The weather today was dry and mainly sunny with temperatures up to 20C and a light southerly wind.

The Leader was Sam who was joined at the start by myself, Colin and Jeff. Chris joined us later making 5 out in all. Our usual start and seats at Chichester cross was blocked off by repair work being done to the monument due to last for 10 weeks. We met instead at a nearby seat.

Sam lead us out on Clay Lane and the usual South Coast Cycleroute lanes via Woodmancote and Westbourne. Then it was on via Rowlands Castle and Finchdean. Riders on the Southern Sportive were coming the other way. We turned off for the climb over the Downs via Ditcham Park School. At the top is especially remote from everywhere and notably quiet.

After descending to a short paved section of the South Downs Way we took in a steep descent with hairpins down to the B2146 near South Harting. . After a short ride towards Petersfield we turned off onto more out of the way lanes via Goose Green (2 houses)

Then more lanes to the A272 and straight across to Durleighmarsh and a short way up a lane to Durleighmarsh Tea Barn on the grounds of a farm for elevenses. As we were leaving Chris arrived to join us. I left for home at this point wanting a shorter ride. The rest continued via Hill brow to the Queens Head, Selborne for lunch.

My return took in West Harting, South Harting and Elsted to turn off onto the lanes at the foot of the Downs via Didling and on to Cocking. On the way back I stopped off at West Dean to look at where the planned new exit will be to the new section of the Centurion Way, currently a dead end. The plans with the planning application show this on the SE bank of the old railway bridge down to the lane to Chilgrove from opposite the Pub. There will be steps with a wheeling ramp for bikes. Below is a stitched panorama of shots. It looks like the steps will follow the existing path coming up from the bottom right of the picture. Rather than then follow the old path shown in the picture the steps will go on to the far left and then take a right-angled right turn to climb the bank to the path.

The mileage for the main group from and back to Chichester would have been between 60 and 65. My mileage from and back to Pagham was 53.

My latest picture is a shot taken in July at a small Wildflower Meadow by West Park Bognor.

For more details see

https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/29430361502/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:52 BST

Updated: Sunday, 11 September 2016 18:01 BST

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Today was the last DA Event of the season with the Off-Road ride led by Colin starting from Pulborough. It was a cloudy though it stayed dry with a SW wind and temperatures up to 20C.

I do not do any substantial Off Road any more so I met the group at elevenses and lunch. I took the took the train to Billingshurst and rode to meet for elevenses at The Old Mill Cafe, Wisborough Green. Numbers were well down on the usual with just 5 attending. For a change Bognor Chichester had the most attending with Colin, Jeff and Sam. Just Bob for Horsham Crawley and Paul from Arun Adur.

I kept to the road again as the others took to the tracks. The following shot was one by Jeff at one of the Arun Crossings before lunch.

We met up again for lunch at The Onslow Arms, Loxwood. The Pub is at a very pleasant location beside the canal.

Jeff sorted out a puncture over the lunch break and then Paul found he had another one as everybody started to leave.

From lunch I headed to Horsham to get a train back and got into the spirit of things by using a section of the safe to ride Downslink Path.

The official ride from and back to Pulborough was about 35 miles. My mileage from Pagham and from and back to stations was 28.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:44 BST

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The leader today was due to be Jeff for a planned ride to Northchapel. However Jeff fell off his bike on Saturday and sprained his ankle (get well soon Jeff)

Jeff had been unable to find an alternative leader so I went to the start to tell anybody who turned up that the official Ride was off, Only Sam was at the Cross and as neither of us wanted a long ride or to go to Northchapel we settled on a morning only ride to Aldingbourne. Sam was out on his electric bike, now his regular one.

The weather today was much cooler than of late, mainly cloudy with scattered showers with a strong SW wind and temperatures up to 19C. We headed out with a good tailwind via Westhampnett, and lanes via Strettington and Waterbeach to start the climb up Pillygreen. Sam was generally very restrained, riding alongside me except for one part of the hill where he piled on the electric power.

At the top it was right and along the ridge with good views down to the coast. Then it was a long fast descent via Eartham. We were caught out only once by a shower near RSPCA Mount Noddy a short way from the elevenses stop at Aldingbourne and welcome hot drinks.

After elevenses while Sam headed back into the Downs for some offroad I headed south for home via the Barnham – Flansham Cycletrack. My mileage for the day from Pagham was 31.

After the Olympic success my latest processed picture is one taken at the Paralympics at London 2012.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 14:59 BST

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Steve and Carol were joint leaders today for the ride to Brick Kiln Nursery, 25 riders left Bognor Regis library a special welcome to the young riders Nyree and Nel and Ben who rode all the way from Coldharbour to be with us.

We decided that as there was such a large group to split into two. I would lead the first with my back marker Julian.(Thank you Julian) Graham leading 2nd with back marker Carol, (Thank You Graham) Carol and I were also equipped with our trusted walkie talkies which worked perfectly helping to keep us all safe.

We made our way through the Bognor Coach park under the under pass to the leisure centre from there out through the new housing estate to the new A259 where we crossed into Hoe Lane. At the end of hoe lane and the Barnham Path by the church we stopped and waited for 2nd group to arrive for photo.

The first group then left made our way out of church lane under Barnham railway bridge towards Wilkes Head Pub where we turned left through St Philip Howard School into Ivy Lane, we then made our way to Aldingbourne church via hook lane we waited for second group who were couple of minutes behind then had second photo shoot we all left and made our way to Tangmere aerodrome

Then it was the quite lanes that would lead us to the Gribble inn Oving where we split into 2 groups to make our way via Drayton crossing out to Bognor Cycle path and to our destination Brick Kiln where we all had tea and cakes and cold drinks. Edwin joines us there so 26 were out in all.

On the return journey the new leader would be Carol who took the cycle path back to Bognor, Harvey branched off at Colworth and lead a group back to Barnham (Thank you Harvey) whilst the main group made their way back to Bognor railway station with riders departing along the way

Steve Woods

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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Our last led evening ride of the summer, and what a glorious evening it was, warm and sunny, with a light breeze, as it had been all day. But the evening was noticeably drawing in, so time to draw our evening rides to a conclusion.

The lovely weather attracted 14 riders to  the start point  - John, Julian, Steve, Carol, Dmitry, Terry, Nicola, Michelle, David, Harvey, Russ, Maureen, Tony and myself. 

We set off past Felpham cricket pitch and over Highfield Bridge towards North Bersted. The usual rather circuitous route through the housing estates took us to North Bersted Street where I took the group northwards to Shripney, and after a couple of miles of peaceful lane we joined a somewhat less peaceful A.29 northwards through Lidsey to Woodgate. In fact the road was not especially busy - quiet in fact - but although we were single file there were too many of us for cars to pass confidently so we acquired the usual queue of following traffic.

Over the railway at Woodgate - the gates stayed open for us - and then it was east down Hook Lane  towards Aldingbourne. A short cut brought us out on the Tangmere road and then the usual quiet lanes brought us around the back of Oving and the Gribble.

The return route took us over the railway at Woodhorn Bridge and the pitch-black lanes of Colworth, to Elbridge where we joined the Bognor-Chichester cyclepath for the short sprint to Bersted. Then we meandered back to Felpham with people peeling off to make their own way home.  A great ending to the season and a round trip mileage from and back to the Leisure centre of about 15.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Saturday, 20 August 2016 12:22 BST

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A beautiful summers day, mainly sunny with a light northerly wind and temperatures up to 22C. Arthur was the leader for an Awayday ride to the New Forest starting from Eling near Totton. There was a select band of 5 of us being Arthur, Lynn, Jan Graham and myself. I cycled from home, then a train to Southampton and a cycle route to Eling. Graham cycled from home in Eastleigh and the rest came by car. Remarkably all the trains I caught were on time. Southampton Station has a new Sculpture outside which I thought quite appropriate for a New Forest Ride.

The ride had one problem at the start as our usual cafe at Ealing was still closed for renovation so we met at the nearby car park

We headed off across the forest  towards Beaulieu. However here was a slight navigational error en route and we ended up in Hythe instead for elevenses where we found a cafe in the pedestrian street

We then headed up to the moorland from Hythe and across part of the New Forest for a revised lunch stop at Beaulieu. There was a slight delay as we made our way round a donkey stubbornly staying in the middle of the High Street causing a traffic jam.

We timed our arrival just right at the Old Bakehouse Cafe in Beaulieu, which is very much a cyclists Mecca. A large group of road cyclists were just leaving as we arrived freeing up tables.

Next we had a climb up the moorland and a ride not very far at all (4 miles) to Bucklers Hard tearooms for Tea or rarther ice creams and more chatting.

We saw an Owl handler at the Cafe, this one is a Tawny Owl

I got back to Southampton Station and got the 4.30 train back to Chichester with 3 minutes to spare

The mileage for the ride was about 27. My mileage for the day including riding to and from stations was 45.

Last Thursday evening I took this shot with a fisheye lens of the Milky Way above Pagham Harbour. Taken at 12.30am one of the meteors is caught on the left.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/28314559233/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:44 BST

Updated: Sunday, 14 August 2016 20:47 BST

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The weather today started cloudy but cleared to blue skies about lunchtime with temperatures up to 21C. There was a brisk SW wind giving us a headwind on the way out and a good tailwind on the way back.

The ride met at 10.00 at Chichester Cross with Graeme the leader with Jane on the Tandem. They were joined by myself, Chris and newcomer Nick who only joined yesterday. Our leaders shirt was well in the spirit of a Beach Picnic.

We headed out on West Street and then after a short diversion we went round to join Appledram Lane and onto the Salterns Way Cycleroute. We followed the route down to Chichester Yacht Basin and on to the Boat House Cafe for elevenses. The Horsham Group were also there, a little ahead of us and coming by a different route from Chichester on their Awayday Ride.. The only problem with the cafe was insufficient staff and coffee machines to cope with large numbers on a summers Sunday leading to a massive slow moving queue.

Then it was on to follow the Salterns Way across fields with a couple of skidded stops as other cyclists came round corners on the narrow path from the opposite direction. We eventually came out on the main road on the northern edges of West Wittering. Then it was on to the road to West Wittering Car Park which was packed full of cars. We smugly bypassed the booth charging cars £8 for parking. We went on to the agreed meeting point at the far end by the large Red Flag visible from some distance. This area at the entrance to the harbour is banned to swimming so the beach there was near empty compared to everywhere else.  We arrived about 12.30 and Horsham had arrived 5 minutes earlier while Arun Adur were later at about 1.15. There were 8 from Horsham and 5 from Arun Adur.

We found one area with shelter from the wind and the clouds had cleared before we left.

For the return both Chris and Nick had to get back earlier and left for a more direct route home. Graeme, Jane and I headed over to East Wittering for another long stop for tea and ice cream by the beach.

Then it was Cycleroute 88 across fields to Fisher where I split off for home. Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 27. My mileage from Pagham was 34.

On Friday I went to Brighton and took a ride up the new i360 Tower on the second day since it opened on Thursday. Very photogenic and looking very like a flying Saucer,  the pod can take up to 200 with plenty of room to move around.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/28183969343/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:49 BST

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One of the loveliest evenings of the summer tonight, with glorious sunshine and not much wind, it having dropped substantially from earlier in the day.

There were 11 of us at the start point - Steve, Carol, John, Richard, Julian, David, Maureen, Tony, Nicola, Russ, and me.

 We set out via Felpham Cricket Pitch, through Bognor Town Centre, joining the prom to Aldwick and then to Pagham via Barrack Lane And Stony Stile Lane. the route thereafter was reasonably straightforward as we took one of my favourite off road routes down Summer Lane and across the fields, rejoining the road at Honer.

Then it was back on tarmac through South Runcton and Fisher before some more fields following Cycle Route 88.

We passed the site of Chalder Station on the long closed Selsey Tram Line and soon found ourselves at the Anchor, which has been given its original name back after a short spell as  the Grey Stag . 

Its a longish ride  out - it took about an hour and a quarter - and consequently it was getting quite dark when we went to leave. I'd planned to return via Pagham Harbour Wall as is usual when we come out this way, but was advised of some recent innovations to that route including unfriendly anti-cycle gates and barriers. in view of  the light conditions I settled on a return by road which meant the main Selsey Road to Hunston and then the lower Bognor Road with all its twists and turns which in the pitch black with quite a few impatient motorists still about. It   did not make for especially pleasant riding. however I’m pleased to say we all made it back unscathed although Julian had a couple of stops to re-inflate a slow puncture.

Round trip mileage from and back to the Arun Leisure Centre was almost dead-on 20 miles.

Graham 

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Saturday, 6 August 2016 12:04 BST

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Today was a pleasant warm summers day with sun most of the day save in the early afternoon and temperatures up to 22C. There was the usual sort of wind a northerly headwind on the way there and a SW headwind on the way home. Russell was the leader and he was joined by just myself and Rex.

We headed up the usual lanes via Madehurst.

Then up to Whiteways. From there we headed down Bury Hill and then lanes via West Burton  to Fittleworth. Rather than taking us up the steep climb towards Wisborough Green we turned off at the bottom on a lane towards Little Bognor.

Then it was climbs up and down to the Kirdford Road and down to Kirdford for elevenses at Kirdford Village Shop Cafe which was unusally empty of Cycling Clubs, maybe all at Ride London.

Then it was on seriously north into deepest Surrey via Loxwood, Rudgwick, Cox Green, Ellens Green (too many Greens) Walliswood, Mayes Green and finally Forest Green in the shadow of the looming Leith Hill. We stopped for sandwiches by the Cricket Pitch on the Green before joining Arun Adur at the nearby Parrot Inn.

After lunch I left the group and rode up a side road, Tanhurst Lane up to Leith Hill to see the Race. When I got there The Amateur Riders were still coming up due to a serious accident holding up the riders for an hour. The Pro Race was later stopped for 30 minutes to allow the roads to be cleared.

When the Race arrived there was first a breakaway and then the Peloton led by Team Sky who all seemed to be in the middle of chewing after having a feed.

There are many more pictures of the Race on the Club Facebook Page which you can view whether or not you are on Facebook, see 

https://www.facebook.com/bognorchichesterctc/

For the return I retraced the outward route before turning off at Rudgwick for Billingshurst. My idea of shortening the ride and getting home earlier was abandoned as the train was cancelled due to the usual “unexpected shortage of train crew” I returned via Amberley and Yapton arriving home not long before sunset at 8.25.

Mileage from and back to Walberton would have been about 71. My mileage from Pagham was 87.

For those who missed it on BBC South Today weather pictures on Thursday Evening below is the picture which was taken. It is an HDR shot of the wheat field next to Summer Lane, Pagham taken with a fisheye lens and done by putting the camera on the ground pointing along a gap in the wheat and then triggering the shutter with a wireless remote. The shot was taken about 10.00am on Thursday.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/28547467651/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Monday, 1 August 2016 10:58 BST

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The weather today was cloudier than of late though still with some sunshine and temperatures up to 21C and a NW wind..

I was the leader though we were a little short on numbers with only Colin joining me at Chichester Cross for the 9.00am start. We headed out via the Centurion Way, West Stoke and Rowlands Castle where we stopped briefly to chat to John Maxim heading the other way after he had stopped at the cafe. We continued to our elevenses stop at the Garden Centre Cafe at Horndean.

Leaving Horndean on a cyclepath my gears jammed and I just missed getting my feet out of my pedal straps in time resulting in a slow motion stationary fall as people watched on from a bus stop opposite. After applying water for road rash and plasters for cuts I was able to continue.

We continued with a lane via Cathrington and then a very quiet route coming out north of Denmead. We continued across to Worlds End, somebody else had an off day long ago when they named that village. Then it was on lanes to Southwick and a long gradual climb to Portsdown Hill. We gained a magnificent view over Portsmouth Harbour before descending at speed to Cosham.

Then it was the signed cycle route on the western side of the City passing the continental ferry port and the Portsmouth Isle of Wight car ferry port. Then along the sea front towards the War Memorial with a great quiet road closed to traffic. We stopped a little before the Memorial  for a beach picnic lunch and viewed the Americas Cup Racing  with few crowds by the simple expedient of being a long way from the action in the free area. Small compact at maximum zoom plus a crop for the pictures.

The return was on the Eastern Road Cycleroute. Near Havant we came across some cricketers desperately searching a hedgerow for their lost cricket ball. Thanks to Colin for the pic.

After a tea stop at Cafe Nero Havant we headed back to Chichester. Mileage was 57 from and back to Chichester. My mileage from Pagham was 67.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 22:03 BST

Updated: Sunday, 24 July 2016 22:05 BST

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A beautiful day today with unbroken clear blue skies, a SW breeze and temperatures up to 22C and still quite humid.

Steve and Carol were the leaders and they were joined at Bognor Library by Harvey, Julian, Sheila, Dave, Collette and Edwin so 8 in all.

Julian suffered a puncture at the start which turned out to be the valve having come adrift from the tube. Julian replaced the tube with verbal assistance from 3 technical advisors.

We headed out under the Underpass and then the only hill of the day over the railway bridge on Highfield Road. Then along the cyclepath alongside the A29. Then it was on to Christen the new Cyclepath alongside Rowan Way. Definitely one  of the better designed ones with a wide path and good surface.

From North Bersted it was west to Rose Green with a brief stop on a back street.

Then on to Nyetimber and straight down the Pagham Road to our tea stop at Pagham Beach Cafe. Ice creams were more in evidence than teas though they did have to be eaten quickly before melting.

Julian lead us back through Aldwick Bay Estate and one by one peeled off leaving Julian Steve and Carol to depart at the seafront.

Total of 15 miles

Posted by RideLeader at 17:46 BST

Updated: Sunday, 24 July 2016 21:17 BST

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The weather today was warm and dry with temperatures up to 24C though mainly cloudy.

There were 2 rides, a long one to Four Marks supported by Colin, Anne, Paul and Russell. The short morning Ride was to Compton with Arthur as the leader. He was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Sam, Terry, Mike, Martin, Harvey and Brian. Lynn joined us at Woodmancote so 9 in all on the short ride.

Arthur led the group out via West Street and then on via Clay Lane and the South Coast Cycleroute to Woodmancote for elevenses stop No 1 where Lynn joined us.

We continued vi Racton where there was a traffic jam of cars getting into The Lordington Lavender field. We sailed past the jam and on up the B-Road passing through woods.

Then it was on via West Marden to our main elevenses stop at Compton Village Tea Rooms. Our stay was marred when the waitress stumbled and a jug of boiling hot water spilt on Arthur’s foot, ouch or words to that effect. Sam sprang into action obtaining cold water, a towel and a cold compress from the Tea Rooms.

Another incident happened just before we arrived at the Tea Rooms as Harvey’s clip in pedal fell apart. He left for home early as he could not pedal up hill. Sam had no such problems as he was again out on his electric bike. Lukily he was fairly restrained most of the time apart from speeding up some of the hills.

We headed back initially on the same route before turning off on the hill over to Funtington and then Watery Lane to West Ashling and a brief stop at the Pond for a photo.

Then it was back to Chichester and a 3^rd elevenses? Stop at what was now lunchtime at Fishbourne Roman Palace. The Roman Centurion there took exception to Sam’s new fangled electric bike pointing his spear at it though we warned him of possible shocks.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 25. My mileage from Pagham was 35.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:24 BST

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The big news on the Sunday Ride today was that Sam has just acquired an electric bike. It is a German make, Cube with a Bosh Electric Motor and a range of 90 miles with a top speed of 18mph. That applies on hills too which is bad news for the rest of us. The good news though is that the rest of us can beat him easily in a sprint.

The weather was fairly rubbish with drizzle turning to rain by our 9.00 start and temperatures up to 17c and a SW wind driving the wet. Sam was the leader and I was the only other one to turn up. The planned destination was Hambledon which we abandoned in favour of a short ride for an early elevenses at the Control Tower Cafe, Goodwood.

After leaving we continued as far as the base of Pillygreen Hill. Here Sam planned to give his steed a full power test up the hill. I split off and returned home via Halnaker and Tangmere.

My return mileage from Pagham was 19.

I have just returned from France on a trip which included a 4 night stay near Coutances on the west coast of the Cherbourg Peninsula to view the first 3 stages of the Tour de France. Handily it was possible to view all 3 stages within a 20 mile range.

The first picture was taken on Stage 1 which ran from Mont St Michel to Utah beach. The location is on a corner leading on to the Causeway at Briqueville-sur –Mer at 69 Kilometers into the Stage. It shows the Peloton coming round the corner with my Union Jack strategically placed. Mark Cavendish went on to win the Stage.

The next picture was taken while viewing Stage 2  with Mark Cavendish in the yellow Jersey and near the front of the Peloton in this shot. This was taken at the Cote de Montpinchon which is a 4th Category Climb 52 kilometres into the Stage. A dismal morning with drizzle interspersed with heavier rain just about clearing as the race arrived.

For the next picture the location was the Stage start at Granville and a lot of time was spent hanging around the Dimension Data Team Bus for Mark Cavendish to emerge after a planning meeting for the successful team tactics for the day. Cav again won the stage at the end of the day.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 15:08 BST

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Ten cyclists gathered at Chichester Library for the ride, including Dawn & Fred, whom we were glad to see again following a long absence from cycling with us.  The group set off towards Westgate, heading straight on over the mini-roundabout and under the A27 underpass to pick up the Salterns Way cycle path in Apuldram Lane to Chichester Marina.

Having crossed over the busy A286 Witterings road at the entrance to the Marina, and cycled a short distance, the group arrived at The Barnyard around 2.45 pm, where everyone enjoyed a welcome break with tea and cake in plentiful supply!  

The return journey took a route along Chichester Canal, via Donnington towards Hunston, and then back along the Canal to Chichester.  On arrival in Chichester at the Canal Basin, the group made their way into town via the cycle path past Chichester College, arriving back at the library start point at around 5 pm.

Philippa

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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 After waiting several minutes for it to stop raining -  which it didn't - the nine of us decided to head out anyway towards the blue sky in the distance. after cycling round the back of  Felpham, through the new estate and down Hoe Lane, it finally stopped raining just before we reached the Barnham cycletrack. 

The sun then appeared as we made our way to Barnham and then on the new Cycleroute to Walberton. from there it was along West Walberton lane to Fontwell, and under the subway to Slindon woods. 

 A short debate as to whether we should go via Slindon bottom and tackle the serious folly hill or take a much flatter route through the woods was resolved when I assured everyone the woods route was clear of mud. sure enough the woods were easily negotiated, there is a rough stone surfacing which is a little uneven but perfectly dry and it makes for a wonderful little cut through. we emerged unscathed in Slindon village with a short roll down to The Forge.

Just as we were getting ready to leave, it started raining again, harder than earlier, and so we took a shorter route back down Slindon bottom road, carefully crossing the very busy A27 at the central refuge, into Walberton, then Yapton, Middleton, and back to Bognor. raining the whole time until the outskirts of Middleton were reached. 

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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The weather today started dry and sunny clouding over late morning but staying dry until 5.00. Temperatures reached 18C.

Colin was the leader for the long ride which was to Chiddingfold in Surrey. The start was at 8.00am with at least the advantage of making the most of the sunshine. Colin was joined at Chichester Cross by just myself and Mike. On the alternative 10.00am morning only ride to Aldingbourne Harvey was joined by Keith and Arthur so there were 6 out in all on the two rides.

Colin took advantage of the early start and light traffic to lead us straight up the A286 via Singleton and Cocking before turning off on a lane to Heyshott Green and then north to Lodsworth for elevenses stop no 1 at the village Shop in Lodsworth. Colin kept us entertained with news of his just finished 2 month cycle tour in Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Then it was on north via Lickfold before turning off on a very steep lane to take us over Blackdown the highest hill in Sussex at 919ft. I had to walk part of the steepest climb while the others struggled on up. A car drive stopped on the way down and told me I was the most sensible one, I couldn’t disagree.

We continued with a sharp descent before another climb up the main road into Hindhead. Here we stopped for elevenses stop Number 2 at a Costas, definetly outside a costas not a ladies swimwear shop.

Then it was more lanes taking us east to Chiddingfold. We dissuaded Colin from a loop and got there for lunch at 11.45. We all had sandwiches and stopped by the village pond.

Then it was on more lanes bringing us out just south of Dunsfold and then more familiar lanes south to Plaistow and Kirdford and then Wisborough Green. Then it was a track across fields linking up 2 quiet lanes going south towards Pulborough.  

At Arundel we stopped for tea at the Putting Green Cafe and for me their giant portions of Apple Pie.

We headed back via Ford and then split to make our ways home. If any of us had returned to Chichester the round trip mileage would have been 70 miles. My mileage from Pagham was 77.

My latest picture is of The Serpentine Pavilion a temporary building made of translucent steel boxes with a Cafe inside.

For more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/27054049424/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:21 BST

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Lovely ride this evening to Hunston and back- about 15 miles round trip taking some out of the way tracks and lanes.

John was the leader and he was joined at the start by Michelle, Dmitry, Lucy, Steve, Carol, Mike, Julian and Graham. With Edwin joining at the Pub 10 were out in all.

The route out took in quiet roads via Aldwick Bay Estate. Then in was Summer Lane from Pagham and a track across 2 fields including a crossing of the Pagham Rife with some resident Swans.

Then on up a backroad to South Mundham and another track across fields to Hunston and the Pub whose trade for the evening dramatically picked up as a result.

Carol had special camouflage for the Pub. Thanks to Dmitry for that picture and Graham for the first 2.

The return was direct down the Pagham Road and across via Aldwick to Bognor.

Posted by RideLeader at 12:07 BST

Updated: Friday, 10 June 2016 12:25 BST

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The weather today was hot with unbroken clear blue skies and temperatures up to 22C. On top of that there was a gentle NE tailwind to start the day swinging round to a southerly tailwind by the time we headed back, rare indeed and a perfect day for cycling.

The 100 mile ride had been cancelled and the substitute was a short ride to East Wittering. 4 of us met at Chichester Cross, myself, Harvey, Graeme and Terry.

I was the leader and led the group first down part of Apuldram Lane before turning off onto the Salterns Way cyclepath. Then it was more of the Salterns Way across fields to Chichester Yacht Basin where we waited for numerous Yachts filling the Lock to head out into the calm waters of the Harbour. We then had a pleasant elevenses stop at the Boathouse Cafe overlooking the Harbour.

Then it was past the Yacht Club and over the Canal Lock gates.

Next it was on via Birdham Pool and more of the Saltern’s Way across fields to Shipton Green. Then it was a lane straight to East Wittering. Harvey and I had sandwiches on the seafront while the others opted for a Cafe.

The return was on lanes via Earnley and Almodington. Then it was a lane across to Sidlesham. Harvey and Terry headed straight back from here. Graeme and I headed back on the Bill Way Cycleroute passing Pagham Harbour at Sidlesham unusually coinciding with maximum high tide.

My latest picture to be processed was taken a few weeks ago of Chichester Cathedral Cloisters, 3 images combined for HDR  

See a larger picture and more details at http://edwinjonesphotography.com/church_cathedral_hdr_photos/h709c1dd6#h709c1dd6  

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 16:03 BST

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The weather today was dry warm and sunny reaching 20C though with a fairly strong northerly wind. I was the leader for the ride today starting 9.00 at Chichester Cross and I was joined by just Sam and Bob.

We headed out via the Centurion Way and then lanes via West Stoke and Funtington. Then it was on via Racton and Rowlands Castle and a stop for elevenses at Horndean Garden Centre. Full marks to them for their gianormous  portions of Bread Pudding.

Then it was on lanes towards Cathrington before taking a gently undulating lane just north of Denmead. We stopped briefly to look at the blues of a field of Linseed.

Then it was onwards on lanes via Worlds End and Hipley. Then it was a lane towards Boarhunt before turning of on a lane climbing Portsdown Hill from the north and coming out by the Monument to Nelson, the Portsmouth version of Nelsons Column. We stopped there briefly where I took this picture of an isolated flower.

At the monument we were almost next to Fort Nelson and its Cafe. Sam suggested we stopped there for lunch rather than descending to Portchester and the coast and having to climb back up after lunch. After a democratic vote the motion was passed unanimously.

After lunch I took a look round the National Armouries at the Fort which have free admission. One of the exhibits there was a giant gun used in the first World War to try and break the stalemate.

For our route back we rode along the ridge road along the top of Portsdown Hill with beautiful views. We stopped briefly at a layby to look down on Portchester. The Keep of the castle is visible in the middle distance on the right.

Then it was down to Havant and on along the improved cycleway along the A259 to Emsworth to stop for an Ice Cream at Flintstones Cafe by Emsworth Harbour.

We returned to Chichester on the usual route via Westbourne and Woodmancote. Mileage from and back to Chichester was 46. My mileage from Pagham was 57.

Last Tuesday evening I went to Goodwood to photograph the cycle racing on the Motor Race Circuit. This shot was edited with a zoom effect.

For more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/27224127816/in/dateposted-public/

Last Friday on a London day trip I included a visit on a tour I had booked to the closed off tunnels at Euston Underground Station.

For more details and pictures see my Photo Blog at http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog/2016/5/hidden-london-euston-lost-tunnels-tour

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:45 BST

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A glorious evening, sunny and with no wind to speak of, saw 15 riders meeting at the leisure centre for tonight’s ride out to Fontwell. Edwin joined us later straight from Time Trialing, so 16 out in all.

Suzanne, Carol, Steve, Dave S, Dave R, Dave B, Michelle, Maureen & Husband, Julian, John, Mike, Alan, Russ And I  set off round the back of Felpham, through the new estate and then dropped on to the Barnham cycle track by way of Stanover Lane, which is the old route that existed when the whole area was still fields. due to its sheltered position it is often muddy, however no rain had fallen for a few days and additionally it seems to have had another surface dressing applied, so it was quite dry. It is the developers stated intention to restore this route properly for cycling, although its clearly not a priority job

 We followed the Cycleroute through the fields to Barnham, then it was more new cycle track to Walberton green, up the incline that is west Walberton lane, and into Fontwell village. a short hop along what used to be the A27 brought us to the old stables.

after suitable refreshment, we headed back to Bognor but had not gone 200 yards when Maureen pulled up with a flat tyre. after some deliberation, a temporary fix with foam was applied, which almost got her back home although unfortunately the repair did not last.

Our route back was via Denman’s lane and the rough tracks of Northfields Lane, emerging on the A29 at the island in Westergate. Then down the A29 to Shripney, with the following traffic not sure how to safely overtake a long line of cyclists.

At the junction with the relief road the ride split, those heading for Felpham and Middleton taking the cyclepath along the relief road, and those heading for Bognor heading down the cycletrack to the Chichester road.

The round trip mileage was 15.6

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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