Seven cyclists gathered at Chichester Library for the ride and the group set off towards Westgate, crossing over the mini-roundabout and turning left towards Chichester College via the cycle path.  Alan Tyler joined us at Chichester Railway Station and the group then headed towards Chichester Canal.

On arriving at Hunston, the group took a route along the other section of the canal via Donnington towards Birdham, arriving at The Barnyard around 3 pm.  Everyone enjoyed tea and cake, although a battle was also fought with the resident wasps!

The route back to Chichester was up to Chichester Marina and then via Salterns Way, arriving back in town about 4.15 pm.

Philippa

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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The weather was a hot summers day with a SE wind and sunny all day.

I was the leader and I was joined at Walberton Pond by Sam, Russell, Harvey and Colin. We were joined briefly by Roger later in the ride and Chris joined us at lunch and for the ride back while Alan and Liz joined us for lunch so 9 out in all at various times.

Colin left us for the morning to take an offroad route to lunch. The rest of us headed out via Aldingbourne to Eartham. Then it was along the main road for a while before the sharp descent of Duncton Hill and then on lanes via Barlavington and Shopham Bridge to stop for elevenses at Tiffins, Petworth.

Then it was north via Balls Cross and as we were running a little early I took them on a loop towards Ebernoe coming out near Kirdford. Then on to Wisborough Green and a picnic on the Green. We were joined there by 5 from Horsham Crawley and 2 from Arun Adur so with our 8 a total of 15 at the picnic.

For the return we headed back to Kirdford and then up a gradual hill towards Flexham Park.

Then it was down to Byworth and back to Shopham Bridge and a lane towards West Burton with a hill to tackle first. At the top we were just commenting about a sign and how one would know the dogs were loose when they duly arrived and made their presence loudly known.

We headed across via Bury to Houghton and then up the Khyber Pass route with some beautiful blue skies as we climbed.

When  the track started it had a much better hard packed surface for half of it. After descending via Burpham we had a another doggie encounter with a fair degree of baying.

Russ headed back to Littlehampton while the rest of us continued to Arundel and a tea stop at the Putting Green Cafe. For me it was the usual large portion of Apple Pie with scoops of Ice Cream. We headed back via Ford Lane and Yapton.

Mileage from and back to Walberton would have been about 53. My mileage from Pagham was 69.

A few pictures to follow from my trip to northern France. The first is Froome chased by Contador on the Cobbles. The second is a shot of Tony Martin on a corner near Dieppe and the third is one of the teams on the Team Time Trial.

For more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/19552428939/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin   

Posted by RideLeader at 20:46 BST

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A lovely sunny day today, sandwiched between a wet friday and a miserable Sunday. A strengthening wind was largely behind us and although some black clouds made a brief appearance, not a drop of rain fell.

15 at the start point, another excellent turnout. I led Alan Liz Bob  Julian Suzanne Clair Steve Carol Michelle Dave, another Alan another Graham and another newcomer Shelley through the back of Bognor to North Felpham, through the new estate and Flansham village to the Barnham Cycletrack.

 On to Walberton and we inspected the new cycletrack from Barnham taking shape at various points along the way. This will be a fine addition to the cycling network when completed. 

West Walberton lane took us on a steady climb to Fontwell from where it was the tunnel under the A27 and then into Slindon woods for a short but very rideable off road lane, to avoid busy traffic in one direction or a steep hill in the other. We emerged onto park lane where it was a gentle climb in to Slindon and then dropping down to the Forge Tearooms.

The round  trip mileage from and back to the start point, was almost exactly 19 miles.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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Sunday 19^th July Ride to Forest Green

The weather today was clear and sunny with temperatures up to 20C.

 Today's ride was to Forest Green near Leith Hill. The 90 miles and 8 am start  must have put people off as only Sam and Chris joined Colin at Chichester Cross.  Jeff decided to start from Petworth to avoid the normal roads and make it a normal 50 miler.

 So 4 set off to Kirdford but soon it was down to 3 as Sam decided to cut short and head for Wisborough Green  after his hard day riding the day before.    Quiet roads mainly to Ifold, Bucks Green ,Cox Green Ellens Green, Ewhurst Green and finally Forest Green.

Well finally for the Greens, but Jeff thought Leith Hill Tower being so close, it would be a shame not to visit the highest point in Surrey.  Half way up he was beginning to regret this but regret turned to delight as we went off- road for the final half mile and the view opened up right across to the highest point in Sussex ( Blackdown Hill )  Jeff climbed the tower and saw London . The South Downs blocked the view to the sea.

 The parting of the cyclists took place at Wisborough Green Cafe ( Sam you should have waited !)  Colin and Chris to head over the hills to Pulborough and Jeff back to Petworth.   Great summer's day ride.

Jeff Lander

Posted by RideLeader at 19:28 BST

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The ride today was led by a combination of David and Julian with again a good turnout. The route started as usual with a ride up the Barnham Cycle path. In the absence of Graham, our usual picture taker the pictures are courtesy of newcomer Mike Lambourne. Mike apologises for the quality but they are screenshots of a paused Helmet Cam video. Still better a pixelated picture than nothing at all.

From Barnham it was a totally new, just paved cyclepath from Barnham to Walberton.

Then up the lane to Fontwell and the tunnel under the A27 and on to climb the hill to Eartham. On the return most went back via Walberton while 3 returned via the main road and shipney.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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Today it was make your own way to a DA Event the 2 Weald Ride organised by Horsham and Crawley Group. The weather started wet early on but had dried up by the start time of 10.00 at Wisborough Green. Riders choose which of 4 routes to go on each being about 25 miles.

There were 6 from Arun Adur, 6 from Horsham Crawley, John Maxim of no fixed group and just myself from Bognor Chichester. A very poor turnout from our Group which is nominally the largest.

I decided to go with John Maxim and Jo Savage on the route to the north. Just as well John was leading as I had only a vague idea of where I was most of the time as we crossed the border into Surrey. We stopped half way for an elevenses stop at the Garden Centre at Cranleigh within sight of the North Downs. We parked the bikes where we were not supposed to and then entered the Garden Centre through a Gate marked No Entrance.

The return was via Dunsfold and Plaistow and as we headed south the sun came out.

On the return to Wisborough Green we had completed 23.5 miles on a relatively easy route with only a few short hills.

Although I got the train to and from Billingshurst by the time I had ridden too and from Stations my total mileage for the day was 39.

My latest picture to be processed was taken at the Tuesday evening circuit cycle racing at Goodwood Motor Race Circuit.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/19349819641/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:17 BST

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Another fine summers evening as tonights group set off for Sidlesham in  glorious sunshine and no wind to speak of. There were 14 of us - Julian, David ,Michelle, Carol, John,  Barry, Ray, Mike, Dmitry, Russ, 3 Steves and myself.

I led the group into Bognor where we joined the promenade to Aldwick. Then it was Barrack Lane and Stoney Stile Lane to bring us to Nyetimber where we turned down Summer Lane, onto the rough stuff and South Runcton.

The usual lanes followed as we made our way via Fisher. We were just approaching the point where the lane crosses a cattle field (normally with loose cattle around) when we spotted two cyclists in distress coming the other way. Apparently they were visiting the area and had decided to go for a ride, only to get a large puncture with no means to repair it. By the time we came across them they were about a mile from home and declined our help but we had a nice chat all the same.

Then a little more rough ground as the cycle route followed a field.

Then it was on via Chalder Farm (and the site of Chalder Station) to the Anchor pub at Sidlesham, which to our surprise had disappeared. Another very similar pub stood in its spot, now renamed the Grey Stag.

After a convivial couple of drinks it was still very light so we decided to return via Pagham Harbour, the usual route across the fields to Pagham Wall, rejoining the road at Church Farm. As always this route has challenges, the muddy depths of the harbour being within falling-in  distance of its overgrown pathway and stile, but on this occasion we negotiated it without incident, and it was still light when we reached the tarmac again.

From there it was a straightforward ride through the  Bay Estate at Craigweil to Barrack Lane and back along the prom to Felpham, people dropping off for home along the way.

The round trip mileage was about 18.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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The weather today was fair with sun early and cloudier later and the only rain coming while we were at lunch.

Arthur was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by Lynn, myself, Sam, Russell, Rex, Bob and newcomer Mike Healey. We were also joined at lunch by Mark Farrugia and his brother Richard so 10 out during the day.

We headed out on the South Coast Cycle Route lanes via Woodmancote and then on via  Westbourne to stop for elevenses (10s) at the Greenhouse Cafe, Emsworth. We were in good time to hear the hearty hymn singing from the Church next door.

Then it was on via Havant and Bedhampton to the first serious hill of the day up Portsdown Hill which has some beautiful views over Portsmouth. Sam waited for us at the top.

Then it was along the top past some of the forts, ancient and modern before descending towards Southwick. We took the B-Road via North Boarhunt to Wickham and lunch at The Kings Head at the Square. Wickham Square seemed to be full of cars going round and round in a fruitless quest for a parking space. Not a problem for bikes.

Rain came on over lunch but had cleared by the time we gathered outside to leave (Note, the Club denies all responsibility for individual Jersey choices!)

After a false start Arthur got us on to a beautiful quiet lane I had never tried before to the site of an old mental hospital, now flats where we nearly got lost going round in one complete circle.

We eventually got on the right road leading to a cycle path alongside a road towards Fareham. Then it was another new back road up to Portsdown hill. I have done the climb to Portsdown hill on all the other routes and although the riders today did not appreciate it I would say it is the easiest of the climbs. Also clearly evidenced by their smiles?

We retraced our route back along the ridge of Portsdown Hill and on to Havant for a tea stop as Costas. Rex, Russell and Mike headed straight back home rather than stop.

We returned on the A259 to Chichester to make our ways home. My route took me along the Chichester Canal path where I spotted a Heron. I stopped only yards away and it stayed still long enough for me to take its picture before it flew off.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was 49. My mileage for the day was 60.

My latest picture to be processed is another one taken at the poppy field near Falmer.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/19143017601/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin  

Posted by RideLeader at 20:25 BST

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A lovely sunny day but an unexpectedly strong south westerly wind kept temperatures down lower than might be expected.
 
There were 10 riders at the start point and I led Alan, Liz, Carol, Steve, June, Bill, Suzanne, Harvey, and John Maxim around the back roads of Bognor through to Felpham and on to the Barnham cyclepath. Good to see John on a rare Saturday outing as he is one of the Sunday stalwarts and usually goes a lot faster than our short rides manage!

From Barnham we took Hill Lane to the windmill then into Yapton. Hill Lane has been recently commented on for its very poor road surface; i noticed today that a lot of the problem is caused by innumerable patching and repairing, i've never seen a road that has been patched so many times. It really needs a complete new surface. I would imagine, given the very small amount of traffic using it, that its never been resurfaced since the initial layer was put down in the 1940s.
 
After Yapton we took the bridlepath that cuts across Ford Aerodrome from Rollaston Park to Ford Lane. This also connects into Rudford Industrial Estate and although egress was not a problem we noticed two unfriendly concrete slabs have been placed across the path as it goes into the industrial estate. Presumably they are to stop motor bikes from racing around but they make cycling difficult too.   
 
From Rudford it was down to meet the A259 and straight onto the cyclepath at Climping, crossing at the central refuge into Bridge Road, then across the footbridge into Littlehampton and our destination.
 
Armed Forces Day was being celebrated in Littlehampton and we watched as a Spitfire flew low across the town before dipping its wings and heading westwards. Unfortunately no photo but I did manage a shot from our front row view as the lifeboat returned from duties at sea and was hauled up to the lifeboat station.

For our return, John left us to head back to Angmering, whilst we headed back over the footbridge and to Climping street via the School footpath. Harvey and Bill left us at this point heading for Barnham whilst the rest of us took our life in our hands for a mile of main road (not too busy fortunately) to drop into Middleton via Comet Corner and back to Bognor via Felpham.
 
Round trip mileage to and from the start point was 18.
 
Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Sunday, 28 June 2015 17:35 BST

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A beautiful warm evening and 14 met at Arun Leisure Centre for the Evening Ride to Climping. Graham was the leader and he was joined by myself (Edwin) David Sinclair, Steve, Carol, Michelle, John, Julian, Harvey, Dmitry, Russell, Dave and newcomers Steve and Barry.

Graham led us out through the usual maze of lanes and on to the new estate with one unusual wrong turn, probably because it was still being built. Then on to the new road. Then it was a footpath through trees where Graham managed to find the only mud for miles around. The path linked with the Barnham path where we regrouped.

Then up the Barnham path to Barnham via Hill Lane (no hill) and should really be called hole lane. If there was a prize for the most potholed lane in Sussex it would be in the running. Then it was decent roads via Yapton and Horsemere Green Lane to the Ford Road. After crossing the main road we took a path by the School and then a good quality byway to the Beach.

Then is was north from Climping Beach along the lane to The Black Horse for refreshments.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Friday, 26 June 2015 13:51 BST

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There were 2 rides today, an early 8.00am start to ride to Chiddingfold led by Colin and the 10.00am start for the morning only ride led by Arthur. I had intended to go on the early ride. However despite all precautions and sending out the local rides list to multiple proofreaders there was an error. The Pedaller Rides List showed the start at 8.00 Chichester Cross and the local Rides List showed the start at 8.00 Walberton Pond. The Pedaller Rides List was correct and obviously everybody else looked at that while I looked at the local list. Nobody else turned up at Walberton Pond and having forgotten my mobile I could not contact Colin. Still even though I had not realised the error at least somebody was there in case anybody turned up.

While waiting I was able to amuse myself by giving crumbs from my flapjack to the local ducks who obviously enjoyed it as much as people do and probably about as good for them as it is for people!

I rode over to Chichester to join Arthur’s ride taking a route via Fontwell, Eartham, Halnaker and Lavant. Early morning cyclists were much in evidence. First there were Wiggle Off-road Sportive riders who started overtaking me at Fontwell. Then at Halnaker there were a lot of cyclists taking part in a Southdown Velo Hilly Time Trial Event. By the time I got to the start of the short ride at Chichester Cross I had cycled 24 miles.

For the ride to Aldingbourne Arthur was joined by Lynn, myself, Harvey, Russell, Chris and Avryl. Alan and Liz joined us for lunch so 9 out on the day.

Arthur led us out up the Centurion Way where we negotiated a path between the nettles, hint to WSCC!.

We turned off at Lavant to continue through the village and then the Lavant straight where preparations continue apace for the Festival of Speed next week. We continued to Halnaker via Waterbeach.

 Then it was a stretch of the main road before turning off on a lane and down to Aldingbourne for elevenses. We were joined here by Alan and Liz..

Harvey, Chris, Russell, Alan and Liz headed for home direct from elevenses. Arthur, Lynn, Avryl and I retraced the route to Halnaker and then headed back via Tangmere.

The ride distance from Chichester and back would have been about 18 miles. My mileage for the day was 47.

Colin reports that on the long ride there was just himself and newcomer Mike Healy. They arrived Chiddingfold at 12.00 after coffee at Kirdford and on through Dunsfold and down to Hidestyle before turning south to Chiddingfold via Vann Lane.

The return was via Pook Lane, Gospel Green, Lodsworth, Graffham (a drink at the shop) Seaford college, Duncton Hill, Eartham and Walberton as Mike lives at Middleton. Back home at a little after 3.00.    Mike is quite a fast rider.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/18295904953/in/dateposted-public/

On Friday evening I took train and bike to Falmer north of Brighton to take pictures of a large poppy field there.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/18801022079/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 16:16 BST

Updated: Sunday, 21 June 2015 18:59 BST

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Another early start today for a long ride from Walberton Pond at 08.00. I left home and before 7.00 and headed out via Bognor Prom and the Barnham Path. Riding up Flansham Lane I had to wake up these Ducks sleeping in the road.

Colin was the leader and he was also joined by Paul and Chris. We headed out via the Madehurst Lane to Whiteways.

After descending Houghton Hill highlights included lanes to the back of Storrington, the edges of West Chiltington, lanes to the back of Ashington and Wiston to stop for elevenses at Stans Bike Shack at Partridge Green. A Worthing Excelsior Rider kindly took a picture of all of us.

After Partridge Green we were soon in little explored lanes and notable points were Wineham and Hicksted. Bob’s Lane drew my attention. Then it was on via Hurstpierpoint and a back lane to the Jack & Jill Inn at Clayton. We met up there with a large Group from Horsham/Crawley CTC including Bob of lane fame.

After lunch we rode together for quite a way heading back north via Hicksted.

We then headed south on a lane via Blackstone to Small Dole and then on to Bramber. At this point I split off from the rest of the group. They continued back via Steyning and Storrington. I took a farm track to explore Steyning Bowl before heading back along the coast.

I had hoped to scout out a field for Photography near Lancing which was full of poppies last year. However this year it was different cultivation and nothing had appeared so I avoided a wasted trip later in the week.

Mileage from and back to Walberton would have been about 75. My mileage from Pagham was my longest of the year to date at 97. No, I didn’t bother riding round the block 10 times to make up the 100 as I have cycled 100 miles many times in the past.

My latest photos to be processed include the one below taken at Clapham Common underground.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/18405351069/in/dateposted-public/

The next one is of an Orchid at West Dean Gardens taken on Monday 8^th June. It is made up of 31 pictures all taken at slightly different focus and the combined together in Photoshop to get the best possible focus.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/18076615753/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 21:05 BST

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For the Saturday ride today I (Julian) was the Ride Leader on a very windy afternoon. I was joined at Chichester Library by Alan, Richard, Steve, Carole, Nicola, Liz and a friend plus 2 new people making a total of 10.

I led the ride out of Chichester going west, then down Salterns Way Cycleroute to the Chichester Marina. We then kept on the cyclepath towards Itchenor and then circled back to Russell’s where we stopped for refreshments. Carrot cake seemed to be very popular.

Steve, Carole and Nicola went straight back to Bognor after refreshments and the remaining 7 of us went along the main road for a way before branching off cross country until we joined up with Route 88 which took us across farmers fields and a lane via Fisher to come out near South Mundham. From there we cycled through Hunston and then up the Chichester Canal path back to Chichester town centre. The wind had eased off by then making the ride more enjoyable.

Julian

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Wednesday, 17 June 2015 20:06 BST

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There were 11 on the Thursday evening ride. We went along the prom to Aldwick then Nyetimber and Summer Lane and across the field to Honer Lane.

 We  turned before fisher across the usual field tracks to come out at Hunston church. Just before the rough stuff John had a rear puncture so we were a bit late arriving.

Ann and Roy had to turn back at the puncture stop due to our late running. Just after Fisher the track went across a newly ploughed field. Edwin joined us at the pub after time trialing.

 On the way back  a bizarre incident occurred when the bracket at the top of Julian’s saddle stem  snapped suddenly. He was left uninjured but with no saddle. No repair was possible so he cycled standing up for the last mile or so back to the Arun Leisure Centre.

 Round trip mileage was 16.

 Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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Today was Arthur’s Easy 100 Kilometre Ride, a toning down of previous years 100 mile rides. The idea is to ride entirely on the coastal plain with not a hill to be seen anywhere on the route. The weather was brilliant with warm sunshine all day and light winds.

The start was scheduled for an exceptional 7.00am start. As I left home at 6.00 am there were advantages to be found in the early hour. Not a breadth of wind stirred and moving cars were notable for their absence as their normal occupants slumbered. I headed up to Chichester on the back route via Summer Lane, a track across the field and then Honer Lane to South Mundham and Hunston. The only encounters of note were a few bunnies and lazy ducks.

To help those coming from further afield our start unusually was at Chichester Station car park. The group gradually arrived with eventually 13 assembled. There was Arthur, Lynn, myself, Sam, David Glue, Graham, Martin Guarnaccio, Martin Hines, Bill, Bob, Avryl, Jan and newcomer on his first ride with us Dale Dunning. Jeff joined us for a short while after lunch so 14 were out in all.

We headed out through the quiet streets of Chichester east at first via the Oving Road to Tangmere. Then it was over the A27 flyover to Temple Bar and Westerton. The first of the month Goodwood Breakfast Meet was on so our tranquillity was disturbed by Ferraris and the like. Then it was on through Westhampnett and back through Chichester, 2^nd time for those not paying attention.

We encountered an artificial hill with the cycle bridge over the Railway to Fishbourne. At the end of that Bill fell off (first time) though none the worse for wear. After a short stretch of cyclepath alongside the A259 we turned off onto lanes to Bosham. Then it was back to a cyclepath alongside the A259 before turning off onto the lane via Chidham which does a loop south before returning to the main road.

After a short stretch on the main road we turned off on another lane via Prinsted and on to our breakfast stop at the Boaters Bar. Here some of us partook of far too much food with their substantial English Breakfasts.

Next we retraced out steps including a loop round Chidham (2^nd time) and a loop round Bosham (2nd time)

We continued on paths alongside the A259 where Arthur came off worse in an encounter with some Brambles and Avryl fell off behind him and Bill piled in and came off too (2^nd time). Arthur was the only one needing some quick first aid.

We continued via Apuldram Lane and the path to the Yacht Basin. Then on via Birdham Pool to Birdham and a short loop via Shipton Green. Then it was a lane down to East Wittering and lunch at the Boulevard Cafe.

When we left we nearly but not quite lost David. We headed out via Bracklesham, Earnley and quiet lanes via Almodington.

On via Sidlesham Common where Arthur had a close encounter with a car whose driver pulled out as we were all lined up to turn into his road and signalling. This led to an amazingly polite exchange of views (honest). Then it was through Hunston and on to the cyclepath and some close encounters with some nettles. From North Mundham we did a loop down to South Mundham and then over to Merston and a loop via Colworth. Then across the airfield and tea at the Tangmere Museum Cafe.

After tea I headed straight home while the others took a route back through Chichester (third time) and back to the Station Car Park to clock up 101.5 Kilometres or about 62 miles, mission accomplished! My mileage including from and back to Pagham was 73.

My latest picture to be processed was taken at Clapham North Underground Station. The tilt was deliberate to add more drama to the picture (honest).

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/18453581271/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:48 BST

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 The 11s and start point were at Wiggonholt and we were about a mile short when a very loud noise came from my back wheel as everything jammed up. I managed to stop without falling off. A gear change had resulted in the derailleur being torn off the frame gear hanger. The gear hanger was also bent and the chain half broken. I cannot be accused of having mechanicals by half’s.

We spent a while at the roadside removing the bent derailleur and trying to set up a single speed but without success. I walked to Wiggonholt and got Rex to ride ahead to tell everyone else. There were just 4 from Horsham and 2 from Arun Adur. Bob advised they were going to just go for a ride and cancel the event. Possibly award points to those who turned up at the start. Very kindly Pete Eyre  gave me a lift to Pulborough Station. In line with my emergency procedures for total bike breakdown I got the train to Chichester Station where they have black Cabs which take bikes and got the taxi home.

 Looking back to sunnier times I visited Goodwood Motor Race circuit on Tuesday evening to take pictures of the cycle racing. I used a zoom effect in Photoshop to focus the image on a club mate from Bognor Regis Cycling Club.

More details and a larger picture at https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/18163556216/in/dateposted-public/

Posted by RideLeader at 14:26 BST

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The weather today was warm and sunny. The ride was led by David and in all 17 gathered outside Bognor Library for the start.

We went along the prom and then to Nyetimber, Summer Lane and the dry track across the field to join a lane up to South Mundham. Then it was Runcton and round Merston old airfield to the Brick Kiln Cafe for a tea stop.

The return was via Colworth and North Bersted. My round trip mileage was 20.25 so the round trip from the library would have been about 15.5.

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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A lovely sunny evening, temperature around 12 degrees and the wind having dropped significantly from earlier in the day, made for a very pleasant evening ride tonight.

I led 8 riders - Julian, Carol, Steve, John, David, and guest riders (from Sky Rides) Maureen and Dmitry around the back of Felpham to cross into the new estate and a new exit from it into North Road where it directly meets the Barnham Cyclepath at the top of Hoe Lane.  North Road is an ancient old track which has been off limits due to construction work but is now available for use again. Due to its sunken level and sheltered position it has always been vulnerable to flooding and as its had no work done on it directly, this is likely to continue to be a problem. With no significant rain for several days, tonight the surface was hard and dry. When work on the new estate is finally finished, we are promised a suitable upgrade and surface dressing, but for the moment it will be a judgment call whether or not its sufficiently dry to be used.

We stopped for a picture at a bridge used by the Barnham track.

From the Barnham track we came out into Church Lane Barnham, then crossed under the railway and headed for Walberton. We noted that construction had started on the Barnham- Walberton cyclepath (essentially an extension of Felpham-Barnham) as work in progress could be seen running parallel to the road on the Western side.
 
On reaching Walberton pond, it was left into West Walberton lane and the short climb to Fontwell village, then turning into Fontwell Avenue and crossing over into the Old stables bar, where conditions were still warm and pleasant enough to sit outside.  Edwin joined us at that point, fresh from his time trialing.
 
For the return ride, we completed a circuit by taking the rather bumpy track behind Fontwell Racecourse known as Northfields Lane down to Westergate, and then down a very quiet A29 all the way back to Bognor. Very unusually we met a vehicle coming the other way whilst down Northfields Lane. This is the first vehicle I've ever seen down there, and as it drew closer we discovered it was a police Landover. Quite what it was doing there, we never found out.
 
The mileage from, and back to, the Arun Leisure Centre, was a modest 14.
 
Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Friday, 29 May 2015 08:22 BST

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The  weather today was mainly sunny with temperatures up to 16C and the promised rain failing to materialise. Arthur was due to lead the ride but it appeared he was away cycling in France and had forgotten to appoint another leader, oops. After a little confusion I was nominated as leader. Those on the ride were myself, Sam, Rex, Harvey, Chris, Russell, Bob, Christine, Keith and newcomer Alan Harding so 10 in all.

We headed east on lanes via Westhampnett, Strettington and Waterbeach to Halnaker. Then a short stretch of the main Petworth road before turning off on lanes via Mount Noddy to stop for elevenses at Aldingbourne Garden Centre Cafe. For the next picture outside the cafe as discussed I made an edit in Photoshop to trim Bill’s tummy, far left.

We continued by taking the lane past Slindon Woods and under the tunnel and on down to Walberton. Then it was down to Yapton where I stopped to let the tailback of traffic built up behind us get past. Then on to Ford and to the Marina Cafe which is on the west side of the river near Littlehampton Footbridge. Russell and Rex lived a few miles away so they left us here. After lunch more left us with Chris Dart and Christine both living to the east.

There were just myself, Harvey, Sam, Keith and Alan heading back west. We headed back on the minor lanes to Climping. At the Ford road roundabout we really noticed the Bank Holiday traffic with a never ending stream of traffic coming from the Littlehampton direction. Sam managed to get across and the did a circuit of the roundabout to block the traffic allowing us to get across, nice one Sam!.

We took Horsemere Green Lane and back to Yapton and then Barnham where Harvey headed for home. The rest of us continued down the lane by the Murrell Arms to pickup the Barnham Cyclepath to Flansham. For a bit of exploration I took the group on a diversion to the nearby (closed) new road. We did not attempt to go towards the bridge which is thoroughly closed off but turned in the Flansham direction along part of the road which is closed to traffic.

When we got to the barrier rather than lifting bikes over a low fence to one side we went through a gate thanks to a padlock being left unlocked.

We continued to Flansham and then back streets via the Summerley Estate with a few mutterings from the ranks about Colin like diversions. We stopped for tea on Felpham seafront at the cafe by Felpham Yacht Club.

Sam reported that the mileage from and back to Chichester was 35. This was 10 miles more than the scheduled 25 but blame it on the leaders diversions. My mileage from and back to Pagham was 37.

My latest picture was taken looking up through a sort of Skylight from the basement of an Office building in the City. I was struck especially by the coloured windows.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/17959449691/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:19 BST

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The long ride today was to New Arlesford in Hampshire and was led by Sam. The weather was fair, mainly sunny with temperatures up to 15C.

Sam was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross for the early 08.30 start by myself and Rex. We were later joined by Jeff and Graham Young so 5 out on the ride in all.

We headed out on the usual South Coast Cycleroute lanes including stretches with bluebell and more unsually one area with wild garlic growing on the verge with suitable smell effects. We headed via Westbourne to Rowlands Castle where Jeff was waiting to join us. Then it was on lanes via Finchdean to the lane up through the beech trees of the southern climb of Buriton Hill. The low light produced a long shutter speed in the picture and a nice feel of speed.

After a fast descent of Buriton Hill we continued on lanes to East Meon and then on to West Meon intending to stop for elevenses at Springs Cafe only to find it was closed for a few days. We continued on up hill and down dale on quiet lanes and rode on to New Alresford. We came across repeated Road Closed signs which we ignored as usual until we came to the town where we found the streets choc a bloc with stalls and people for the Watercress Festival. Our intended lunch stop was packed so we moved on to stop for lunch a few miles up the road at the Tichborne Arms, Tichborne. Where we arrived at about 11.55.

We were ready to leave by 1.00 and decided to give up on Graham who was going to meet us at the pub after riding up to Lasham. We headed a short way up the road when I realised I left my jacket on the chair, I went back to the pub and discovered Graham who had just arrived. He then rode back to Chichester with us. We headed back on some beautiful lanes via Cheriton and Soberton and then Hambledon. We took a sharp climb out of Hambledon on a narrow lane.

Then it was on via Horndean to stop for tea at Rowlands Castle.

The return was the usual route via Westbourne and the distance from and back from Chichester was 70 miles. My mileage for the day from Pagham was 81.

My latest photo was of Westminster taken with a filter to cut down light enabling an exposure of 126 seconds which smoothes the clouds and water.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/17637534185/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:42 BST

Updated: Sunday, 17 May 2015 22:05 BST

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