To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next picture was taken while I was in Bath staying with my sister for Christmas. This is a view of a light sculpture in the grounds of a museum.

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next picture was taken next at the Roman Baths with Bath Abbey in the background.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

Today was the New Year’s Day ride to Amberley. Although mild the weather was fairly miserable. There was some light rain early on which cleared but followed by continuous heavy rain all afternoon. The meet was 10.30 Walberton Pond, nominate Leader on the day, I was the only one there so I was nominated. The only other Club rider out was Anne who took a more challenging ride direct to Amberley but via Petworth.

When I left Walberton the early light rain had cleared. I headed via Slindon and then the lanes via Madehurst to climb to Whiteways. Then it was along the top on the A29 towards Bury. I stopped for a photo looking down on the Arun Valley. The clouds were touching the tops of the Downs but anytime this is a great view.

During lunch the heavy rain started and we got bikes sorted outside for departure.

John, Anne and I headed back via Houghton Hill. It is not many times that I cycle up Houghton Hill with a river of water flowing down it.

My mileage from and back to Pagham was 34.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:05 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 1 January 2012 17:13 GMT

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To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next picture was taken at London Bridge Station in a connecting Tunnel between the Jubilee Line and the Northern line. The Jubilee Line is quite futuristic and I titled this Tunnel to Infinity.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

Today was the Tinsel Ride to Barnham led by Arthur and meeting at Chichester Cross. The weather was sunny and dry but very cold starting at 0C and rising to the dizzy heights of 5C. The local CTC members meeting at the Cross were Arthur, Lynn, Richard, Keith, Jan and myself (Edwin) We were joined by 5 friends of Arthur from the Moulton Club making 11 in all. Alan and Liz joined us at Elevenses and John and Harvey at lunch so 15 out on the day in total.

Then on via Boxgrove and Hanaker. Then it was a short climb on the A285 before turning off on a lane. We descended carefully with bits of ice to worry about. In a dip at the bottom the road was flooded fairly deep across. We made our way around and a considerate motorist waited behind until we were clear.

Then it was up to Eartham before descending to Aldingbourne for a welcome break. We were joined here by Alan and Liz. After the break Di was awarded the prize for best decorated bike.

We all gathered to set off again.

After lunch I headed straight home taking the Barnham cyclepath across the fields to Flansham and Felpham, Then back on the seafront. There were some quite dramatic clouds over the sea with the sun low behind them.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:50 GMT

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First a few more HDR pictures. Early this month I took advantage of some clear weather to take Dawn pictures on and around Bognor pier.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

For the next picture I played with some software to combine 3 pictures including a volcanic landscape on Lanzarote to create an image of a far off planet within a Galactic Nebula. When I put pictures on flickr the photo sharing website they gain total views from people around the world of in the region of 200 over several weeks or months. Something special happened to this picture. It was spotted by somebody in the Stumbleupon network. This is sort of a cross between a search engine and a social network. Somebody spotted the picture and clicked to say they liked it so it was recommended to their friends with similar interests and so on like a chain reaction. Since the picture was uploaded to flickr last Wednesday it has been viewed by over 1500 people from around the world

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next picture is from last month and is another shot of the Docklands Light Rail tunnel under the Thames with a slow shutter speed pulling out of a station.

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The ride today was scheduled to go to Queen Elizabeth Country Park Cafe for lunch. The day started with heavy rain but this had eased to very light rain by the time I set off for Chichester Cross. I was the leader and only Sam joined me. Colin and Anne were off riding a Randonee. We saw and chatted to Chris on his way back from bell ringing but he did not join us on the ride. We were a little doubtful about the ride but in the end decided on a morning only ride to Compton for elevenses.

Sorry no pictures as I forgot my camera but the day was pretty dismal. The light rain continued for about 20 minutes after we set off but then dried up for the rest of the morning. I took a route via Centurion Way, West Stoke and Funtington. Then it was the B Road up via West Marden to Compton Stores for elevenses. While we were there 2 mountain bikers arrived spattered with mud from head to toe. The slightly horrified looking cafe lady asked if they planned to sit inside, but no they were sitting outside. Surprisingly she would have allowed them to sit inside but would have wanted to get something to cover the chairs.

We headed back via Finchdean, Rowlands Castle and Westbourne. It stayed dry until we got back to Chichester but light rain started again soon after. I was fairly well kitted out for the weather. Gortex coat and overtrousers and waterproof gloves and overshoes with somewhat less high tech but effective plastic bags inside. There’s a cycling saying much used by cycle magazine editors when reviewing waterproof cycle clothing and even more often by waterproof cycle clothing manufacturers and retailers. This is “There is no such thing as inappropriate weather for cycling, only inappropriate clothing” As I cycled back to Pagham against a strong headwind with rain getting heavier I tried to convince myself of how profound and true that statement is, sorry couldn’t quite manage it!

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 29. My mileage for the day was 39.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 15:49 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 11 December 2011 15:55 GMT

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Sunday 4 December. Christmas Lunch Ride

First a few more HDR pictures. The first one was another one taken a few weeks ago at the mushroom glade near Slindon. I took this shot by putting the Camera on the ground next to them.

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next picture was taken back in June on the Loire trip and is of the stairs at Villandry Chateau

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

Today there was a ride to the Clubs’ Christmas Lunch at The Spotted Cow, Hunston. The Appetite Improver ride was led by Anne and went to Compton for elevenses before returning to Hunston for lunch. Anne was joined at Chichester Cross at 08.30 by Sam, John and Colin. I joined later at Compton.

The weather was dry if cloudy and not as cold as it might have been at about 11C.

Anne led the ride via the climb to Pillygreen and down to East Dean. Then it was Lavant, West Stoke and Funtington and on to Compton. After elevenses Colin and John left to take longer routes home as they did not come to the Lunch.

Anne, Sam and I returned on the valley road with a slight downhill and tailwind. Then it was back via Funtington and West Ashling and from Chichester the Canal Path to Hunston. There were 17 for the lunch with most arriving by bike from various directions.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:55 GMT

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At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next picture is the Millennium Bridge and St Paul’s viewed from the South Bank.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next picture was taken next to St Pauls with a long shutter speed and Bus making a trail of light

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

Sunday’s ride was a flat one to East Wittering. The day started with some heavy showers but cleared to sunshine by 9.30. It stayed bright and sunny the rest of the day, if somewhat windy and temperatures up to 12C.

Arthur was unable to lead the ride so I substituted. I was joined at the Cross by Avryl and Keith. Chris stopped off to say hello on the way back from bell ringing but did not join us.

The cafe is on the road towards the beach opposite the Pub. It was nicely done up and we enjoyed a pleasant break there helping Keith with his crossword.

Mileage from and back to Chichester would have been about 25. My mileage for the day was 34.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:01 GMT

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First a few more HDR pictures. The first one was taken last Tuesday. This one was along a bridlepath which goes through woods from just north of The Spur. I spotted in a glade a large number of Fungi -Mushrooms, Toadstools, no idea. Anyway I took this shot by putting the Camera on the ground next to them.

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next picture was taken on a day trip to London in October on the South Bank looking towards the nearly finished Shard Skyscraper. This shot was taken on a tripod with the camera placed at an angle.

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

Today I went to the Bognor Regis Cycling Club (local time trial racing club) annual lunch so missed the Sunday ride. Over to Avryl for her report on the Ride today.

Mileage 33mls.           Write-up by Leader. Avryl 

Posted by RideLeader at 21:04 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 20 November 2011 21:10 GMT

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Sunday 13 November. DA AGM Ride

First a few more HDR pictures. The first one was taken the Tuesday before last. After joining Arun Adur on part of their Tuesday ride I went to take some autumn pictures. This one was in Eartham Woods where I spotted a snail doing a spot of tree climbing

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next picture was taken on a day trip to London in September on Open House Weekend. This shot was taken at City Hall lying down on the Assembly Chamber floor (something you get to do on Open House Weekend) The view is looking up at the spiral staircase above the chamber.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

Today was the DA AGM at Pulborough Village Hall. After a sometimes drab week the weather came up trumps with clear blue skies and temperatures up to a balmy 16C. Colin led the ride from Walberton Pond and he was joined by Anne and Jeff. They took a route via Madehurst, Bury and Fittleworth. I , Chris, Richard and Alan and Liz joined at the AGM so 8 out on the day.

I had panniers full of Cups, Paperwork and SLR Camera to take advantage of the weather. I took the train to Pulborough. I had a half hour to spare until the Hall was open so headed towards Broomers Hill to find Autumn leaves to photograph. I came across a footpath and decided to explore. Without having checked the map I accidentally came across this beautiful location. On the map it is near Holme St House. The picture has had the full HDR treatment.

The AGM was well attended with 20 members present. The existing Committee was re-elected unchanged.

After the meeting we all headed to The Rising Sun, Nutbourne for lunch and enjoyed the warm sun in the garden.

We had 3 canine visitors hoping for food.

This is some woods at the side of the road on the lane towards Barlavington and Duncton Hill.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 21:27 GMT

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First a few more HDR pictures, The first one was not strictly an HDR but had a lot of editing. It was a slide taken at Goodwood in 1996. During the week I scanned this and edited it especially to make the main rider stand out. This was put on flickr and is another picture to make the Explore pages (top 500 from 7 million uploads of that day)

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next picture was taken last Tuesday. I joined Arun Adur on their Tuesday ride for elevenses at Walberton. I rode part way with them and then turned off to take Autumn Colour pictures. Tuesday was the only day of the week with some decent sunshine. The SLR and Tripod were in the panniers. This beautiful location is at a footpath which goes from Halnaker to Halnaker Mill. The path starts from the left of the A285 about 500 yards north of Tinwood Lane.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

Avryl’s notes on the ride follow with some of my notes and pictures.

Posted by RideLeader at 17:37 GMT

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First a few more HDR pictures, The first one was taken on the Docklands Light Railway looking out the rear winow as it went through Canary Wharf.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next picture is Tower Bridge viewed from the South Bank.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next picture is a night view of buildings on the South Bank near Tower Bridge. This is another picture to reach the Explore pages, the top pictures on Flickr.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

Sundays ride was to the Camelia Botnar Garden Centre nr Cowfold. There was also a short ride led by Harvey going from Chichester to Littlehampton.

Colin led the long ride and he was joined at the Walberton Pond start by Sam, Anne and myself (Edwin) The weather was a bit dismal, although fairly dry to start it was cloudy and dark with bits of drizzle later. Later in the day there were periods of heavy drizzle/light rain. It was though very mild at about 16C.

The Autumn leaves were perfect though lacking a few rays of sunshine. Colin led us through Walberton and then up a wooded lane which leads to The Spur. The picture below does perhaps give the wrong impression; we were in fact ambling along at about 12 mph not 40.  It came about by accident. Because it was quite dark I was getting a long shutter speed. I could have increased the ISO but that is not easy to do on my compact while riding along one handed. The result is a nice impression of speed.

From the top it was the main road down Bury Hill and then lanes via West Burton and then Coldwaltham. Here we parted company. I was not 100% recovered from last Sundays cold and wanted a shorter ride. The rest were headed via Pulbough and then to Billingshurst for elevenses. I took the lane via Greatham Bridge. I came actoss 3 Arun Adur riders coming the other way headed to Petworth for elevenses and then Kirdford.

I took the usual route back via Amberley and stopped for a Hot Chocolate at Houghton Bridge. Then it was up the Hill and near the top I encountered this Steam Traction Engine. Possibly it had used up all its steam pressure getting up there. One thing about a bike is that you can stop and take a picture anywhere. I edited this later in Photoshop with a tool which gives it more detail and an HDR like look.

Another Autumn picture below with this fungus growing from the side of a log near the Spur, Slindon.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:28 BST

Updated: Sunday, 30 October 2011 19:50 BST

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First the latest HDR pictures are from another day trip to London on Saturday 15^th October.

The first picture was taken at Clapham Common Tube Station, one of the few remaining where trains in both directions come in on the same platform. I put it on Flickr last Monday and it reached the Explore Pages for the day. This is a system on Flickr whereby the top 500 pictures of the day judged by a computer program based on the interest shown in them are added to this section. As about 7 million pictures are added to Flickr every day this is not easy to get into.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next picture was taken at Waterloo Tube Station on a moving walkway.

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next picture was taken In Canada Square, Canary Wharf and again reached the Explore Pages

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The ride to the AGM today was quite short with a start at Chichester Cross to go to West Stoke Village Hall. Unfortunately there was only myself and Arthur at the start of the Official Ride. Luckily more went there direct and we had a total of 12 at the meeting.

The weather today was unusually warm for the time of year with temperatures up to 18C though with a strong southerly wind.

There were a few changes to the Committee; Mary resigned as Social Secretary due to other commitments. Dave Parsons moved up from deputy to Social Secretary. Philippa added the role of Deputy Social Secretary. Otherwise the Committee was unchanged.

The meeting went fairly quickly and after a picnic lunch in the Hall we made our way back on different routes.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 14:56 BST

Updated: Sunday, 23 October 2011 15:01 BST

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First a few more of my HDR pictures processed this last week. The first one is a Sunset taken at Bognor Beach looking out over Bognor Rocks at low tide opposite Marine Park Gardens.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next was an old slide taken in 2006 on the Death Valley Tour. The slide was scanned and then enhanced by creating 3 different exposures.

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next was another one taken on the Salisbury Ride, this time of the Cathedral Altar.

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

On today’s ride Colin was the leader and he was joined at the Cross by myself (Edwin) Sam, Roger, Jeff, Roger and John Wickens. We were joined at the Pub for the afternoon by Chris and Jim so 8 out during the day.

Colin led us first up Centurion Way with a brief stop to shed layers under the watchful gaze of some heifers.

After a welcome break we continued on lanes via Chithurst passing its Monastery. There was a fair bit of climbing on pretty lanes we rarely use. We rode in between woodland just taking on an Autumn tinge.

Then it was on to Hill Brow. We followed this for a short way before turning off onto lanes I have not used before via  Stodham Park, a track over the Railway, a short stretch of cycle path alongside the A3 and then on to Sheet and Steep for lunch at the Harrow, Steep. This is an old type Pub where they do Cyclist sized portions for their food.

We were joined at lunch by Jim Jennings and Chris. Jeff left us to take a direct route home.

We headed off up the steep hill into Steep, Then it was lanes via Stroud and Ramsdean. Here I decided to take a direct route to tea to avoid overstraining my leg which had caused me trouble in the last few week. John joined me and we rode down to Buriton, up the short steep climb of Buriton Hill and a long descent through Buriton Woods.

Colin took the main group to skirt East Meon and then up to near HMS Mercury and down past the Bat and Ball and across to Cathrington with a steep climb and descent to Horndean and across to Rowlands Castle. Some of the group headed straight home. Colin, Sam and myself rode back via Westbourne and Woodmancote.

Mileage from and back to Chichester for the full route was 57. My mileage for the day from Pagham was 65.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 21:34 BST

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A few more Hdr shots processed this week. The first one is not strictly HDR though it does combine multiple exposures. With the warm weather and clear skies a week ago I decided to have a go at Photographing Star Trails. To get away from light pollution I cycled to Madehurst and the lane which dead ends by turning into a track which comes out at Bignor Hill. The picture was 40 exposures of 30 seconds so 20 minutes altogether. See the flickr link for full details of how it was done.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

This next picture of cycle racing was taken last June. I put it on Flickr a few days ago and it reached the Explore Pages for the day. This is a system on Flickr whereby the top 500 pictures of the day judged by a computer program based on the interest shown in them are added to this section. As about 7 million pictures are added to Flickr every day this is not easy to get into.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next picture was taken at Candes St Martin on the Loire from a bridge over the river.

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

Today the ride was to Aylings Garden Centre, Trotton. Gill was not able to lead the ride so Anne took over. She was joined at Chichester Cross by Sam, Colin and Brian and Sue on their shining Roberts Bikes. I went as far as the Cross but then planned my own short ride on the flat. I had inflamed my hip injury last Sunday enough to be limping all week so was taking it easy.

The weather was cloudy with some sunny spells with a SW wind but a little warmer than the last few days at 21C. I took a picture as everybody set off. I think the plan was to go to Compton for elevenses and then on to Trotton for Lunch.

I took a ride via Oving and Barnham and then down the cycle path to Felpham and an elevenses stop The Lobster Pot on Felpham Sea Front. The view from the sea front was not as clear blue skies as last Sunday but it was still quite pleasant.

My mileage was 24 for the day or rather morning.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 14:22 BST

Updated: Sunday, 9 October 2011 14:25 BST

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A dull afternoon, but not too windy and no rain, temperature about 13 degrees - 10 degrees lower than the previous week!

Nine of us set out from Bognor (is this a record for an October Saturday??) - Julian, Alan, Val, Christine, Steve, Carol, Janet, Ray, and myself. 

After a short delay (Carol had punctured a brand new inner tube!)  we went (legally for some of the way) along the promenade to Middleton, then through the private estate to Elmer and the path through Ancton woods. Depsite recent rain, the path through the woods was rock solid and bone dry.

Leaving Bognor

 Crossing Grevatt's Bridge

off roading

Then it was via Climping Street, Climping School, and the footbridge, into Littlehampton and the lookSea Centre.

Val and Christine left us at Littlehampton, heading east to Worthing and shoreham respectively, whilst  the rest of us returned to Bognor via the Marina, under the A259 bridge (very wet & muddy, but we used an avoiding path and kept completely dry), then along the seriously under-used official cyclepath, constructed at great expense through Climping.

Janet & Ray left us at that point to return via tarmac, whilst the rest of us returned through Ancton Wood back to Middleton, Felpham & Bognor. 

The round trip mileage from and back to, Bognor library was 15.2 - I did 20.8 in all, including to and from home. 

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 21:41 BST

Updated: Saturday, 8 October 2011 22:23 BST

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Sunday 2^nd October. Ride to Kirdford

First a few more HDR images processed this week. The first one below is from the upper floor of the Lloyds Building showing all of the central Atrium down to the floor.

The next one is not far from Lloyds looking up at the Gherkin.

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

On Thursday I rode over to Tangmere Museum and took some pictures inside. There are 2 hangers where Photography is allowed but not in the small exhibit rooms. This one is the Hawker Hunter which set the 1953 World Airspeed Record. Some of the processing added to the shine a little.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

Like all week weather was in summer heat wave mode reaching about 26C locally but higher further east. It was blue skies all day.

We headed east out of Chichester via Westhamptnett . Then it was the gradual climb up to Pillygreen on quiet roads. The picture below was when we stopped briefly after the steepest part of the climb.

Then it was along the ridge road with great views down to the coast. Then the main road and down Duncton Hill before a sharp right at the bottom on to quiet lanes. Ups and downs then to stop at Tiffins, Petworth for tea.

Then it was on lanes via Balls Cross to stop for lunch at Kirdford Village Stores Cafe. This was obviously popular with local cyclists with large numbers there when we arrived. Luckily most had left by the time we settled down to lunch.

We continued on lanes via Byworth and Coates to West Burton and Bury. Then it was across to Houghton, up the hill and down the main road to Arundel for tea at the Putting Green Cafe. This was the last chance as they close after today until Easter.

My return home included a ride on Bognor Prom. This picture taken near Butlins really sums up the day and the previous week.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:58 BST

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First a few more HDR pictures from my day trip to London a week ago.  After visiting Lloyds and City Hall I went on to do some photographic exploration of the Jubilee Line Extension which is the newest part of the London Underground with some quite spectacular stations. Each one is different but with a common theme of metallic silver after the Queens Silver Jubilee. They all have a futuristic look.

This first one is at Southwark Station This shot reminded me of the corridor of a Star Ship like the Enterprise. I aimed to enhance that look in the processing. It was not too difficult to wait for it to be free of people between trains at 2.50 pm on a Saturday. I think that permits are required for professional photography but casual photographs are allowed but no tripods and no flash. The best approach would seem to be not to hang around one station too long.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background  and the processing of the picture.

Today’s ride was to the Tea Pot Cafe, Midhurst starting either from Walberton Pond or at the elevenses stop at Wiggonholt. Gill was the leader but was unable to do it though she came along to saw hello. I took over and I was joined at the Pond by Sam, Avryl and Phil and Verna from Worthing on their Tandem.

The weather today was very good with warm sunny spells and about 20C. It was cloudy early afternoon with a SW wind.

We took a direct route to Wiggonholt via Madehurst and Amberley. At Wiggonholt Alan and Liz joined us for elevenses. They preferred to go at their own pace and joined us later for lunch.

We rode on pleasant lanes via Coldwatham and Coates. Then it was a nice quiet closed road via Burton Mill Pond. Then it was lanes passing north of Graffham to Selham and past the Polo grounds. Then it was more lanes and on to Midhurst and lunch in the back area of the Teapot Cafe.

In the afternoon while Alan and Liz headed back to Wiggonholt the rest of us took lanes via Bepton to Cocking. Then it was up the hill and down the main road via Singleton to stop for tea at West Dean Gardens.

We returned on the upper Centurion Way navigating between nettles to Lavant. Here Avryl, Phil and Verna headed east while Sam and I continued south..

Mileage from and back to Walberton Pond would have been about 48. My mileage for the day was 57.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:09 BST

Updated: Sunday, 25 September 2011 18:19 BST

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First a word about my photographic activities on Saturday. I took the train to London for The Open House London Weekend. This involves about 700 buildings not normally open to the Public being open for free just for this one weekend of the year. This is usually the 3^rd weekend of September. This was the first time I had tried it. After a lot of History in the Loire I went for the ultra modern visiting Lloyds and the New City Hall on the South Bank.

I caught the first train and got to Lloyds by opening time at 10.00. There was a very long queue round the block. Still they coped with it well and it was only about 30 minutes to get in. It is a really dramatic building outside and even more so inside. There is a large Atrium going up the middle of the building from the trade floor to the top. The shot below was an HDR taken from the 4^th floor. The location where I was there was a railing lined with Photographers. I heard a few other HDR clicks. Click, Click, Clack, 3 automatically taken pictures at different exposures. One lady told me my Camera made a nice noise!

We continued via Chalton to Queen Elizabeth Country Park for elevenses.  At the cafe I asked for some vinegar to treat the sting, it draws out some of the venom stopping stinging and itching but not swelling. The girl asked White or Balsamic Vinegar! I told her any sort would do. From my research after the last sting I gather exercise is not helpful. As the swelling was growing I was also worried about the eye closing up some distance from home.

I decided to return early at an easy pace and passed on the lead to Colin. I assured him I would be fine as there was no general reaction.

At Hunston just after getting on the Cycle Path I skidded on a muddy bit falling off on my bad leg side. Luckily no injuries, only minor bruises, still I have had better days.

Despite coming back early I did 50 miles for the day.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:39 BST

Updated: Thursday, 22 September 2011 20:29 BST

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Today Anne was the leader but there were only two of us on the ride with myself (Edwin) being the only other taker.

The weather was better than expected and although very windy it was dry save for one short shower after lunch and even some sun.

Anne took us on a route via West Stoke where we picked up the signed route of The Southern Sportive, a major local Sportive starting in Petersfield with 800 riders. Without knowing anything about it Anne had managed to plan a route taking the Southern Sportive Route all the way to Petersfield. We started seeing riders at West Marden.

We rode via Compton and then across to the climb to Buriton with a nice ride through the beach woods on the way up.

Then it was on via Steep, very appropriate as we climbed a vertical wall and then saw the Village sign at the top. Then it was on a rolling ride with scenic views on very quite lanes via Oakshot and Hawkley. As we neared Selborne I was stung on the arm by a wasp. I think it was very ill tempered of it to blame me just because it wasn’t looking where it was going (like a road rage motorist)

I bought some antihistamines at the Village Shop, must remember to pack some on the bike. As we both had sandwiches we stopped for lunch in the Churchyard with a nice view.

Then it was the very steep, 18% by my bike computer, climb of Buriton Hill and down to Rowlands Castle for tea and some of their excellent Apple Pie and Ice Cream. The return was on the usual route via Westbourne and Woodmancote.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 67. My mileage for the day was 80.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 21:22 BST

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First another HDR picture. This is one of Salisbury Cathedral taken last week. The view is looking down the Cathedral from the middle towards the West Front. The Eagle Lectern is polished brass.

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of Cathedral history and the processing of the picture.

Today was the Arun Crossings Ride DA Event led by Colin. The weather forcast was quite bad and proved fairly accurate except that the rain arrived a little late at about 11.00. Those joining Colin at Pulborough were Dave and Vicky Fox, Richard Boulton, Bob Moore and John Clarke. Dave, Vicky and John left after elevenses and Chris Dart joined at Lunch.

I still have an aversion to off-road so I joined the Group for elevenses at Wisborough Green. This was at the former Penelopes Cafe, now reopened under new Owners as the Old Mill Cafe.

After elevenses the rain came on quite heavy. While the rest took to the tracks I headed by road direct to The Blue Ship, The Haven NW of Billingshurst for lunch.

I managed one picture under the shelter of a sun? shade outside the Pub as everybody was getting ready to leave.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:31 BST

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There were 5 of us on the Bank Holiday weekend away, myself, John Maxim, Colin, Anne and Richard Boulton.

John led us to Salisbury on the Saturday with an early 8.30 start from Chichester Cross. We rode via Compton and Clanfield to elevenses at Lotts Cafe, Hambledon. Here it was beans on toast all round. Then it was on via Bishops Waltham and Fishers Pond to stop for lunch at a Garden Centre at Brambridge.

Over lunch we had the one shower of substance which didn’t last long. We retrieved our bikes in the teeth of a pack of vicious Alsatians in a car which had parked by our bikes while we were at lunch. The bikes as well as the car were very safe from theft. On the way out we came across a man with an Owl.

Mileage for the day for me from Pagham was 75. The accommodation was separate in the Garden. Colin and I had the most spacious, a Norwegian style Cabin.

Breakfast the next morning was from the supplies in our accommodation. We gathered in the Cabin and the picture below is an HDR view.

After lunch we visited Shaftsbury’s famous Gold Hill used in the Hovis advert. This hill is seriously steep but Colin decided to try riding up it. Anne also decided to against her better judgment, very steep, wet cobbles and lichen like growths!

Below is a picture of Hovis Man and Hovis woman riding up the Hill.

Oops!  Anne comes a cropper. Luckily no injuries save for pride so nobody was hurt in the production of this picture!

After tea in Wilton we headed back to base on back roads with a big climb over downs. 50 miles for the day.

On Monday while the rest rode back I went to Salisbury to take pictures of Salisbury Cathedral. I had my SLR in the Panniers and Tripod strapped to the rack. After a few hours taking pictures I rode to Southampton to get the train back. I got to the Cathedral for opening time at 9.00 for people free pictures. By 11.00 swarms of Tourists were pouring in.

The picture below is an HDR picture of the new Font completed in 2008. The water makes a great reflection.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of Cathedral history and the processing of the picture.

The picture below is an HDR picture looking down the length of the Cathedral from the West Front.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:22 BST

Updated: Thursday, 1 September 2011 21:44 BST

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