16 people turned up for Arthur’s birthday ride from Chichester to Emsworth. The ride was our first trial of a morning only ride and attracted a few people new to Sunday rides, joining us from the Cycle Bognor group. We even had a tandem join us.  And despite the ride being a short one, some people managed an astonishing three coffee stops.

We headed west out of Chichester under the A27 via Clay Lane.

We added an additional stop in at Woodmancote after some mechanical issues (a slipping chain) split the group. After the stop we cycled the few miles on to Emsworth for coffee stop two.

On the way back we came straight down the cycle path along the A259. Some stopped off in Chichester Cathedral for another coffee. Over coffee in Emsworth I had said that one of the things I didn’t know how to repair was a broken chain. Just outside Bognor my chain broke and I had to walk the last mile.

The total distance to and from Chichester was around 19 miles.

The route (including my loop to Bognor) is here

David

Posted by RideLeader at 09:27 GMT

Updated: Monday, 26 January 2015 09:28 GMT

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Sunday 25^th January. Ride to Wiston Tea Rooms.

First thing this morning it was very cold with another hard frost. Later it warmed up to 8C with a mix of cloud and sun. The following picture was taken just before 9.00 near the start at Walberton.

Colin was the leader and he was joined at the start by myself, Rex, Jeff and Chris so 5 out in all for the long ride. This was overshadowed a little by the first of our morning only rides from Chichester, short and easy paced which gained an attendance of 16.

Colin led us out from Walberton up the A29 and after a short ride on that we turned off onto the scenic lane via Madehurst leadings us up to the Whiteways Roundabout.

Then it was along the ridge overlooking the Arun Valley before the steep descent of Bury Hill before turning off on the Lane to West Burton. Soon after we came across ice across the road. Most of us found a way around it but Jeff went right over it managing to slither to a stop and walked to the end of it. Then it was lanes across to Coldwatham, through a flood before the river and on to Wiggonholt for elevenses to get warmed up.

Chris left us at elevenses and we continued via Nutbourne Common where we passed Ray and Jo of Arun Adur Club. Then it was on via West Chiltington, Thakeham and Ashington for lunch at Wiston. The tea rooms still have their  usual menagerie.

We headed for home via Rackham, Amberley and Houghton hill. Mileage from and back to Walberton would have been about 52. My mileage from Pagham was 69.

My latest picture to be processed was taken in London last Monday at Kings Cross Underground Station. Smile as you leave the Underground!

For more details see my Photo Blog at http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog/2015/1/smile-underground-exit

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:43 GMT

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Following a wet and windy morning, the day cleared for a sunny afternoon, with the wind gradually decreasing.  The improvement in the weather brought out 15 cyclists for a ride from Chichester to Bosham.

Leaving Chichester library, the group cycled down West Street towards Westgate, before going through the A27 underpass and joining the cyclepath towards Fishbourne.  Unfortunately, the cyclepath was closed off at Salthill Road, so we had to divert via the main road towards Bosham.  We then turned left into Old Park Lane.

Then left again into Hoe Lane, which took us on a very windy ride around Bosham Hoe! We then took the main harbour road into Bosham village, with the tide lapping at our tyres!

On the way home, we took a much shorter route back to the main road, via the designated cycle route, taking in Walton Lane and Chequer Lane in Bosham.  We then continued along the A259 and back through the underpass into Chichester.  Most of the group left us at Westgate to take the cyclepath via Chichester College.  Those of us remaining then continued along West Street back into the city.

Philippa

Posted by RideLeader at 15:39 GMT

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The weather today was cold and windy though sunny for the morning before cloud moved in for the afternoon.

Arthur was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by Lynn, myself, Sam, Graham, Martin, Rex, Bill and Harvey so 9 in all.

We headed out via West Street and Clay Lane and then the South Coast Cycleroute to Woodmancote to stop for elevenses for a change at the Woodmancote Arms. We enjoyed a warm fire with hot drinks!

We continued via Racton with Racton Tower standing out very well with the tree foliage removed. Then it was on up the valley road via West Marden to Compton for lunch. Throughout the morning we had seen numerous other groups of cyclists both large and small. Unfortunately there were 2 groups at Compton with not a seat to be found inside or out. We ordered and waited around and eventually tables came free. Out of the wind and in the sun it was almost warm (with enough layers)

Just as we were leaving Graham Young turned up, a member a while ago and he rode back with us. We returned down the valley and then over the hill to Funtington. Then it was Watery Lane to West Ashling and back to Chichester. Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 23. I returned via a visit to the Chichester Camera Club Photography Exhibition at North Mundam. Then a longer route home to Pagham to complete  38 miles for the day.

My latest picture was taken at the Tate Britain converted to black and white using the High Key method, (more whites)

A larger picture and more details at https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/16226815301/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:43 GMT

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Today was the Mince Pie Ride to the house of Philippa and William at Bracklesham Bay.

We met at Chichester Cross at 9.30. Those on the ride were myself, Sam, Harvey, Gill, Russell, Bob, Richard, Rex and Bob and Gill Marshall so 10 in all. The weather was about 3C at the start and was cloudy early but sun later and light winds. Sam was cold.

We headed out on West Street and then Appledram lane. We missed the mud of the Salterns Way path by taking a stretch of the main road. Then it was lanes via the Yacht Basin and Birdham Pool to Birdham. Then another stretch of main road but surprisingly little traffic on it. We then turned off onto Piggery Hall Lane to East Wittering and on to Philippa and William at Bracklesham Bay.

We had a splendid spread provided including sausage rolls, Stollen, Mince Pies and Profiteroles. Sam was still cold.

More club members arrived coming direct, some by car and some by bike being Dave, Jan, Alan, Liz, Arthur, Lynn, Freda, Jim, Cath and Roy so including Philippa, William and David there were 23 in all.

On the way back we took a route on lanes via Almodington to Sidlesham Common. After a short stretch of main road we split up with some heading straight back to Chichester and I led others back via Hunston and Merston.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 20. My mileage from Pagham was 29. It was essentially a morning only ride.

This afternoon I went to Pagham Harbour to take pictures of the sunset. This one was taken with a 2 minute exposure with a 10 stop filter which reduces the light  by 1000 times enabling the long shutter speed to be used.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:16 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 4 January 2015 19:19 GMT

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The weather today was cloudy and windy from the SW and much warmer than of late at 11C. There was a little light drizzle at times but it was otherwise dry.

I was the leader of the New Years Day ride today and I was joined at Walberton Pond by Rex, Bpb and John Rigarlsford.

We headed out east from Walberton and then over the A27 which had few cars on it, everybody presumably getting up late. Then it was up Shelbridge Lane to the A29 and on to the lane for Madehurst. We waited for Bob by Madehurst Church where he decided to head back.

Then it was on the lane to Whiteways and then down Bury Hill. Going downhill John got a bad case of Shimmy (vibrating Bike) and only just managed to stop the bike safely. We continued on the lane via West Burton and then cut across to the Fittleworth Road. Then it was another lane across to Coldwaltham. After crossing the Arun we took Greatham Lane to Rackham and on to The Sportsman at Amberley. John Maxim was there ahead of us. There were 9 from Arun Adur arriving later. They were doing the ride as a rendezvous ride meeting for lunch rather than a led ride.

The return ride was more direct via Houghton Hill, Walberton and the A29 back to Bognor. Mileage from and back to Walberton was 22. My mileage from and back to Pagham was 39.

My latest picture to be processed was taken from one of the link passages at the top of Tower Bridge. This is accessed as part of The Tower Bridge Exhibition. Taken with a Fisheye lens.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/16146826765/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:50 GMT

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The weather today was overcast and dull with a very light drizzle, hardly enough to wet the ground. Temperatures were up to 11C. Arthur was the leader and he was joined by Lynn, myself, Graham, Sam and Bill and arriving after the picture was taken were, Russell, Keith, Alan, Liz and Bob so 11 in all. The picture was taken by a stallholder nearby so the author gets in the picture for a change.

We headed out via West Street and then the Clay Lane route before descending straight to Bosham and the Arcade Cafe for elevenses. We gave a miss to the harbor road today as it was under water with high tide.

We continued by returning to the main road and after a ride along the adjoining cycleway turned off on the lane via Chidham. As we returned to the main road we started seeing frequent groups of Santas on bikes. This is part of a traditional ride from Hayling Island. In the picture are 2 lady Santas, well, women Bishops so why not, though a real lady Santa might have problems with the beard.

We continued on the lane to Prinsted and lunch at the Boaters Bar which provided the usual enormous portions.

On the way back we returned on lanes via Southbourne, Hambrook and West Ashling Lane to return to Chichester on the South Coast Cycle route. Mileage from and back to Chichester was 21. My mileage from Pagham was 34.

A week ago Saturday I cycled with cameras and tripod on a very cold and clear evening to a lane which runs into a bridleway from Halnaker crossroads. It has some skeletal trees which made for a great foreground for a Star Trails picture. Taken with a fisheye lens.

For more on Star Trails see my Photo Blog at http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog/2014/12/halnaker-downland-star-trails

Another picture to be processed was taken on a London trip early this month looking from the north at Canary Wharf.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/15861058990/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:19 GMT

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Today’s ride was supposed to be from Walberton to Barnes Green , but Rex had cycled from relatively tropical Littlehampton  to join Colin and was as  frozen as the surrounding fields. So Rex returned to the coast whilst Jeff  who had arrived from Selsey but in a car,  was more optimistic and left with Colin to go at least as far as RSPB Wiggonholt. 

As the temperature rose it was  decided to make for Ashington Garden centre for morning coffee.  Here Jeff nearly swopped identical wallets with a man in front in the queue but they decided not to take the chance! On emerging from the cafe it started to rain so pedals were traced . An improvement in the weather encouraged a diversion from  the outward route  to  Pulborough and Fittleworth, stopping for picnic lunch in the porch of the church in Coates.

After a discussion on the age of the stonework which required  referring to  the architectural bible  later, we opted to climb  Bignor Hill to avoid Houghton hill . This meant  Colin achieved at least one piece of off-road before the tarmac was rejoined north of  Madehurst.   

Afternoon tea at the Forge Slindon  then back to Walberton made a 41 mile ride. 

 Jeff

Posted by RideLeader at 21:29 GMT

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Today was the Tinsel Ride to Aldingbourne. After a cold start temperatures warmed up quite a bit though with some scattered showers. I had intended to go on the long ride to Barnes Green but the discovery of a puncture just before I left put paid to that. The advantage of a Marathon Plus Tyre is that it very rarely punctures, at least 4 years for the one in question but the disadvantage is that they are absolute pigs to get on or off.

Harvey was leading the short ride standing in for Arthur. He was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Chris and Keith. As Harvey was the only one to decorate his bike he was the runaway winner of the best decorated bike competition.

We headed out via the Centurion Way to Lavant and then across to Goodwood Airfield for elevenses at the Control Tower Cafe. Harvey timed it perfectly as a shower arrived just after we got inside.

We continued via Halnaker and on to Aldingbourne for lunch which was fairly empty after another group of cyclists left.

In the afternoon Keith headed back to Chichester while the rest of us headed back via the Fontwell underpass and Walberton. I headed home via Yapton, Middleton and the seafront Cycleroute. The only other rain of the day arrived just as I got to my front door, lucky!.

Mileage from and back to Chichester would have been about 20 miles. My mileage from Pagham was 30.

My latest pictures to be processed are first an old one from Salisbury showing the reflection in the font.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/15362525363/in/photostream/

Next is a picture taken while in London last Monday with a little bit? of editing with a new program called Glow. The original picture was of a Hoodie on a travelator.

I have put more pictures edited with the program on my Photo Blog http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog/2014/12/topaz-glow-review-and-tutorial

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 16:09 GMT

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Quite a few people gave their apologies in advance for this ride, apparently it is Christmas this month and there are a lot of things to sort out. However albeit chilly, it was a beautiful sunny December day - the third Saturday in a row with excellent weather - and this brought 5 out to the start point - Alan, Julian, Graham, Bill, & Nicola.

 Whilst there wasn't a cloud in the sky and very little wind to speak of, there was no mistaking it was December - the temperature hovered between 4 and 7 degrees, adding a little bite to today's ride.

 There was a Christmas Market in Bognor town centre and the place seemed really buzzing, so we  set off by walking through the precinct to check out the various activities.

Then it was to the sea front and along the prom into Aldwick, West Meads and the Lower Bognor Road. The usual diversion through Butterlees Farm took us on a very pleasant ride away from the tarmac until we met the road again at Runcton. Then a turn down Merston Lane and Green Lane took us past the massive greenhouses of Groves Farm  before we emerged on the Bognor-Chicheser cycletrack at Merston. Then just a short sprint found us at our destination.

 The Brick Kiln Nursery had laid some entertainment on, a Jazz trio, although not sure whether this was especially for our benefit or just a part of their run up to Christmas.

 After our refreshment stop, Bill left us to cycle back to Lavant whilst the rest of us returned down the cycletrack towards Bersted. We took the Colworth loop (not too flooded) where we saw a paraglider landing in a field, but with no clue as to where he might have taken off from. Entering North Bersted, we took a route through the new Bersted Park Development to North Bested Street, also taking the opportunity to see part of the new relief road, which opens to traffic this Weds 17th December.  Then it was back into central Bognor via residential roads and back streets.

 I did over 20 miles this afternoon, but the mileage from, and back to the start point, was about 14.

 Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 22:01 GMT

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The weather today was forecast to be rain lasting all morning but in the end it was quite light and patchy clearing up by mid morning.  

Just 4 of us met at Chichester Cross, myself, David, Sam and Bob, John Maxim was there as well but left us soon afterwards to head for Rowlands Castle. There were 22 in all for the Christmas lunch later at Runcton.

We headed out via the Centurion Way, West Stoke and Funtington with light rain arriving soon after Funtington. I took a route straight to Compton on the valley road via West Marden. We stopped at Compton Village Tea Rooms for 11s, well 10s really.

Then it was across to Findchdean and Rowlands Castle and back to Chichester on the South Coast Cycleroute via Westbourne and Woodmancote.

At Runcton we settled in to a long 3 course Christmas lunch with our numbers gaining us a room to ourselves.

..

My latest picture to be processed was taken a few months ago at Oxford Circus Underground Station.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/15324128593/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:20 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 7 December 2014 20:04 GMT

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The weather for today’s ride was very good with temperatures fairly mild at 10C, light wind and a mainly sunny day which got sunnier as the day went on.

Arthur was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Lynn, Sam, Graham, Martin, Jan, Richard Carlise, Harvey and Bob so 10 in all.

Arthur led us out via Appledram Lane and then to avoid the mud we took the main road to Chichester Yacht Basin Cafe which seemed to be occupied by large numbers from Worthing Excelsior. Sadly this will be our last visit to this much frequented cafe over many years as it permanently closes on the 7^th December and the site will then be redeveloped.

Jan and Richard left us after elevenses and the rest of us continued on lanes via Birdham Pool where the tide was very high but not quite flooding the road. Then it was on via Birdham and Shipton Green and on to East Wittering for lunch at The Boulevard Cafe. They served their usual enormous portions.

In the afternoon we headed back on lanes via Earnley, Almodington and Sidlesham Common before retracing our steps to Appledram Lane and a stop for tea at  Fishbourne Roman Palace Cafe. This one closes as usual mid December and reopens 1^st February.

Mileage for the day from and back to Chichester was 22. My mileage from Pagham was 36. It did feel like we the sort of day when we spent more time in cafes than on the bike and very enjoyable too..

My latest picture to be processed was taken on a tour of the Channel 4 Building in London looking down at the entrance area.

For a larger picture and more detail see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/15863930916/in/photostream/

On a Christmas note my latest picture to be published is on the front cover of InBath a local Events Magazine and is a view of Bath Abbey taken a few years ago at Christmas.

See also the write up on their Blog about my Photography http://www.inbath.net/2014/11/edwin-jones-photography-provides-this-issues-front-cover-image/

Note that this Thursday 4^th December is the Club Night with a Christmas Quiz and that next Sunday 7^th December is the Christmas Lunch Ride followed for those who have booked by the Christmas Lunch at The Walnut Tree, Runcton.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:04 GMT

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The weather today was dry most of the day save for one shower in the afternoon. Most of the rain was running along the coast so by heading north we stayed clear of most of it. I was the leader and I was joined by Sam and Rex. Chris stopped off to say hello. They were just putting up the Christmas tree next to The Cross, that time of year again!

We headed out via the Centurion Way, West Stoke and Funtington. Then it was up the valley road via West Marden. The Autumn leaves must have been near their peak colours.

We rode at an easy pace, I because of a twinge in a knee and Sam as he was still recovering from an operation. Rex was happy to follow along and have time to admire the scenery. We stopped for elevenses at Compton Stores tearooms with a lot of other cyclists having the same idea.

We then continued over the downs taking the relatively easy southern approach to Harting Hill past Uppark.. After descending to Harting we took lanes via Elsted and then crossing the main road to some beautiful lanes via Iping and staying north of the River Rother via Woolbeding and Easebourne to our lunch stop at Cowdray Farm Park Cafe.

In the afternoon we took a track which none of us had tried before bypassing the main road and then past Cowdray Ruins.

We continued on into Midhurst and onto a lane taking us south via Bepton and on to Cocking. After the Hill and the gradual descent to Singleton and West Dean we came into rain for the first time. This had cleared by the time we got back to Chichester on the Centurion Way. Mileage from and back to Chichester was 42. My mileage from Pagham was 56.

My latest picture to be processed was a night shot of Carcassonne Citadel take during a cycle tour of that area of France in late September.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/15780555382/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:00 GMT

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After recent rain and gales it was a welcome relief today to have blue skies and light winds.

I was the leader today and I was joined for the start at Walberton by Rex, Colin and Russell. We took a route out on the lanes via Madehurst.

From Whiteways we took the main road and a fast descent down Bury Hill and then on lanes via West Burton and Coates with beautiful Autumn colours. Then it was on to Pulborough via Fittleworth to the AGM held starting 10.30 at Pulborough Village Hall.

There were 15 in all at the AGM and business was concluded remarkably quickly in about an hour. We held a 2 minutes silence at 11.00. We adjourned for lunch at the Oddfellows Arms a few hundred yards up the road. We were quite impressed that the prices were very reasonable and there were few other customers so no problem getting a table. I did spot this sign in a corridor en route to the Gents which makes one wonder about their usual clientele!!

The return route was via Parham Park and Rackham to Amberley. Here we stopped briefly as the road was full of Police cars and fire appliances. Apparently there was a fire up a side road which they were just taping off as we arrived.

At Houghton  the rest headed off via the Khyber Pass route to Arundel while I headed up Houghton Hill and took a few photos on the way home.

For this one the River Arun merges with flooded fields at Houghton.

The next one is a tree tunnel on the lane to Madehurst.

I headed back via Yapton and Middleton. On Felpham seafront I caught the edge of a small shower but was amply compensated by a full rainbow.

Mileage for the day from and back to Walberton would have been about 30. My mileage from and back to Pagham was 51.

My latest pictures to be processed are first this one of Canary Wharf with a zoom effect done in Photoshop.

For a larger picture and more details see  https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/15537694428/in/photostream/

Finally a different sort of shot of the Tower Poppies as a suitable one for Remembrance Sunday.

For a larger picture and more details see  https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/15743936212/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:22 GMT

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Today it was all about the weather.

There was heavy rain and strong winds all morning, but by about 11.30 the sun was out and although the wind was still blustery, Philippa as rides leader decided that the ride should go ahead as planned. Perhaps surprisingly, given the uncertain weather, there were 15 at the start, which must be a record for a November ride!!

 Philippa was joined by new riders Bill, Karen and Paul, and Graham, Debbie, Suzanne, Roy, Liz, Clair, Julian, Bob, Steve, Carol, and Rachel, who came with us as far as Dell Quay.

We set off over the new railway footbridge, via Apuldram Lane, then joined the Salterns Way. The wind had dropped a little and the sun had disappeared, the earlier rain still evident from large puddles along the route. We continued along the Salterns Way and arrived at the Marina without incident. However as soon as we parked up at the Boathouse Cafe, a few spots of rain started to fall. This had developed into light rain by the time we were ready to leave. Philippa led part of the group back to Chichester the way we'd come, whilst I took a smaller group back to Bognor, via Hunston, Runcton, Butterlees Farm and Aldwick.

 No sooner had we left the Marina when the rain got heavier. And heavier. We arrived back in Bognor absolutely soaked, despite some wet weather gear. In fact it’s difficult to recall the last time i got quite so wet on a bike ride. The odd thing was, the rain suddenly stopped as we approached Bognor, and as we came through Aldwick, I noticed the roads were bone dry. Not a drop had fallen here!  And the wind had also vanished. This was to change however as on arrival at the town centre a heavy downpour started, and our brief dry respite was over. I can't really say i got another soaking as i was already thoroughly wet through, but this extra rain didn't help.

 The ride from, and back to Chichester would have been around 10 miles; I clocked up 21.0 by the time I got home and was able to wring my socks out.

 Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 20:48 GMT

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Sunday 2^nd November. Ride to Aldingbourne

The weather today was windy and wet though with a few dry interludes.. After earlier downpours I managed to get to Chichester in the dry. I was due to lead the 9.00am ride to Rake. However nobody turned up for this so I decided to wait for the easy ride starting at 10.00 scheduled to go to Littlehampton. I waited in Costa with a hot chocolate soon joined by Keith who arrived early to start his crossword.

Arthur was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Keith, Avryl, Lynn, Russell, Martin and David. Alan joined us at elevenses so a surprising 9 out on the day. In the picture Arthur gives a very suspicious look at the Paparazzi.

As we left the rain resumed first light and then as a torrential downpour and then steady and heavy. We took a direct route to elevenses at Barnham via Shopwhyke, Oving and Eastergate. Elevenses was taken at the Willow Tea Rooms near Barnham Mill and we arrived at the same time as Alan. We decided to go for a more sheltered route and changed the lunch stop to Aldingbourne. A break in the weather arrived just in time to leave.

Alan, David and Russell left after elevenses to head back. The rest of us headed on via Walberton and then up Tye Lane were we got dripped on from the trees.

 Then it was on to the underpass under the A27 and on to Aldingbourne Garden Centre Cafe for lunch which for some reason was empty of other customers. The picture below was taken as we left.

The group continued back to Chichester with a tea stop at the new cafe in Goodwood Control Tower. I headed back from Aldingbourne getting home just before the next batch of rain.

Distance from and back to Chichester was about 30 miles and my mileage from Pagham was 35.

My latest HDR pictures are first this one from Open House taken inside the Channel 4 Building looking up through a skylight.

For a larger picture and more detail see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/15453247539/in/photostream/

The second one was taken in a tunnel at Waterloo Underground with a fair bit of processing. I call it Lines to a Space Odyssey.

For more details see http://edwinjonesphotography.com/blog/2014/10/high-key-effect-using-topaz-simplyfy

Edwin  

Posted by RideLeader at 16:45 GMT

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Today it was cloudy mild and dry with temperatures up to about 15C. Colin was the leader and he was joined at Walberton Pond by myself, Rex and newcomer Andrew Morley from Birdham. Sam came by car to say hello but was not yet able to cycle after his operation. Gill joined us later for a while after lunch so 5 out on the day by bike.

The description of the route today is a little more detailed than usual to help those who had no idea where they were to follow it on a map. Colin led us out on the usual route from Walberton taking Shellbridge Road among the first signs of Autumn Colours.

Then it was the lane via Madehurst and down the hill to Houghton before turning off on the lane to Bury. Then it was more quiet lanes via West Burton and Coates to Fittleworth. Then it was up the lane to Brinkwells Hill. This is a very pretty lane but one of my least favourite hills due to its length and about 4 steep ramps upwards after each of which you think you are near the top as it levels off. The clear sign for the real top is bright red post box on the left.

Then it was down the even steeper descent on the north side and on to Wisborough Green for an elevenses stop at the cafe where we were welcomed by the serious Italian who runs it.

We then headed east on the main road before turning off on the lane towards the Haven but turning off this near Oakhurst to cross the A29 and take the lane to Barnes Green. Just before Barnes Green I spotted an ancient car ahead of us so sprinted ahead to get a picture.

From Barnes Green it was a lane via Marlpost wood and down to Dragons Green. We all had sandwiches at the Scout Hut using some handy picnic tables and then round the corner to the George and Dragon Inn for drinks where we met up with Gill.

From Barnes Green we headed south soon taking a short Colin loop via Shipley and Whitehall. Then it was a lane via Broomers Corner heading south to just above Ashington. We then turned north on the  B2133 and then left on a lane to Thakeham (I was lost at this stage!) After Thakeham it was south a little on the B2139 before turning right on a lane west towards West Chiltington and then south towards Storrington before turning right on a tarmac lane marked as a path on the map which bypasses Storrington. At the end of the lane it was right on another lane via Redford House (short Colin Loop) and a short stretch of main road to then join the lane via Wiggonholt Common.

Then it was the usual route back via Rackham. As we were coming down fast towards Amberley it was emergency stop as a horsebox backed out from a field in front of us being directed by a girl clearly not noticing bikes.

From Houghton it was the long drag up Houghton Hill and back via Madehurst.

Return mileage from Walberton was 54. My mileage from Pagham was 70.

Thanks go to Colin for another well navigated route with some beautiful quiet lanes.

My latest picture to be processed was taken at the Carcassonne Citadel in southern France during a cycle tour last month. Taken in the dawn light.

For more details and a larger picture see

https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/15424490987/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 21:33 BST

Updated: Sunday, 26 October 2014 21:35 BST

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The mornings ride today was very short just from Chichester to West Stoke Village Hall for the Club AGM.

The weather was far better than most recent AGMs being dry and warm up to 18C although windy. I was the leader and I was joined at Chichester Cross by David, Martin, Arthur and Lynn. A lot more went direct to the hall.

We took a fairly direct route west from the Cross and then up the Centurion Way Cyclepath. Then it was some narrow lanes to West Stoke.

At the Hall more members joined some by car and some by Bike including Richard, Alan and Liz,  Freda and Jim, Rex, Colin, Philippa, Jim Jennings and Jeff and Bea Lander. A total of 16 attended in all.

After the meeting we made our separate ways back.

 Colin joined me for a longer ride back via Funtington, Walderton and Stoughton and the lane to East Marden.

We then headed back via Chilgrove and Lavant with a stop for tea at the Aero Club Cafe. For the last month this has been relocated to a renovated old control tower while the old cafe is rebuilt. The new cafe has a nice art deco look.

It is on 2 floors with some great views over the race track from the balcony of the 2^nd floor. We have scheduled it for a Saturday ride visit in March.

My mileage for the day from Pagham was 37.

My latest HDR picture was taken on Open House day showing the staircase at the London School of Economics new Student Centre.

For more details and a larger picture see

https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/15368351398/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:44 BST

Updated: Sunday, 19 October 2014 17:46 BST

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Sam was due to lead the ride today but he had recently had his opp done on his hernia so the baton was passed to Colin. Sam came to see us off. Those joining Colin were myself, Rex, Mark and Andrew.

Getting started proved a bit of a logistical problem. Our start time of 9.00 coincided with the start of the Chichester Half Marathon as nearly 1000 runners poured up West Street and either side of Chichester Cross.

We managed to get across without any collisions and Colin did a diversion to get around the race before rejoining West Street and on via Clay Lane and on via the South Coast Cycle Route lanes via Woodmancote. We continued between the woods on the lane towards Rowlands Castle where Andrew gave a patriotic look to our group in the picture.

Then it was a convoluted route on lanes via Blendworth to Horndean and on to Catherington. Everybody had assumed we were going to elevenses at Sam’s original planned stop of Queen Elizabeth Park Cafe  without thinking to ask Colin. As we were now well off course I ask Colin and it turned out his plan was to the Cafe by HMS Mercury on top of the hill.

I had decided to make it a half day ride today to avoid overdoing it with my knee. I had hurt that 3 weeks ago in the early morning with no street lights and being dazzled by the lights of an oncoming car hit the curb on a corner and came off. That was not helped by immediately going on a 12 day cycle tour in France!

I decided to head back before the hill going up to Mercury and stopped for my elevenses on my return at Rowlands Castle.

Despite cutting short the ride my mileage from Pagham was 48.

Below is a picture taken in France of Peter Wilson and Richard Boulton riding along the towpath of the Canal du Midi in Southern France near Carcassonne. The picture has been converted to look like a painting using a software plugin for Photoshop.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 16:46 BST

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A really excellent turnout of 11 on this ride, considering the Met office forecast, the early moring rain and the generally unsettled outlook.  Unbelievably, despite threatening clouds, we had not one drop of rain for the whole ride and in fact the sun was so warm at our stop in Littlehampton, we were down to T-shirts.
 
Alan, Julian, Suzanne, Clair, Michelle, Steve, Carol, Bob ,and new riders Dave and Jacquie set out with me as rides leader.
 
we headed out through the back of Bognor and were soon the other side of Felpham and on the Barnham Cycletrack. Plenty of evidence here of the recent heavy rain with puddles, and although the surface was perfectly rideable, it was inevitable we would all be affected by mud splashes.  From Barnham Church we took the almost hidden  Hill Lane to Barnham Mill, and from there it was a straight run through Yapton to Rollaston Park where we took the route across the old airfield runways to emerge at the Rudford Industrial estate in Ford.

Following the A259 on the adjacent cycletrack for a few hundred yards, we turned into Ferry Road towards Rope Walk, which for a dead end road seemed unusually busy with traffic today. Then it was across the swing bridge, into Littlehampton, and a short ride along the riverbank to the Look-Sea Centre where we stopped for refreshments

After a pleasant break in the sun, we left Julian in Littlehampton (he had cycled over to Bognor in the morning to meet us) and took a more direct route home back over the swing bridge, to Climping School and Climping Street, then a mile of main road to Comet Corner and Middleton.  We continued through Middleton & Felpham, riders dropping out for home along the way.
 
The round trip mileage from and back to Bognor Library, was 18.5
 
Graham 
 

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Sunday, 12 October 2014 16:28 BST

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