Arthur led this ride and he was joined at the Cross by myself (Edwin) Linda, Gill, Sonia, Ernie, Avryl, David, Alan and Liz. Adrian joined us at Portsmouth making a total of 11 out on the day.

The weather was bright and sunny in the morning but clouding over in the afternoon but staying dry. Temperature was about 20C with a strong SW wind.

Arthur led us on the South Coast Cycle Route lanes to Westbourne and Havant. Then over the Bridge and down the Hayling Billy Cycle Trail with very clear views across to Portsmouth and the Spinnaker Tower. We stopped for elevenses at a Beach Kiosk neat the ferry to Southsea. Alan and Liz and Sonia went back from here and the rest of us caught the ferry. Adrian joined us on the other side and we continued along Southsea seafront with a strong headwind to the Gosport ferry next to Portsmouth Harbour Train Station. After a quick crossing with views of the Spinnaker Tower we took the coast road with good cycle lanes to Lee on Solent and chose the Bluebird Cafe for lunch.

After some large lunches we headed back with a much anticipated strong tailwind. We took a different road back to Gosport via Stokes Bay and past Haslar Hospital. Then the ferry back to Portsmouth, we were getting our sea legs by now.

We continued through Southsea and back along the Seafront to the Hayling Ferry which soon arrived. Then it was lanes up from West Hayling and across on lanes to North Hayling and Northney. We had planned to go to Emsworth for Tea but I spotted a Cream Teas Today sign outside St Peters Church Northney. We soon piled in there for a welcome break. This was their second year doing teas which this year have been every Sunday 25 May to 7 September 3.00 to 5.00. There are several Russian Graves in the Churchyard including HSH Princess Katherine Yourievsky, the youngest daughter of Tsar Alexander II of Russia. She lived the last 31 years of her life in Hayling Island and was buried in the churchyard. For more on the history of the Princess and the sad end to her life follow the link to this website and an article The last of the Hampshire Romanovs. Found with a search on Google.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_19980820/ai_n14180434

We headed back over the Bridge and then the path along the foreshore and a path and lane under the A27 up to the road into Havant. As time was getting on it was then straight along the A259 back to Chichester with a strong tailwind.

Mileage from and back to the Cross was about 53. My mileage for the day was 65.

Edwin

There is a Slide Show below of this Ride. The Slide Show will play on this Website; refresh the browser to start it from the beginning. The best way to view it though is to click view all images and you will be taken to the Slide.com website and the Slide Show will play with larger sized pictures. You can use the control just above the picture to pause a picture during the Slide Show.

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Posted by RideLeader at 23:32 BST

Updated: Monday, 18 August 2008 11:38 BST

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Posted by RideLeader at 23:05 BST

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A total of 15 riders risked the weather today after a thoroughly wet and depressing previous day and despite some ominous dark clouds it remained dry and with some sunshine as well. Those out at sometime during the day were Avryl, Freda, Jim, Jeff, Adrian, Arthur, Lynn, David, Harvey, Richard, Keith, Edwin, Gill, Phil and Mary.

We set off from The Cross at Chichester and followed the Salterns Way stopping at the Yacht Basin for coffee and then carried on to Birdham. Here we cut across the main road to Bell Lane and hence through Almondington and Highleigh Road past Sidlesham school and Brent Lodge bird hospital to B2145 Chichester to Selsey Road. There was a strong headwind and a lot of traffic as we headed towards Selsey and we got separated into two groups but finally all made it to the Lifeboat Inn arriving in good time to get seated at a table. We awaited the arrival of Phil and Mary with Gill who had taken a longer ride via Midhurst and had had a battle against the wind.

We returned along the Bill Way and were blown back towards Chichester. Phil and Mary offered us tea at their house and we sat and basked in the sunshine fortified by freshly made hot scones, teas etc.

We made our different ways home from Runcton, the mileage from The Cross being 30mls.

Rides notes posted by Avryl (ride leader)

Posted by RideLeader at 22:47 BST

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Phil and Mary led this ride and they were joined at the Cross by myself (Edwin) Gill, Linda and Richard. John Wickens from Arun Adur making his own way there and coincidentally met us near Petworth and joined us for the rest of the ride.

Weather was rather wet with frequent drizzly showers in the morning but made better by a westerly tail wind. The weather was cloudy but mainly dry for the return ride in the afternoon.

We headed out of Chichester and over the downs via the Pillygreen Lodge road. Then it was along the ridge with a view down to the coast despite the cloud. Then the main road to Duncton Hill and a careful descent on the wet road and a sharp left turn into the lanes. We followed quiet if muddy lanes across to Petworth and elevenses at Tiffin’s. This was our first visit there since it reopened and we were made very welcome by the new owners.

Then it was more lanes via Balls Cross and Kirdford to Wisborough Green. The weather was just dry enough for a picnic although some went for the Pub instead. We were joined by another 3 from Arun Adur and 7 from Horsham making 17 altogether which was reasonable considering the weather.

The planned afternoon stop was Bignor Park House for a visit to the Gardens and for tea on a rare day when it was open. John wanted to go there too so he joined us for the ride there. Phil led us up a lane to the infamous climb on the lane to Fittleworth with its average grade of 15%. After recovering at the top we headed down into Fittleworth and then lanes to Bignor Park and up the long driveway. Tea was in the stables and with large slices of cake on offer at £1 each I ended up having 2.

After tea John headed back to Bury to his car. The rest of us continued on the normally closed driveway coming out on a sharp bend between Sutton and the steep climb to Bignor Church. Phil turned right into Sutton and then across to Duncton Hill and its testing climb. We continued down the main road via Halnacker. When the others headed for Chichester I split off to return home via Tangmere.

My mileage for the day was 60.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:25 BST

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The longer ride today was a 100 mile ride into North Hampshire stopping at Popham Airfield Cafe for lunch. Phil and Mary led the ride and they were joined at the Cross at 7.00am by Linda, Gill, Ann, Colin and myself (Edwin). Jim Jennings joined us at Rowlands Castle and Adrian at Meon Springs making 9 out on the ride.

Weather was excellent, warm early and late and hot in the middle of the day up to 27C. There were unbroken clear blue skies until mid morning and in the late afternoon and scattered clouds in the middle of the day.

Phil led us out on the South Coast Cycle route lanes over to Rowlands Castle where Jim joined us after riding over from Southbourne. Then it was Clanfield and up to the Bat and Ball and up to HMS Mercury on a lane I have not used for many years. After a short ride along the ridge it was down on a steep narrow lane to Meon Springs Fisheries situated on a back road between East and West Meon. This was a new cafe to me and well worth the visit as we settled on the veranda above the fish ponds and enjoyed our bacon butties.

Then over to West Meon and a stop to look at a real map as Phil?s GPS lost its signal. Then it was pleasant country lanes over to Cheriton and New Arlesford Station for a very brief stop. We met a cyclist there on a Moulton who knew Arthur (obviously not far enough away from home yet!)

We continued north from Arlesford with great views across rolling downland and on via East Stratton and Micheldever Station to stop for lunch at Popham Airfield Cafe. Very atmospheric, with planes taking off on the grass runway next to the cafe and part of the cafe doubling up as the control tower. Another new one for me and a very good lunch stop.

After lunch we continued on north to Overton to make sure we got in the 100, distance at Popham was 45 and 50 at Overton. Then down on lanes to Dummer and past Dummer Farm, home to Fergie?s (Duchess of York?s) Parents. Then it was lanes near Selborne via Hawkley to Liss and a welcome break at a Pub. We were greeted by a large Great Dane barking at us from an upstairs window.

Then on and over Hill Brow and a fast long descent to Rogate. Then lanes to Nyewood where Jim left us to head straight back. The rest of us headed on via Elsted Marsh, Treyford, Didling and Cocking where we found a shop open selling ice creams then back over Cocking Hill and the magic 100 miles was reached on all bike computers as we neared Chichester on the Centurion Way.

The 100 miles was from and back to Chichester and my mileage for the day was 113

Edwin

There is a Slide Show below of this Ride. The Slide Show will play on this Website; refresh the browser to start it from the beginning. The best way to view it though is to click view all images and you will be taken to the Slide.com website and the Slide Show will play with larger sized pictures. You can use the control just above the picture to pause a picture during the Slide Show.

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Posted by RideLeader at 20:28 BST

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Posted by RideLeader at 20:23 BST

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This ride met at Christ?s Hospital Station to do a loop taking in the Downslink path and the Wey canal path. Jeff offered me a lift and we agreed to meet at Hunston giving me the chance to ride some paths and lanes up from Pagham on my little used MTB bike. Gill also came by car. Colin, our leader and Anne came by train and Phil and Mary cycled 35 miles from home. Linda rode to the lunch stop from Chichester and John Maxim rode up from Angmering to the lunch stop making 9 out for the day.

Weather was sunny spells but a lot of cloud around especially in the middle of the day and still a brisk cooling breeze. Temperature was about 20C.

Colin led us first on the Downs Link and then paths and lanes close to the Haven and then past Gibbons Mill. Then it was some really scenic riding along the Wey Canal Path along the renovated Section. Most of the riding was on good paths but there were some bumpy bits and at one stage Phil and Mary did a slow fall off.

We took lunch at the Three Compasses near Cranleigh. John and Linda didn?t want to do any off-road so they headed back after lunch. The rest of us continued on tracks and then picked up the Downslink SE from Cranleigh. The generally flat route was interrupted by a steep climb at one stage to get above a tunnel occupied by bats. Soon after we came to the Wellwood Arboretum doing teas alongside the canal. This is a brilliant tea stop set beside a pool with a bicycle sculpture. Look at the slideshow below for full details, a picture being worth a 1000 words.

We continued on the Downslink back to Christ?s Hospital Station. Phil and Mary rode home. The days ride was 28 miles. My mileage was 36. Phil and Mary about 100 miles. Good practice for the 100 mile ride they lead next Sunday.

Edwin

There is a Slide Show below of this Ride. The Slide Show will play on this Website; refresh the browser to start it from the beginning. The best way to view it though is to click view all images and you will be taken to the Slide.com website and the Slide Show will play with larger sized pictures. You can use the control just above the picture to pause a picture during the Slide Show.

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Posted by RideLeader at 20:10 BST

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Posted by RideLeader at 20:02 BST

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Support for the summer evening rides has been patchy so on this cold, dull and breezy evening it was nice to see 3 others out - tandem riders Phil and Mary, plus Julian.

No doubt the tandem had an influence as we set off at quite a pace around the back of Bognor, heading through Bersted then Shripney Lane and the cut through to the A29, running up a very quiet main road to Woodgate, where we turned down Hook Lane, then through Aldingbourne village to complete an uneventful run to Crockerhill.

On arrival at the pub however we were told that we could only be sold soft drinks as the licensee had very recently died and the transfer of the licence had not yet been completed. Fortunately there was some beer still in the barrels which they were giving way free (contributions to the landlords cancer fund were invited) as otherwise it would have gone off by the time they were able to sell it. Perhaps unsurprisingly, we opted for the beer.

On the return route Phil and Mary made their own way back to Runcton whilst Julian and I were joined by Edwin fresh from his time trialling. We stuck to an almost deserted A29 until Shripney, where Edwin peeled off, then Julian and I returned to Felpham via Highfield Bridge and the cricket pitch. My mileage for the evening was 17.4.

Graham.

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Posted by RideLeader at 23:26 BST

Updated: Wednesday, 23 July 2008 08:28 BST

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We had two rides for today, an easy ride to Rowlands Castle and this long ride estimated at 80 miles.  As you will read later this ride was to be action packed.

8 of us met at Chichester Cross at 8 a.m. for the long ride.  I led the ride and I was joined at the Cross by Linda, Anne, Gill, Phil and Mary, Colin and John Maxim.  Adrian joined us at elevenses making a total of nine out on the ride.

The weather was generally sunny during the morning with clouds building up during the afternoon but staying dry.  Temperatures reached about 21C.

We took the Centurion Way out of Chichester and then lanes over to West Stoke, Funtington                 and Rowlands Castle.  Then the first serious test of the day was the very steep climb up to Chalton. This was closely followed by another climb up to the A3 overpass.  Then down to the Queen Elizabeth Country Park for elevenses.  We had made good time and arrived there just before 10.00.

After elevenses we climbed back up from the Park and rather than heading for Clanfield I turned off on the long gradual climb to Butser Hill.  I heard but ignored a few cries of dismay from the ranks.  We regrouped at the top where there were marshals and supporters for a charity ride coming in the opposite direction.  I later learned that this was the annual Petersfield Ups and Downs Charity Bike Ride.  They were certainly putting some ups in the route as the riders were coming up the steep side of Butser Hill.  We were heading down on this route and had to go slowly and cautiously to avoid the riders and some small children pushing their bikes up.

At the bottom of the hill Phil and Mary had to make adjustments to the new disc brake on their tandem which was causing them some problems as it is bedded in.  We continued with a fast ride along the Meon Valley riding via East Meon and then West Meon and Warnford. Then it was a long climb up the appropriately named Wheely Down.  Then it was a long ride along the ridge with great views to the north.  As we came to a crossroads we saw a big group of cyclists and marshals and continued on the lane.  John and I were in the lead as we started a long gradual climb.  We will soon overtaken by three riders who were apparently a breakaway group in a road race.  John wisely decided not to contest the hill with them.  We reached the top and a crossroads where there was another big group of cyclists and marshals and we decided that the Peloton would soon be arriving and got out of the way.

We watched with interest as the rest of our group cycled up the hill accompanied by motorcycle race escorts and being passed by advanced riders from the Peloton. One of the marshals spoke into his radio advising somebody that there was a group of slow riders coming up the hill.  Surely he couldn't have meant the best of Bognor Chichester CTC fast group??

Linda and Gill got to the top and out of the way just in time before the massed pack of the Peloton came powering up the hill and swept left at the crossroads.  After all the excitement we continued a few more miles to our lunchtime destination of Owslebury.  Unfortunately as we reached the pub we saw a sign up saying closed for renovations.  I decided to continue on our planned return route for 2 miles to the pub at the nearby village of Upham. Unfortunately this was on lanes involving an up and a down and another up and other down and then a long up to the appropriately named Upham where the pub was open.

After lunch we continued on many pleasant quiet country lanes north of Bishops Waltham and then across to Droxford.  Then it was more lanes via Chidham and Clanfield and back to Rowlands Castle for tea.

On the way back the action packed day was not finished.  As we approached Woodmancote we heard a squeal of brakes and rounded the bend to see two cars had collided and various locals were gathering around.  One car had its side bashed in but there did not seem to be any injuries and the usual arguments were starting about fault.  We slowly got round the scene of the accident and returned home.

Mileage for the day from and back to Chichester was 72.  My mileage from Pagham was 84.

Edwin

There is a Slide Show below of this Ride. The Slide Show will play on this Website; refresh the browser to start it from the beginning. The best way to view it though is to click view all images and you will be taken to the Slide.com website and the Slide Show will play with larger sized pictures. You can use the control just above the picture to pause a picture during the Slide Show.

Posted by RideLeader at 11:13 BST

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Posted by RideLeader at 21:36 BST

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Today was a DA Event organised by Horsham Section starting from Wisborough Green with a choice from four 25 mile loop rides starting and finishing at the Green.

Weather dawned bright and sunny down on the coast but that didn’t last long soon deteriorating into a long spell of rain or showers with SW gales. I took the train up aiming to alight at Billingshurst. Anne joined me at Barnham. At Pulborough the Guard announced that a tree had been blown onto the line near Billingshurst and the train was held up at Pulborough. When the Guard announced that a team had not yet arrived to clear the tree we decided to get off and ride on up to Wisborough Green.

We rode up the A29 for a few miles and then onto a back road and onto a path over fields and up to Wisborough Green.

We sheltered under the Gazebo put up by Horsham Section members. Bob was holding onto one pole to stop it blowing away. Barbara served us with drinks and cakes. John Maxim was there having got there early and already done a ride while it was still dry. Other members of Horsham and Arun Adur Sections arrived. Then Phil and Mary and friends Roger and Pamela arrived by car. Roger and Pamela had borrowed a Tandem and were giving it a go for the first time.

The 6 of us eventually set off into the rain with some wobbling from Roger and Pamela and a fair bit of trepidation especially going down hill, up hills and starting off. They provided us with a good amount of entertainment but overall did pretty well for a first ride on a Tandem especially with the travails to come in the afternoon.

We got to Cranleigh on various back lanes with a tail wind most of the way and stopped at the Garden Centre Café for lunch. After lunch we headed back with the rain easing to the occasional shower. After a few miles Rogers pedal fell off. Phil checked it out and it was soon apparent that the tread had worn inside the crank. The pedal was attached with toe-strap and tape with the idea of providing a platform to rest the foot on while the pedalling was done with one leg.

After a while Phil offered to give Roger a rest and swap bikes. Pamela decided to stay on the same bike so it was a partner swap to Phil and Pamela and Roger and Mary. Being in the wilds of deepest Surrey I am sure Partner swaps go on all the time!

All was not plain sailing as with Phil and Pamela riding on ahead Roger soon found the saddle was too high and he could hardly touch the pedals. I lent an Allen key to sort that out. We continued back via Plaistow and Kirdford and the sun was appearing as we arrived back at Wisborough Green.

We learnt that Harvey and Gill had come on the Club ride from Walberton Pond but had headed back earlier as we had been so late getting back.

Anne rode back home and I got the train from Billingshurst, this time without incident. My total mileage for the day was 41.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:18 BST

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