There were 2 rides today, a short one led by Harvey to West Marden and a long one led by Anne to Selborne near Alton Hants.

Early rain soon cleared and the morning was mainly dry if cloudy apart from a shower just before lunch. The afternoon was mainly sunny save for another light shower mid afternoon. It was quite warm, about 20C.

For the long ride there was just Anne and myself (Edwin) We met at Chichester Cross at 9.00 and Anne set off at a brisk pace via Funtington, Compton and the long climb to Harting. After Rogate it was another long climb to Rake arriving there at the Garden Centre Cafe for elevenses bang on time at 11.00.

Next it was some quiet pretty lanes across to Liss, then over the A3 and lanes towards Hawkley. Before there a shower started but well timed as for the next mile we were climbing along wooded lanes with the foliage so dense that the roads were mainly dry. Waterproofs were required however for the last few miles to Selborne and The Queens Inn. They had a good snack menu and the sandwiches which came out were made from doorstep sized pieces of bread.

After lunch Anne led me on many lanes I had rarely and some never ridden before with numerous ups and downs via East Tisted, High Cross (Church on a Hill) Froxfield Green and Langrish. Then it was more familiar territory as we headed across to Buriton and the dreaded hill. Then however it was a pleasant descent though Buriton woods just showing the first Autumn tints. Then on to Rowlands Castle for tea. For me it was a welcome large portion of Apple Pie and Ice Cream.

We returned via Westbourne and Woodmancote. Mileage from and back to Chichester was 64. My mileage for the day was 76.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:07 BST

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Four of us, Harvey, Mandy, David and I left Chichester Cross at 10.0 bound for Southsea Common to see the Kite Festival.  We zig-zagged between the road and cycle paths along the A29 to Emsworth where we stopped for coffee at The Greenhouse Cafe.  We continued along to Havant to pick up the Hayling Billy Line.  After crossing the bridge at Langstone we took the left turning on Hayling Island and worked our way down to the south coast and the Ferry by the minor roads.

We all enjoyed crossing on the ferry in sunshine and in the strong wind that had been against us all the way.  We continued to Southsea Common where we arrived at the same time as Edwin's group and all had our sandwiches together sitting around the cenotaph where we watched the kite display.

Our group took the ferry and the Hayling Billy Line back to the A29 and thence to Chichester with the pleasure of having the strong wind behind us.

Mileage   40mls                                                      

Ride notes by Avryl

Posted by RideLeader at 10:19 BST

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Today there were 2 rides to Portsmouth a longer hillier one led by me and a shorter flatter ride led by Avryl.

I was joined at the Cross by Gill, Anne and Colin. The weather was mainly cloudy in the morning but with some good long sunny spells in the afternoon. The day was dry apart from a short shower in the afternoon as we got back to Chichester. We fought a stiff NW headwind on the way over but a nice tailwind for the return.

I headed out via the Centurion Way and then West Stoke, Funtington and Racton with a stiff little climb on a side road to warm up. Then it was Rowlands Castle, Finchdean, Chalton and up the hill to cross the A3 and on to a welcome elevenses break at Queen Elizabeth Country Park cafe. We had a few mechanicals to sort out. En route I had to tighten up my crank and after elevenses Gill needed to use an ever useful zip tie to secure her mudguard.

We continued via Clanfield and then down to Hambledon. A right turn up a little lane out of Hambledon was a short and very sharp climb. Then it was pleasant quiet little lanes mainly downhill to Hipley. Then it was round to Southwick and on for the big climb of Portsdown Hill. I choose a very steep little lane which even Colin had not tried before.

Then it was a ride along the ridge of Portsdown Hill with great views looking down over all of Portsmouth. After a fast descent to Cosham we took the cycle route via the ferryport and round to Southsea common and the Kite festival. Avryl had tried to ring me and I tried to ring her but our mobile phones did not get on well and refused to communicate. Eventually David Glue got through to me and we met up for lunch at the war memorial. We were both fairly late, Avryl’s’ group had arrived at 1.30 and I arrived at 1.45. Avryl had been joined by Harvey, David and Mandy.

While we had our picnic lunch we had a good view of the Kite Festival which is free event.

In the afternoon Avryl led her group back via Hayling. Colin went with her to visit family. I led Gill and Anne up the Eastern Road Cycle path. To get there I took various back streets which I had scouted out using Google maps and Street View pictures so I was able to recognise a footpath I needed to take. 21^st century cycle route leading!

The cycle path follows the eastern edge of the Portsmouth peninsular with good views over the harbour and then it was  across to Havant. In the Havant pedestrian precinct I spotted a Costa Coffee cafe open and as it was nearly 4.00 we stopped there for Tea. Then it was back via Emsworth, Westbourne and Woodmancote. Just as we got into Chichester we spotted Avryl’s group ahead and caught up with them.

Mileage from and back to the Cross was 65. My mileage for the day was 76.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:40 BST

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 John, Harvey, Steve & Carol met me at the Arun Leisure Centre for the final evening ride of the season.

The weather has been so appalling over the last few days its hard to believe its still August. However after raining pretty much all day, it had stopped by the time of the ride, although the prospects didn't look too good.  

Nonetheless we pressed on, taking the pathway around Bognor Golf Club to meet the Barnham Cycletrack. The Golf club track (North Lane) is often flooded and muddy, but despite the recent torrential rain was surprisingly passable with ease.  From Barnham we went around the back of the village to meet the Walberton Lane, then through Walberton itself, taking a circular route down to Yapton crossing, North End and down to Bilsham and  the Lamb pub. Incredibly only a few drops had fallen during the entire route.

By the time we left to return home, rain was falling steadily, although it was only 2 miles or so back to Felpham via Middleton (and Harvey had about the same mileage back home the other direction). So although a little wet, we had definitely had the weather on our side tonight.

My mileage for the round trip was 12.3.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 22:54 BST

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Sunday 22 August. Ride to Shoreham

Sunday was not very promising with rain forecast for most of the day. Still, it was dry by the time it came time to leave and as I really needed to get out after 2 days mainly indoors I headed off for the start at Walberton. Colin was our leader and he was joined at the start by just myself and Gill.

Colin set off at a fairly brisk pace to take us over the Downs on the lane via Madehurst. Then it was down Houghton Hill and on via Amberley. We turned off before Storrington on a lane and then a tarmaced path to come out on lanes skirting round West Chiltington and coming out eventually at Ashington. This was a good route to avoid the busy main road. Then it was down to Wiston for tea at Wiston tea rooms in the Garden and so far all in dry if cloudy weather.

We decided to head into Shoreham and find shelter for our picnic. We eventually found a WSCC Car park under the Library. Not the most salubrious or scenic of picnic spots but at least it was dry.

We then headed for a cafe for a hot drink and Colin led us to one he knew of near the Lock Gate not far from the Power Station. The clouds only just cleared the Power Station Chimney.

Then it was back via Yapton where I split off to head home via Middleton and the coast.

Mileage from and back to Walberton was about 57. My mileage for the day was 71.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:36 BST

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Sunday 15 August. Ride to Milland

Today the long ride was to Milland. Weather was cloudy to start with but clearing to warm sunshine. Anne was our leader and she was joined at the Cross for our 9.00am start by myself (Edwin) Gill and Colin.

We rode out towards Goodwood and then across to ride up the Pillygreen hill. There was a road closed sign which we ignored and then various car parks in fields. In a field on our right just past the Sculptures were set up the exhibition tents, stage and funfair of the Vintage at Goodwood event. £55 per day to attend so another to give a miss to.

We continued via East Dean and Singleton and then the main road to Cocking. Here we turned off on lanes via Bepton for backroads to Midhurst and elevenses at Ye Olde teapot Café. They seem to have a thing about teapots here but good refreshments.

Edwin

Sunday 15 August. Ride to Singleton. Alan and Liz leading.

Return mileage from the Cross 20.

Alan

Posted by RideLeader at 22:20 BST

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Julian and Graham jointly organised the route for this ride and were accompanied by John (R), Val, and new recruit Mandy.

The sky was brighter than it had been all day, and it was a very pleasant evening's cycling, although we were surprised by a very short shower just on leaving the pub to return home.

The route took us through the University grounds and backstreets of Bognor to emerge on the sea front at Marine Parade. Then it was via Barrack Lane and Stoney Stile Lane to Pagham where we took Summer Lane for a bit of off road riding across to South Runcton. From there along some very quiet lanes to Mill Lane from where we emerged right opposite the pub.

Harvey was waiting for us at the pub and we were later joined by Edwin, who had been unable to make the main ride.

The return route was via the Lower Bognor Road through Lagness to Aldwick. Then those that had not already peeled off returned to Felpham all the way along the Promenade - obviously using only the part between Bognor and Felpham that now officially  permits cycling.

My mileage for the evening was 16.8

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 22:58 BST

Updated: Friday, 13 August 2010 23:14 BST

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This ride was led by Arthur and met at Brockenhurst Station at 11.00. I obtained a lift from Richard and the drive to Brockenhurst with a lot of the route on the fast M27 was only an hour. We joined Arthur and Lynn at the Station Car Park and also numerous friend of Arthur from the Moulton Club and some CTC riders from Southampton . There were 14 of us in total.

Next it was a very quiet back lane passing to the south of East Boldre. A stop was required as I noticed my crank was feeling very loose and looking down at it the crank was wobbling enough to be on the verge of falling off. This was my Roberts Bike and a few months ago I had replaced the bottom bracket and chainset. A suitably sized large allen key soon had it tightened up.

We continued to the riverside at Lymington and split up to have lunch at various locations and then met up at 2.45 for the return ride.

The ride was 25 miles. I had cycled up to Richards so my mileage for the day was 39.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:19 BST

Updated: Sunday, 8 August 2010 20:25 BST

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For today’s ride we met at Walberton Pond. I was the leader and I was joined by Colin, Avryl, Anne and Gill. Alan and Liz and Freda and Jim went by car to Wiggonholt and then rode from there to join us for the Picnic at Wisborough Green so 9 out for the day.

Weather was mainly cloudy though with some sunny spells and temperatures up to about 22C. We rode via Slindon Woods and Eartham and over the downs on the main road. When we reached Duncton Hill for a fast descent we were pleased to discover that it has been resurfaced with good smooth tarmac. We continued on lanes to Tiffins at Petworth for elevenses.

Mileage from and back to Walberton Pond was 40. My mileage was 57.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 21:26 BST

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John R led this ride accompanied by Graham and Julian.  Harvey and Edwin joined us at the pub.

The weather had been miserable all day but the sun came out in the evening, making for very pleasant cycling.

The route taken was via Yapton, Ford Lane, Tortington, and along the rough  track through Binsted Woods to emerge back on Walberton Lane.  Then past the Royal Oak, over the A27 and in an upward direction to the pub.

We went our separate ways on the return ride home, and the round trip mileage was approx 19.5

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 02:33 BST

Updated: Sunday, 1 August 2010 02:41 BST

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Today there were 2 rides. I was leading the longer ride to Portchester and Harvey led the shorter ride to Staunton. The weather started cloudy but cleared to sunny intervals and temperatures up to about 24C.

En route to the start I came across some wildlife. First on a path crossing the Pagham Rife there was a swan with 6 cygnets. The Swan hissed at me as I passed no doubt in a protective mood. Later on the Canal Path from Hunston to Chichester I encountered a Heron on the path. It lives on the canal but I have never seen it on the path before. To avoid disturbing it I stopped far enough away and took pictures with a zoom.

We took the usual route on the South Coast Cycle route lanes via Woodmancote and Westbourne to Rowlands Castle for early elevenses. Just as we were leaving Harvey and his group who started 30 minutes later arrived.

Then it was on via Forest Gate, Worlds End and near North Boarhunt. Finally we climbed up the steep ridge to Portsdown Hill coming out by Nelsons Monument. Then it was straight down the other side and into Portchester and the Castle. Sam, Gill and Colleen had lunch at the nearby Cormorant Inn while Colin and I had sandwiches in the Castle grounds. The castle is free entry apart from the Norman Keep. The walls which front onto Portsmouth harbour date from Roman times and I explored the path along the waterfront.

We took a similar route back via Westbourne. Mileage from and back to Chichester was 47. My mileage was 60.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:48 BST

Updated: Sunday, 25 July 2010 20:59 BST

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5 riders met at the Cross on a humid, warm but overcast day - Edwin, David Glue, Sam, Harvey and Avryl. We rode to a second meeting place at Walberton where we were joined by Alan for a short while. 

Via Madehurst we rode up to Whiteways where we had coffee alongside an unusually large gathering of motor-cycles of all shapes and sizes.

After a long break we set off again in sunshine via part of the Arun path and then Ford road.

We had a strong headwind to Barnham having decided to investigate a new teashop. We found that it is called "Lily's" and is opposite the Chemists shop. It is open until 3.00 pm on Sundays. We were made very welcome and what thirsty cyclist can refuse tea at 90p a cup! 

From here we started splitting up to go back our various ways.  The Chichester contingent found themselves in hitherto unknown territory through the pathways and back streets of the city.

Mileage 31 mls.            Notes by leader...... Avryl. Photos by Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 22:06 BST

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The weather today consisted of strong winds and a dark threatening sky. It had rained hard earlier in the afternoon and threatened to do so again; however in the event nothing more than (literally) a few drops fell until long after the ride had finished.

Only Jo and I met at the Leisure Centre, although we were later joined by Harvey who had made his own way to the pub.

As the weather wasn't particularly encouraging, we took a short route via Felpham village, Middleton Green and Elmer and straight along the beach from there to Climping.

The continuing sea protection works along that stretch of coastline mean you never quite know what state the "path" is going to be in. Tonight we found that much of the length had been scraped of shingle to leave it rideable in places but soft sand in others. As we got closer to Climping the shingle became rideable again.

The return trip followed the main A259 road from Climping to Comet Corner. By the time we got there the traffic had been so light and with the wind assisting so efficiently, we carried on down the 259 to Worms Lane, taking the shortcut on the abandoned stretch of old road to miss the roadworks at Flansham.

Back to Felpham before 10pm and still in daylight, I recorded a modest 10.5 miles.

Graham 

Posted by RideLeader at 23:12 BST

Updated: Friday, 16 July 2010 23:27 BST

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Today was the 2 Weald Rides organised by Horsham Section where riders from all West Sussex Groups met at Wisborough Green and had a choice of 4 approx 25 mile routes. The weather today was sunny in the morning with more cloud building up in the afternoon and temperatures of about 23C. There was a strong SW wind

There were 19 in all with a fair spread from all Sections. From Bognor Chichester there was myself (Edwin) Anne, Colin and also Alan and Liz who arrived later and did the southern route.

After tea and cakes 6 of us set out together on the western route, Myself, Anne, Colin, and John Wickins and Phil and Verna.

The Western route is challenging (hilly) and probably the prettiest. I did not check the exact amount of climbing for the route on my bike computer but from the total for the day it must have been well over 1500ft which is fairly good for 26 miles.

We took a route west to Kirdford and then a lane towards Northchapel before turning of for Ebernoe. Here in the Woods according to Phil and Verna who did a visit, there is a Bat reserve where many species of Bat hang out in the trees.

We passed the Cricket Ground looking quite parched and on to the main road and a right and then left for Lurgashall. I carefully descended the steep hill where last year on the I-Spy ride my old Mercian came to grief. In Lurgashall village a cricket match was underway on the Green, classic summer country scene.

Then it was more lanes in the Lodsworth direction but turning off for the village of River. This is a very pretty lane with a steep descent to a stream and then a vertical climb up through the village. I got a good start on this and stopped for a picture after the steepest part.

Then it was on up through the village and along a lane which has views across to the Downs.

At the end the official route was right to the main road to Petworth. I felt a prettier route would be left on a lane to Tillington and then Petworth. This meant an extra hill thrown in gratis to the group.

At Petworth we stopped for a welcome elevenses at Tiffins. This is always a cheery place to visit where everybody whatever their age is called young man or young lady.

Onwards and it was through Byworth and then a good long hill over the Weald before descending to Kirdford and Wisborough Green. Most of us went to the Café for lunch and caught up with stories from Dave Fox and Richard Boulton of their Corsica trip.

We all made our own ways home some having come by car, train or cycled up.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:47 BST

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A really lovely evening for cycling - warm and sunny, with no wind to speak of.

I was joined at the start point by Edwin, Julian, Jo, Steve and Carol.

We headed west to North Bersted skirting north Bognor, then took Shripney Lane and northwards to Lidsey and Woodgate. Then it was through Aldingbourne village via Hook Lane. At Aldingbourne I took the group down a little known bridleway which runs from Aldinge Farm to East Hampnett.  Its been a while since I took this track and was a little worried as for the first 200 yards or so it was very overgrown. Fortunately it widened out (just as well, as it is about 3/4 mile long) and we were able to negotiate it without difficulty.

Half way down we came across some friendly horses, obviously not used to seeing anybody on what is truly off the beaten track.

Emerging at Crockerhill, we negotiated a very busy A27 and into the pub. There we were entertained by what appeared to be the local guitar club, having a sing-a-long.

On the route home, Edwin peeled off at Aldingbourne to return via Oving and Colworth, whilst the rest of us headed for Barnham. By the time we got there it was still light eough to take the cycetrack across the fields to Flansham and Felpham, completing a circular ride of 16.3 miles.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 22:24 BST

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A HOT summers day.  How often can one say that?  No need to take waterproofs or warm clothes.

7 of us met at Chichester Cross - Harvey, David, Avryl, Arthur, and Linda, Zeffy and Karen from the Moulton Group.

We headed off to Stansted House for our coffee stop going via Clay Lane and Aldsworth.  From here we went up to Forestside and down to Dean Lane End and Rowlands Castle.  We went through Westbourne, where Linda had a puncture, and Southbourne to reach the A259 and hence to Prinsted.  We were joined at The Boaters Bar by Alan and Liz, Lynn, Keith and two more Moultoneers, Di and Bri, who came by car due to Di's injured leg.

After lunch we cycled around the Chidham peninsular then back on the A259.  At the Bosham roundabout we lost Arthur and Lynn because Arthur had a problem with the bearings in his front wheel and wished to keep the riding to the minimum.  David and Keith left to get home to try and catch some of the all-important England v Germany football match in the World Cup (which we lost hopelessly). 

The rest of us cycled round the Bosham peninsular where the tide had gone out sufficiently to allow us to go round the water's edge.  We carried on to Bosham Hoe and came back to the A259 at Fishbourne.  Waiting to join us at the The Roman Palace for our tea stop were Alan and Liz, Arthur and Lyn, and Di and Bri.  

From here we continued to Chichester and there went our various ways to home.  Everyone declared it a most enjoyable day.

Total mileage  34mls.                         Ride notes by leader.......Avryl 

Posted by RideLeader at 22:17 BST

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Today the weather was sunny and hot with temperatures up to 28C though we caught an occasional cooling breeze from the SW.

The meeting point for the ride was Chichester Cross. I was leading and I was joined there by Sam, Rex, Gill and Colin. We later collected John Wickens at Havant

I led us out via Clay Lane and the South Coast cycle route lanes to Westbourne and then Havant where we met John. From Havant it was up Portsdown Hill with good clear views down across Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight. Then it was down a lane next to a monument to Nelson and a winding route on lanes before joining the B Road into Wickham. We stopped here for elevenses. We had intended to go to the main cafe in the square but this was packed with a queue out the door so Gill led us to The Baytree Cafe up an alley to the back of the square.

We then continued on more lanes towards our destination of Upham. We skirted Bishops Waltham and onto another lane to start the climb to Upham This involved some narrow lanes and a fair bit of climbing

In the afternoon we headed on a different lane back to the edge to Bishops Waltham and then a lane via Dundridge and then over Shepherds Down to the top looking down to Droxford and the Meon valley. We stopped to regroup and take on water in the gathering heat.

 The fields were especially green with hay and early corn fields as we dropped down to Droxford and then lanes along the valley via Soberton and then a winding lane across the Downs to Hambledon. There was some discussion as to whether we would make it to Rowlands Castle before they closed or whether to stop at Lotts Café Hambledon. Gill made the sensible suggestion of stopping at both with an ice cream at the shop in Rowlands if necessary.

After tea at Lotts Cafe I took everybody by surprise by turning into a road with gates looking like a driveway which is actually a public road on a lane up a stiff climb.

 Then it was a fairly gravel strewn tarmac lane which probably only ever sees tractors. After another stiff climb (17% by my new bike computer) it was on to Horndean. I was now well into the World Cup Match and as we got to the junction there was the novel site of no cars at all on the usually busy road there. John left us at Horndean to ride down to Havant where his car was parked.

We continued on lanes to Rowlands Castle and although the café was in the process of closing Sam persuaded them to serve us. Colin and Rex needed to get back so just Sam, Gill and I stayed and tucked in to our second tea.

We returned on the usual route via Westbourne.

The ride distance from and back to Chichester Cross was about 61 miles. My mileage was 71 miles.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 22:07 BST

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Today the weather was dry and sunny with some cloudy spells in the morning. A northerly wind kept temperatures down to about 18C.

Gill was our leader and she was joined at The Cross by myself (Edwin) Harvey, Sam, John Wickens and Sue Howe.

We took a route out via Clay Lane, West Ashling and then the B Road via Funtington and Aldsworth where we stopped briefly to regroup.

Then it was on to Stansted for elevenses where our usual bike park had been taken over by more tables so we parked them on the grass. We met there a big group from Bognor CC on their morning Club Ride.

After elevenses it was up Forestside and a lane along the top before a fast descent to West Marden and on to Compton. Then it was a quiet lane with a fair few ups and downs. A final climb took us to North Marden.

After a short ride along the B Road it was a fast descent to Hooksway beating large numbers of walkers who later formed a queue out the door. Colin joined us after making his own way there.

After the sharp climb out of Hooksway it was a fast descent down the Chilgrove road and on via Lavant to Tangmere for the Strawberry Tea at Avryl’s. We were soon tucking into Strawberries and cream, Carrot Cake, shortbread, orange juice and teas and coffees.

We were joined there by Eric, Richard, Arthur and Lynn, Brian and Brian and other friends of Arthur. Dave Glue joined us late after having ridden the London to Brighton Bike Ride. 19 of us gathered altogether on Avryl’s lawn.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 35. My mileage was 45.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:46 BST

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John R led this ride from the Arun Leisure Centre. There were four riders at the start, Edwin, Graham, Julian and John. Harvey met us later at the pub.  It was a beautiful sunny and warm evening, excellent cycling conditions.

We set out via the Barnham cycletrack up to Walberton. Then it was the beginning of an uphill slog as we sweated our way via Fontwell and Slindon Bottom, then the long hard climb up to Eartham and the pub. 

After some welcome refreshment the return route was downhill all the way to Crockerhill and then Aldingbourne, where Edwin and John turned off to return via Oving and Colworth, whilst Julian and I took a more direct route via the Island at Westergate, then Shripney and a final "hill" over Highfield Bridge back to Felpham.

I'd done 19.3 miles by the time I got home.

Graham for John.

Posted by RideLeader at 00:43 BST

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