting with a short climb.

As we descended I spotted a herd of about 10 deer running in the field. They were hemmed in between the road and a line of fenced trees running parallel  so they ended up  running alongside us. They were trying to run away from us but we were descending at about 25mph so they ended up racing alongside us. First time I raced deer!! Sorry, not a great picture, I aimed the camera in about the right direct with the screen invisible from the sun and trying to look where I was going.

At the bottom of the hill I turned off to leave the group. After a bad cold all week I did not want to push it with too long a ride. The others continued with a climb through the woods of Buriton Hill and then lanes to East Meon for lunch. I headed back via Rowlands Castle, Westbourne and Woodmancote. I stopped at 12.00 for a picnic lunch on a bench by Chichester Cathedral. My mileage for the day from Pagham was 41.

Sam reports on the route home that after discussion it was from East Meon back to and up Buriton. Mark & Paul unfamiliar with Chalton Hill so were introduced to the joys. On to Rowlands for a tea stop & then Home the usual way. 48.5 Miles in total Cross to Cross.

My latest pictures to be processed are first one at the Lloyds Building with the light trails of one of the external elevators.

http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog/2015/4/3-2-1-elevator-lift-off

The next one was taken at Clapham Underground station which is one of the few with a central platform so I was able to catch 2 trains moving at once.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 16:00 BST

Updated: Monday, 20 April 2015 09:00 BST

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The weather was good today with sunny skies and temperatures up to 15C inland and 12C on the coast. The only downside was a very strong SW wind to battle into on the way home. I was the leader and I was joined by Sam and Paul at the start at Walberton Pond.

We headed out on the usual route on lanes via Madehurst. Then it was a fast descent down Houghton Hill and on to lanes via Amberley and Rackham.

We continued on lanes to stop for elevenses at Wiggonholt RSPB Cafe.

We headed out together and gathered at the top of the freewheel hill. There were the 3 of us from Bognor Chichester. 5 from Arun Adur and 6 from Horsham Crawley.

I took a fair few pictures and this one is of Sam our Groups downhiller extraordinaire riding to overall first place.

Paul didn’t get anywhere being far too light (why he goes up hills so fast)

We gathered afterwards and the final result was Sam first and Dave Fox second. First lady was Ann Hall and second lady was Corinne Pitts both of Horsham Crawley.

We headed back via Broadford Bridge and a climb up the old freewheel hill to West Chiltington. We returned via stop for tea at Wiggonholt where Sam helped Paul to fix a bolt.

Then it was on via Coldwaltham and Coates to climb Duncton Hill. Sam and Paul headed home via Singleton while I headed back via Eartham and Aldingbourne. Mileage from and back to Walberton would have been about 57. My mileage from Pagham was 73.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:07 BST

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The weather today was much improved over last Sunday with temperatures up to 10C, light winds and the occasional glimpse of the Sun. I was the leader and I was joined at Chichester Cross by Sam, Paul, David and Rex. We were later joined at lunch by Graham Young so 6 out during the day. A cyclist from another group volunteered to take a picture of us at the start.

We headed out via the Centurion Way, West Stoke and Funtington. Then it was the B-Road up via West Marden to Compton where we were looking forward to a stop for hot drinks. As we arrived we saw the closed sign up. They had opened for a few hours for papers only. Anybody would think it was Easter Sunday! All garden centres and their cafes have to close on Easter Sunday so there were not a lot of choices. We took a rest outside anyway and as Sam had a streaming cold he decided to head home from there.

The rest of us continued up the hill and down to Harting. Then it was on a lane via Elsted and Elsted Marsh to Stedham. It was north from there on a lane I have not used for many years up a long hill via Redford. That is a few houses and a garage with pumps looking to date back pre-war. Then it was down and more lanes to Fernhurst and lunch at the Red Lion. Due to the lack of an elevenses stop and a fairly brisk pace we arrived at the Pub at 11.50, Horsham Section quality!

As we were about to leave we were joined by Graham Young who had ridden up to meet up with his cousin Sam with whom he was not best pleased! Graham rode back with us as far as tea.

In the afternoon we rode on lanes via Lickfold. Lodsworth and Selham. Then it was on to Cocking where we stopped for tea at the open Moonlight Cafe though we were the only customers, perhaps everybody expected it would be closed. Then it was on up Cocking Hill and down to Singleton where Rex turned off to head back home to Littlehampton. A little further on Paul turned off to head back to Selsey. David and I returned via the Centurion Way where David got a front wheel puncture though it was soon repaired.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 55. My mileage from Pagham was 66.

My latest pictures to be processed are first an image taken at Whiteleys Shoppping Centre which is in Bayswater west of Paddington.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/16787885748/in/photostream/

Next another spiral staircase, this one converted to Mono which I thought looked better

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/16819542868/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:04 BST

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The weather today was quite poor, almost as bad as forecast. The only up side was that instead of heavy rain we got drizzle with some light rain though with very strong winds as forecast. Still 3 of us went out for a bike ride from Walberton Pond, myself, Sam and Paul.

Those of you who are paying attention may have noticed that the ride today was scheduled to go to Dial Post, way north of Worthing off the A24, so how did we end up at Midhurst instead, a bit off course? We made a mutual decision to avoid going a long way east and have a long way to get back into a howling westerly gale. Instead we headed to Petworth for elevenses and then Midhurst for lunch.

The first part of the day was fine with a strong tailwind so we hardly noticed light rain. We headed out  via the Madehurst Lane and then from Whiteways a fast descent of Bury Hill. Then it was lanes via West Burton towards Coates and on via Shopham Bridge to stop for elevenses at Tiffins Petworth.

Then it was on lanes via Burton Mill Pond and across the main road to take lanes via Duncton Common, Selham and South Ambersham. Now we were heading into the wind though with the benefit of trees and high hedges to tone down the strength of the wind. We stopped for lunch at Gartons Coffee House in the Old Town Hall, Midhurst. Very fast service and reasonable prices, worth a visit. I managed to get the other 2 to smile despite the wind and rain.

The return was south into the wind and a bit more rain on a lane via Bepton to Cocking, up the hill and down to Singleton. We took the Centurion Way down to Chichester with the top end being quite reasonable to ride despite the rain.

If we had returned to Walberton Pond which we didn’t mileage would have been about 47. We all did at least that though having ridden out there before the start. My mileage from Pagham was 60.

I have processed 2 pictures in the last week from trips to London. The first is an unusual viewpoint of Westminster Underground Station which I call Lines to the Saucer.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/16695754387/in/photostream/

The next one is traffic trails taken on London Bridge, 3 second exposure.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/16933155121/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:42 BST

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The weather forecast for today wasn't very good, but it did indicate there wouldn't be any rain during this afternoons ride. Dull and windy it may have been,  but you couldn't fault the forecast as no rain actually fell. CycleBognor's "no-rain" guarantee held!

 Considering the overcast and windy conditions, it was a good turnout with 9 of us at the start point. I led Steve, Carol, Liz, Bob, Clair, Dave, Nicola and new rider Rhonda out through the back streets of Bognor, to the new estate at Felpham, where we took the cycletrack to Barnham. From there it was Walberton and a brief stop.

Then our way was blocked by what appear to be emergency roadworks completely blocking the street. I'm not sure how the buses got through, but there was just enough room for us to walk the bikes along a very narrow pavement and carry on.

Our route continued through Binsted and then beyond the tarmac and past the Madonna pond to rejoin the road on the other side of Binsted Woods, where we took the cut through to Torton Hill, dropping down to meet the A27 at the Ford Road roundabout. Then it was 200 yards of pavement, under the bridge to Fitzalan Road, and into Arundel Town Centre. A slight change of venue followed, as we were directed to Rounds Cafe, which made for a very pleasant stop.

 Most of the outward route had been with the wind, and but the return meant we would be against the wind nearly all the way, and not much shelter from trees. So we took a shorter route back via Ford station and Yapton, then via Bilsham to Middleton & Felpham.  The wind was gusting up quite a bit, so it was slow going. Rhonda peeled off at Yapton to return home, the rest of us soldiered on back to Bognor.

 The round trip mileage from and back to Bognor library was 23.2, a little longer than our normal Saturday afternoon rides.  I had clocked up almost 30 by the time i got home.

Graham.

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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