Five of us met at the Cross, for the long ride across into Hampshire.  These were myself (Edwin), Colin, Adrian, Linda and Anne.

Rain had been forecast for the morning, but we escaped all the showers, some of which came quite close.  There was a good north easterly wind to blow us out to the pub and the weather was humid, with temperatures up to 23C.

I led the group out via Westbourne and Rowlands Castle, and then a stop for elevenses at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park Cafe.

We then climbed up to Butser Hill followed by a steep descent into the Meon Valley, with great views on the way down.  This was followed by another climb up to HMS Mercury, and then a short way along the Ridge before a long descent into the Meon Valley and lunch at the Shoe in Exton.

We arrived at 12.15 just in time before the rush of Sunday lunch diners.  We had lunch in the garden adjacent to the Meon River and listened to loud claps of thunder over the Downs just to the east, and a heavy downpour was visible just a few miles away.

After lunch I led the group on a backroad adjacent to the main road down the Meon Valley to Soberton.  Then on lanes across to Hambledon.  After leaving the Meon Valley we left behind dry roads to come across many wet roads and puddles as evidence of the recent downpour.  We continued on more backroads to Catherington with a very steep but short hill.  Then onwards to Horndean and Rowlands Castle, where we had planned to stop for tea.  However a notice on the door, advised us that the tea rooms were closed for the day due to staff illness.  We decided to go on to Stansted Garden Centre Cafe where we stoked up with tea and cakes.

Then on and back to Chichester via Funtington and West Stoke, with more evidence of recent heavy downpours.

Mileage from and back to the Cross was 59.  My mileage was 71.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 22:12 BST

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