Saturday started early with heavy rain. This progressed to occasional very light rain. We all made our ways there at different times meeting up for tea at Godshill and apple pie and ice cream. Then it was on to check in at our B&B in Ventnor.

Sunday started with constant rain but clearing up about elevenses. The previous evening I had found I had bad problems with my hip when walking and decided to go about half way round the route and then head back to Ventnor. The hip problem cleared up later in the weekend. We stayed together to start with and got ready outside the B&B.

Then a very steep climb out of Ventnor and on in a clockwise direction along the south coast towards Freshwater. There was an unusual sight near Freshwater as this Steam Traction engine came towards us with Freshwater cliffs in the background.

Then it was on with the usual menu of hills to Yarmouth and the Feed control at the School there. They put on a very substantial feed there of sandwiches and cakes to feed the thousands. We later learnt that 1684 took part. A picture here of one of them.

Many hills later we reached Cowes where I cut the ride short with much more in the way of flat routes via the Cowes Newport cyclepath and part of the Newport Sandown cycle path before heading back to Ventnor via a tea stop at Godshill and – of course – another Apple Pie.

My mileage for the day was 55 and the full route which the others did was 71.

Monday started with – heavy rain, of course. I led a ride to take us on some different lanes in the centre of the Island. We headed towards Newport and at one point some horse riders came towards us and one said, “Oh my gosh you do know about that hill don’t you. We soon saw the reason for her concern as the road reared up skyward. We got up it and followed some lanes on a pretty route round Carisbrook castle. One lane included a ford.

After a visit to the entrance to the Castle we continued to Newport Town Centre and a stop at some tea rooms for a late elevenses. The rain stopped soon afterwards and we continued to Cowes on the Cycle path and then on to Fishbourne and the ferry back to Portsmouth.

After riding back home from Portsmouth my mileage for the day was 51.

One of my recent pictures from Paris below. This is of the Altar at Les Invalides where Napoleon is buried.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 21:29 BST

Updated: Monday, 7 May 2012 21:34 BST

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There were 2 Rides today. I was due to lead a ride to Steep nr Petersfield and Avryl a ride to Rowlands Castle. Just Ray turned up at 9.30 at Chichester Cross for the long ride so we both decided to wait until 10.00 and join Avryl’s Ride. We were also joined by Arthur, Lynn, Alan, Liz and Debbie making 8 out on the day.

The weather forecast was quite poor with a lot of showers due but in the event it held off with only spots until tea. Avryl led us on beautiful quiet lanes round via Bosham Hoe and then the road round Bosham Harbour with beautiful views.

We stopped for elevenses at Bosham arcade Cafe where we were welcomed on the doorstep by the Cafe cat.

Then it was onwards on more quiet lanes via Chidham and then on via Woodmancote. Alan and Liz left us here to get back early. The rest of us continued for lunch at Rowlands Castle. Here we met Derek and Margaret. We didn’t recognise them at first as they were in civvies, not cycling.

After lunch we got ready to leave still in the sun.

Arthur had recently been presented as a gift by Alex Moulton a new and expensive Moulton Bike for his help in organising the Moulton Club gathering for the last 11 years. Below is the new bike shining in the sun, campag equipped throughout.

We continued back taking the road towards Funtington but then turning off down to the South Coast Cycle Route and West Ashling we stopped at the Pond to look at the Ducks, Swans, Geese and Trout. 2 Geese were upset by walkers going by with dogs and started some agitated hissing. They made their way purposely towards us.

We returned on Clay Lane and on to Fishbourne Roman Palace Cafe for tea.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 28. My mileage for the day was 42.

After 5 days in Paris last week I have taken lots of pictures but not processed many. Below is an HDR image of the Eurostar loading for departure at St Pancras last Monday.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:05 BST

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We met today at Walberton Pond with Colin as the leader. He was joined by myself, Sam, Anne , Gill and Jeff making 6 out on the day. Weather was dry with sunny and cloudy spells but a cold NE wind.

Colin led us first via Slindon, The Spur and then on the backroad via Madehurst. We stopped briefly to regroup near Madehurst Church.

Then in was on via Amberley and Rackham and various lanes towards Wiggonholt.

We stopped for elevenses at Wiggonholt where we met Arun Adur Section and Horsham Section.  All groups rode together  to the top of the Freewheel hill being the new one on the lane north of Nutbourne nr Pulborough.

I went down early as Chief Photographer. I was in the lead for a while but ended up as 4^th. The pictures below are of first Gill on her way to winning the ladies category plus 3^rd overall. Next Tony York from Arun Adur who was second and then Tony Veitch from Horsham and Crawley who was 1st. For the DA Events Competition there were 16 taking part altogether with 5 taking part from Arun Adur, 6 from Bognor Chichester and 5 from Horsham Crawley

We all then headed back up the hill for lunch at The Rising Sun, Nutbourne. Tony had lunch with every mouthful watched by the Pubs canine residents.

After lunch Sam and Jeff made their own way back. Colin led the rest of us back via Pulborough, Fittleworth and the lanes across to the base of Duncton Hill. We gave a miss to climbing that and took the lane via the College to Graffham. The picture below is a nice spring image as Avryl cycles under the blossom on the way to the College.

From Graffham we headed back on lanes via Heyshott and Cocking and then the main road up Cocking Hill and a long descent to West Dean for tea.

Mileage from and back to Walberton was about 50 miles. My mileage for the day was 62.

To finish here are a couple of pictures I processed during the week taken earlier.

 The one below was taken after a Committee Meeting at Avryl’s early this month. I cycled on up the road to Boxgrove Priory and the Parish Church. This is a Vertorama, a Panorama upwards of 3 pictures in HDR.

To view large see this picture on flickr at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/7066946157/

The next one was taken last year on the Docklands light railway. Software was used to get the blur effect on the train and track

To view large see this picture on flickr at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/7072997967/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:54 BST

Updated: Sunday, 15 April 2012 20:58 BST

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There were 5 of us out today - Alan, Debbie, Carol, Steve and me.

The weather was covercast, with the sun threatening, but never quite managing, to make an appearance. However it stayed dry. The temperature was about 11 degrees, but felt much colder in the north wind (for some reason our prevailing South westerly had moved around a bit).

We headed out of Bognor along the sea front, then by the usual back roads to Stoney Stile Lane, Nyetimber, then Summer Lane to Runcton. The path across the fields at Summer Lane was bone dry and was as smooth a ride across there as I've ever had.   

Then it was round the old Merston aerodrome to the A259 and along the cycletrack to the Garden Centre.

I had it in mind to go round the aerodrome and take the last part of Green Lane to join the A259, but in the event this wasn't possible as a locked gate barred the way.  However the cycletrack provided a suitable alternative.

After refreshments, we took a direct route back down the A259 cycletrack to North Bersted, where Alan left for Felpham and Carol and Steve headed for the allotment. I rode back into Bognor with Debbie - a round trip of about 14 miles. I'd done 18.7 by the time i got home.

Graham 

Posted by RideLeader at 22:08 BST

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There was one ride today a short flat one to Selsey. I had not been able to find a leader for the ride and at the time of preparing the Rides List I was not sure if I would be away so the ride was put down as nominate leader on the day. I was around so I led the ride and I was joined at the Cross by Harvey, Samantha, Rex and newcomer Debbie Lord. Gill joined us for lunch so 6 out on the day.

The weather had started off quite wet but it had cleared by 9.00. The rest of the day was cloudy with the occasional spots of rain.

We took a route west from Chichester and down Appledram lane, turning off onto the Salterns Way cyclepath. Then it was on to Chichester Yacht Basin crossing the Lock just as a large Motor Cruiser set off. We stopped for elevenses at Chichester Yacht Basin. We continued via Birdham Pool and Birdham where Samantha headed back.

The rest of us continued taking a track across fields and then lanes via Highleigh and Sidlesham and then the main road straight down to Selsey. We arrived at the Riviera Cafe bang on 12.00. This is the 3^rd week running, have to be careful or we will outdo Horsham section. It was just as well though as it was very busy.

Rex headed straight back while Gill joined us for the afternoon. After lunch we headed back up the main road and then before Sidlesham turned off on the Bill way Cycle track. For a change it was high tide so we had views of water rather than mud flats. We continued on the Bill Way, Sustrans route 88 via tracks and lanes to Fisher where we spit up to head home. A short ride as by now it was only 1.45. Distance from and back to Chichester would have been about 22 miles.

To finish here are a couple of pictures I processed during the week taken earlier.

The one below was taken on a trip to London and is a combination of 4 images at long exposures containing 2 different buses

To view large see this picture on flickr at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/7044243303/

The next one was taken a few weeks ago during the time of warmth and clear skies. This was taken in my back garden and is 2 hours worth of star pictures combined later in software

To view large see this picture on flickr at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/7049964083/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:35 BST

Updated: Sunday, 8 April 2012 17:44 BST

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To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The second is of Gants Hill Underground station on the eastern edge of the Central line which has an Art Deco look to it.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

For last Wednesday’s Club Ride I got to choose the destination and choose Brinsbury College Cafeteria north of Pulborough meeting for elevenses at the Stopham Bridge Garden Centre near Pulborough. Everybody else brought their bikes to Pulborough by car while I rode all the way getting in a good 55 mile ride. It was a clear skies day and beautifully warm.

In the evening I rode up to Chichester to take a Star Trails picture of Chichester Cathedral. I knew from other pictures that it was possible but was not sure how well it would turn out in the middle of a light polluted City. The picture is taken round the back of the Cathedral looking north.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The longer ride today was to East Meon led by Anne. She was joined at the Cross by Colin, myself, Avryl, John Wickins, Sam and Samantha .

It was a beautiful clear sunny day though cooler than of late with temperatures reaching about 14C.

Anne led us on Clay Lane and the South Coast cycle route via Woodmancote and Westbourne for elevenses at Rowlands Castle. Here we met up with Gill and John Maxim was just leaving as we arrived.

We split up after tea with Sam, Colin and Anne taking a longer route with a loop to the north. The rest of us went more directly back via West Marden and Funtington. Soon after we left West Marden 5 deer ran across the road in front of us taking great leaps over the hedgerows. Sorry I couldn’t get the camera out of my pocket in time!

For the direct route it was 51 miles Chichester and back to Chichester. My mileage for the day was 63.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:17 BST

Updated: Sunday, 1 April 2012 20:19 BST

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First a couple of HDR pictures I processed taken earlier.

The one below was taken of a sunset at Puerto del Carmen and posted to Flickr last Tuesday. This picture reached the Explore Pages of Flickr, the top 500 out of over a million uploaded for the day. It also reached what is known as Explore Front Page which is the top 10 and reached position 4. As a result it has been viewed by nearly 2000 people so far.

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

I flew home on Tuesday and went out on the Wednesday ride. The same evening I rode up to Halnaker Mill to take a Star Trails picture. I left the bike at the first Stile and walked up with the Camera and spare clothes in a rucksack. Although it had been a beautiful clear day the evening was quite chilly and especially so on the exposed Halnaker Hill where the wind came whistling across, ideal place for a Windmill. The Star Trails were taken over about an hour with some clouds moving around forming a nice effect. The mill was lighted by playing my bike front light over it briefly. Unfortunately 3 of the sails have been removed for renovation.  

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The longer ride today was to Rogate led by myself. I was joined at the Cross by Colin, Sam, Rex and Anne.

It was a beautiful clear sunny day with temperatures reaching about 19C.

We headed out on lanes via West Stoke spotting a few very early Bluebells in the woods. Then on via Funtington and up the valley via West Marden to stop for coffee at Compton Stores.

After lunch Colin and Anne decided on a few more miles with a loop to the north. The rest of us headed back on lanes via Elsted Marsh and Didling to Cocking. There was a sign at Cocking Tea Rooms stating Closed To Further Notice. We headed on up Cocking Hill and back via Singleton to stop for Tea at West Dean Gardens Tea Rooms.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 41. My mileage for the day was 53.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:12 BST

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This week has seen a change from late spring to a high summer feel with temperatures 23 to 24C. Light winds early in the week turned lot windier later in the week.

First a couple of HDR pictures I processed taken earlier.

The one below is of the ceiling of a side part of Bath Abbey taken a Christmas.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next picture was taken in February of Teguise Church in the centre of Lanzarote. This picture reached the Explore Pages of Flickr, the top 500 out of over a million uploaded for the day. As a result my pictures on Flickr received 1900 views instead of the usual average of 250.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

Last Sunday 11 March I first did a half day ride to Fermes in the south riding via Geria to Fermes at 1250ft. I avoided the really steep climb doing an out and back ride from the south with a cafe stop at the top.

Later that day in the evening with clear skies I took a short ride half way up the winding lane to Tias which is my usual quiet route out.

I was headed for a deserted ruined building with some slats still in the roof but otherwise open to take Star Trails. This was taken over 70 minutes with 140 exposures of 30 seconds later combined in software.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

On Tuesday I started late in the morning for a ride to Haria for the sunset and possibly star trails. The wind was light and I headed out via Costa Teguise and up to the coast road. Then it was on a quiet side road via Tabayesco. This winds its way up a 1250ft climb to come out near Haria. Near the top I came across the odd couple of a Donkey and a horse grazing in a field.

Then it was on up winding hairpins the last 750ft to the top at 2000ft. For a while I had noticed that while most of the Island was clear cloud was lapping against the mountains on the far coast where I planned to take pictures. The shot below is part way up the climb with Haria in the distance.

After the top I turned off on another quiet road to the viewpoint at La Nieves. The clouds nearly cleared enough for some sunset shots including the one below. The viewpoint looks down from sheer 2000ft cliffs to Famara and the NW coast.

Just after this shot was taken the clouds moved in up to the top, rolling in like mist obscuring the view. The return ride mainly in the dark took 2 hours. My 2 strong front lights lit the way. 59 miles for the day.

Tuesday morning I badly cut my little toe banging it against a door in the apartment. I later learned on the web that the best way to stop a lot of bleeding is to apply pressure for 15 minutes continuously and not keep stopping to check how its doing as I did. This meant a few days off the bike for fear of pressure against the shoe opening up the wound.

I was fairly well recovered by today and took a ride up to the Plateau. I even managed to find a road I had not previously used before through Mozaga parallel to the main road to Tiagua. Then it was on to Mancha Blanca and a stop for a picnic lunch at the Church. Then past the cracked rim volcano and back to base. 28 miles for the day.

I will now be winding down and packing with no more rides planned until I fly back Tuesday.

126 miles for this week

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Sunday, 18 March 2012 18:38 BST

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This week with a few exceptions has been notable for clear skies and temperatures up to 24C.

Late last week there was an exceptional sunset and I used a filter to slow the shutter speed to get movement in the waves. This was added to Flickr on Monday  and reached the Explore pages the top 500 out of about a million pictures uploaded that day. At time of writing it has been viewed by 940 people.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

Last Sunday I did a half day ride, up the hill, along a bit and down and back on the coast. On the way back on the coastal cyclepath I caught this plane coming in to land.

On Monday it was very clear and I did a ride taking in a circuit through the Volcanoes National Park. The picture below is a great view just outside the National Park.

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

Then it was on to the National Park and I took the Bus Ride round the Volcanoes. I have done this numerous times before but it is so spectacular it is always worth doing again. The picture below is looking down on a volcano

36 miles for the day.

I had planned a ride Wednesday but the winds rose to near 50 klms per hour so I stayed put

Thursday was another unusual day, warm but very hazy. I did a short half day ride. At the end of the day from the thin layer of sand on cars it turned out the haze was caused by sand blowing over from the Sahara 70 miles away

This picture is taken from the sea front after getting back.

On Friday I decided to climb up the 2000ft mountain to the north. With first backache and then a sprained ankle this was the first time I had done that this year, apart from with Peter in the hire car which didn’t really count. It turned out to be perfect, the clearest day I have ever had on rides to the north.

After the first climb to the plateau I went on to Teguise and a brief elevenses stop from my supplies. Then up another 1000ft to the top at 2000ft. This picture is a view from the quiet viewpoint of La Nieves. The view looks towards Famara and La Santa on the west coast.

I had a picnic lunch at the nearby Church. Then on a little further to a Cafe at another viewpoint for a piece of pie. Then down hairpin bends further north towards Haria. Then I turned off on a beautiful side road down to the coast. The people in the house in this picture might be said to be living on the edge.

The return was on the coast road and then down to Costa Teguise, Arrecife and the cycle path back to base. 55 miles for the day

136 miles for the week.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:31 GMT

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Our CTC group had been asked to plan and lead a short ride in order to support Fairtrade in a publicity event. Arthur had kindly volunteered to do this.

It was a fine sunny afternoon following three similar days and so there was a good turnout of 26 riders at Chichester Leisure Centre, 4 club members included.

After riders had signed in at a desk at the Centre photos were taken and we were sent on our way by the Chairman of the District Council. We cycled along West Street, taking the cycle path at Fishbourne to cross the main road to Old Park Lane and hence to Bosham. We stopped here outside the Co-op shop for refreshments of bananas oranges and bottles of water provided by the Fairtrade Organisation. We returned on the cyclepath alongside the A259 and back into Chichester proceeding along West Street and down South Street all ringing our bells which attracted a lot of attention and smiles.

At St. Mary’s Church we were treated to tea and cakes and a visit by the Mayor and his wife with more photos and speeches.

Distance cycled – 10 miles

Posted by RideLeader at 17:34 GMT

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This week has stated warm and dry with temperatures about 20C with clear skies. There were light winds in the first part of the week but getting windy over the last few days.

Below is another picture from last week of Playa Blanca Marina in the evening

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

Saturday evening of last week was particularly clear skies and I did an evening ride to the Lava Coast near El Golfo. I set up after sunset by a tidal pool for this Star trails shot. 60 pictures of 30 seconds each taken over 30 minutes and later combined in software.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

32 miles for the evening.

On Monday I did a ride over to the opposite coast and La Santa. I stopped at a nearby village which looked quite uninteresting. However after going through it there was a beautiful bay where I stopped for a picnic lunch and sunbathing.

On Wednesday I met up with Christine and her brother. They were staying in Playa Blanca and had hired bikes for 2 days. We met at a cafe overlooking salt flats at the start of the Lava Coast road to El Golfo. With the Lava Coast road still firmly closed to all we took the long route round to El Golfo and great views of the half eroded crater.

44 miles today.

On Thursday I did a half day ride stopping where the end of the runway is alongside the cyclepath. I took pictures with my SLR of planes coming in the land. This one comprises 4 pictures as the plane approached. This was edited later to blend the 4 planes into a composite picture.

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

Then back to base and an Italian Ice Cream on the prom. 12 miles today.

On Friday I had a rather windy ride to Teguise. On the way there I stopped at a cafe and came across a quite talkative parrot. It was very good at saying “ola” Spanish for hello when anybody new turned up.

It was a day for animals as when I stopped in Teguise Square for a picnic lunch I spotted this dog on a nearby roof. A good caption for the picture might be “Don’t do it you can have better bonio’s”

Then it was down to Costa Teguise and back on the coast. 43 miles for the day.

My mileage for the week was 170.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:00 GMT

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This week has gradually warmed up from 18 to 20C with more sun and lighter winds than last week.

Sunday to Tuesday I went on holiday! Can you have a holiday during a holiday? I did anyway. For a special occasion I went to Playa Blanca on Sunday and stayed 2 nights at a 5 Star Hotel and on the Monday did a day trip to Fuerteventura which is the next Island to the south.

On the way there I went to look at the El Golfo road. Those who were out here a few weeks will know that the road is closed for a few months to take it further inland to stop it falling into the sea. However cyclists were allowed through. This time they had strengthened the barricade, though I managed to get through. After a mile though I decided not to go further as they had taken away the road.

Then it was on down to Playa Blanca where I went first to the far west of town to take a look at the old and new lighthouse and have my picnic lunch. While there my Mercian was admired by a tourist who was also into cycling. He said it had a great colour scheme, great style. Martin should know that.

Then it was on to the east side of town to the Hotel situated just above the Marina. 34 miles for the day.

When booking I had asked about keeping the bike in the room and that was no problem at all. Such a difference it attitude compared with the UK or France for that matter. The hotel covers a large area with the rooms arranged like a village in separate small blocks and with an imitation Church and Volcano. Below is an evening  HDR picture of the hotel looking across the pool to one of the restaurants

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

Below is another HDR picture of the entrance area in the imitation Church. They light the candles at Sunset

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

On Monday I took the ferry to Fuerteventura which took an hour. Fuerteventura is bigger than Lanzarote but the scenery is not generally as good with out the dramatic lava flows of Lanzarote. I did a day trip there about 6 years ago and took the coast road which I found to be very busy. This time I went inland into the hills. This road was quite busy but I turned off onto quieter roads. The scenery is very large scale and desolate looking.

After returning on the ferry to Lanzarote I took more pictures in the evening including this Star Trails one. The shot has a small castle in the foreground. This is on a headland only a few hundred yards fro the Hotel entrance. The view is looking due south towards Fuerteventura and the slight curve in the trails is due to the view look towards the south celestial pole below the horizon.

On Monday I rode directly back including the 1250ft climb to Fermes, the last bit of which I walked after last years incident. 16 miles for the day.

On Friday I did a ride to Teguise and then Costa Teguise. On the way to Teguise I passed a big yard full of goats. They had not been there before so I stopped for pictures. One goat got curious and put its feet up on the wall to get closer to me no doubt hoping for food but also posing very nicely.

My mileage for the week was 129.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 10:26 GMT

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A frosty start and a cold NW wind today, but loads of winter sunshine.  I was met at the cross by Colin, Jeff, Roger and Ray.  We took the Centurion Way out of Chichester and turned off towards West Stoke and Funtingdon, up to Compton for coffee. 

The short sharp climb up to Chalton was the first hill of the day, then up past Butser Ancient Farm and over to Clanfield.  At this point things unravelled slightly, we lost Ray, Colin and I went to find him, Jeff and Roger cycled on and took a different route!  Luckily I had mentioned Hambledon and when Colin Ray and I arrived there, (having come along the ridge past the Sustainability Centre) the others were settled at Lotts Cafe.  That became the lunch stop, since time was getting on. 

After lunch we took a fairly direct route down to pretty Southwick and from there took a steep climb up to Portsdown Hill.  Stunning views in the sunshine.  Ray left us in Havant, while we made our way up to Rowlands Castle for tea.  We came back via Westbourne and Clay Lane.

An enjoyable ride, even if we didn't make it to Porchester Castle!  Mileage from the cross 54 miles.

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 GMT

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This week has seen gradual improvements in the weather with little cloud by the end of the week and temperatures up to 20C.

My ankle sprain has gradually improved over the week until I am now able to ride in the hills and almost walk normally.

Sunday, Monday and Tuesday I took it easy with rides along the coastal cyclepath, all with the same destination, Arrecife. On Tuesday I took the SLR and on the way took this picture of a plane coming in to land over the cyclepath which borders the end of the Airport runway.

I then went on and took pictures in Arrecife Church. This one is an HDR Vertorama, a Panorama going up from floor to ceiling. It comprises 7 3 exposure HDR pictures so 21 images total combined.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

On Friday I rode into the hills with the camera and took this picture of Teguise Church.

Total mileage for the week was 105.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 16:41 GMT

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Saturday Ride -11 February.  Bognor Regis library to Manor Nurseries, Runcton

A lovely winters afternoon.... bright sunshine, a cloudless sky and no wind - but very cold, the temperature never going above 1 degree all day, and rapidly dropping as the sun set. The temperature the previous night had dropped to -6.3, in marked contrast to the recent Blog entries from our foreign correspondent!

Despite the cold, there were 8 of us at the start point - me, Alan, Christine, Julian, Carol, Steve, Ray and guest rider Peter, who chanced upon us at the library and whose Wisper Electric bike had drawn some interest.

From Merston Lane it was a short sprint to the Garden Centre and its Palm House Restaurant.

All in all, just under 12 miles.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 09:31 GMT

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This week has been cloudier and with more wind that usual and cool by Lanzarote standards at about 18C rather than the average of 21C.

My ankle sprain has prevented me riding in the hills yet but flat rides on the coastal cyclepath have been OK.

On Monday Lewis led Joy, Martin, Val and Ern to the south of the Island to Playa Blanca. On the way back they rode over the big climb to Fermes at 1250ft. I led Peter and Harvey on the coastal cyclepath via Arrecife to The Castillo de San Jose above the Port on the far side of Arrecife. The Castle was turned into a Museum of Contemporary Art by Cesar Manrique. The picture below is an HDR of the main Exhibit Hall with the brightly painted top of a piano in the foreground.

On Tuesday Martin did a ride to La Santa and Famara on the far coast while the rest of us stayed put in the high winds.

On Wednesday Lewis and Joy flew home. I led Peter, Harvey, Martin, Ern and Val on a short morning ride along the Cyclepath to Playa Honda between the Airport and Arrecife. We stopped at a cafe for a drink.

Below is another HDR picture from last week taken at the entrance corridor to the Mirador del Rio viewpoint.

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 09:36 GMT

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This week has remained warm and dry at 20C though getting a lot windier later in the week.

On Sunday 29 January we had a ride to the Cesar Manrique House a Foundation which is build around Lava Bubbles in the rock. With fairly light traffic we took for a change the main road up to Tias which is shorter but steeper than the back road. Then it was across to San Bartolome after more climbing. We had a pleasant wait for Peter on the edge of town in warm sunshine.

Then it was a long downhill to the town of Tachiche and the Cesar Manrique House. I took a few HDR pictures here. The first one is of the Exhibition Gallery with some enhancement of the floor.

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

The next picture was of the White Room built in a Lava Bubble

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

We continued down to Costa Teguise and a Picnic Lunch on the Prom, Lewis, Joy and Val went down to the beach for a paddle.

30 miles for the day.

After a rest day on Monday we had a long ride on Tuesday to view the Lava Caves in the north of the Island. We all met for an early 9.00 start at the Apartments. Baker Lewis delivered the bread.

To view large and for more details see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

It was while I was taking pictures here that I was struck by my latest accident. To get a low angle I was crouched down. When another Tour Group arrived I got up too quickly, overbalanced and fell over and strained my ankle in the process.

I limped back out of the Caves and managed to lead the others back to base ok, with a little worry that the swelling would make it too difficult to ride so kept up a good pace. 58 miles for the day.

For the last few days it has been off the bike with lots of rest, elevation and ice. By yesterday and today it had improved with short walks possible.

On Wednesday Lewis led the Group on a beautifully clear day to ride to visit the Fire Mountain National Park where they took the Bus trip round the Mountain. Only buses allowed so bikes had to be locked up. Peter and Harvey took a short ride along the coastal cycleway.

On Thursday Lewis led all of group save me the to the Volcanic Coast at El Golfo. They stopped for elevenses at the Arts Centre Cafe at Yaiza. Then on for a picnic lunch at El Golfo and a coincidental meeting  with another member of West Dorset CTC staying at Costa Teguise. Picture provided by Peter,

Then it was along the coast and up the massive climb to Fermes including a 22% grade. 37 miles for the day.

On Friday the plan was to go to Mirador del Rio at the far north of the Island. Peter decided he would never make that so hired a car for the day and Harvey and I joined him.

The cyclists were Martin, Lewis, Joy, Ern and Val. They got as far as San Bartolome where most decided the winds were dangerously strong and turned back. Martin didn’t really notice the winds and went on and completed the 65 mile ride with little difficulty. We in the car met up with him at Haria and Mirador del Rio.

The car trip was good with visits to La Santa, Famara at the base of 2000ft cliffs, Teguise Castle, La Nieves at the top of the 2000ft cliffs, Haria and the highlight of Mirador del Rio where there are views from 1700ft across to the small Island of La Graciosa.

Today was a rest day with the wind even stronger at 31 mph.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 16:57 GMT

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Lanzarote. Week to Saturday 28 January.

This week has remained warm and dry at 20C.

The first HDR picture shows a method of giving an enhanced shine or chrome look to a car. I tried this a few times before when I was in Lanzarote last year. It works well with HDR and is best with cars having well saturated colours and well shined already. I spotted this one in a street near my Apartments and is a hire car waiting for a well off customer. I am not too much into cars so I cannot give the exact model.

To view large see this picture on flickr at

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

On Monday I did a ride to Teguise and then Costa Teguise. I stopped for a picnic lunch in the Square by the Church and during my break a man came round on a Donkey

At the next window click the picture for a larger size and click “view all sizes” for the largest. See also there details of the background and the processing of the picture.

I had a couple of rest days mid week until the others flew in Thursday afternoon. Those joining me were Harvey, Peter Wilson, Martin from Dorset and 2 of his friends Ern and Val who have also been on some of my trips.

Friday was an exceptionally good day with clear blue skies, and warm at about 21C. We met on the Terrace outside my Apartment.

Then it was on the back lane up to Tias and further up to Mastache with a stop at a bar for elevenses. Then along the top to San Bartolome and stops first to view a camel and then to visit a bike shop. Then a long 6 mile descent to Playa Honda. We stopped at a Restaurant fronting the beach for a light lunch, I took a picture here of Martin’s Mercian Bike on the left and mine on the right. When choosing colours for my bike I liked Martins so much I choose the same colours for mine.

Then it was a climb across lava fields and a stop for a picnic lunch beside the Tourists Camel Centre. Then past Fire Mountain and a stop at the Visitor Centre. We stopped briefly beside a crater for a Photo op.

Mileage for the day was 32.

My mileage for the week was 137.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 09:09 GMT

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