Weather today was atrocious with gale force winds and heavy driving rain although this did clear by the afternoon. I decided to stay at home along with most people but I do have a report from the brave souls who ventured out regardless.

Colin was the leader and he was joined at Walberton Pond by Anne and Gill. Anne gained a puncture at the bottom of Bury Hill which was mended in a bus shelter. This however was followed by 2 more and Colin and Gill donated tubes. The group stopped for elevenses at Tiffins leaving a puddle behind!

As time was getting on and everybody had sandwiches they stopped at Ebernoe, gave Kirdford a miss and headed home.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:10 GMT

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The official ride today was quite short from Chichester Cross to West Stoke Village Hall for the Group’s AGM. Alan was the leader and he was joined at the Cross by Liz, Harvey, Avryl, Gill and myself (Edwin) Many more made their own way direct to the Hall, most by Bike with a total of 20 at the meeting.

Alan led us west out of Chichester and then up the Centurion Way. This was decorated with a carpet of fallen leaves often making it hard to see the path.

The official business started at 10.40 and finished at 11.30, so 50 minutes. We then got on with the serious business of teas and coffees served by Mary and Avryl and picnic lunches.

I suggested extending the ride by going over to the Partridge Inn in Singleton to join Arun Adur. I had only 2 takers, Colin and Gill. We rode there direct on the main road. The Arun Adur group comprised Richard, John Wickens, Dave Galle, Dave Fox and Tony Yorke. We had a chat while they had their lunch and then joined them for the return ride. Most of them were headed back towards Littlehampton.

Richard was the leader and led us back towards Charlton. I took a picture as Dave Galle was taking a picture of the group with his mobile.

The official ride distance from and back to Chichester was very short, about 10 miles. My mileage for the day was 38.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:59 BST

Updated: Sunday, 25 October 2009 19:08 BST

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Today was a good sunny day all day but started really chilly with a definite taste of winter and temperatures of 0C to start the day later rising to 12C. The full gloves and ear warming headband got their first outing.

I was leading the long ride today and I was joined at Chichester Cross by Anne, Gill and Colin. Linda joined us later at lunch.

We rode out west from Chichester on the South Coast Cycle Route lanes via Woodmancote. Then in was over to Rowlands Castle and Finchdean. Here we started seeing the first Sportive Riders coming towards us. They were on the same route for a good part of the morning. This was a new Sportive, The Williers South Downs Sportive, the event had started in Chichester and the longer routes had ranged from Duncton and Uppark to Butser.

We headed on via Chalton and then the steep climb to the A3. Then it was down on the side road to Queen Elizabeth Country Park for elevenses. Apart from great cakes in the Café the shop there has also started selling bikes. We then headed on up to Butser climbing it from the gentle side. At the top there were great views down to the coast.

Then it was a steep descent to the Meon Valley and lanes via Ramsdean to Stroud. No planes in sight, this is the sleepy Hampshire version. Then there were a lot of ups and downs to the appropriately named village of Steep. We stopped for lunch at The Harrow Inn. This is a classic old style county Pub not yet given over to the booked tables and Sunday roast crowd.

We gained Linda here who had ridden over direct and lost Anne who had to get back early.

We headed back by skirting the edge of Petersfield and then a lane to Buriton where we joined the Sportive crowd, some seeming a little worse for wear after the epic ride.

At Buriton we tackled the steep climb. Then it was a gentle downhill through the woods with autumn colours much in evidence.

We gave Tea a miss and headed straight back via Rowlands Castle, Funtington, West Stoke and the Centurion Way.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 51. My mileage for the day was 63.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:13 BST

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Arthur led this ride and he was joined at the Cross by Lynn, Dave, Jan, Colin, myself (Edwin) and 3 friends of Arthur from the Moulton Club. Chris just made it in time arriving as we were leaving from Bell Ringing at the Cathedral making it 10 out on the day.

Weather started with light drizzle just clearing up by 10.00. It was dull all day with more light drizzle in the early afternoon. Temperatures were about 15C.

Arthur led us out on Clay Lane and the South Coast Cycle Route. Then it was down to Bosham and the cyclepath alongside the main road to Southbourne. Then we took lanes through Prinsted to stop for elevenses at the Boaters Bar.

The ride today was due to go to Hayling Island. However with the weather still threatening and as we were running a little late and nobody had arranged to meet us at lunchtime we decided to divert to Stansted for lunch. Jan and Chris turned back here to get home early.

Arthur led the rest of us via Emsworth and back streets to Westbourne and then up to Stansted for lunch. Colin left us here to get in some more serious miles in the hills.

After lunch we headed back via Westbourne and Woodmancote on the South Coast Cycle Route. Just before Chichester we cut down to Fishbourne for tea at the Roman Palace Tea Rooms.

Mileage for the day from and back to Chichester was 24. My mileage was 36.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:16 BST

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After a week of torrential rain, the sun was shining for us this afternoon, which together with a light wind, provided excellent conditions for a short "beginners" ride.

This ride was organised in conjunction with the WSCC's Walks & Rides programme. Some of the "usual suspects" were absent today, but I was joined at the start point by Alan and Liz, and guest riders Ryan, Lucy, Steve and Carol (some or all of whom we hope to be seeing out again very soon).

I led the riders round the back of Bognor via the leisure Centre, and up to the Golf Course where we went off the tarmac and up North Lane to Flansham. We then joined the cyclepath to Barnham. North Lane is known for bad flooding and sticky mud but despite all the recent rain, it was passable today with no difficulty at all. The problem started when we got on to the track to Barnham.

Notices were posted at the top of Hoe Lane stating the cycle path was closed for construction works. The way ahead was however not blocked so we went down it anyway.  Rounding the first corner it was apparent that the long awaited re-building of the farm tracks into a proper cyclepath was underway. The work had churned up a great deal of mud which had to be negotiated with care; however after about 300 yards it was possible to ride on the new track which had been tamped and was ready for a top surface.  We had further difficulty where the track crosses the river bridge as the approach ramp had been removed for re-construction and the bridge taped off.  This required a bit of ingenuity to overcome.

Nevertheless we successfully arrived in Barnham, and from thereon  the ride was uneventful as we rode via Mill Lane to Yapton,  Horesmere Green and Climping. At Ford Road we joined the cyclepath towards Littlehampton and dropped down under the river bridge, finally negotiating the kissing gate and into the Marina and cafe.

After a suitable refreshment stop we headed back to complete a circular ride via Climping school and track to Climping Street, then briefly onto the A259 before dropping down onto more off road track via Grevatts Bridge and Ancton Wood, to emerge in Middleton and then to Felpham and home.

 My mileage for the round trip was 16.3

Graham 

Posted by RideLeader at 19:18 BST

Updated: Saturday, 10 October 2009 21:07 BST

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Weather today was dry and sunny in the morning with cloud in the afternoon and temperatures up to 17C in the sunshine.

There were 2 rides today, a long ride to Dragons Green and a short ride to Arundel led by Harvey. On my ride meeting at Walberton Pond I was joined by just Colin and Gill. Colin had to turn back at elevenses to be home by lunchtime so Gill and I decided to go back with him and meet up with the short ride at Arundel.

I led the ride out on lanes from Walberton to the A29 and then turned off on the lanes to Madehurst.

From the top at Whiteways we headed down Bury Hill. I kept pace with the cars on the way down reaching 45 mph. Then it was lanes through West Burton and across to the B2138 for a short way before turning off on the lane to Coldwaltham. We crossed the main road which very unusually was clear of traffic. Then it was lanes to Wiggonholt for elevenses and some cake to refuel.

For the return it was the usual lanes via Rackham and Amberley. At Houghton I led the group left on a lane over the route generally known as the Khyber Pass to Arundel with great views over the Arun Valley.

When the tarmac finished the track was bone dry and no problem on road bikes. We said goodbye to Colin at Arundel and Gill and I went on to the Swanbourne Lodge Café for lunch. There had been some worries that this might be closed after we went there on a Wednesday ride a few weeks ago and it was closed. It was open today however and they told us they had shut for a holiday one week but it remains open all week all through the winter. The short ride did not arrive and I later learned that nobody had turned up so Harvey went home.

We headed back via Ford and Yapton where Gill split off to head back towards Chichester. I returned along the coast via Middleton. When I got down to the seafront at Felpham passing a café I heard a voice and there was Harvey and his parents who had cycled down from Barnham for lunch. I stopped for an ice cream and a chat.

My mileage for the day from home was 50. Mileage from and back to Walberton would have been about 34.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:06 BST

Updated: Sunday, 4 October 2009 17:15 BST

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There were 2 rides today, a long hilly ride starting at Walberton at 9.00 and a short flat ride starting at Chichester at 10.00 with both rides meeting at Selsey for lunch. I joined the long ride meeting at Walberton. The Ride Leader was Gill and we were also joined by Anne and Steve Thomas.

The great weather continued today with clear blue skies light winds and after a chilly start temperatures reached 21C in the afternoon.

Gill led us via Fontwell and then through the woods on Slindon Bottom Road. Then it was over the Downs via Eartham with many autumn colours starting to show. With great clear views we descended to Upwaltham and then on to a fast descent down Duncton Hill. We turned left to take the lane to the College.

Then it was through the College grounds and on to Graffham by soon after 10.00. Then it was more lanes to Heyshott and the narrow back lane to Cocking. We stopped for elevenses at the Moonlight Café, Cocking and seemed to be their first customers of the day.

After the climb up Cocking hill it was a fast descent on the main road to Singleton and then Lavant. We took lanes past the motor circuit and then a dash across carriageways of the A27 near Westhampnett. We took lanes via Merston and South Mundham to the Route 88 cycle route to Selsey. From Sidlesham it was a fast ride down the busy main road to Selsey.

We met at Selsey with the flat ride group led by Avryl who was joined by Harvey and Peter Wilson. Freda and Jim, Kath and Alan had joined them as far as elevenses so a good turnout altogether. My mileage as far as lunch was 48.

Anne, Gill, Steve and I all had sandwiches which we had on the nearby Selsey seafront. The Pub was packed. Peter and Avryl waited an hour for a meal and ended up giving up and getting their money back.

After Peter and Avryl had a look at the Lifeboat we all rode back together on our inbound route up the Cycle Route with a few Gates to sort out.

 I turned off near South Mundham to head home while the rest headed to Chichester for Tea at the Canal basin.

My mileage for the day was 57.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:03 BST

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 Today the ride was an Awayday Ride meeting at Petersfield Railway Car Park. It was probably not the best day for it with engineering works at Havant meaning no trains from Chichester to Petersfield and the Revival Meeting at Goodwood bringing traffic round Chichester down to a crawl. Our leader Avryl got there by car and Linda and I rode over there with Linda being about 10 minutes ahead of me on the same route via Rowlands Castle and Buriton. Jan met us later at elevenses so 4 out on the day, 3 ladies and 1 gent.

Avryl had a little problem. She had got her bike out of the car with the keys still in there and had shut the door. After a delay, an automatic locking mechanism had then locked all the doors with the keys still inside. Too much electronics in cars these days. This was sorted later after lunch as Jan who lives nearby in Clanfield agreed to Drive Avryl and her bike home to pick up her spare keys and then drive her back to Petersfield to pick up her car.

The weather today was dry but generally cloudy save for about an hour in the morning when it cleared to blue skies. Temperatures were about 18C.

Avryl led us south out of Petersfield to get to the little lane to East Meon. As we approached a right turn to this lane some Bike Event Marshalls stepped out to stop oncoming traffic so we could turn right. For the second Sunday running we had come onto the route of a Sportive Ride. This was the South Downs Challenge Sportive with 40 and 80 mile routes starting from Southwick. As we cycled up the lane we were passed by riders either singly or in small groups. We turned off their route later to climb up to HMS Mercury but we came across a lot of signs for various parts of their route during the day.

At the top of the climb we met Jan coming up from Clanfield and continued to the Beech Café at the Sustainability Centre. Here we met a big group from Winchester CTC. Some very good cakes were enjoyed to refresh the energy supplies.

We continued along the ridge and then dropped down on a series of pleasant quiet lanes with most of the way to lunch a gentle downhill.

After lunch at the Horse & Jockey Hipley we took more lanes before stopping at Jan’s house where Avryl was to gain her lift back. Linda and I continued back to Chichester via Clanfield and Rowlands Castle choosing to miss out a tea stop.

The official ride distance was 20 miles. My mileage from Pagham was 74.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:19 BST

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Weather today was mainly cloudy but dry with a few sunny spells especially in the morning. A NE wind gave an Autumn edge to the temperatures and the northerly element provided a headwind on the way out and the easterly element a headwind on the way back.

I led the ride and just Anne joined me at the Cross with Chris joining us at Rowlands Castle, We rode out on the South Coast Cycle Route lanes via Woodmancote and Westbourne to stop for elevenses at Rowlands Castle. Sam was there on a regular short ride he does from home to Rowlands Castle and back while he recuperates.

We had seen a lot of Sportive Signs on the way there and the riders soon started coming through. The Event started in Petersfield with 3 distances up to 96 miles and a total of 1400 riders taking part. Some of them arriving at Rowlands Castle missed the sign and started to go right or left instead of straight on and up the hill. Sam soon put them right bellowing out UP THE HILL.

Chris arrived when we nearly ready to leave. He had been planning to meet up with us at lunch so he was able to ride with us earlier. From Finchdean we rejoined the Sportive route as we rode over to Chalton with regular whooshes of wheels as they sped past on lightweight bikes. At the Hogs Lodge a lot of the riders stopped for a timing check.

Soon after this they turned off to go up Butser Hill while we went on to Clanfield. One rider came past and I was able to catch him to tell him he was off course. Chris had a puncture just before Clanfield. When that was sorted we took the long climb to the ridge at HMS Mercury. Here we rejoined the Sportive riders who had been taken down Butser Hill and then up to the ridge from East Meon. I even managed to overtake one who must have been finding the distance and multiple hills taxing. Highlights so far for the long route riders this morning had been Buriton, Uppark, Telegraph, Cocking from the south, Duncton and Charlton.

We continued with the Sportive along the ridge with great clear views as far as Fawley and then a steep lane down to West Meon and The Red Lion for lunch. We have not tried this in a long while and it has seen better days. There were very few customers and the sandwiches were somewhat inadequate for hungry cyclists.

After lunch we headed back along the valley and The Sportive again took my route! At one point a fairly large group came by and I was able to get on the back and draft behind them. This didn’t last long as we turned off into East Meon while they went straight on. We took lanes round the back and the Sportive rejoined us as we passed a lane from Ramsdean. Later they turned off into Petersfield to finish while we continued to Buriton and up the hill. Then it was down to Finchdean and up Forrestside and down to Stansted for tea where the sun came out again. We headed back via West Stoke.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 53. My mileage from Pagham was 65.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 21:08 BST

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I cannot report much on the Arun Crossings Ride as I decided not to take part in the event where 1 year ago today I fell off and broke my hip!

Instead I rode from home strictly on road to meet the group at elevenses and then lunch.

Weather today was generally cloudy but dry with a few short sunny spells and clearing by late afternoon. Temperatures were about 19C.

I rode north via Tangmere, Duncton Hill, Fittleworth, up The Mens Hill and down to Wisborough Green arriving with perfect timing just as the Arun Crossings riders arrived from the other direction. Colin was leading and was joined by Gill and Jeff from our Section, Bob from Horsham and from Arun Adur Dave Galle, Richard Boulton, Peter Wilson, Tony Yorke and Andy Davidson.

Barbara Nicol, John Maxim and Alan and Liz went direct to the Pub

After elevenses I again took the road route and after a bit of main road headed up the long byroad to The Haven, Just before getting there I caught up with Alan and Liz and we met John and Barbara at the Pub.

After a little while the off road group arrived and everybody settled down to lunch in the Garden.

                Getting ready to leave The Haven

After lunch Alan and Liz, John and I headed back south from the Pub. After a short while the off-road group emerged from a wood and we rode behind them a short while. When they turned off on another track Alan and Liz followed Colin to do a few crossings. I followed John at a brisk pace via Broadford Bridge and West Chiltington to stop for tea at Wiggonholt. We continued via Amberley and Houghton Hill and went our separate ways at the top of the hill.

My mileage for the day was 64.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 21:42 BST

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There were 2 rides today, a long and short ride. I joined the Leader Colin for the long ride at 08.30 at Chichester Cross. Gill also joined us so just 3 of us.

Weather was mixed today, mainly cloudy with a few short sunny spells in the morning and also a light shower early on. The afternoon was cloudy and windy but dry. Colin led the way with a brisk pace on lanes via West Stoke and Funtington. Then it was up the B road towards West Marden but turning off at Walderton. Before Stoughton we turned left for a long climb on a pretty lane to the aptly named Upmarden. We stopped for a brief rest at the top looking across empty downland.

Then it was down and up again to North Marden and a left turn on the Chilgrove to Harting road followed by a long but steady climb up Harting Hill. After Gill and I refuelled at the top it was a sweeping downhill with many bends to Harting.

We rode a short way towards Petersfield before turning off on the Ditcham Park road. Colin was not expecting any traffic and had to get out of the way quickly as a pack of Racing Cyclists out training came swooping down. It was a pleasant quiet ride over the Downs with great views as we rode past the School and down to the Chalton Finchdean road.

We turned left just before Ibsworth and then a gradual climb across to Compton and a stop for elevenses at the Village Shop and Café. We continued on the main route down the valley but then Colin took a sharp left at West Marden on a lane up a steep hill. This route bypasses the valley road for a little way, going along the ridge and then back down again. Gill had not taken the route before and it was a little unexpected but then extra hills are to be expected on Colin’s rides. We rejoined the valley road and continued down the lane towards Westbourne. Colin received a mobile Phone call from Arthur leading the easy ride to say lunch was changed from Emsworth to The Boaters Bar, Prinsted. See the picture below. Note that the law about mobile phones while driving does not apply to cycles!

We continued via Emsworth to meet up with the others for lunch at Prinsted.

The short ride met at 10.00 at Chichester Cross. The ride was led by Arthur and gained Lyn, Jo, Mike, Harvey and 2 friends of Arthur from the Moulton Club. They also had Kath and Rachel who both turned back at elevenses. The group had taken the loop round Bosham Harbour and stopped for elevenses at the Arcade Café, Bosham. They then continued via Westbourne to meet us for lunch at The Boaters Bar.

In the afternoon the 2 groups rode back together via Southbourne and the South Coast Cycle Route lanes to stop for tea at Fishbourne Roman Palace. Keith Dodman arrived there just before we left on his bamboo bike.  My mileage for the day from Pagham was 56.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:01 BST

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The longer ride today was a 100 mile ride into North Hampshire stopping at Popham Airfield Cafe for lunch. I (Edwin) led the ride and I was joined at the Cross at 7.00am by Ann and Colin.

Weather was excellent, warm early and late and hot in the middle of the day up to 26C. There were unbroken clear blue skies until mid morning and in the late afternoon and scattered clouds in the middle of the day. Weather was very similar to last years 100 except for a southerly wind which made the temperature more comfortable

I led the group out on the South Coast Cycle route lanes over to Rowlands Castle. Then it was Clanfield and up to the Bat and Ball and up to HMS Mercury on a lane I rarely use. 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. We settled on the veranda above the fish ponds and enjoyed our bacon butties.

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. Unfortunately the airfield was packed for the Annual Motorcycle Mega Meet & Vintage Aircraft Fly-in. There was a big queue for only cold food at the café. Colin and Anne had brought sandwiches anyway. I will need to remember to check for Events before future visits.

After lunch we continued on north for a short way but I cut short the usual route by a few miles due to road closures at Overton. Then down on lanes to Dummer and past Dummer Farm, family home to the Duchess of York. Then it was pleasant lanes via Axford, Bradley and Lower Weald to stop for a break by the Cricket Pitch at Meadstead. Appropriate for an Ashes winning day.

Then on and over Hill Brow and a fast long descent to Rogate. Then lanes to Nyewood and on via Elsted Marsh, Didling and Cocking where we found a shop open selling ice creams and then back over Cocking Hill.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 97. With rides from home to the start we all did over 100. Anne 101, I did 110 and Colin about the same.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 22:20 BST

Updated: Monday, 24 August 2009 11:24 BST

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The day was bright sunny and dry with temperatures up to 23C.

From our Section for the longer ride to Graffham there was only Gill and myself (Edwin) at the Cross with Colin joining us at elevenses. Ernie and John Wickens from Arun Adur made up the numbers to 4 starting. The easier flat ride to Wittering led by Avryl gained all the support with 18 on that ride with 9 going direct to the tea. I led a mixed DA group back to the tea of 10 making a total of 37 enjoying Mary’s substantial hospitality at tea time.

Avryl will post a report on her ride later. For my ride we were joined at the Cross by 3 early arrivals for the 10.00 ride, Peter Wilson from Arun Adur and Derek and Margaret from Majorca spending August in the UK to avoid the Spanish heat.

The 4 of us on the ride said our goodbyes and headed east via Westhampnett and then a quiet climb over the Downs to Pillygreen. Then it was along the ridge with views down to the Coast. Then we turned onto the Petworth road and a fast swoop down Duncton Hill before a sharp right into the lanes at the bottom. As we cycled up the hill on a lane into Petworth we spotted Dave Galle and Richard Boulton ahead of us. Colin had already arrived at Tiffens and Dave Fox joined us later after fixing his tyre.

 We were soon served with tea and coffee and after a lot of chat started off again. I led the combined group via Burton Mill Pond, over the Petworth road and then the lane via Duncton Common to the White Horse at Graffham. The Horsham & Crawley section and John Maxim were already settled down to lunch in the rear garden.

We re-grouped at the Post Office in Cocking before tackling the climb up Cocking Hill. It is probably the best local climb compared to the vertical ascents of Duncton or Harting

 After re-grouping again at the bottom of the descent in Singleton I led the group along the lane to Charlton where we tackled the next long climb up Charlton Down to the Goodwood Horse Racecourse. Bob was disappointed not to find the ice cream van waiting for him and Colin took a short nap on the verge while we waited.

Our easy riding Group led by Avryl, 18 in all including 3 from Arun-Adur, had done an easy ride to the south of Chichester and down to East Wittering and had arrived earlier together with others who came direct. Everybody was seated all around the very appealing swimming pool. In the end there were 37 of us in all.

My mileage for the day from Pagham was 54.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 22:30 BST

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Colin was the leader today and he was joined by at Walberton Pond by myself (Edwin) Avryl, Gill, Anne, Jeff, Ernie and Phil and Verna from Worthing. We met Alan and Liz later in the morning making their way direct.

The weather was sunny in the morning with more cloud early afternoon but clearing later in the afternoon. Temperature was about 21C.

We rode up to the Spur and then the lanes via Madehurst to Whiteways. Then a fast descent of Houghton Hill and on to Amberley to stop for an early elevenses. We were their first customers of the day.

Then it was on past Wiggonholt and the lanes to West Chiltington. Then it was north via Broadford Bridge and Coneyhurst and lanes to the north of Billingshurst and on to Wisborough Green. There was a good turnout from other Sections and in the end there were 27 there altogether.

On the way back we rode via Kirdford and Flexham Park and a maze of lanes bringing us out eventually at Fittleworth. We took more lanes to Sutton where we had hoped to stop for tea at the bi-annual Flower festival with teas at the Rectory. Unfortunately the Open day at Bignor Park which used to alternate with the Sutton Festival had switched to Annual and the Sutton event had been moved to 9^th August. We took the usually closed lane into Bignor Park with hopes of getting tea there but the tea rooms were packed and a long queue waiting. Alan and Liz and Phil and Verna decided to stay there while the rest of us moved on to Houghton Bridge tea rooms.

After tea we split up with John Wickens heading back to Washington, Colin, Gill and Anne going back via the Khyber Pass route to Arundel and Avryl, Ernie and I heading back over Houghton.

My mileage for the day from Pagham was 68.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 21:06 BST

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A very pleasant evening's cycling today.

Four of us met at the leisure centre - Alan, John (R), Jo, and I.

The weather was warm, and with no danger of rain, but quite a strong breeze. However we headed northwards with the wind behind us and by the time we got to the pub the wind had dropped considerably, so there was no headwind at all to battle with on the return journey.

We set out towards Barnham on the track from Flansham (this seems to be the set route for the last few rides from Felpham). Then it was up to Walberton and the steady climb to Fontwell, where we dropped through the subway under the A27 and into Slindon Woods, emerging in Park Lane for the short downhill run to the A29, quickly followed by the short sharp climb to the pub.

We must have had quite a good tail wind as we seemed to have achieved the ride in record time, something like 50 minutes.

Bognor CC were in force outside the pub, where their time-trialling was winding up, and from which event Edwin later joined us for the return home.

Return route was straight down Shellbridge Road, crossing a very quiet  A27, then straight to Yapton, Middleton and Felpham.

Round trip mileage - 16.8

Graham       

Posted by RideLeader at 16:21 BST

Updated: Friday, 31 July 2009 16:36 BST

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There were 2 rides today, a long and short ride. I joined the Leader Jeff for the long ride at 08.30 at Chichester Cross. We waited a little but nobody else arrived.

Weather was mixed today, mainly cloudy with a few sunny spells in the morning and more cloud and a few spots of rain in the afternoon. Jeff led the way with a brisk pace up Centurion Way to Lavant and then lanes via West Stoke to Funtington. Then it was up the B road towards West Marden but turning off for a stiff climb to Forestside. Then it was down to Finchdean and on the road to Chalton. As a fit young racing cyclists came past Jeff demonstrated the benefits of drafting maintaining 18.5 mph on his tail for a little way.

We turned right at Chalton to head towards Ibsworth and then a gradual climb across to Compton and a stop for elevenses. We continued on the main route down the valley and then lanes towards Woodmancote. Here we split with Jeff heading home. I headed south to join the short ride for lunch at the Boaters Bar, Prinsted.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:10 BST

Updated: Sunday, 26 July 2009 20:16 BST

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Weather didn’t look too promising first thing with a heavy shower lasting until 9.00. As soon as it cleared I rode on up to Chichester to make the 9.30 start. Linda was unable to make it as leader and she had rung Colin to take over. As it turned out there was just Colin and I on the ride and we shared the lead.

Weather for the day was not as bad as it might have been with only a couple of short showers of heavy drizzle mid morning clearing to dry with sunny spells in the afternoon. The wind was very strong but mainly side on and we were quite sheltered by hill and trees.

We rode via West Ashling, Funtington and then the B Road to Compton and Harting. We came across a constant stream of Cyclists coming the other way taking part in a triathlon based on Chichester. We stopped for elevenses at Compton tea rooms. Then it was on via Harting and across to Petersfield bypassing this to the south. Then it was on to a little lane from Steep to Steep Marsh and Oakshott and Hawkley with a large number of ups and downs and hardly seeing a car. We made our way on more lanes to Selborne and lunch at the Queens Head. This has seen better days but was comfortable and did reasonably priced sandwiches.

The pub cat was the only other occupant of the lounge bar. The cat was very standoffish at first but soon became very friendly when my Tuna Sandwich arrived.

On the way back it was more quiet lanes and climbs via The Warren. Then we joined a byroad down towards Petersfield whose twisting turns have led it to be nicknamed Little Switzerland. I practised my Alpine descending skills. Then it was a byroad across to Stroud and Ramsdean and a lane to join the road to Buriton. A sharp climb up the hill and then the long descent through the woods and on to Finchdean and then Rowlands Castle for tea.

We returned to Chichester on the South Coast Cycle Route via Westbourne and Woodmancote and made our ways home. Mileage from Chichester was 60 and my mileage from Pagham was 70.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 21:05 BST

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The weather forecast today was dreadful. The actual weather however, was beautiful: hot and sunny, with very little wind. That is, until this ride started.

The weather managed to turn from bright and sunny to dark and threatening in the space of about an hour from 6pm. By the time three of us met up - myself, Val, and Julian - it looked as though it might rain.

We set off on some new territory through the Glenwood and across fields to Bognor Golf Club. At this point a few drops were felt. The cycle track from Flansham to Barnham was but a short distance away so we headed for that, via the track at North Lane - a lot muddier than when we last came this way.  By the time we reached the track proper it was raining quite hard. We took the decision to press on. As we approached Barnham Church, the heavens opened and we were dripping wet by the time we reached the pub.

There some entertainment had been laid on and we listened to a 12-string guitarist and his friend on the base, running through some classic tunes with a wet weather theme (I'm sure you can guess some of the titles.) The rain stopped and the sun briefly re-appeared, before it started to get dark.

Due to the convivial atmosphere we probably stayed 10 minutes too long, as 10 minutes earlier we would have made it back in the dry. As it was, there was thunder and lightning all the way home, with the extraordinary sight of huge clouds of steam coming off the roads as they dried out. Running back via Yapton we had made it through Middleton when our luck ran out and it absolutely threw down with rain. We sprinted for home but to no avail. I would have been drier if i had jumped in a bath fully clothed.

Mileage for the evening was a very modest 10.1 - however I did curtail the ride due to the weather conditions!

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 22:58 BST

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