Sunday 18 November - Chichester Cross start
A hardy group of four (Adrian, Anne, Phil & Mary) met at the Cross at 10 am
surrounded by a massive team from the local Rotary Clubs erecting the
Chichester Christmas Tree. We quickly left this exciting scene behind and
headed east to cross the Downs by Pillygreen Lodge and bear north towards
Duncton Hill. We descended Duncton, turning right at the bottom and taking
our ususal route via the CTC West Sussex Downhill course to Petworth.
Petworth is in a sorry state for coffee stops. Tiffins was closed, and
Saddlers was both closed and up for sale! The coffee shop up the cobbled
street was also closed, but we eventually found some coffee in the pub next
to Sommefields.

After coffee, we headed west to half-way house, then turned south through
Selbourne to Graffam. Contrary to forecasts, the weather had been quite
pleasant until coffee, but as we headed west the rain started, light at
first but gradually getting heavier so that by the time we reached the White
Horse at Graffam it was fairly bucketing down.

The landlord was very welcoming given our rather sodden appearance, and
directed us to the blazing wood fire in the corner. We ordered lunch and
settled into another corner with our drinks. We were joined by Colin,
representing the Walberton start.

After lunch we continued east to Cocking along very wet roads and in
continuous rain. We climbed Cocking Hill and descended to West Dean where
Adrian continued east to Portsmouth and the rest repaired to the tearoom.
From the tea room, Colin, Phil & Mary headed south to the Centurion Way and
Anne headed for a hot bath. At Lavant, Colin turned back east and Phil &
Mary continued to Chichester and then home.