Today the morning was bright and sunny with temperatures up to 13C. Colin was leading the long ride today to Dial Post off the A24 between Worthing and Horsham.

There were 4 of us in all, Colin, Anne, Rex and myself meeting for an early 9.00am start at a spring like Walberton Pond.

Colin led us on lanes towards Slindon and then a short stretch of the A29 before turning off on lanes towards Madehurst. There is a beautiful idyllic country cottage on the lanes which always makes a great backdrop for a picture but especially at this time of year.

We continued with a fast descent of Houghton Hill and on via Amberley, Wiggonholt and then a lane towards Nutbourne.

Then it was West Chiltington and down the old Freewheel Competition hill before a lane up to Billingshurst for elevenses at the Burdfields Country Market and Café.

By elevenses I was flagging somewhat with lack of fitness after 5 weeks with little riding due to a virus. I decided to return from there. The others continued to Dial Post and lunch at the Old Barn Nursery.

I took a fairly direct route back and as the short ride had lunch at the Sandwich Place, Arundel which was not far off my route I decided to head there and try to meet up with them. Their leader was Arthur and there were 11 out including Arthur and Lynn, Avryl, Sam, Harvey, Graham, newcomer Anne and a lot of Moulton Club riders.

They had stopped for elevenses at Barnham but by the time I arrived at Arundel at 1.15 they had just left. I rang Arthur and found out they were just riding up the Ford Road. I headed that way and found them gathered at the side of the road. I found out that my phone call had caused chaos and confusion. Arthur had slowed the group down to stop and answer the call. Harvey had overbalanced or clipped somebody and fell off into the verge (no injuries) but Graham coming up behind rode over Harvey’s back wheel and fell off resulting in a little grazing to the leg and a bruised hand. Also Harvey’s wheel was buckled from being ridden over.

After everybody was sorted we continued with Harvey catching a train home from nearby Ford Station. We continued back via Yapton and then Walberton. We stopped at Walberton Pond where Arthur called a smoking stop! First time for everything I suppose but there were 4 smokers in the group.

Then it was on via Eastergate and Oving to stop for tea at Arthur’s house in Chichester. Arthur showed us his workshop, somebody asked him how many bikes he had but he couldn’t recall so he did a count, current number is 11.

The free 1 day promotion on Friday on my new photography eBook did the trick of raising its profile. 435 downloads worldwide including 78 in the UK and 334 in the US. The book reached No 1 in the Kindle Bestsellers top 100 free eBooks for the category of Photography.

 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Compose-Better-Pictures-Photography-ebook/dp/B00CEV9N4W/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1367130651&sr=1-1&keywords=compose+better+pictures

Below are my latest HDR pictures. First is a processed picture of Daffodils at Slindon taken into the light and with tree branches behind. The second one is a view of Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich.

More information at http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:35 BST

Updated: Sunday, 28 April 2013 20:42 BST

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Today the weather was mainly sunny though with a chill wind and temperatures up to 13C, Out of the wind in the sun it felt quite warm.

Sam was the leader and he was joined only by myself and Samantha. Note that as Samantha likes to be called Sam but as that would be a bit confusing I will call her Samantha in this Blog.

Sam led us east out of Chichester pas Goodwood Airfield and lanes round to Waterbeach and then up Pillygreen Hill. A stop at the top enabled a quick picture.

Then it was down to East Dean and the pleasant winding lane across to Upwaltham. Then it was a short way on the main road and a fast descent of Duncton Hill, both Sam and I got to 45 mph. Sam was especially pleased to set off the electronic Slow Down sign normally aimed at motorists.

 Then it was along the pleasant back road to Seaford College. 

As we went past Seaford college Sam was getting increasing problems with his gears. We stopped near Grafffham Church for a quick gear tweak. Picture courtesy of Samantha.

We continued to Graffham Village shop for elevenses, the first time I had tried this for hot drinks. This was a pleasant stop in the sun and out of the wind.

We continued on lanes towards Selham and Sam celebrated the top of the hill.

It was then more lanes past Cowdrey Polo fields and on to Midhurst to stop for lunch at The Tea Pot Cafe and a pleasant stop in the sun at the back.

The return route was via Trotton and lanes via Didling and a tea stop at the Pub at Cocking. Then it was up Cocking hill discovering only as we passed it that Cocking Tea rooms have now re-opened. Times are  10.00 to 5.00 weekends only.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was spot on the estimate of 40 miles, well done Sam. My mileage from Pagham was 53.

Cycling Road report - Tis the season for road dressing especially locally. Based on roads I have seen recently these roads are going to be uncomfortable to cycle on for the next week or more

The road to Yapton from the crossroads at Middleton

Merston Lane

Westhampnett Road starting from the Hotel Roundabout

From tomorrow Chalcraft lane and Hewarts Lane, North Bersted to Rose Green.

Note that after 3 months I have finished and published on Amazon my first Ebook which is a beginners guide to composing Better Pictures. This will be on free promotion on Amazon this coming Friday for 24 hours. I will email Club members with more details about getting it free on Thursday. Meantime the Books Amazon page is Compose Better Pictures:Amazon UK

My latest 2 HDR pictures are from my last London Trip. The first one was in the Greenwich Foot Tunnel and the second was of the DLR platform at Bank underground Station.

 Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:50 BST

Updated: Sunday, 21 April 2013 20:18 BST

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Today could be called the first day of Spring, only a month late. At last thick gloves were no longer needed. There was a lot of cloud but some pleasant warm sunshine in the middle of the day.

I was the leader of the long ride today and we met 9.30 at Chichester Cross. I was joined there by Sam, Rex, Gill and Samantha. Jeff joined us at Rowlands Castle so 6 out on the day.

I led the group on the usual route following the South Coast Cycle Route via Woodmancote and Westbourne. I had not planned to stop at Rowlands Castle, instead heading for Queen Elizabeth Country Park Café for elevenses. This was just as well as the Jeff informed us that the Café at Rowlands Castle has a Notice up Closed until Further Notice. Catastrophic probably our most used café!

We went on via Finchdean and Chalton to stop for elevenses at the Park. We arrived there just as a huge group of cyclists were leaving, about 30 of them, lucky.

Then it was on and upwards to Butser Hill with great views across to the Isle of Wight. We continued on lanes via Ramsdean and Stroud to stop for lunch at The Harrow Inn, Steep just NW of Petersfield.

The return route skirted to the East of Petersfield and then turned off on the quiet lane up to Ditcham Park School with great down land scenery. Thanks to Jeff for doing my usual trick of sprinting to the top of the hill and capturing the exhausted riders.

We stopped at the top for a breather.

We continued via Idsworth and the long drag across Compton Down. 2 more pictures from Jeff below who got on the tail of a Racing Cyclist up the hill. First there is a shot of myself and Rex and then one of the 2 Sam’s.

Then it was down to Compton for a welcome tea stop.

The return was via Funtington, Watery Lane and West Ashling.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 47. My mileage from Pagham was 61.

Below are my latest 2 HDR pictures taken on a trip to London a week age. The first is a corridor at Embankment Underground Station.

The next is a spiral staircase at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, incidentally the location of a famous photograph of a ghost and other supernatural encounters.

More on the photos at http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:43 BST

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It was pelting with rain this afternoon, very unpleasant. Surprisingly 6 of us turned up at the start point - Carol, Steve, Graham, Sam, Maureen, plus Elizabeth on foot to wish us well. This is probably because the weather had got really bad only after we'd all set out.
 
After a long chat contemplating life we decided it was really too nasty to go very far. The ride was cancelled.
 
I then went into Bognor town and whilst parking my bike came across a couple who had cycled over from Brighton and stopped for a bit of R&R as they were cold and wet. Turns out they were heading for Reading via Chichester and Alton and were worried they might not get all the way there without a bit of train assistance. I told them that after Chichester, the next station would be Petersfield, another 20 miles on. They didn't seem worried, in fact i think they were planning to get the train from Alton!  Their expedition puts our little trip to the Brick Kiln nursery
into perspective!  I hope they made it!
 
Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 22:03 BST

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The weather today started cold but was sunny with light winds and reached the dizzy heights of 11C. 

Gill was the leader and was joined only by Sam for the ride to Wiggonholt to meet the other West Sussex Groups for elevenses. I was not fully recovered from my virus/cough so opted to shorten the distance and miss out the hills by taking a train to Amberley.

Sam needed to be back early and Gill also opted to head back from elevenses.

The rest of the riders from Arun Adur and Horsham and Crawley rode together from Wiggonholt.

The ride took us via Nutbourne to the top of the hill for the freewheel start.

The organiser Richard went down first to check on positions. I went down second to be ready for pictures.

A few pictures follow.

I think I came 4^th. Christine riding with Arun Adur easily achieved best Lady being the only Lady taking part.

There were 6 taking part for Horsham, 5 for Arun Adur and 1 for Bognor Chichester so for the DA Events Points Competition we fell at the first hurdle.

Lunch was at the Rising Sun, Nutbourne where in felt quite warm in the garden out of the wind and in the sun.

Despite using the train my mileage for the day was 20.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:08 BST

Updated: Sunday, 7 April 2013 17:14 BST

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Arthur was the leader today and he was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Harvey, Debbie, Alan, Liz, Avryl, Jan, Gill, Christine, Keith, Sam, Dianne and Brian so 14 out on the day. Lynn joined the group after lunch.

Probably the weather brought everybody out. After weeks of dull freezing weather the sun finally came out with bright sunshine in the morning. It was still cold though with temperatures reaching no more than 7C.

Arthur led us along West Street and over the pedestrian rail crossing which is due to be replaced by a bridge later this year.

Then it was on the Emperor Way bike path through Fishbourne and on to back lanes to Bosham. We stopped for elevenses at the Arcade Tea Rooms in Bosham. In the sun and out of the wind it was actually warm enough to sit outside.

As we got ready to leave Sam put back on his Cat Burglar headgear.

As I was still not fully recovered from a chesty cough I headed home soon after elevenses. Arthur led the rest via West Ashling and Woodmancote to stop for lunch at The Village Cafe, Rowlands Castle.

On the way back the group stopped for tea at Fishbourne Roman Palace Cafe.

My return mileage from Pagham was 25 and the full ride from and back to Chichester would have been about the same.

With far too much time indoors of late my latest Photo is from last year at the Paris finish of the Tour de France. This is one from the archives which I converted into a Line Drawing.  Bradley Wiggins is in the middle and Mark Cavendish at the back.

To see how this was done see the Tutorial on my Photographic Website http://edwinjonesphotography.com/convert-a-photo-to-a-line-drawing

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:54 BST

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I had a chesty cough Sunday so decided not to go out. Colin was the leader and he was joined at Walberton Pond by Anne, Sam and Debbie so 4 braved the freezing blast from the east to ride to Wisborough Green.

With the weather today, Monday consisting of an all day blizzard I thought it a good idea to go back to Tuesday of last week, a brief taste of spring with sunny skies and temperatures up to 13C.

I joined Arun Adur Section for their meet at the Walberton Coffee Morning. There were 8 on the ride from there to Wellies for lunch. Ray led the ride and took us via Eastergate, Oving Road and then across the airfield to Tangmere. I left them there as I had my SLR with me with the aim of capturing some spring flowers. I settled on Boxgrove Churchyard.

Below is a picture of some daffodils with the Church in the background.

The next image is the same location with pictures of some snowdrops which has had the HDR treatment.

More detail about this image on my Photo Blog at http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog/2013/3/boxgrove-churchyard-snowdrops

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 21:09 BST

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I went on Philippa’s ride today, a short report for completeness follows.

 8 of us at the start - Philippa, Roy, Graham, Debbie, Steve, Carol & guests Rich and Lyn.

There were very pleasant conditions with little wind, temperature about 10 degrees. Although it came over cloudy there was not a drop of rain.

 Philippa led this ride and took us up Centurian Way to Lavant station, then lanes around Lavant House School to West Broyle.  Then it was a short ride up West Stoke Lane to our tea stop at Wellies tea rooms.

 For the return route we continued up into West Stoke, then it was left into Lye Lane with a very pleasant downward incline through Moutheys Lane, Clay Lane, Fishbourne and back into Chichester.

 Accident number 3 occurred right at the end of the ride when Steve discovered a 2nd puncture, unfortunate as we had made particular efforts to get the cause of the previous puncture completely out of the tyre.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 21:37 GMT

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I was the leader and I was joined at Chichester Cross by Jeff, Sam, Colin (just returned from cycling in Burma) and newcomer on his first ride with us Mark Jones.

I led the group out on Clay Lane on the South Coast Cycleroute lanes via Woodmancote and Westbourne. Then it was the lane down to Rowlands Castle which was closed due to flooding at the temporary river which crosses the road. We bypassed that on the raised footpath.

Then it was on to the Village Cafe, Rowlands Castle for elevenses and to warm up. We continued via Finchdean which had seen flooding with sandbags piled up. Then it was a lane on to Chalton and the stiff climb up to the crossing over the A3. Then it was up the gradual climb to Butser Hill.

At the top Sam warned Mark of the dangers of the very steep descent with gravel and Potholes. Sam then gave an excellent demonstration of the motto “do as I say not as I do” by flying down and managing a top speed of 46 mph.

It was then a short way on lanes and lunch at the Isaac Walton, East Meon.

On the way back on a lane out of East Meon I stopped the group for a Photo Shoot beside a beautiful bank of snowdrops.

Then it was the quiet lane across to Buriton and up that!! Hill. I stopped at the top and was able to catch a shot of the tail ender looking very unhappy.

Then it was the long descent and back via Finchdean and then Rowlands Castle for tea . Even the waitress said to Sam “not you again” I did have hidden motives in stopping there again, namely the very large sized Apple Pie and Custard they do there.

The return was via Funtington and then the lanes via West Stoke and the Centurion Way down to Chichester.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 45. My mileage from Pagham was 58.

Below are some of my latest HDR photos to be processed. The first is a shot from a viewpoint on Lanzarote with a fisheye lens which I titled Small World. The second is a shot taken on the Northern part of the Piccadilly Line looking down an escalator.

More details at my Photo Blog at http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog 

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:57 GMT

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On Tuesday I returned from 6 weeks in Lanzarote with sun most days and average temperatures of 21C. Today with a drab cloudy day never getting over 3C and a high windchill was a bit of a shock to the system.

I was expecting (hoping) nobody would turn up so I could get back into the warmth. However there were 4 at Walberton Pond, Sam, Debbie, Tony Holmes and Terry Scragg. Everybody was happy to do a shortened ride stopping at Littlehampton for elevenses and then an early lunch at the Worthing Ferring Wyevale Garden Centre Cafe.

Sorry no pictures today as I forgot to pack the Camera.

I led the group on a straightforward route down to Yapton and then across to the Ford Road and onto back roads to the footbridge and on to the Look and Sea centre for an early elevenses warming up stop.

Then on what may be a first on a Club Ride I led the group on the now authorised cycle route along Littlehampton Prom.  Not like the good old days when the coastguard used to announce on the speakers from his Tower “Get off that Bike!!!”

I followed the standard main route via Rustington and Angmering not having Colin’s familiarity with the convoluted route via private estates. At the A29 we followed the cycle path a short way before crossing the road to the Garden Centre which is about opposite the turnoff for Ferring. The Garden Centre passes the Cycle Friendly test as they were happy to let us park the bikes inside by the tills.

The return route after lunch was pretty much the same to get back home before temperatures dropped even more.

Mileage from and back to Walberton would have been about 22. My mileage for the day from Pagham was 37.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 15:59 GMT

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The ride was cancelled due to heavy rain forecast for the entire day.  Avryl (leader) and Sam R turned up at the Cross wet and cold and decided to get back home a.s.a.p

Avryl

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 GMT

Updated: Monday, 11 February 2013 12:17 GMT

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A miserable February day, no wind but a constant  drizzly rain which threatened to get worse but never actually did.
 
New member Debbie (H) was the only attendee at the start point, but to get warmed up with the temperature hovering between 4 and 5 degrees, we decided to do the ride nonetheless. 
 
We took a route through South & North Bersted out to the Chichester cyclepath, and I used the opportunity to try a new bit of refurbished path between North Bersted Street and Chichester Road. This is on the edge of the new housing development and what was formerly a narrow footpath has been re-furbished by the builders to form a very pleasant back route avoiding the main road, which appears to be cycling permissive. Unfortunately, a bit at the end has not had a surface laid, leaving 150 yards of uncompromisingly sticky mud. Whilst we negotiated this without too much difficulty, i am not recommending this route until it has dried out!
 
Then it was up the Chichester cyclepath, round the Colworth loop (not too flooded compared to last time i was up there), dropping down via Merston Lane to Runcton, and the Palmhouse Restaurant at Manor Nurseries.     
 
We returned via the Parigo / Butterlees Farm off road route back to West Meads and Bognor, the entire return route accomplished without meeting any flooding at all. However on the Lower Bognor Road we stopped to inspect my pedal which appeared to becoming detached from the bottom bracket.  Unfortunately I had no socket spanner with me so there was no alternative but to press on and hope for the best. On reaching West Meads the pedal was spinning free and was unusable. Luckily, this was towards the end of the ride, and going slowly and using just one pedal, I made it home and it was quicker than walking. A fuller inspection revealed that the left hand pedal had worked loose from the spindle and it was just a matter of re-tightening the nuts, the bolt had not sheared.
 
My mileage for the afternoon was 16.5
 
Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 GMT

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Ride CANCELLED due to adverse weather - snow ice ect ect

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 11:53 GMT

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After a day of rain on Saturday and a forecast of frost for Sunday morning it was a pleasant surprise to find mostly dry roads as a result of a biting north easterly wind.  Four of us met at The Cross appropriately dressed in many layers – Sam R, David, Gill and myself.   We headed off along Clay Lane and hence to Stansted Park via Hambrook, Woodmancote and Aldsworth with no significant puddles but inevitably potholes and some rough patches of road.  The sun came out en route and at the teashop we basked in bright sunshine albeit through glass windows.  Gill left us here and the rest of us carried on up the long drag of a hill and then on to West Marden where we stopped for lunch.

 With the sun still shining we headed off down south with the wind behind us. Very shortly afterwards we encountered several rather jolly water splashes with flooded woods alongside and of course potholes.  With the sun still shining we went through Walderton and Funtington turning off along Downs road continuing to West Stoke.  We turned off at West Stoke Road and stopped for coffee/tea at Wellies.  Meanwhile the sun had disappeared and the sky looked quite threatening.  At the end of Hunters Race we split up and headed home via West Lavant or Centurion Way. 

 Mileage   25                                                                                              

 Written by Avryl    (Leader) 

Posted by RideLeader at 20:05 GMT

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For today's ride we all converged on Avryl’s house in Tangmere for a Mince Pies start. The weather was dry, though cloudy with temperatures up to 10C.

I took a route on lanes via Colworth. With the worst of the flooding subsided I took one lane for the first time in months. I came across this view which I would call “Warning Potholes Ahead” It made me think of the Indians who put skulls on sticks to warn not to go any further.

There were 28 of us crowding into Avryl’s house and most arrived by bike.

I may have missed some but these included Avryl, myself, Arthur, Lynn, Jan, Jim, Freda, Richard, Elizabeth, David, Irene, Jim, Jan, Dave, Debbie, Alan, Liz, Diane, Brian, Harvey, Roy, Brian, Sue and welcome to 4 newcomers, Tony and Marylin Holmes and Mark Farrugia and Phillip Janson.

We were soon all tucking into coffees and a great spread of Mince Pies and other cakes.

When it came time to leave the first job was to find the right shoes or perhaps a better pair.

We all collected the right bikes outside to head off to lunch at Aldingbourne.

However it all came to stop at the end of the drive as Jan discovered she had a puncture. Arthur and some others waited while Arthur fixed the puncture. I led the rest over to Aldingbourne. I took a route across Tangmere Airfield and the road from Oving and lane though Aldingbourne village and on to the Garden Centre for lunch. John Maxim joined us for lunch.

We gathered to leave after lunch heading for home on various routes.

My latest HDR picture is of Westminster Underground station with a fisheye lens. I thought the roof looks a bit like a flying saucer.

Posted by RideLeader at 16:28 GMT

Updated: Monday, 7 January 2013 10:36 GMT

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Today was the best day in many weeks with blue skies and sun all day with temperatures up to 8C. Evidence of recent deluges was clear as I rode up the main A29 road just north of Shripney. There were 2 locations where the water was across the road as shown by the pictures below.

There was a late 10.30 start at Walberton Pond with leader nominate on the day. However nobody arrived to lead though I learned later that Ernie had arrived just after I left at 10.35.

I took the lanes up to the A29 and then turned off onto the lane to Madehurst. With no fast group to keep up with I was able to take my time and take pictures like this pretty cottage on the Madehurst lane.

Elevenses was taken with a Hot Chocolate at the Whiteways Cafe/Kiosk.

Then downhill to Houghton and flooding in the fields where the River Arun had overflowed.

With the Black Horse Inn closed down the lunch stop was at The Sportsman, Amberley. Below is the view from the Pub where the Pulborough Wild Brooks AKA Amberley Lake was more flooded than I have ever seen it.

There was a much better turnout from Arun Adur including John Maxim, Richard Boulton, Dave Fox, Ernie and Ray and Jo.

I returned on the same route save for going back via Yapton and the coast

My mileage for the day from Pagham was 36 miles.

My latest HDR image to be processed is a shot of Bath Abbey taken from the roof with a fisheye lens during the Abbey Tower Tour.

More details at my Photo Blog at http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog 

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:51 GMT

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For a change today was dry with some sunshine with temperatures up to 10C. Evidence of recent deluges was clear as I rode up the Pagham Road. The picture shows the overflow from the Lavant flood relief scheme.

Arthur was the leader and there was a good turnout. Joining the ride were myself, Sam, Richard, Graham, David, Alan and Liz. Avryl joined us at elevenses so 8 out on the day in all.

Arthur led us out from Chichester along West Street and then along Appledram lane. We kept to the road as the Salterns Way path was flooded. More flood and mud avoidance followed as we took the main road before turning off to Chichester Yacht Basis to stop at the Cafe for elevenses.

Alan and Liz and I turned back after elevenses for a half day ride. Arthur led the rest via Birdham to stop for lunch at the Boulevard Cafe, East Wittering.

My mileage for the day from Pagham was 21 miles.

Next a few more HDR pictures. The first one is of a Christmas lights scene at Canary Wharf. The second is a shot of Bath Abbey taken with a fisheye lens.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 14:13 GMT

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Today was the Tinsel Ride to Barnham led by Arthur and meeting at Chichester Cross. The weather was sunny and a lot warmer than of late with temperatures reaching 10C.

Meeting at the Cross were Arthur, Richard, Keith, Dave and Jan, Sam, Avryl, Graham of the Moulton Club  and myself (Edwin) so 9 in all. Alan and Liz joined us at Elevenses and John at lunch so 12 out on the day in total. Some were into the Christmas spirit

Arthur led us East via Shopwyke and then Oving and on to the lane through Aldingbourne Village.

We crossed the A27 at Crocker Hill and then on to Aldingbourne for a welcome break. We were joined here by Alan and Liz. Arthur had 2 bright baubles on the back of his bike. Avryl commented that his balls were shining in the sunshine!!

We all gathered to set off again.

Arthur led us back via Fontwell and the underpass under the A27. Then it was down to Walberton and on to Barnham for lunch at Lily’s cafe where we took over.

We were joined there by John Maxim. Lynn also joined us there by car after having to work in the morning.

After lunch I headed straight home taking a route via Yapton and Middleton. Then back on the seafront. There were some quite dramatic clouds over the sea with long delayed showers moving in which I just beat home.

Mileage from and back to Chichester would have been about 24 miles. My mileage was 31 from Pagham.

Next a few more HDR pictures both taken with a fisheye lens. Just over a week ago I took another day trip to London for some more pictures. The first one is of a travelator at Waterloo Underground station. The second was at Canary Wharf with one of the Docklands Light Railway trains just entering a skyscraper. The shutter speed was slow to get movement in the train.

 Canary Wharf

More details at my Photo Blog at http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog  

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:22 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 16 December 2012 19:40 GMT

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After a cold and wet week the weather took an unexpected turn for the better and today was bright and sunny, very little wind and temperature hovering at about 8 degrees - double what it has been!
 
Julian, Alan, Steve, Harvey, Liz with brother in law Bob, Debbie and myself all turned up at the start so 8 out for the ride is not bad for December.
 
We took a contorted back route out of Bognor via Aldwick, and then headed for open country along the Lower Bognor Road, diverting to our usual "Parigo Farm" tracks to avoid the busy twists of the road. Here we stopped for a quick photo opportunity. Then it was to Runcton and a route across the old airfield at Merston, a route with which regular evening and Saturday riders will be familiar. Doubling back across the old runway I took a path we don't use very often, a rarther sticky pathway (but only for a few yards) to join the old Green Lane and emerging at the India Gate and the cycle track following the A259. A quick sprint up the cyclepath brought us to Brick Kiln.
 
The return route took the cycletrack to the Colworth loop, where Harvey left us for Barnham, and Liz & Bob for Chichester. Then around Colworth lanes where we found the road completely submerged due to the recent rains. However it was only about 5 inches deep at worst so we got a bonus of nice clean tyres on the way home. We rejoined the cycle track to North Bersted, then back roads again via the Arena, and into central Bognor.
 
Return mileage to and from Bognor library just a tad under 15.
 
Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 07:56 GMT

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Today there was an 08.30 start Appetite Improver Ride to Compton for elevenses and then the Christmas Lunch at Hunston. As the alarm went off I wondered whose silly idea it was to put down an 8.30 start ride on a cold December day, oh yes, mine and I was due to lead it.

The day dawned with clear skies and cold, well freezing really, with a widespread frost. Temperatures were about -2 in the countryside increasing to +5 later in the morning.

Survival guide for the artic weather cyclist. Five layers including 2 coats, woolly hat under the helmet, 2 pairs of gloves. For the feet 2 pairs of socks, plastic bags, shoes and overshoes.

My plan which actually worked was to stay on B Roads, hopefully salted and avoid hills until it warmed up. However I approached Chichester with hopes that nobody else would be daft enough to turn up for the ride so early on a cold morning so I could retreat to a warm cafe. Didn’t pan out though, Sam and John Maxim turned up.

We headed off up via the Northgate Roundabout and then the B-Road via East Ashling and Funtington. I mentioned to Sam that you could tell the salted roads from the wet sheen on them, to which Sam replied unless its ice, oops.

We continued though Funtington avoiding the hill and took the next right to head on via Racton. It was a beautiful morning with bright low sunlight and white frost covering everything. We continued up the B-Road via West Marden and arrived at Compton at about 9.30. The cafe opens at 8.30. Our refreshment break/warming up break lasted for an hour. When we exited Sam’s tyre was flat as a pancake.

When we left much of the frost and ice was melted. We headed back via Funtington, Watery Lane and West Ashling. Then it was Clay lane back to Chichester. John left us there and Sam and I continued to Hunston via the Canal Path to arrive in the Pub Car Park at 12.00 precisely, better than Horsham Section!

There were 14 for the lunch with some arriving by car and others coming direct by bike. The meal was excellent, tasty with substantial portions.

My mileage for the day from Pagham was 37. Mileage from and then back to Chichester after lunch would have been about 30.

One footnote to the day. When I got home I heard a noise upstairs, first thought burglars! The noise came from the spare room/computer room and came from behind a half closed curtain. Behind it was a bird, quite big, about the size of a thrush and it had those kinds of markings. I opened a window drew the curtains and it found the way out. The big mystery is that all doors and windows were firmly shut. The loft hatch was shut, the chimney is sealed off. When I went out in the morning I shut the vestibule door before opening the outer door and the inner door was shut when I got back. Answers on an E-Card only or to me as an extra question for the Christmas Quiz by Dave and Arthur at the Club Night this Thursday.

Below are my latest HDR pictures both taken with a fisheye lens. The first is City Hall, London’s South Bank and the second is a stairwell at Embankment underground Station.

More details at

http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:00 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 2 December 2012 19:35 GMT

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