Bognor Chichester CTC Ride Notes- Club Website is at www.bognorchichesterctc.org.uk

Sunday, 24 April 2011

Sunday 24 April. Ride to Midhurst

Before starting on today’s ride first a word about the week’s rides and HDR enhanced pictures.

All week has been beautiful sunny summer like weather and I made the most of it in rides and picture taking. On Tuesday I did a ride to Racton Tower near Funtington. The picture below was originally in color but I converted it to Black and White to get a darker mood in line with its reputation as a haunted building. The picture was taken with blue skies in the middle of the day. The HDR combination of 3 pictures enhances the sky.

The Wednesday ride was longer than usual to Highdown on the Downs above Ferring for a Carvery at £5.25. Alan took us on a route including a bridleway to Patching which goes through Angmering Park Woods which has an extensive carpet of Bluebells. I went back there on Friday with SLR and Tripod and a Picnic Lunch in the panniers for a Photo Session. The pictures below are HDR combinations of 3 exposures. The week’s mileage ending Saturday was 203.

Today my route to the start included a ride alongside the Chichester Canal where I spotted this Duck and her family.

For the ride to Midhurst I was the leader and I was joined at Chichester Cross by Sam, Roger, Gill and Mandy. It was another warm summers/April day with temperatures up to 26C.

We took a route via the climb up Pillygreen and then along the top of the Downs. Then it was the main road to Duncton Hill and then quiet back roads via Barlavington. I got a quick picture on a hill before we dropped down to Shopham Bridge.

Then it was on to Petworth for elevenses at Tiffin’s and some welcome toasted teacakes. We continued with a short stretch of main road before turning on to lanes a Tillington. Then it was a very quiet backroad to River with views across to the Downs. From River village it was down to the river and the inevitable climb back up.

Then it was on to Lodsworth and down on back roads to South Ambersham and more backroads to Midhurst and lunch at Ye Olde Tea Pot Cafe in the High Street.

We returned via Bepton and lanes across to Cocking. Then it was the main road to West Dean for Tea on the Patio at West Dean Gardens.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 44. My mileage for the day was 57.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:59 BST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Thursday, 21 April 2011

Evening Ride - The Tour of Bognor

Every year I get a request to start the summer programme of evening rides off with a Tour of Bognor. The tour is designed to be a short run through the back streets of Bognor covering some territory cycle rides don't normally do, and preferably finding somewhere that even Bognor people haven't been before.

Six of us met at the start point (ALC) - Julian, Val, Carol, Havey, John and myself.

It had been a beautiful April day, temperatures touching 24 degrees and no wind to speak of. The evening continued in similar vein - excellent cycling conditions.

As might be expected, we did a fairly circuitous route down to Elmer, through the University grounds and central Bognor, Aldwick, Bersted, Felpham, Flansham, Middleton, Ancton and Elmer, using some back alleys, side roads, and even some off roading at the Glenwood. A nice little run of about an hour and as dusk fell we arrived at the Elmer pub, where Steve joined us later.

We returned back to the ALC direct via Middleton Road; a short return ride and a round trip mileage of a modest 10.5. Hopefully the weather bodes well for the rest of the summer season!

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Saturday, 23 April 2011 00:15 BST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Sunday, 17 April 2011

Sunday 17 April. Freewheel West Chiltington

We met today at Walberton Pond with Colin as the leader. He was joined by myself, Harvey, Sam, Anne and Gill. We met Alan and Liz later at elevenses and lunch and Chris Dart rode direct to the freewheel making 9 out on the day.

Colin led us first via Slindon, The Spur and then on the backroad via Madehurst. Anne had a slipping chain so for a change I managed to get ahead of her on the climb up to Whiteways for a picture.

Then in was on via Amberley and Rackham to stop for elevenses at Wiggonholt where we met Arun Adur Section. Both groups rode together to Pulborough where we joined up with Horsham Section and rode together to the top of the Freewheel hill.

I went down early as Chief Photographer. The pictures below are of Sam who was about 4^th and Gill on her way to winning the ladies category. For the DA Events Competition there were 8 taking part from Arun Adur, 7 from Bognor Chichester and 4 from Horsham Crawley

There were 3 joint winners, Graham and Tony from Arun Adur and John Clark from Horsham. All got as far as the road junction which is now decided to be the maximum distance due to safety. The 3 who won got over a slight rise which took them a lot further. Everybody else finished closer together where the groups gathered to watch.

We all then headed back up the hill for lunch at The Queens Head, West Chiltington.

After lunch Colin led us back via Storrington and Parham House. From Houghton it was over the partly rough route over the pass to Arundel with good views over the Arun Valley.

Then it was down to Arundel for tea at the Putting Green Cafe. I refuelled with Apple Pie and ice cream. For portion size and quality this is probably equal first with the Village Cafe in Rowlands Castle.

We returned via Ford.

Mileage from and back to Walberton was about 40 miles. My mileage for the day was 56.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:45 BST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Sunday, 10 April 2011

Sunday 10^th April. Ride to Hambledon

Just as a preliminary for those who followed my Blog entries on Lanzarote I am still developing the picture techniques worked on there. This is called HDR where a number of exposures of the same picture are combined to get more detail. On Friday I cycled to Bosham with Camera and Tripod in the panniers to take pictures inside Bosham Church. The picture below is of a small side chapel in the church. To get all the detail for the Chapel and the view through the windows 7 exposures were combined.

Todays Sunday Ride was again on a brilliant blue sky day with temperatures inland reaching 21C. There were 2 rides today, a long ride to Hambledon and a short ride to Rowlands Castle. Anne was leader of the Hambledon Ride and she was joined at the Cross by Colin, John Wickens, myself (Edwin) Jo and her husband Neil Taylor and Mandy making 7 out on the ride.

From Chichester Cross we headed out initially on the South Coast Cycle Route lanes along Clay Lane then it was through West Ashling which seemed packed with spring blossoms. Then it was along Watery Lane being careful to obey the sign to watch out for ducks crossing.

From Funtington we headed up the B Road towards West Marden but turned off before then up a very steep climb to Forestside followed by a good downhill to Finchdean. Then it was a quiet lane to Chalton and a climb up to the crossing of the A3.

We stopped for elevenses at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park Cafe. John Maxim met us there but he headed home from there.

After lunch we headed on via Clanfield and a long climb to HMS Mercury. On the way up we saw a large variety of old cars from various periods presumably on a rally or meet.

We had great views on the ridge at the top. Then we turned off and a long downhill on quiet lanes to Hambledon to stop for lunch at Lott’s Cafe.

After lunch there was a good steep hill to get us back into the ride.

Then it was some really narrow empty lanes across to Cathrington with its steep hill and then Horndean. Then it was a loop via Blendworth on some pretty and remote lanes to stop for tea at Rowlands Castle. I refuelled with my usual, Apple Pie and Ice Cream.

Then it was back to Chichester on the usual route via Westbourne and Woodmancote. Mileage from and back to Chichester was 50. My mileage for the day was 61.

On the short ride to Rowlands Castle Harvey was the Leader standing in for Arthur. The ride started from Chichester Cross at 10.00, 30 minutes later than the long ride. Harvey was joined by David Glue, Dawn, Fred, Sonja and Keith Dodman. Gill joined the ride as far as elevenses making 7 out on the ride.

The group rode via Clay lane and then Southbourne and Prinsted to elevenses at Emsworth. Then it was on to Rowlands Castle for lunch and a fairly direct route back.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:28 BST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Saturday, 9 April 2011

Saturday 9 April - Bognor Regis to Chichester Garden Centre

Six of us met at Bognor library - Julian, Avryl, Alan, Steve, Carol and myself. Weather was glorious for early April - bright sunshine and temperatures nudging 18 degrees.

We set out along Bognor seafront to Aldwick and Nyetimber (via the usual back routes) where we took Summer Lane and the farmland tracks to South Mundham.

Crossing the Rife at Summer Lane

Some of the terrain was off tarmac, but the ground was hard packed and not an uncomfortable ride.

After South Mundham we proceeded past Runcton Mill to Merston where we took Green Lane. At this point Avryls' chain decided to part company with her bike and the ride ground to a halt.

With the chain in pieces, step forward Dr. Steve with his link extractor, ably assisted by consultant Alan. A matter of moments later the chain was back in one piece and the ride continued.

Steve and Alan operate on the patient (note the surgical gloves!)

After our stop at Chichester Garden Centre (the erstwhile Heather's Cafe), Avryl left us to head back to Tangmere (chain still behaving itself!), whilst the rest of us took the cyclepath all the way back to central Bognor.

Round trip mileage was about 14.5, however I did almost 20, from and back to home.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Monday, 11 April 2011 15:21 BST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Thursday, 7 April 2011

20th February 2011 Ride To Stopham Bridge
I was met at Chichester Cross by Gill and Colin, it was a fairly grey morning with a cool breeze, but dry. We headed off up Pilleygreen dropped down to East Dean and made our way to Petworth via Duncton for tea. Gill made her way home afterwards and Colin and I carried on through Balls Cross and Kirdford and down towards the turning off the A272 to Bedham. Before we got to the steep bit we turned left and Colin led me on an interesting track which crossed the river Arun and brought us out eventually in Pulborough. It was fairly muddy but you know what to expect with Colins alternative routes! Always nice to go somewhere new. Turning to go towards the garden centre at Stopham Bridge we spied Keith who joined us for a tea and Chris Dart also appeared having made his own way there. After some lunch we all headed off to Fittleworth where Keith left us. Chris turned off soon after and Colin and I made our way up the dreaded Duncton Hill and
homewards. My mileage for the day was 52

Posted by RideLeader at 21:30 BST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Sunday, 3 April 2011

Sunday 3rd April. Ride to Aylings Garden Centre, Trotton

Weather today was dry starting with mist clearing to cloud in the morning with more sunny spells as the day went on. Temperatures reached 14C.

There was a good turnout today. Gill was the leader and she was joined at the Cross by Colin, Edwin, Sam, Harvey, Mandy and newcomer Jo Taylor from Shoreham. Graham Young joined us at lunchtime making 8 out on the day.

Sam was out for the first time on his new bike, a Carbon Sram equipped MTB with slick tyres today for the road.

We left on Clay Lane and then West Ashling and Watery Lane to Funtington. Then it was the valley road via West Marden to Compton for elevenses at the Post Office Tea Rooms.

Then we cut across to Idsworth and turned off on the beautiful road across the Downs via Ditcham Park.

A brief stop at a gate gave me a good Photo op.

Then it was on to Harting and as we climbed out of the village on the road to Elsted there was a sharp “crack” and Harvey stopped. It turned out the large bolt securing the saddle to the seatpin had sheared. It was soon clear this could not be repaired so Harvey rang his Dad to be collected.

We continued via Elsted, Elsted Marsh and Dumpford to Trotton to the Aylings Garden Centre Cafe for lunch. This was chosen to avoid the booked up tables of Pubs on Mothers Day.

Graham Young joined us here after having ridden 70 miles that morning from a 6.00am start.

On the way back we retraced our route to Elsted Marsh and then lanes via Ingrams Green.

Then it was on via Didling for tea at the Moonlight Cafe. They were suffering from an excess of mothers so we had to wait a while for our Tea or Hot Chocolate and Cakes. Then it was back on the main road and Centurion Way to Chichester.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 43. My mileage from Pagham was 55.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:55 BST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Sunday, 27 March 2011

Sunday 27 March. Ride to the Hampshire Hogg, Clanfield.

The weather today was pleasant with hazy sunshine light winds and temperatures up to 15C. I led the ride starting from Chichester Cross and I was joined By Roger, Colin Anne and Sam at the Cross. Gill joined us later at the Cross making 6 out on the day. Southdown Velo have started meeting at the Cross. They are the fast boys in red jerseys in the background of the picture.

The route out was via the Centurion Way, West Stoke and Funtington. We were heading for Compton for elevenses. However I took a little diversion going via Walderton and then the long climb and pretty lane up to West Marden. Some enjoyed it but Sam seemed a little unhappy after overdoing it yesterday with a long ride to Arlesford. Good to see him back on form.

After recuperating at the top of the climb we headed down to Compton for elevenses at the Post Office Tea Rooms.

Then we cut across to Idsworth and a very sharp climb to Chalton. Then another climb to the A3 crossing for lunch at the Hampshire Hogg.

The afternoon ride was a lot easier with more flat and downhill. We went back to Chalton and then Finchdean and Rowlands Castle. Then it was on to Stansted for tea. They are doing a lot of work there with a big extension for the tearooms.

The return was via Westbourne and the usual Clay Lane route.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 40. My mileage was 53.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:10 BST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Saturday, 19 March 2011

Lanzarote. Week to Saturday 19 March

It is about 2 and a half years since my last accident so I was perhaps overdue for another one. More on that later.

Last Sunday the week seemed to start as if getting me ready to come home with a thunderstorm for several hours in the morning. I gave a miss to a bike ride. It remained unsettled for a couple more days with sunny spells and the occasional light shower. From Wednesday onwards it settled down with no rain and gradually more sun. It was 19C at the start of the week and climbed up to 22C by the end.

My longest ride was on Wednesday out to the north to the Jardin de Cactus gardens. I started by riding up to the Plateau at San Bartolome at 1000ft. There was a head wind of about 20mph so rather than take the exposed coastal road I continued along the Plateau to Teguise. Then a long downhill from there bringing me out near the Cactus Gardens.

I again had my SLR and tripod with me to take HDR pictures. (High dynamic Range of light using 3 different exposures of the same scene combined in software to get more detail especially in shadows) The first picture below was of some stairs going down to a cafe bar with the gardens visible through the windows.

The next picture I was able to use the wide angle lens and a low angle to get an interesting view of some cacti and a windmill which is part of the gardens.

For the next picture I had read on the net about panorama pictures and these show up more these days in pictures and postcards. This is my first try. It is 5 pictures which are then combined automatically in Photoshop. The pictures need to be taken on manual exposure with an average for the whole scene. 5 overlapping pictures were taken and the software does a good job of aligning and combining them.

The return was on the coast for a 46 mile ride.

On Friday I rode first up to the Plateau via Macher and stopped for a break at Geria. Then it was down to Yaiza and a stop at Yaiza Church. I already have many pictures of this beautiful church but I wanted to try a different technique, a Vertorama. You have heard of a Panorama, this is the same going upwards. The picture below was 4 HDR pictures combined in Photoshop as before.

The next picture was an HDR picture of a side alcove.

After lunch in the square I continued downhill before turning off on a side road to La Brenas. After a good climb this came out at a roundabout for the start of the super steep climb to Fermes. Close to the top the gradient steepens to 22 percent. I slowed too much, lost balance and fell against a boulder at the side of the road with sharp edges. My right arm hit. No broken bones luckily but about an 8 inch long gash in my arm. The cut looked quite deep and wide but luckily didn’t bleed too much presumably because there were not any arteries in the area.

I sat on a boulder to recuperate and squirted water from my water bottle to wash out the wound. After a while I walked up the rest of the hill. The return from here was about 8 miles but mainly downhill so I went on back to base favouring the good arm to avoid more bleeding. I got advice from reception and collected passport and E111 and then a taxi to the Tias Medical Clinic a few miles away. This is modern and spacious. After the usual beaucracy at reception it was straight up to see a nurse who cleaned it and then a Doctor came in and decided stitches were required. 9 stitches were done with a local aesthetic.

I had only planned one more bike ride for Sunday before packing on Monday. However with a twisted knee making itself known during the evening I think I will give that a miss.

I did not take a picture of the accident location but found one from another year’s trip showing the boulders presumably intended to stop cars going over the edge.

One final and important point is that the Mercian survived the fall without a scratch.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 15:03 BST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Saturday, 12 March 2011

Saturday Ride: Chichester to Russells Garden Centre Birdham

Phillippa led 7 riders - Graham, Julian, Carol, Steve, Karen, and Alan & Liz from Chichester library out to to Appledram, then leaving the tarmac behind we joined the Salterns Way to Birdham Pool, Westlands Farm and Shipton Green. Back on tarmac again for the short ride to the Garden Centre restaurant.

The weather was pleasant, about 10 degrees with some very bright sunny spells and no wind to speak of.

The return route was via Crooked Lane and back to the Marina where we re-joined Salterns Way. Alan & Liz left us to return to Bognor via Sidlesham and Pagham, and Steve and Carol left to follow the canal to Runcton and home that way. The rest of us continued back to Chichester.

Round trip mileage library and back was about 13.5. However I managed almost 25 from and back to home.

Graham for Phillippa

Posted by RideLeader at 22:30 GMT

Updated: Saturday, 12 March 2011 22:34 GMT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Lanzarote. Week to 12th March

This week temperatures were about 20C. It was quite sunny on the coast but more cloud about inland. On Friday there was the first rain of any consequence in about 6 weeks with a heavy thunderstorm. The prevailing winds here are generally NE which comes off Morocco and the Sahara making it settled warm and dry most of the year. The last 2 weeks the wind has been west or SW winds bringing in more cloud.

On Sunday I did my longest ride of the week to Mirador del Rio at the far north of the Island. I started early about 8.20 and rode up the quiet main road and then on to San Bartolome at 1000ft. Then it was down to Tahiche and the smooth road the LZ1 a little way in from the coast running north to Arrieta. With a light wind from the SW I had a tailwind. It was a long climb from Arrieta at near sea level to Mirador del Rio at 1600ft. I arrived about 11.30 before it was too busy with Tourists.

I had my SLR and tripod with me to take HDR pictures. .(High dynamic Range of light using 3 different exposures of the same scene combined in software to get more detail especially in shadows) There is a nice cafeteria at the Mirador with expansive picture windows looking out over the 1600ft cliffs and across to the Island of Graciosa.

The picture below is looking back up the west coast of Lanzarote with La Santa on the horizon. On the right is the adjoining small Island of Graciosa. The shallow water between the Islands produces the beautiful blues in the sea.

The picture below is from the highest viewpoint on the roof of the Mirador building.

The days ride was 67 miles with 4000ft of climbing.

On Wednesday I did a ride climbing to the plateau at 1000ft and the vineyards of Geria. Then down to the SW coast and El Golfo. I did not take my SLR intending just to ride but ending up taking a few pictures with my compact. On the way to El Golfo I passed a group of cyclists who seemed to be setting up an impromptu Time Trial. They were passing me at about 1 minute intervals. Fraid I wouldn't have done very well as I kept stopping to take pictures.

I stopped for a picnic lunch on the beach at El Golfo. On the way back I passed through the town of Uga and a bit of luck spotted a Camel train heading back after a morning of carrying Tourists at the Volcanoes National Park. I would say this is a fairly unusual No Entry sign!

Today I did a short half day ride. I had thought of making another visit to the Crater but decided I had a lot of unprocessed pictures from earlier trips. This is an HDR picture I processed today.

146 miles for the week

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 16:40 GMT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Saturday, 5 March 2011

Lanzarote. Week to Saturday 5 March

Weather this week was a little cooler than of late, only 20C and even some cloudy days! But still dry

My longest ride of the week was on Sunday to Agua de Jameos in the north. I started fairly early about 8.30 and rode up the quiet main road and then on to San Bartolome at 1000ft. Then down to Tahiche and the smooth road the LZ1 a little way in from the coast. I got to Agua de Jameos by soon after 11.00 before it was too busy with Tourists. This attraction is a short way from the caves I visited last week. It is part of the same Lava Tube which went from the Volcano to the coast. The main part of the attraction is a large underground lake.

Further on and also part of the Lava Tube a concert hall has been carved out.

I returned via Costa Teguise and the coast to complete 56 miles.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were too windy to want to ride. Winds were about 40mph. It can often be windy here but normally more like 15 to 20 mph. I caught up with processing of HDR pictures .(High dynamic Range of light using 3 different exposures of the same scene combined in software to get more detail especially in shadows) The one below was taken last week when I called in to Teguise Church. It shows the view towards the back and the Church Organ.

The picture below was Sunset on Tuesday.

The next picture was early morning on Thursday taken just below the Prom on a path leading to a Cafe.

Thursday the winds had abated and I did a short ride.

On Friday I took a ride first up to Geria the centre of the vineyards. Due to the lack of rain the growers put the vines in depressions with low walls to capture dew.

Then it was on to the road through the Volcanoes National Park. Camel rides are done there. I definitely did not take a Camel Ride but stopped off there for a picture.

Further on the lava can be seen almost lapping against the hillside.

120 miles for the week

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 11:47 GMT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Monday, 28 February 2011

Sunday 27 February. Ride to Keydell Nursery,Horndean

Harvey led the ride to Horndean from Chichester Cross. 6 attended in all, Harvey, Richard, Gill, Sam and Alan and Liz.

It started off sunny but a bit cold with rain forecast for mid afternoon. Coffee was at Rowlands Castle. Richard, wisely as it turned out, went back direct after elevenses. The rest went on to Horndean for lunch. While there it started to rain. Alan and Liz left early and the other three returned soon after. The rain got heavier and lasted most of the 14 miles back to Chichester.

It was good to see Sam again after his about 10 months off the bike.

Completed with information from Harvey and Alan.

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 GMT

Updated: Tuesday, 1 March 2011 09:15 GMT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Saturday, 26 February 2011

Lanzarote. Week to Saturday 26 February

The weather was again dry all week with temperatures 21 to 23C. It was generally sunny with some days having scattered clouds.

Last Saturday and Sunday it was still close to low tide at Sunset time. I again went down to the seafront with Tripod and SLR to take pictures. These and all of the pictures in this week’s entry were again HDR, 3 pictures of the same scene taken at different exposures to obtain more detail and then combined in special software. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range (of light) so you capture more detail than an ordinary picture such as when an ordinary picture would result in a silhouette with no detail in the shadows.

As well as low tide these pictures had the benefit of wispy clouds at the right place and time. The first picture below was taken Saturday and I think I would title it Tidal Reflections. The second picture taken Sunday I moved among the tidal rocks.

On Sunday I did an afternoon ride up to the Lava Plateau and along some backroads and then back via Playa Honda and the cycle path

On Monday I took a ride first down a dead-end road I have not used in many years to Playa Quemada. This is just beneath the cliffs you can see in the distance in the Sunset pictures. There is a rocky beach there and although it is nice to go on an unfamiliar road it is 500ft down and then back up again. I then went up a long valley and climb to Fermes at 1700ft. This has a good cafe with a terrace looking down the steep climb on the other side towards Playa Blanca. I stopped here for a fruit juice and Chocolate Cake. Those who were on the trip here a few years ago will well remember coming up the vertical climb from the Playa Blanca direction.

This time I descended the steep way and turned of on a road via La Brenas. Then it was on to Yaiza and a picnic lunch in the square before returning to base.

Wednesday was the longest ride of the week at 61 miles. First it was up to the Plateau at 1100ft on back roads via Tias. Then it was on to Teguise and up another 1000ft into the northern mountains. I stopped at the cafe at the top for a break. Then it was down 1000ft down twisting hairpins to Haria for a picnic lunch in the square.

Then further down on some back roads to my destination of the Cueva Los Verdes which translates as the Green Caves. These are part of a Lava tube which goes for 4 Kilometres from a volcano to the sea. The same Tube is part of another attraction further down, Jameos de Agua. The caves I was visiting can only be seen by a 45 minute guided tour.

There was no restriction here on Tripods but I located myself strategically at the back of the large group so I could set up the camera and Tripod out of the way on the narrow walkway and get pictures when the group had moved ahead and out of shot. Low coloured lights give nice effects on the rocks either side of the path.

At the furthest end of the tour is the highlight. Here a very shallow pool about an inch deep has formed. With no wind it is totally still and gives a perfect reflection of the roof. In low light conditions HDR photos show the biggest improvement. Below you can see the first image is the original picture. This is the middle of the 3 exposures so it is at normal exposure. Below that is the completed HDR picture.

Caves Pool Original

Cave Pool HDR

Friday was another volcanic ride. I rode up to the central lava plateau. Then it was a short walk I had not tried before. This goes round the cone of a Volcano, The Caldera Colorada. There are a lot of dust and rocks of all sizes along its slopes known as pyroclasts. A gradual accumulation of these, being thrown out during eruptions, form the volcanoes cone. In the mid foreground of the picture below is a very large one known as a Lava Bomb. During the eruption this would have been thrown out in molten form and formed a round shape as it flew though the air.

151 miles for the week.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 09:07 GMT

Updated: Saturday, 26 February 2011 17:42 GMT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Sunday, 20 February 2011

20th February 2011 Ride to Stopham Bridge

I was met at Chichester Cross by Gill and Colin, it was a fairly grey morning with a cool breeze, but dry. We headed off up Pilleygreen dropped down to East Dean and made our way to Petworth via Duncton for tea.

Gill made her way home afterwards and Colin and I carried on through Balls Cross and Kirdford and down towards the turning off the A272 to Bedham. Before we got to the steep bit we turned left and Colin led me on an interesting track which crossed the river Arun and brought us out eventually in Pulborough. It was fairly muddy but you know what to expect with Colin’s alternative routes! Always nice to go somewhere new. Turning to go towards the garden centre at Stopham Bridge we spied Keith who joined us for a tea and Chris Dart also appeared having made his own way there.

After some lunch we all headed off to Fittleworth where Keith left us. Chris turned off soon after and Colin and I made our way up the dreaded Duncton Hill and homewards.

My mileage for the day was 52

Anne

Posted by RideLeader at 21:21 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 20 February 2011 21:22 GMT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Saturday, 19 February 2011

Lanzarote. Week ending Saturday 19th February

Weather was again dry all week and mainly sunny. The first few days were a little cloudier in the mornings with temperatures of about 20C. The rest of the week has seen plenty of sun and temperatures of 21 – 22C.

Sunday and Monday I did short half day rides into the hills along the plateau at 1000ft and then back down.

Wednesday was the main picture taking day. I did a ride via Yaiza and the El Golfo Crater and SW Coast. I rode out direct to Yaiza first to take more pictures of the Church before any Tourists arrived to get in the way. Again these were wide angle lens pictures using HDR. 3 pictures at different exposures combined in software. There are 2 pictures below with different views.

Then it was on to the El Golfo Crater. This is a half Crater which has been part eroded by the sea. It has some good rock striations presumably formed at different stages of lava and eruptions.

From El Golfo I continued along the southern lava coast where the great lava flows of 230 years ago flowed into the sea. It was high tide and although it was sunny with a light wind there were enormous waves crashing into the shore bigger than I have seen before. The picture below was taken with my compact camera on zoom. The cliff where the spray was going on the road must have been at least 80ft high. Needless to say when I got to that part of the road I kept a wary watch for incoming waves and speeded over that area.

On Thursday it was a short ride along the coast for some more wide angle pictures of planes coming in.

At this time it was low tide at sunset making for the best pictures so on Thursday evening I took more HDR pictures of the Sunset. The days are drawing out and now sunrise is 7.30 and Sunset is 6.45. Lanzarote is on GMT.

On Friday I did a 45 mile ride to the west coast to La Santa and Famara. I just took the compact camera on this ride. This was up the usual quiet lanes via Tias and Conil to 1000ft and the plateau. Then it was across one of the lava flows and a long descent to La Santa.

Earlier just coming out of Puerto del Carmen I was overtaken by a fast German Cyclist going to meet a group. Just up the road he stopped with the group for a puncture (lightweight tyres) They came past further up the hill and stopped for something else so I caught up. They stopped again further along so I went by and they ended up passing me on the edge of La Santa. I thought of saying something about the Tortoise and the Hare but didn’t know the German.

I stopped at a cafe in La Santa run by an English couple which seemed to be the local cyclist’s hangout.

Then it was on to Calera de Famera with views of the 2000ft cliffs above the beach. I stopped for a picnic lunch at the towns Quay. Surf was very high again. There were seats built into the wall but I decided that certain seats were best avoided.

130 miles for the week

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 11:09 GMT

Updated: Saturday, 19 February 2011 11:24 GMT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Saturday, 12 February 2011

Saturday Ride: Bognor Regis Library to Runcton, Manor Nurseries

A lovely February day with bright sunshine and little wind saw 8 meeting at the start point today.

Alan & Liz, myself & Sue, Steve & Carol, and visitors Paul and Paula set off on a mini tour of Bognor out to North Bersted ,where we inspected the new Regis School and the rapidly growing fields of new housing at "site 6". Then it was along the Bognor - Chichester cycle track, round the Colworth loop and through Merston village to Runcton and Manor Nurseries where refreshments were taken at the Palm restaurant.

The route back was via Parigo Farm where I grabbed a quick picture whilst we stopped to let farm traffic pass.

If I'd stepped back any further to get this shot I'd have been in the ditch!

Then it was back via Aldwick Green and the seafront, to central Bognor.

Round trip mileage was a modest 12.5, although I managed nearly 18 including to and from home.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 23:59 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 13 February 2011 22:30 GMT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Lanzarote. Week to Saturday 12 February.

Apart from a cloudy day on Wednesday this week has been blue skies and temperatures of 20 to 21C. All week has been dry.

I have taken more HDR photographs this week. This is pictures of the same scene taken at different exposures and then combined in special software to create enhanced pictures. I am now carrying the digital camera in a backpack. I originally but it in the barbag with bubble wrap. This did not work too well as a few bumpy roads caused too much jarring and one of the functions intermittently failed. Since switching to a backpack it has returned to normal. Panniers will be a better solution with more room for padding but being a fixed centre trip I did not think to bring any.

On Monday I did a short ride round the plateau at 1000ft. I visited a Church at Mancha Blanca which I had not looked at inside before and took HDR pictures of the interior.

Then across a nearby lava field and up an unmade road I discovered going into the middle of the lava field well off the usual Tourist trail.

Wednesday I took a ride first up to the Plateau. It was cloudy but HDR greatly enhances cloudy skies. This scene has vines in the foreground. These are surrounded by walls for shelter and to collect dew.

Then it was on to the Caesar Manrique House. This was built on a lava field with some areas built in lava bubbles. This is the only place I have come across in Lanzarote where Tripods are prohibited. I suspect this is health and safety worries over somebody tripping over it and suing them. A bit of common sense can keep a tripod out of the way and make people have to knock into one before they can trip over it. I hid the Tripod in the backpack and got it out in a couple of places where no staff were stationed. This is one of the rooms built in a lava bubble.

On Thursday I took a short ride along the coastal cyclepath to take pictures of the planes coming in to land. As the planes pass overhead really fast one handy feature of the Digital SLR is continuous shooting at up to 7 pictures a second.

The picture below is a false HDR. Generally a moving object cannot be included in these pictures because of the time between each exposure. However there is a technique called false HDR. Digital SLR Cameras can take what is known as RAW pictures as well as jpegs. A Raw picture has all the basic image information a lot of which is lost in a jpeg. It is possible in Raw editing to alter the exposure and create 3 different exposures to produce an HDR picture. The result is not as good but still a great improvement. You can see how really close the planes pass over the cyclepath bearing in mind this was a 10mm wide angle lens.

There was a lot of flare from the sun most of which was cleaned up quite quickly with tools in Photoshop.

On Friday I did a long 56 mile ride without the camera Up to Teguise at 1000ft and then another 1000ft climb into the northern mountains. After a stop at a cafe at the top it was down to Haria and a picnic lunch in the square. Then it was down to the coast and then along to the resort of Costa Teguise and back to base on the cyclepath.

153 miles for the week

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:33 GMT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Sunday, 6 February 2011

Sunday February 6th Ride to West Marden

The day started overcast drizzly and with a strong SW wind. Richard and I were the only ones to meet at the Cross. Richard intended to do a shorter ride today and after some discussion we opted for an alternative plan with a flat ride. We cycled to Bosham checking en route with oncoming cyclists that the tide was out and followed the road round the harbour and hence to the coffee shop.

It had been a pleasant ride and so we took the same route back to the Cross. On the way home from Chichester we met Alan and Liz who were riding on their own having been too late to join us at the start.

Mileage 15mls

Avryl (leader)

Posted by RideLeader at 17:38 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 6 February 2011 17:39 GMT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Saturday, 5 February 2011

Lanzarote. Week to 5th February

Weather this week was a little mixed. It was dry but still cloudier than normal and windy especially midweek when winds got up to 40mph. The bike stays indoors when it gets that strong. Temperatures were down in the first part of the week, only 19C! By Friday and today it was back to normal, sunny and warm, lighter winds and 21C.

On Monday I had a good ride round the Lava Fields passing the entrance to the National Park and riding bordered by Lava and Volcanoes. The picture below was taken with my compact and then enhanced a little in Photoshop.

I did not take so many HDR pictures this week (3 pictures at different exposures combined for a wider range of light). The picture below was taken last week in Yaiza Church and only recently processed.

One advantage of more clouds in the sky is more dramatic sunsets. The picture below was an HDR picture taken Thursday.

Friday I had my longest ride of the week of 56 miles. First up to the main Plateau at 1000ft. Then on to Teguise and a further climb to 2000ft to the mountains above Haria. After a Cafe stop at the top it was down a series of hairpins and then a descent down a twisting byroad to sea level. Then it was on to Costa Teguise and a stop at the beach for a late picnic lunch. Then it was back on a cyclepath and costal roads to Arrecife. The picture below was taken on Arrecife Prom.

Then it was back to Puerto del Carmen on the coastal Cyclepath and a stop for an Italian Ice Cream.

Mileage this week was 110.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:12 GMT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Newer | Latest | Older