A pleasant day today starting out cloudy but the sun coming out by the afternoon with temperatures up to 24C. Harvey was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Andrew, Terry, Bob and Trevor. Arthur and Lynn joined us at lunch so 8 out on the day.

After a few backstreets we took the cycle bridge over the A27 and then down the cycle path alongside the A259 before turning off on lanes via Colworth and Woodhorn before taking the Oving straight to Eastergate. Then it was on via Walberton and Ford Lane to stop for elevenses at Edgcumbes Coffee shop. The limited space was soon taken by cyclists as another Club arrived.

Then it was down the Ford Road and back streets to approach the town centre via the old bridge.

Then on to lunch at the Putting Green Cafe where I found their substantial portion of Apple Pie was adequate for lunch.

As we gathered on the road to depart we had a beautiful backdrop of Arundel Castle.

We returned on Ford Road and Ford Lane to Yapton and then stopped for tea at the Willow Tea Room Barnham.

Mileage from and back to Chichester Cross would have been about 28. My mileage from and back to  Pagham was about 40.

I have just returned from France which included viewing 3 stages of the Tour de France. Probably the best stage was Wednesday 5^th July when we viewed the first mountains finish climb into the Vosges. We were located at the first major hairpin after a very steep climb which had split the peloton into many smaller groups. The shot below is a screenshot from the ITV catch-up service. Richard Boulton is most obvious in the bright red shirt and blue cap on the right. I am just visible next to him on the right followed by Peter Wilson.

Next is one of the shots I took of a group climbing round the hairpin.

For a larger image and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/35078127164/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:30 BST

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6 were at the ALC start point- Steve, Carol, Keith, Maureen and Tony- with a further three  (Harvey, Julian and Russ) meeting us at the pub after coming direct.

The sky was clear with no wind to speak of so taking advantage of these excellent riding conditions I took the riders along the seafront to Middleton.

We then headed inland through Elmer to Ancton and then via Ancton Lane to Comet Corner and Bilsham. At Yapton we took the Climping road then turned at Rollaston Park to cross Ford airfield to the industrial estate. Emerging near the prison it was a short sprint along an unusually quiet lane to the Ship and Anchor.

The return route was via Ford Lane, Yapton canal bridge and back to Felpham via Middleton.

The round trip mileage was a modest 15

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 11:57 BST

Updated: Friday, 30 June 2017 12:05 BST

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After a cloudy start the sun came out in the afternoon with temperatures up to 21C though with a brisk west wind which somehow managed to be a headwind both going out and coming back.

At the start there was just myself, Russell, Jeff and Sam  with Sam being the leader. I returned home after elevenses for a half day ride while Bob was late and caught us at West Stoke and Chris joined at lunchtime so there were 6 out during the day.

Sam  led us out via the Centurion Way and West Stoke where Bob caught us we continued on some very quiet lanes.

Then it was on via Funtington. Then it was up the B Road via West Marden to stop for elevenses at Compton Cafe arriving soon after 10.00. Graham Young coming from the other direction after riding 47 miles joined us there for elevenses.

It was reassuring to note that with all the cyclist customers having overdone the exercise or the cake there was a defibrillator ready to assist.

I returned home by 1.00 and completed 35 miles.

……………………….

Jeff reports on the rest of the main ride. We headed due north to South Harting and Nyewood where it was last day of scarecrow fest.

 Then a photo stop at Dumpford

Then it was on to  the A 272 to the Hamilton Arms, Stedham.

 Chris joined for lunch and tucked into the £10 Thai or English roast . Must try next time. We headed back via Ingrams Green, Didling and at top of Cocking hill went up SDW to Farm shop tea room .Very basic but great view, see picture.

Then  we used the Centurion Way from West Dean all the way back .

Just 40 miles from and back to Chichester

………………………………….

My latest picture to be processed was the main Hall of the Earth Galleries of The Natural History Museum taken from 3 floors up looking down on a giant Earth model made up of Tectonic Plates

For more details on the picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/35290638431/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 15:25 BST

Updated: Sunday, 25 June 2017 17:43 BST

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After the end of the heat wave it was less oppressively hot but still pleasantly warm on the longest but one day of the year. Graeme Hodge was the leader and 8 of us in all met for the start at Chichester Cross.

We headed off down West Street with a diversion to avoid the footbridge which is not very tandem friendly. Then it was up Clay Lane. Then it was down Blackboy lane to the A259 which we swiftly left onto the pleasant lanes leading to Bosham Hoe and then round Bosham Harbour.

After negotiating some seaweed on the road left by the tide we headed inland via Bosham Lane and back to the A259 which we soon left to take the cyclepath alongside. Some ducking was needed to avoid branches growing above. A little confusion was evident in the group as we sailed past our destination Pub. This was to ensure a longer ride by taking the lane round Chidham.

Then it was back to the main road and on to the Bosham Inn which is fairly large with a good garden.

The return was direct down the main road where we found that drafting behind a Tandem much increased our speed capabilities. Back in Chichester we split up to make our ways home.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 10:27 BST

Updated: Friday, 23 June 2017 10:38 BST

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Twelve at the Arun Leisure Centre start point on a lovely cloudless summer evening but with a brisk south westerly wind making it hard work cycling westwards, which was exactly the way we were heading.

I led Carol, Steve, Mike, John, Andy, Maureen, Keith, David, Jo, Harvey and Dave through Bognor and onto the prom. At West Park we rode to Pagham via Fish Lane, Barrack Lane and Stoney Stile Lane. We then took the rural route via Summer Lane.

For the return route Steve Carol John and Harvey decided to go back by road by way of Hunston and Lagness. The rest of us took the more picturesque but slower route across the fields and around Pagham harbour.

This was accomplished without incident and mostly in daylight. It was not fully dark till well after 10pm. Around the harbour we took a short detour to check if a route avoiding an unfriendly gate was available but unfortunately a secure fence was in place and we had to double back on ourselves for a couple of hundred yards. However the unfriendly gate proved not much of an obstacle after all and we continued unimpeded around the harbour wall.

From Pagham a trip through the Craigweil estate brought us to Aldwick from where it was straight back along the prom to Felpham. By this time the wind had dropped considerably so a pleasant end to the evening.

Round trip mileage from and back to the Arun Leisure Centre was 17.5.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 08:33 BST

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After a cloudy start it was a beautiful sunny day with temperatures up to 19C though with a brisk SW wind.

At the start there was just myself, Mike and Russell with Russell being the leader. I returned home after elevenses for a half day ride while Jeff joined soon after elevenses at Idsworth and Chris joined at lunchtime so there were 5 out during the day.

Russell led us out via the Centurion Way, West Stoke and Funtington. Then it was up the B Road via West Marden to stop for elevenses at Compton Cafe arriving soon after 10.00 to beet the usual groups from cycling Clubs having the same destination.

When I turned for home the rest continued via the back road to Idsworth where they met up with Jeff. Then it was on via Buriton and East Meon and West Meon. Then a route was taken on paths including part of the South Downs Way where a passing walker kindly took this picture of the group with Jeffs camera.

Then it was on to Exton and a picnic lunch at the Church.

The return was via Rowlands Castle.

Thanks to Mike and Jeff for the pictures.

My latest picture to be processed was the central hall of the Victoria and Albert Museum with a reflection in the top of a Display Case.

For more details on the picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/35150997106/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:40 BST

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 The group headed west towards Westgate, over the Fishbourne crossing and then carried on until the end of the road, before heading through the A27 underpass towards the A259.  After emerging from the underpass, everyone then took a sharp right to take the cycle path past Fishbourne Roman Palace, which then lead onto Salthill Road.  The group then headed left and then right, to take the newly maintained cycle path through to the A259.

Heading west through Fishbourne, everyone turned left to go down Old Park Lane.     

The group continued to head south towards Bosham Hoe, following the road around the coastline.  The group stopped for a photocall along Shore Road

We then headed  into the village for refreshments at the Arcade Cafe.

From here, everyone headed north through the east side of Bosham, picking up the marked cycle route and coming out onto the A259.  From there, it was a short ride back to Chichester, arriving at approximately 4.45 pm.

Philippa

Posted by RideLeader at 08:05 BST

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The weather for the ride today was pleasant being dry with a lot of sun and temperatures up to 17C though with a strong SW wind.

The start was 7.00 am from Chichester Cross. Arthur was the leader and he was joined by Lynn, David Sinclair, Russell, Richard, Bob and Gill Marshall, Bob Birtwell, Jan Bambridge,  Ann Walford, Martin Guarnaccio and Graham Annaly.  I joined the ride at lunch so 13 riders out during the day

This was Arthur’s flat 100 mile ride so the route was carefully devised to keep to the coastal plain avoiding all hills, while taking in a lot of quite lanes. Breakfast would normally on this ride be at the Boaters Bar, Prinsted but as that burned down a few months ago the destination was changed to McDonalds, Havant which has the advantages of opening early and giving fast service.

The route to lunch included some of the Salterns Way cyclepath. Having ridden a hundred miles many times before and still getting fitness back after an accident in April I decided to join the group for lunch and ride part of the afternoon section. I went to East Wittering via South Mundham and Fisher. At East Wittering lunch was taken at the Boulevard Café which gave prompt service of the usual large portions. We then gathered outside for departure. 

Then it was lanes up via Earnley and Almondington.

Then on via Sidlesham and Hunston and after a loop down to South Mundham it was back via Merston and on via the cyclepath alongside the A259 towards Bognor before turning onto the Colworth lane and on to Westergate to turn off on the lane towards Walderton and a rest while Arthur and Martin fixed Lynn’s puncture. The select few did the mending.

While the rest waited and chatted and watched.

We turned off just before Walberton to join the cyclepath to Barnham. I left the group at Barnham to take the Barnham path home to the coast. The rest continued aiming for tea at the Look and Sea Littlehampton before returning to Chichester to complete the 100 miles. My mileage in all for the day was 41.

My latest picture was taken in London on Friday at the Victoria and Albert Museum. It shows the roof of one of the Galleries taken from a walkway above it with the roof reflected in the glass of the top of a display case.

Posted by RideLeader at 21:01 BST

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The weather today was cooler with more cloud than of late though it stayed dry (Cycle Bognor No Rain Guarantee, conditions apply). David Sinclair was the leader and in all 17 of us met at Bognor Library for the start of the Ride.

David led us out on a different route from the usual riding on the cyclepath through Hotham Park.

Then it was on up the cyclepath alongside the A259 before turning off on a mix of backroads plus a path lined with nettles (ouch) to reach the cyclepath alongside the new bypass to Flansham. Then it  was up the cyclepath linking across the fields to Barnham. Some puddles on the route evidenced the thunderstorms of the previous night.

We took the lane past the Church to Barnham and then on via Yapton and Horsemere Green Lane and onto the cyclepath at Climping alongside the A259 where we stopped for a rest while Kevin mended a puncture. Then it was a backroad to the footbridge over the Arun and into Littlehampton. We continued along the seafront road to stop for tea at a new Cafe for us of the Mewsbrook Park Cafe.

For the return Harvey led us on a route he knew which amounted to a partial Tour of Littlehampton with backstreets and pathways (must have leant the style from Graham)

David then took over to take us back over the footbridge and a much more direct route back via the main road. We split into smaller groups so the cars could get by easier. Then it was backstreets via Middleton and Felpham.

Mileage from and back to the Library was about 21.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:04 BST

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6 out in total for today's ride, originally scheduled for Lott's Cafe,  Hambledon but switched on the day to the Isaak Walton at East Meon.

Russell was ride leader and he was joined by Edwin, Sam, Mike and Gary at Chichester Cross, with Chris meeting up for lunch.

The group set off up Centurion Way, where Edwin, following his period of enforced inactivity, peeled off to do his own shorter recovery ride. Then it was the usual route through West Stoke and Funtington to the Village Cafe at Compton, encountering large groups of sportive cyclists heading in the opposite direction. Arrival at Compton indicated that many local cyclists were on the sportive ride - unusually there were no other cyclists at the cafe, a very rare occurrence.

Post elevenses ( Sam enjoying a monster slice of game pie and chutney), the group climbed the hill to Finchdean, encountering many more sportive riders before a steady climb to Buriton. By now the early morning freshness was giving way to more frequent sunshine, albeit with a gusty SE breeze.It was then a fast ride down into Buriton, Sam surprising a motorbike by passing it on the descent !

More quiet roads and we arrived in the picturesque village of East Meon, 10 minutes before opening time, bagging a table by the river.

Chris then joined us for lunch, having cycled a roundabout route from Chichester.

After lunch we rode due south from East Meon, along wonderfully quiet lanes, to the Mercury Park road. It was then past the Sustainability Centre for a rapid descent to Clanfield, following by more climbing up to Butser and another very fast descent to the QE park. Then the usual roads to Rowlands Castle and afternoon tea at the 'Tea on the Green' Cafe ( new name?), in increasingly warm sunshine (18C according to Garmin). We arrived back in Chichester around 3.30pm, having ridden 49  leisurely miles on a lovely early summer's day.

Russell

Edwin’s Ride

I was not yet ready to do a full ride after my hip injury so I rode with the group up Centurion Way before splitting off at Lavant to do a circuit to home.

My ride was intended to be 20 miles but I ended up doing 30 miles. From Lavant I headed across via Halnaker, Aldingbourne, Fontwell and Walberton. I was down to the coast by soon after 11.00. Not being very up to date with local Events I came back via a path onto Bognor Prom only to find myself in the middle of the peak of the 10K Bognor Prom Race. I rode along slowly to get to an exit with a few good natured calls of cheating from spectators. An Ice Cream stop was taken at the Boathouse Cafe, Felpham.

My latest shot to be processed taken last year shows a staircase in a block of flats in London with a couple of Bikes parked up.

More details at

https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/34586374212/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 15:51 BST

Updated: Monday, 22 May 2017 10:23 BST

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Fifteen cyclists gathered at Chichester Library, and a warm welcome was given to a couple of old faces, Dawn & Fred, who hadn’t been out on their bikes for a while.

The group headed west towards Westgate, picking up The Centurion Way cycle path towards Lavant.  After cycling through the old Lavant Railway Station, the group continued north along Lavant Down Road, and then crossed over the A286 Midhurst road to head west along Two Barns Lane towards West Lavant.

At the junction with Downs Road, West Lavant, the group headed west towards West Stoke and arrived at The Design Vintage Café just after 3 pm.

The café was rather overwhelmed by the number of cyclists descending on them, so there was a bit of a wait for tea and cake!

At the junction with the B2178 Funtington road, everyone carried straight on down Moutheys Lane towards the junction with Clay Lane.  The group then headed west back towards Chichester over the railway crossing and along Westgate, to arrive back at the library at approximately 4.45 pm.

Philippa

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Monday, 15 May 2017 16:40 BST

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The day was pleasant and sunny though cooler than of late at 13C. Sam was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by Russell, Bob, Mike and Paul so 5 out on the day.

The group first rode out to stop for an early elevenses at Compton. Then it over Harting Hill on the easier approach and a steep downhill to Harting. Then it was on lanes via villages such as Goose Green. Then it was on to lunch at Cafe Nero, Petersfield, chosen as an alternative to the scheduled lunch stop of the Cafe at Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill. Then it was lanes and hills via Steep before coming back over the Downs on the new Cyclepath above the A3.

Nobody took any pictures on the day but here is one taken on an earlier ride in February along the cyclepath.

50 miles for the day from and back to Chichester.

Info supplied by Sam. Report compiled by Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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The ride today was originally scheduled to run to Denmans Gardens, but was changed to the nearby Aldingbourne Country centre after the gardens went into administration. The last opportunity to go there will be next Thursday 25th when everything will be auctioned off to pay creditors.

Todays sunny weather with temperatures of around 16 degrees encouraged 19 riders to the start point, a brilliant turnout.

It was good to meet up again with longstanding members Bob and Gill out on their first Saturday ride for some years, and riding tandem. As well as them we had a new member, Tom, plus  Debbie, Michelle, Carol, Steve, Mike, Tracey, Ali, Andy, Alan, Liz, another Steve, another Alan, Sam, Maureen and Christine who had come specially over from Shoreham.

We set out round the usual back roads to Felpham but I then took a very recently reinstated route from Bognor Golf club through the Blakes Mead development, crossing the relief road to the Barnham cycletrack. This route was formerly two very rural tracks known as North Road and Stanover Lane. Its reinstatement cuts about a mile off as it saves riding out to Flansham Lane and Hoe Lane. Then up the path to Barnham.

From Barnham we took the Walberton cycletrack and at the duck pond turned down Eastergate lane to Fontwell Avenue.

300 yards of A29 then took us back on rural lanes behind Fontwell racecourse to Level Mare Lane where we crossed the very nasty and busy A27.

A short run then brought us to Aldingbourne Country Centre. The centre is having significant building work done and the main gate is locked. Access is via a temporary car park at the rear field. It also appears that the "Rear entrance" may not be accessible either.

After a welcome refreshment stop, we set off for home via Halnaker Barn Lane. Here the ride split, with a group opting for a longer route home via Tinwood Lane, Halnaker, Boxgrove, Tangmere and Oving.

I led the rest of us on a shorter return via Crockerhill, Aldingbourne village, and Hook Lane, then to Shripney via Lidsey. From there back roads through South Bersted to Bognor centre.

The return mileage from, and back to, Bognor library, was 18.5.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 21:50 BST

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The weather today was beautiful with clear blue skies and temperatures inland over the Downs at 23C and on the coast up to 15C. There was a SW wind which was troubling on the way back.

I was the leader for the 9.00am start from Walberton Pond and I was joined only by Sam though Bob Birtwell joined us accidentally after tea. A local walking his dog and chatting to us was persuaded to take a picture of us.

We headed out on the usual route via Madehust and down Houghton Hill to stop for elevenses at Wiggonholt. Then it was a very direct route on lanes via West Chiltington, Broadbridge Heath and Coneyhurst  to Barnes Green. We arrived well before anybody else at 11.45 and went to the Green where I had sandwiches. Then on to join the other Clubs at the lunch stop at Sumners Pond Cafe.

We all cycled to the Freewheel Hill where you start off with one pedal revolution and then freewheel downhill and as far as possible up the next slope. There was some talk about the weight of Sam’s electric bike giving an unfair advantage. Possibly extra weight has a limit before the drag on the upslope counteracts the speed. Sam came in second.

Pipped at the post by Bob of Horsham Crawley.

Only 9 took part in the event from the 3 clubs despite the great weather or perhaps that was a draw to do other things.

We headed back afterwards via Wisborough Green  and then a track across fields to come out on a lane north of Pulborough and on to Amberley where we stopped for tea and coincidently saw Ray and Jo from Arun Adur out on their own ride. While we were stopped Sam took the opportunity to fit the spare battery he was carrying to make sure he had enough electric assist to get home.

Then it was on to Houghton and the track to Arundel nicknamed the Khyber Pass. At the top we spotted Bob recuperating on the grass. He joined us for the rest of the ride home.

I split from the others at Yapton to head  down to the coast and the Prom Cycleroute where a sea mist had rolled in making is distinctly cold. The sun was low as by this time it was 6.30. The distance from and back to Walberton was 52 while my mileage from Pagham was 68

It was busy day on Saturday. This started with a ride over to Ford to get a shot of a steam Excursion train in the early mist at 08.45.

In the early afternoon some of us joined a Rally against over 1000 extra houses at Pagham adding to the local traffic. I had just in time got hold of a nice banner from national HQ

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Monday, 10 April 2017 10:20 BST

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The weather today was beautiful and spring like with blue skies all day. There were  light winds and temperatures which after a chilly start rose to 15C.

There were 2 rides  a long hilly ride to Fernhurst and a shorter ride to Rowlands Castle. Arthur led the short ride supported by 14 riders. They stopped at Woodmancote for elevenses and then on to Rowlands Castle.

I went on the long ride with Russell as the leader. He was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Mike and Bob. Chris joined us at lunch so 5 of us in all.

After a while indisposed we saw Sam just as we were leaving. He was joining the shorter ride later at 10.00.

We took the Centurion Way north and with the recent opening of the exit were able to use the extension to West Dean.

The bike ramp was a bit steep to use going down, the bike tended to run away if used so we carried the bikes down. Bob nearly fell over going down the last step, not a very auspicious start.

We gathered at the bottom for a christening photo.

Then it was onto the main road, fairly busy to Cocking where we turned off onto the quiet lanes via Bepton. Mike turned off at Cocking to head for home as he had to be back early. The rest of us continued to elevenses at Rotherhill Nursery, The Glasshouse Cafe, Stedham and some welcome hot drinks and cake.

The route after elevenses was full of spring with blossom on the trees, wild flowers, lambs baaing and the sound of woodpeckers.

We took a route via a long climb on a lane to Redford. We stopped briefly to look at the ancient Redford Garage whose pumps are apparently still in use.

Then it was downhill before more lanes to stop at Fernhurst. Our official destination was the Red Lion Pub but as we all had sandwiches we stopped at a bench on the nearby Green for lunch.

Chris joined us a short while later. He had ridden direct  after finishing bell ringing at Chichester Cathedral. Soon after leaving Fernhurst we came to a short but extremely steep hill and stopped to regroup at the top.

Then it was on via lanes through Lickfold and Lodsworth and turning off at Selham to go past the Polo fields. Then on via Heyshott and turning off onto the lane to Cocking. Beautiful views and quiet though having an abundance of potholes.

After a stretch of the main road again we stopped at West Dean Gardens Cafe for cold drinks and Ice Cream, very refreshing.

Then back to Chichester again using the full extent of the Centurion Way. Mileage from and back to Chichester was 46. My mileage from Pagham was 57.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:24 BST

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The weather was excellent today, dry and clear blue skies and temperatures up to 17C. The only problem was a strong NE wind giving us a headwind on the way out but compensated for by a good tailwind on the way back.

The leader was due to be Colin but as he is now in China we figured this was a good excuse and I took over. I was joined for the 9.00am start from Walberton Pond by Russell, Mike and Paul.

We headed out on the usual route via Madehurst, down to Houghton and then Amberley and lanes via Rackham to the edge of Pulborough where we turned off for West Chiltington. Then up and over the Golf Course Hill and on to Broadford Bridge. Then a lane up to Billingshurst. I had chosen Whispers Cafe, Mill Lane, Billingshurst both because it was en route for the ride and because they advertise with us in the Pedaller. They were very helpful storing our bikes in a locked side passage. Hot drinks and for some of us chocolate cake were delivered very quickly and enjoyed in the warm sunshine outside.

We were soon off again taking a short section of the A29 north before turning off on Okehurst Lane and up the lane to pass The Haven. Then it was more lanes up to Bucks Green catching a brief glimpse of Brian and Sue Howe going the other way. At Bucks Green Russell turned off for home to get back for a mid afternoon Mothers lunch. The rest of us continued a short way towards Rudgwick for lunch at The Milk Churn Cafe which adjoins the Downslink cyclepath and was clear of any Mothers.

The return felt easier with the tailwind and a lot of downhill to start with riding via Loxwood and then Ilfold where there was a brief map check stop.

Then onwards on a lane to Kirdford. From there it was a long gradual uphill on a lane crossing the A272 and down to Byworth. More lanes took up via Barlavington and the challenge of Duncton Hill. After the descent Paul turned off on the lane to Singleton to return to Selsey while Mike and I continued to the coast via Eartham, Fontwell, Walberton and Yapton.

Mileage from and back to Walberton was 52 well down on the estimated 75 though the latter did include an allowance for Colin loops which I avoided. My mileage from and back to Pagham was 71.

Down on the coast it seemed all the mothers had gone for a walk on the Prom after lunch as it was very busy, like summer.

My latest picture on Flickr was taken a month ago on Westminster Bridge and posted on Wednesday as a Tribute to those killed on Wednesday in the terrorist attack.

More details and a larger picture at https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/33594925335

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:40 BST

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Today was mainly overcast though still mild at 12C and dry though with a very strong  SW wind.

Jeff was the leader today and he was joined at Chichester Cross on the longer faster ride by myself Mark and Mike. Harvey was the leader of a short morning only ride to Compton meeting at 10.00.

We headed out up the Centurion Way and then on via West Stoke and Funtington. We continued via Rackham and then lanes up to Compton for a welcome early elevenses stop. They had a new sign up for the Tea Rooms obviously designed to attract cyclists which worked.

We arrived about 10.15 and easily gained seats. While we were there a constant flow of small groups of cyclists arrived from various points of the compass until all seats were taken.

While the rest continued on a hilly route to stop for lunch at Denmead I headed back to make it a half day ride. On the way back down the valley I first encountered Anne out for a ride going the other direction. Then a mile further on it was Harvey leading a group of 4 on the 10.00am ride towards elevenses at Compton, I hope they got seats.

My mileage from and back to Pagham was 38.

Jeff continues the story of the Hard Ride after elevenses -

Edwin turned back at Compton, leaving me to give the two other hard riders what they came out for. Well they got it , 3497 feet of climbing at an average speed of 10.39  and my Garmin tells me I burned 2624 calories.

After Compton we headed up the usual route to Buriton then the usual route to East Meon all on good quiet lanes. From here we climbed up to the ridge above Winchester Hill ( Teglease Down ) where we had a photo call. From this high point we sped  down to Chidden, passing lammas in a field  then up and down lanes to Denmead.

3 lamas look at 3 cyclists

 The  Fox and Hounds was earmarked for lunch, instead of the nearby  Horse and Jockey on a busy road . I have always avoided this pub as it advertises itself as pub of the year 2012 ( who says?)  and it is now 2017.  As Mike and Mark brought lunch we sat on the village hall wall for a quick snack  before heading off at 1.30 . Rowlands Castle by 2.15 and still the hard riders did not want to stop at the cafe. So  back to Chi with a fast wind assisted ride on the main road from Bosham, turning left at the cycle shop in Fishbourne to inspect the cyclepath which I helped to clear a few weeks ago with Sustrans volunteers, then we used the  new path laid out as part of the new development at the rear of Salthill Road  then Chichester by 3.05.   Job done . Roll on Summer ! Return mileage from Chichester was 54.

Jeff

Back to Edwins Report

On Saturday I took this shot 0f a Steam train crossing the River Arun at Ford at 9.45.

This was the Bath and Bristol Steam Express Day Excursion from Three Bridges.. The advantage of this spot apart from the scenery is that the train has to slow for the points at the junction just before the bridge. When running fast Steam trains can readily get to 70mph. The train is an Express with next stop Salisbury. Steam Excursions on the main line run regularly in various parts of the country but only visit our local line 2 or 3 times a year.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:42 BST

Updated: Sunday, 19 March 2017 20:31 BST

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A misty day today, no wind but temperatures lingering around 7/8 degrees, kept down by the fog which dispersed a bit as we rode northwards, but re-appeared as we headed back to the coast.

I was joined at the library start point by 16 others - Carol, Steve, Maureen, Harvey, Chris, Mike, Alan, Liz, Steve(2), Alan(2), Julian, Dave, Sheila, Clair, Russ, and Colin.

We headed out through the usual back lanes to Felpham and the Arun Leisure Centre, then it was onto the new Bakes Mead Estate which seems to have opened a new bit of road every time we go through it. After successfully negotiating it I took the group down Stanover Road to join the Barnham cycle track, which was considerably less muddy than the last time we used it.

From Barnham it was cycle track to Walberton, then West Walberton Lane to Fontwell. Under the A27 subway and into the woods of the Slindon Estate where the track was hard surfaced and quite dry.

 By this route we emerged into Park Lane and in doing so avoided the agressive gradients of Folly Hill at Slindon College. A short sprint found us at the Forge tea rooms after an uneventful run. There we met Edwin who had made his own way by a more adventurous route but came back with us.

I took a straight run back via Slindon Common Road and Sunnybox Lane down to Walberton and Yapton which included the usual treacherous crossing of the A27.  We reached Bilsham without incident and crossed the A259 into Middleton at Comet Corner where roadworks are in place. This makes the difficult crossing easier than normal as a temporary pelican crossing has been set up to negate the missing central refuge.

We made it back to Bognor via the seafront with a round trip mileage of 18.2.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 22:12 GMT

Updated: Saturday, 11 March 2017 22:30 GMT

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Despite a forecast of dry weather till evening the actual weather included showers of heavy drizzle. Probably because drizzle isn’t enough wet to register on the weather radar. Still after drizzle until 9.00 it cleared and we had a dry ride to elevenses. It was fairly mild with temperatures up to 11C and a fairly strong SW wind.

Russell was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Mike, Mark and Gary. Colin joined the group at lunch  so 6 out during the day.

We headed out via West Street and Clay Lane on the South Coast Cycleroute via Woodmancote. Then on via Westbourne and Rowlands Castle and up the hill on the Horndean Road with a brief stop to regroup at the top.

Then it was on to Horndean to stop for elevenses at Keydell Garden Centre Cafe for a welcome break. There was even some sunshine as we left.

I preferred a shorter ride today so I split off for home while the rest continued to lunch at The Kings Head, The Square, Wickham. They returned via Portsdown Hill and Havant with a nice tailwind.

My ride back included some lanes and down an especially pretty one to the Chalton – Finchdean Road. Some interesting trees on the descent.

More spells of drizzle on the way back and for me a total mileage from Pagham of 45 miles.

My latest picture was taken on Friday on a London trip. One of the objectives was to get shots of Big Ben before it is shrouded in scaffolding from early this year for 3 years for repairs.

For more details and a larger image see http://edwinjonesphotography.com/p447855433/h844f1f59#h844f1f59

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 16:44 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 26 February 2017 21:45 GMT

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Unlike yesterday today was overcast though still mild at 11C and dry with a light SW wind.

I was the leader today and I was joined at Chichester Cross on the longer faster ride by just Colin and Gary. Richard was the leader of a short ride to East Wittering meeting at 10.00.

We headed out up the Centurion Way and then on via West Stoke and Funtington encountering many Snowdrops on the way and indeed all day. We continued via Rackham and then lanes up to Compton for a welcome early elevenses stop.

We continued with the gradual climb up Harting Hill before a fast descent into Harting Village. We turned off on quiet pleasant lanes via the small hamlets of West Harting. Quebec and Goose Green. Then it was back to the main road before turning off to bypass Petersfield to the east and up to Sheet and then on to the The Harrow Inn which is  in a very pleasant rural location just over the A3

After lunch we headed back with first a very steep climb to the appropriately named Steep Village. Then it was on via the villages of Stroud and Ramsdean. After lanes to the Roundabout leading to Buriton we turned onto the new Petersfield to Queen Elizabeth Park Cyclepath. This was opened in November last year and this was our first Club Ride on it. The path starts adjoining the slip road.

A short way up it turns off onto the old A3 or what remains of it and then gradually climbs up on new pathway until it is well above the new road.

 Apart from a short stretch alongside the new road separated by a fence it continues some distance from the road and is generally a pleasant new route over the Downs.  

Then it was on via Chalton, Finchdean and Rowlands Castle return  to Chichester via Westbourne and Woodmancote. Mileage from and back to Chichester was 50. My mileage from Pagham was 63.

On Thursday I took this macro shot of some crocuses flowering in Aldwick Green off the Aldwick Road.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/32555962240/in/photostream/    

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:51 GMT

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