A lovely sunny late September afternoon saw 15 at the start point for this ride - Steve Carol Clair Julian Dave June Ann Roy Steve Maureen Karen, myself and new riders  Jean Sheila and Ben.

We set out down the usual back streets to the Arun Leisure Centre then through new housing to Flansham and the Barnham Cycle track. Then it was Hill Lane, Yapton, and across the Aerodrome at Rollaston Park

Then on  to Climping and Bridge Road. A climb up and over the old bridge took us into Littlehampton and the Harbour Lights Cafe.

Julian Carol & Steve left us here to make their own separate ways home whilst I took the decision to lead the rest of us back to Bognor via Climping Beach to Elmer.  I've not been this way for some months so it was useful to see the condition of the beach track. We went via Climping School to Climping Street, then the woodland path to emerge directly on beach. A couple of hundred meters of reasonable riding was curtailed by deep shingle, and we ended up pushing the bikes almost all the way to Poole Place, where the track becomes a bit more stable and riding is possible. In particular just before Poole Place a combination of erosion and work by the Environment Agency has scoured a sizeable chunk out of the shingle and to proceed any further at all it was necessary to drop down to the beach and the climb the re-instated shingle bank further along.

Everyone managed this without too much difficulty and it added to the adventure but it extended the ride time and i'm not sure we shall be using this route again for a while. However it reminded us all what a fantastic cycling route this could be if just 3/4 mile or so of beach shingle had a useable path laid on top. I understand the problem here is principally the landowners resistance rather than anything else. The landowner also owns the foreshore.

Notwithstanding the very poor condition of the beach, we made it safely back onto tarmac at Elmer, and then took a route through Felpham and on to the prom for a sprint back into Bognor whre the ride finished.

My round trip mileage from the start point was 19.5.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Sunday, 27 September 2015 07:33 BST

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Today the weather was cooler than of late at about 17C though mostly dry. The threatened rain at least where we were came to no more than occasional spots and bits of drizzle, not enough to wet the road. On the way out heading west there seemed to be little wind but coming back we noticed a fairly strong easterly.

The longer ride started 9.00 Chichester Cross with Sam leading. He was joined by myself, Jeff, Paul and Mark. We headed out to start up the Centurion Way.

Then it was on via West Stoke and Funtington. Then a loop via Walderton and East Marden and a few ups and downs to our elevenses stop at Compton. We arrived just in time to beat the rush.

Soon after we arrived Cycle Clubs from all points of the compass converged on the Cafe. A big group came from Farnham Road Club.

We continued via Ibsworth and the a gradual climb on a beautiful lane through Buriton Woods.

At the top of the Hill Jeff, who had a cold coming on, turned back for home. The rest of us took the short sharp and fast descent into the village and then on to a lane past Ramsdean to stop for lunch at The Isaac Walton, East Meon. Arrival 12.02 so brownie points for Sam. Our destination on the Rides List was Springs Cafe, West Meon but I had found out the previous evening from their Facebook Page that they had closed a week earlier indefinitely unless the Shop are able to get new owners to run the Cafe.

In the afternoon we headed out first on a climb on the road to Clanfield. Sam called this Christmas Tree Hill from an occasion a while ago in December when he and Graham were coming back from a long ride in the dark and ran into a Christmas Tree across the road (fallen off the back of a lorry?) We continued down to Clanfield and then over the A3 and down to Chalton and Finchdean to stop for an early tea (1.30) at Rowlands Castle. That cafe was also full of cyclists who were  finishing up lunch.

We headed back on the usual route via Westbourne and Woodmancote. Mileage from and back to Chichester was 50. My mileage from Pagham was 62.

Over the last week with some clear skies I have taken some Star Trails pictures. The first was from last Sunday night 6^th September. 2 hours worth of 40 second exposure images later combined in software.

The next was taken on Thursday Evening at Amberley Churchyard. This was 1 hour 30 minutes worth of 40 second exposures. The camera is pointed north to get the appearance of circles round the pole star as the Earth rotates.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/21130427228/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:26 BST

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Today was the last DA Event of the season with the Off-Road ride led by Colin starting from Pulborough. It was a perfect day with sunshine most of the time and temperatures up to 19C. See the following picture taken during a brief stop as I was riding along Bognor Prom early in the morning.

I do not do any substantial Off Road any more so I met the group at elevenses and lunch. The meet for elevenses was at The Old Mill Cafe, Wisborough Green. I got there about a minute before everybody else. Apart from Colin, Sam was also out. There were 2 from Horsham Crawley, Bob Moore and Mike Gimber and 3 from Arun Adur, Dave Fox, Richard Boulton and Paul Price. Ray and Jo also arrived just before we left though we did not see them at lunch.

I kept to the road again as the others took to the tracks and I went on meet them for lunch at The Onslow Arms, Loxwood. John Maxim also met everybody there. The Pub is at a very pleasant location beside the canal.

John and I headed back mainly on road though with a short stretch of track to link up quiet roads south of Wisborough Green. We stopped at Amberley at the Vintage Market Event for tea in the Village Hall. Then it was back via the quiet “Khyber Pass” route to Arundel .

The Off-Road mileage from and back to Pulborough would have been about 30. My mileage for the day was 55.

My latest pictures to be processed are first an image of a Sweetcorn Crop with a fisheye lens taken near Summer Lane, Pagham.

Next an image taken at Canary Wharf and converted to Black and White.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/20295944954/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:08 BST

Updated: Sunday, 6 September 2015 20:12 BST

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The weather today was pleasant with a sunny start though more cloud later and very light winds and temperatures up to 18C.

There were 2 rides, a hilly ride starting at 9.00 led by myself and a flatter ride starting at 9.30 led by Harvey. On the longer ride I was joined by Sam and Rex. Chris met us briefly before going on to bell ringing and met up later for lunch.

We headed out via the Centurion Way and then on via West Stoke, Funtington and Rowlands Castle to stop for elevenses at Horndean Garden Centre Cafe. Somebody in management must have had an off day when they decided to repaint the cafe purple with matching umbrellas, oh dear.

We continued with a lane via Cathrington and then a very quiet route coming out north of Denmead. We continued across to Worlds End, somebody else had an off day long ago when they named that village. Then it was on lanes to Southwick and a long gradual climb to Portsdown Hill. We gained a magnificent view over Portsmouth Harbour before descending at speed to Cosham.

Then it was the signed cycle route on the western side of the City passing the continental ferry port and the Portsmouth Isle of Wight car ferry port. Then along the sea front to the War Memorial where we met up with the other ride for lunch. Harvey was joined by another 4, David, Mark, Philip and Mike and Chris met us at lunch so 9 out in all. The Kites on display over Southsea Common for the International Kite Festival  were fairly disappointing compared with last year with none of the really big kites, possibly due to the lack of wind.

We all rode back together heading east along the seafront and then along a waterfront path before joining the Eastern Road Cyclepath. We continued via Havant and on to Fintstones  Cafe, Emsworth for an ice cream break in lieu of a tea stop.

The return was via Westbourne and Woodmancote. Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 56. My mileage from home was 68.

My latest London pictures taken last Monday are from Canary Wharf. The first is of the new futuristic bridge to the part completed Canary Wharf Crossrail Station.

The second one is of the new roof garden at the top of the Crossrail Station.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/20541707761/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Monday, 17 August 2015 09:27 BST

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After torrential downpours all day the forecast predicted a dry spell early evening before heavy rain again later. Against this background i wasn’t expecting many riders to join me this evening. In the event there were 11 at the start point- Carol Steve Mike Maureen David Harvey Steve Barry Russ Dmitry and myself. Edwin joined us at Oving later making 12 out in all.

Additionally, the predicted rain never arrived and somewhat incredibly we completed the entire ride in the dry.

I led the group around Felpham cricket pitch and over Highfield Bridge to Bersted, then through the housing estates to Shripney lane. We crossed the relief road and headed into Shripney village. Then a mile of main road on the surprisingly quiet A29 to Woodgate where a turn into hook lane brought us to Aldingbourne. A short hop to Woodhorn lane took us around the back of Oving and some more quiet lanes to arrive at the Gribble from the rear.

Our return route was the empty lane over the railway bridge to Colworth, then the loop which brought us out to Elbridge. The last part of this lane is normally flooded but it appears drainage efforts have been successful as despite today’s torrential rain the road was bone dry.

This circular ride was completed by a return to Bognor and Felpham via the Chichester cycle track, riders peeling off for home as we progressed.

My round trip mileage was about 15.5

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Monday, 17 August 2015 08:30 BST

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Sunday 9th August. Awayday Ride to the New Forest

A beautiful summers day, mainly sunny with a light westerly wind. Arthur was the leader for an awayday ride to the New Forest starting from Ealing near Totton. There was a select band of 5 of us being Arthur, Lynn, Jan Graham and myself. I cycled from home, then a train to Southampton and a cycle route to Eling. Graham cycled from home in Eastleigh and the rest came by car.

The ride had one problem at the start as our usual cafe at Ealing was closed for renovation. We headed off across the forest instead towards Beauliu. En route we encountered a New Forest pony with a young foal. Mum was happy to munch grass on the other side of the road while baby was happy to be stroked.

11s was taken at The Old Bakehouse Cafe in Beaulieu, which is very much a cyclists Mecca.

Next we had a climb up the moorland and a ride into the wind to Lymington for lunch. We stopped at a cafe on the waterfront.

For the return we took a different route on quieter lanes closer to the coast, well quieter save for a rally of ancient motorcycles which passed us at intervals.

Eventually we left the rally route and took a quiet lane to Bucklers Hard and a stop for tea at the Cafe. Graham treated us all to ice creams as it was his birthday today.

The return was back via Beaulieu and then on to Ealing. We had the wind and the sun behind us with the sun reflecting off Graham’s mirror.

This evening on the way back from Chichester I stopped off for some pictures of the sunflowers near Summer Lane

The mileage for the ride was about 30. My mileage for the day was 55.

My latest picture to be processed is of a sunflower taken a week ago on the Summer Lane route near Pagham, with the proper camera and a macro lens.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/19633583983/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 21:52 BST

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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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