The weather today was overcast with light drizzle clearing later in the morning and quite mild at 13C.

Harvey was the leader and surprisingly for such a day he was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Russell, Sam, Avryl and Chris so 6 out for the day. We were due to go to Rowlands Castle for lunch but decided at the outset to make it a half day ride with elevenses at Woodmancote.

We headed out on the usual South Coast Cycleroute lanes which were quite muddy and wet. One notable incident was that as we descended one of the dips a car came roaring past and immediately did a left turn in front of Harvey to turn into an entranceway. A classic case of stupid impatience.

We soon reached the Woodmancote Inn which opens early on a Sunday to serve Hot drinks and a Cake for £3 and has a welcoming warm fire. Not surprisingly it is quite popular with cyclists.

It was dry for the return which we took on the same route. Mileage from and back to Chichester was 14. My mileage for the day from Pagham was 26.

The following picture was taken a few weeks ago on my last London day trip. It shows the bridge to the partly opened Canary Wharf Crossrail Station building. It reminds me of a Star Wars Star Fighter Launch Tube.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/24036891273/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:18 GMT

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The weather today was very mild after last weeks freeze with temperatures up to 11C. There was heavy rain overnight leading to flooded and muddy roads. First thing there was a little drizzle and a lot of mist on the coast and on the Downs. The following picture was taken from the Prom soon after 8.00am.

Colin was down to lead the ride today but when he advised he couldn’t make it due to a bad cold and cough I stepped in. However at Walberton Pond only Paul joined me for the ride. We headed out via Fontwell, the Tunnel under the A27 and Slindon Bottom Road through the Mist wreathed woods. Then up towards Eartham.

Higher up on the Downs the mist was thicker but cleared when we descended Duncton Hill to go north of the Downs. We rode on muddy lanes across to Fittleworth and then a bit of main road to stop for elevenses at the Garden Centre at Stopham Bridge.

Then it was on via Pulborough and West Chiltington and then the B-Road to Ashington and on to Wiston Granary Cafe where we arrived at 11.50 and had it to ourselves until parents and kids arrived to buy corn to feed the Chickens and Ducks which are a feature of the Cafe. I noticed from the following picture how Paul and I have bikes with coincidentally the same shade of blue despite being different makes of bike.

The return route was more direct. We took a short stretch of main road before turning of onto a lane signed appropriately Hollow as we passed a gigantic hole in the ground from a quarry. Then it was a footpath crossing of the A24 before taking more lanes to the back of Storrington and on to West Chiltington and Wiggonholt. We missed a tea stop to be sure of getting home before dark. The return was via Amberley and Houghton Hill.

Mileage from and back to Walberton was 45. My mileage from Pagham was 64.

My latest HDR picture was taken during the freeze on Wednesday. I went to South Stoke before dawn to get frost pictures. It was about minus 3 and the water in my water bottle froze solid.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/24528203106/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin   

Posted by RideLeader at 18:01 GMT

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Russell, Alan & Liz, Alan & Dax, David, Liz, Clair, Angela, Steve, Steve & Carol, Mike, and Maureeen joined me as we set out around the back of Bognor towards North Bersted.

The published rides list had also sent us to Manor Nurseries on the last Bognor ride, so to vary the scenery I decided to head north and approach Runcton via Woodgate. The recent rain had left its mark with the water table very high and the adjacent ditches full to the top.

So after skirting Bognor we weaved through the North Meads Estate to join Shripney Lane, where we crossed the relief road, went around the back of Shripney village and then joined a mile of the A29 up to Woodgate Crossing. The A29 wasn't too busy and the few cars that did come along waited patiently for overtaking opportunities, probably overwhelmed by 15 cyclists strung out in single file.

Then we left the A29 for Hook Lane and much more tranquil roads to Woodhorn. After the level crossing Liz pulled up with a rear puncture, which was quickly resolved with some magic foam, and we re-grouped and made our way down to Colworth. Then it was along the A259 cyclepath to Merston village, and a straight run down to Runcton and Manor nurseries, for a welcome stop at the Palm House Restaurant.

The route back was very straightforward, taking the Lower Bognor Road via Lagness, but cutting off the corner via the usual farm tracks at Butterlees. This is a nice comfortable concrete road throughout, but the ongoing work to create a solar farm in the adjacent fields has left very muddy sludge lying on the concrete. We slowed down through the worst of it, and everybody got through unscathed.

After the Rose Green roundabout I took the ride through a few new back ways around Aldwick Felds, to emerge at West Park and then the prom back into central Bognor.

The round trip mileage, at 16, was a few less than I'd been expecting, considering we took a much wider circular route than is normal. But it was all on the flat and everybody completed the ride successfully.

I got home having clocked up 22.5.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 22:06 GMT

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 The weather looked rather unpredictable, so it was decided to take the most direct route to our destination, via Saltern's Way.  Unfortunately, the cycle route was full of rather deep puddles, which resulted in several wet feet by the time we reached the cafe!  Roy sensibly wore a pair of wellies under his trousers and so remained dry.  We arrived at the cafe about 2.15 pm, and enjoyed eating slices of carrot and coffee cake, washed down with copious cups of tea!

 After about half an hour, Philippa noticed that the clouds were gathering outside, and so the group started to make their way back to Chichester, taking the same route.  As everyone arrived in Chichester, the rain began to fall and everyone was grateful we left the cafe when we did!  All in all, an enjoyable short trip out, in spite of the weather!"

Philippa

Posted by RideLeader at 18:14 GMT

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The weather forecast was quite dire today and indeed after a night of torrential rain the skies seemed ready for more. However it was dry when I started out with the rain only resuming as I reached Chichester. In the end though it stopped soon after we left and the middle of the day was mainly dry with even some blue sky. Heavy rain only resumed while we were having tea so all in all a much better day than expected.

Harvey was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Avryl, Gill, Graham and Keith so 6 out in all and better than expected.

We headed out on the usual South Coast Cycleroute lanes to The Woodmancote Pub at Woodmancote where we stopped for 11s and took advantage of their £3 for a cake and coffee deal. The cakes were very substantial portions. A large group from Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club  piled in soon after us.

We continued on the direct flat route via Racton where we had fine views of Racton Tower un-obscured  by leaves at this time of year. We continued on the B-Road up to West Marden to stop for lunch at The Victoria, West Marden arriving a few minutes before 12.00. We snagged the one and only table not reserved with the benefits of comfy chairs and the warmth of a wood burning stove.

Gill headed straight back after lunch while the rest of us retraced our route down the valley before turning off on the hill towards Funtington.

We returned via Funtington and then the aptly named Watery Lane to West Ashling before returning to Chichester and a stop for tea at Chichester Cathedral Cloisters Cafe. Our stop was extended somewhat when torrential rain started soon after we arrived. We passed the time doing Keith’s Crossword.

The rain had stopped as we made our ways home. Mileage from and back to Chichester was an easy 22. My mileage from Pagham was 38.

My latest image to be processed was of Pulteney Bridge in Bath taken when I stayed there over Christmas.

For a larger image and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/23602691204/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:17 GMT

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This was originally due to be a Mince Pie Ride but with torrential rain and strong winds all morning the ride was cancelled and everybody went by car. Our hosts were Philippa and William at Bracklesham. Alan and Liz gave me a lift. Others attending were Arthur, Lynn, Dave, Jan, Richard, Roy, Freda and Jim. With Philippa, William and David there were 14 in all.

We were treated to a substantial spread including Mince Pies, Profiteroles and Tiramisu. We had to say no to Christmas Cake with insufficient miles. David brought out his toys which kept Arthur amused driving a toy Ferrari.

We hope for better weather next weekend with a Saturday Ride to Chichester Yacht Basin and a Sunday Ride to West Marden.

Yesterday I put a picture of the Underground on Flickr and within an hour it was published with a credit and link on The Londonist Website which has a million visits a month.

For the original picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/24095071546/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 16:31 GMT

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The New Years Day Ride to Amberley dates back at least 30 years when the original Landlord of the Black Horse, Amberley offered a free first drink to all Cyclists arriving on New Years Day. As a result clubs from 3 counties converged on the Pub. It was too good to last and when the offer was withdrawn so did the cyclists attendance until only Bognor Chichester and Arun Adur CTC kept coming. When the Black Horse closed a few years ago we transferred our allegiance to The Sportsman, Amberley.

The weather was cloudy but dry in the morning turning to a spell of continuous light rain in the afternoon.

I led the ride today and I was joined at Walberton Pond for a late 10.30 start by Sam, Russell and John Maxim. we headed out up Shellbridge Road between the woods. Then it was a short stretch of main road before the turning for the lane via Madehurst.

We continued with various ups and downs along the pleasant quiet lanes via Madehurst and then up to the Whiteways Roundabout. We decided to stop at the Kiosk Cafe at Whiteways for elevenses.

Then it was a bit more of the main road with a fast 40mph descent of Bury Hill before turning right into Bury and the lane across to Houghton. Then it was on to Amberley arriving bang on 12.00 to get some of the few unreserved tables. Another 6 from Arun Adur joined us for lunch.

The rain started just as we left so it was a direct route back up Houghton Hill. I returned home via Yapton and the Prom via Felpham and Bognor with the Tide in and the waves a little wild.

Mileage from and back to Walberton was about 18. My mileage from Pagham was 40.

My latest picture is one taken while I was away in Bath for Christmas. The shot was taken about 7.15am Boxing Day before anybody was up and about and shows a view of Bath Abbey.

For a larger picture and more details see

https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/23958630471/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:45 GMT

Updated: Friday, 1 January 2016 17:55 GMT

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There was some weird weather early on today. I rode up to the start at Chichester from Pagham in constant rain, at times as a downpour. On reaching the edge of Chichester the rain stopped and the roads were bone dry. Looking at the rainfall radar there were 2 big areas of showers to the east and west of Chichester with just Chichester staying dry. For the rest of our ride it stayed dry save for some rain at elevenses. Temperatures were still mild at 13C.

Arthur was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by Lynn, myself, Sam, Russell, Bill, Richard and Terry. Mike Lambourne joined us at elevenses so 9 were out in all.

We headed out via West Street and then Apuldram Lane before taking the main road for a short way to avoid the muddy path. Then it was then on via the Yacht Basin.

We continued via Birdham Pool, Birdham and Shipton Green to stop for elevenses at The Boulevard Cafe, East Wittering. We delayed our departure a little as a shower came over.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was pretty much on the estimate of 20 miles. My mileage from Pagham was 31.

My latest picture is another Spiral Staircase (sorry) This was taken on my latest London Trip on Friday at St Clement Dane Church in the Strand.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/23482074429/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 15:37 GMT

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Our last Saturday ride of 2015 attracted 10 riders at the start point - plus Alan Tyler joining us part way, and Edwin coming back with us, making 12 out in total.

Steve, Alan, Maureeen, Terry, Debbie, Carol, Steve Woods,  Dmitry, and new rider Sue - who we hope we'll see again - joined me at Bognor Library.

The weather was cloudy but dry, warm for the time of year at 12 degrees, with SW winds at around 20mph, as we headed out of Bognor taking back roads to North Bersted.

Then it was a circuitous route through the new housing development at North Bersted, a new route which will get shorter as more housing is completed. At present several roads are blocked off due to construction work so that whilst its possible to get from one side to the other, at present its a bit of a roundabout route. At least it isn't muddy.

We then went up the Bognor-Chichester cycletrack as far as the Colworth turning, where we turned right to take the quieter loop away from the A259.  As we turned into Colworth Lane we had to negotiate a large flood, and a 2nd one completely covering the road had also appeared at the turning just short of Bridge Cottage. Neither of these obstacles was here when I last came up this way a fortnight ago, in worse conditions and following heavier rain than we've had recently.  I had been falsely re-assured that maybe something had been done with the drainage, as this large pool of water has been a regular feature of this route for many months.

Suitably refreshed we headed back to Bognor along the Lower Road, taking the usual diversion across the concrete roads of Butterlees Farm.  This has got very muddy recently because of construction traffic  - a new solar energy farm is being built and many of the massive solar panels are already in place. However the concrete underneath makes for a reasonably stable ride and its still a much better route than the busy road.

Back in Bognor, a shortcut through Aldwick found us back on the seafront, from where a short ride with the wind now behind us took us along the prom and back to central Bognor.

The round trip mileage, from and back to the library, was pretty much exactly as it said on the tin -12 miles or very slightly over.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 GMT

Updated: Monday, 21 December 2015 10:42 GMT

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The weather was very mild at about 13C with light winds. It was mainly cloudy but dry all day.

There were 2 rides today. The short flat ride to Boaters Bar, Prinsted was led by Arthur and supported by Lynn, Graham, Avryl, Harvey, Bill, Keith and Richard so 8 in all.

I joined the long ride to Trotton, meeting at Chichester Cross Sam the leader plus Colin, Mike and Jeff. Anne joined us at elevenses and Chris at lunch so 7 out on that ride and 15 in total for both rides.

We headed out via the Centurion Way, West Stoke and Funtington. Sam 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 as we arrived soon after 10.00.

As we were getting ready to leave it was good to see long time former member Sheila Griggs heading out on a walk and we chatted briefly. Then it was across to Idsworth and then a steady long climb over the Downs on the lane past Ditcham School. We stopped briefly at the top.

Then it was a long steep descent to the main road west of Harting. We soon turned off onto lanes taking us via exotic locations like Goose Green and Quebec. Then it was back to normal via West Harting, and Nyewood on some very muddy lanes to the Garden Centre Cafe at Trotton. Sam fell asleep on a very comfy armchair in the cafe, I took a picture but feeling vey charitable have left it out of the Blog. We collected our bikes from their usual parking space.

Then it was more lanes via Elsted Marsh, Didling and Bepton and on to the main road to climb Cocking Hill. At Singleton we made an unexpected diversion to climb up Charlton Hill, a decision which I think Sam regretted.

Then it was a fast downhill to stop for tea at the Control Tower Cafe, Goodwood Motor Circuit. That was déjà Vue for me as we went there for lunch on the Wednesday Ride last week.

Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 47. My mileage from Pagham was 58.

My lastest picture was taken just before Dawn at Pagham on Wednesday showing the new sea defenses by the Harbour Mouth. I used a filter to cut down the light getting through the lens allowing a 58 second exposure which produced the smoothed out sea.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/23019550194/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:52 GMT

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On the way to the start of the ride today I made a diversion to inspect the new cycle bridge over the A27 for the Selsey Road. It is a better design than the usual rectangular construction but nowhere near enough to justify the hyperbole used by the Mayor of Chichester when he opened it. As a bridge apparently designed for cycling it also has cyclists dismount signs though I did not notice them. Its fatal flaw is to dump cyclists on to the busy Selsey road with no sign of a cycle path to make it anywhere near safe.

Just 3 of us met at Chichester Cross, myself, Sam and Bob, John Maxim was there as well but left us soon afterwards to head for Rowlands Castle. There were 18 in all for the Christmas lunch later at Runcton.

We headed out via the Centurion Way, West Stoke and Funtington. I took a route straight to Compton on the valley road via West Marden. On this road we even had a very brief spell of sunshine which I managed to record before it disappeared for the rest of the day.

We stopped at Compton Village Tea Rooms for 11s, well 10s really as we were first arrivals at about 10.00.

Then it was across to Findchdean starting with a climb. By this time we were being overtaken by fast cyclists riding the pessimistically named Fontwell Freeze Sportive. They were on the “Epic” route apparently though only 64 miles.

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

At Runcton we settled in to a long (3 hours) 3 course Christmas lunch. Harvey and Avryl came direct by bike with the rest coming by car.

My latest picture to be processed was taken last month at The Strand.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/23121215399/in/dateposted-public/

Posted by RideLeader at 18:29 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 6 December 2015 18:37 GMT

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The weather today was dark clouds and windy over 30mph SW but unlike yesterday it stayed dry. Temperatures were mild compared with last Sunday reaching 13C.

Colin was the leader and he was joined for the 9.00am start from Walberton by myself, Anne and Mike.

A lot of the mornings ride had the benefit of a tailwind and we headed out via Madehurst and then a fast descent of Bury Hill. Then it was lanes via West Burton and on to Fittleworth. We then started on the regular route towards Brinkwells Hill but turned off at the base on lanes in the direction of Little Bognor. These lanes are so much off our regular routes that I it was only the second time for me in 20 years, the last time being when I led a ride that way 2 months ago. The lanes were beautiful and quiet with a mix of downland and woods and a fair bit of climbing. We came out at the top of the road  towards Kirdford at Flexham Park. The ride today was quite notable for a mix of mud and fallen leaves.

We headed on via Wisborough Green and Billingshurst and lanes to Barnes Green for lunch. We had sandwiches on a bench behind the village hall before adjourning to the Cafe Stop at Sumners Pond, Barnes Green for hot drinks. 2 stoves provided a considerable amount of warmth while the trees shook in the wind outside.

The return ride was via West Chiltington, Wiggonholt, Coldwaltham and up Duncton Hill. I decided to opt out of a long ride home into the teeth of a gale and let the train take the strain from Billingshurst. In Bognor I briefly went past the seafront before diverting inland and saw the waves at high tide were pounding the pier at 2.00pm.

My mileage from Pagham was 48.

Last Monday I took a day trip up to London for a few pictures. These included the following which is the spiral stairs of the LSE Library. This is not open to the public so I got permission in advance.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/23341818805/in/dateposted-public/

The next one is a night view looking down Whitehall towards Big Ben with Buses passing each side.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/22905434359/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 16:07 GMT

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Glorious sunshine, a light breeze, and unseasonably warm temperatures. All features missing from today's ride, which was cold, very wet, and very windy. A met office weather warning for strong gales was in place all day, and the precipitation varied between drizzle and torrential showers.

Not surprising that only three of us met at the start point. Perhaps more surprising was that any of us met at all!

I led Alan and Steve through the back streets of Bognor; in an effort to "tack" against the strong winds we did a tour of back alleys out to Aldwick, where we took the Lower Bognor Road. Both Alan and Steve professed not to know where they were at some points, despite both being long term Bognor residents. So objective achieved!

From the Lower Bognor Road we took the off road concrete tracks at Butterlees Farm (again unknown to both Steve and Alan) to emerge at Runcton, then up Green Lane and across the old airfield at Merston.  I noticed a usually locked gate was unlocked, so instead of heading back out and on to the cycletrack, we took the "quieter" route through the oher part of Green Lane, re-joining the tarmac at the Kings Head. A short sprint found us at the Brick Kiln Nursery, for a welcome cuppa.

The return route was back via Colworth, and pretty uneventful except that going round the narrowest part of the Colworth loop we found the road blocked by a large farm lorry which had misjudged the conditions and put 6 wheels or so in the ditch at the side of the lane. A large contingent from Westbourne Motors breakdown Service had just hauled the lorry back on to the road and it was ready to resume its journey. We were able to negotiate around the side of all this commotion and went on just ahead of the breakdown convoy, which was leaving the scene. Unfortunately weather conditions were not conducive to photos.... so there isn't one.

Back at Bersted, I found a newly opened route around the new estate that avoids the mud bath of Berry Lane but still brings you out (via the lake) to North Bersted Street. Here we went our separate ways, and I arrived back in Bognor in time for the Christmas lights switch on ceremony. At least, I would have arrived in time but for the fact that it had been cancelled due to the weather conditions; unfortunate in that it wasn't actually raining, nor especially windy, aat the time it should have taken place. I did bump into the town centre manager who told me some lights had come down in the wind, but they were still able to turn on the snow-blowers, which made the town quite festive.  This picture shows the lights came on anyway, but the only bike around was Macari's "Stop me and Buy one" machine!

Graham 

Posted by RideLeader at 21:53 GMT

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After a very wet and windy Saturday Sunday was more promising with a forecast of dry but cloudy. The actual weather was periods of drizzle with a few dry spells and a strong SW wind though at least it had moderated after the gales on Saturday. Temperatures were up to 15C.

Sam was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Jeff, Mark and Mike so 5 out for the day.

We headed out via Woodmancote and Westbourne to stop for elevenses at Rowlands Castle.

Then it was on via Finchdean and a gradual climb thought the Autumn woods of Buriton Hill. Then it was lanes past Ramsdean to stop for lunch at The Isaac Walton, East Meon. We were there a little early by 11.50 and left soon after 12.30.

The return took us on a route south with a gradual climb up Wether Down and down to Clanfield. After crossing the A3 a fast descent to Chalton and down to Finchdean and Rowlands Castle Cafe 2^nd time around, this time for an early tea. Both times it was much less busy than usual no doubt due to the weather.

Then it was straight back via Westbourne and Woodmancote. Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 45. My mileage from Pagham was 56.

My latest picture to be processed is another of the shots taken at the Halnaker path, this one looking in the opposite direction from the more famous one. This is looking up the path in the direction of the windmill.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/22306835563/in/dateposted-public/

See also a review of some Photo Software I did on my Website using this picture as the main example see http://edwinjonesphotography.com/topaz-texture-effects-review-and-tutorial

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:01 GMT

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After 4 days of rain it finally stopped for today though it stayed cloudy and there was a brief spell of drizzle at lunchtime.

I was the leader for the ride which started from Walberton Pond and I was joined by Colin and Jeff. We later met Roger who joined us for part of the ride and the AGM so 4 of us out on the day. From Walberton we headed out up Shellbridge Road between the woods.

Then it was on the lanes via Madehurst and then a fast descent down Bury Hill and on to lanes via West Burton and Coates where Roger joined us. Then it was on to Fittleworth and the main road to Pulborough and the AGM at Pulborough Village Hall. We observed 2 minutes silence at 11.00. Officers remained the same apart from a new DA Treasurer in Mike Murray of Arun Adur. Our CTC Councillor Richard Bates advised that he had judged the Cup for the best article in the Pedaller during the year be awarded to Colin. This was an especially bright point for our Section as all the other Cups went to Horsham/Crawley.

After the AGM we should have met at the nearby Oddfellows Arms but they were not doing food so we adjourned to The White Horse. Jeff and Roger headed straight back while Colin and I joined the other Groups at the Pub in setting the world of Cycling to rights.

After lunch Colin headed off on a longer ride while I headed straight back via Amberley. Being freed of the leaders obligations I took the opportunity to take a few pictures. Near Wiggonholt there is a small pond with deep black water. I did a little editing to this to create a Creature of the Black Lagoon. Bit late for Halloween.

Further on a more normal Autumn picture on the route down towards the gates to Parham.

The mileage from and back to Walberton would have been about 30 miles. My mileage from Pagham was 43.

My latest picture was taken a few weeks ago in some woods east of Slindon.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/22798504795/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:41 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 8 November 2015 18:44 GMT

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The weather today started foggy though not too cool with a few glimpses of sun in the afternoon and temperatures up to 15C.

Most people went direct to the AGM at West Stoke Village Hall. However I led a ride starting 9.30 at Chichester Cross. I was joined by Russell, Bob, Martin, Graham Hodge, Avryl, Arthur and Lynn.

We headed out on Clay Lane and then a lane north via East Ashling to West Stoke village hall for the AGM. The boring bit only took 35 minutes before we went on to Tea, Coffee and biscuits. Russell was appointed Rides List Secretary and newcomer Graham Hodge was appointed Registrar to maintain the Membership list.

In the afternoon some of us headed for tea at The Forge, Slindon. We rode via Lavant, Goodwood and Waterbeach to Halnaker. Going up the main road we went past the layby at the start of the path up to the Windmill where my picture shown on South Today was taken. It was exceptionally busy with about 12 cars parked there. Probably a lot of it my fault with the picture now up to 9100 likes on Facebook and a number of the 300 commentators asking for directions to the location for this weekend.

We then cut across on a lane to Eartham and then a sharp downhill to Slindon Woods. Then it was a sharp climb up to Slindon. Arthur was missing at the top and eventually appeared holding his broken chain. He freewheeled down to the Forge Cafe, our tea stop where repairs were effected.

We gained John Maxim at the Forge. He had stopped there coincidentally. We continued down to Walberton where we did the first Club Ride on the newly opened on Saturday Barnham to Walberton cyclepath. The first picture is taken at the entrance off Eastergate Lane.

The next picture is taken on part of the path in the field adjoining Barnham Lane.

The ride from and back to Chichester would have been about 25 miles. My mileage from Pagham was 33.

On Saturday I did another Autumn leaves excursion taking the bike by train to Haywards Heath and then rode to to Wakehurst Place. The shot is of one of the 2 lakes there.

Edwin  

Posted by RideLeader at 18:32 GMT

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It was a beautiful day today with a lot of sun. Although cold to start it reached 14C with light winds.

Colin was the leader of the long ride meeting at Walberton Pond. He was joined by Sam, Paul, Mike, Jeff, Anne and myself. Chris joined us for lunch so 8 were out in all on the ride. Sam was cold at the start.

We headed out via Madehurst up to Whiteways and then down Houghton Hill. Then it was the lane across to Bury and another quiet lane via West Burton.

After heading briefly towards Fittleworth we cut across on a lane to Coldwaltham. Just before the village Paul had a front wheel puncture. At one stage 3 people were involved in getting the tyre off. I decided that many hands made hard work and kept out of it except for recording it.

Then it was more lanes towards Wiggonholt for elevenses.

We continued via West Chiltington and then north via Broadford Bridge, Conyhurst and Barnes Green. At various times during the day many of us had no idea where we were including Colin at one stage. The problem arose because a road was missed off his Golden Eye Map.

However our route was true and we soon arrived at Dragons Green. Many of us diverted to the Scout Hut to use their picnic tables for sandwiches.

Colin explained at lunch the route back but some missed it hence the muttering at times as we headed further east in the afternoon. We took lanes via Shipley, and Dial Post to Ashhurst and then south to Steyning. Then it was a seriously vicious hill up over the downs beside Steyning Bowl. The road sign said 17% and Sam’s bike computer said 27%. I would say it was at least 20% in places.

Then it was down to Sompting and a convoluted route trough estates to come out on Worthing seafront. We stopped for tea at a cafe on a side street called the Smart Food Choice Cafe.

Then it was back on Worthing Prom and on via Ferring and a short excursion on the beach to get to a route on the private estates.

The following picture may be of interest. I took it last month on the patio area outside the Gherkin Skyscraper in London. It is a sculpture made up of 700 steel bike frames and their wheels.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/21676047254/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 22:03 BST

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After a brilliant October, the weather was finally on the turn today for our long ride to Arundel. The temperature still held up at between 11 and 15 degrees and light winds but it was overcast, and with the constant threat of rain, we were lucky to only encounter one sharp shower in the Barnham area.

 Nine of us were at the start point, with two newcomers collected on the way (by prior arrangement!) meaning 11 out on the ride.

Julian, Deb, Suzanne, Karen, Mike, David, Maureen, Steve and myself set out from Bognor library where we took the usual back roads to Felpham and the new estate at Flansham. From here i led the group a little way up the as yet unopen Northern Relief Road to the Stanover Lane junction, where the rough and muddy track has finally had some surface dressing which keeps the mud at bay and makes a good shortcut to the Barnham Cycletrack. At the top of Hoe Lane we collected our newbies Teresa and Sharon, who we hope enjoyed the experience and will see them again soon.

Up the Barnham Cycletrack we went, then under the rail bridge to Walberton. The new and very expensive cycletrack to Walberton is almost completed but is securely fenced off to prevent errant cyclists having the temerity to use it before the official opening date. I believe there is some snagging work still to complete. So we stuck to the Barnham Road.

At Walberton a short cut on an umade road took us out to Binsted Lane and the roller-coaster hill past Beam Ends heading to Tortington. Successfully negotiating the bumpy bit where the tarmac inexplicably runs out, we found ourselves at the spooky Madonna Pond. Then a steady climb through the highly picturesque Binsted Woods followed by the little known cut into Torton Hill Road and before we knew it we had gone under the A27 River Bridge and were in Arundel Town Centre.  Some suitable refreshment was taken at the quaint Grounds Coffee House.

For the return route, I completed a circular ride going under the A27 again but this time emerging on the Ford Road. Down to Ford station, then Ford Lane to Yapton, over the old canal bridge to Bilsham, and we soon arrived at Comet Corner and Middleton. Middleton is very quiet at present due to the road closure, which as supposed to be for 2 days only, but has now been about 3 weeks. Fortunately bikes can negotiate the closed bit easily. We arrived back into Bognor via the promenade, dropping people off along the way.

The round trip mileage from and back to, the start point, was 23, which makes it one of the longest Saturday rides we do. However it always seems to be very popular as its a very picturesue route. By the time i got home, my mileage was nudging 30.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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Weather was good but only four people turned up for the ride, was this because of the new winter times (1pm instead of 2pm) or was there an important rugby match that afternoon! There was Mike, Martin (a newcomer) and Alan who had brought his grandson Dax along, however we set off up Centurion Way to Lavant, then through East Lavant alongside the Goodwood Racecourse. On reaching the roundabout we turned left and entered Goodwood House, a very scenic route. We came through the gates at the other end and turned right to go through Westerton village.

On arriving at Goodwood racetrack there was plenty to see from the first floor, lots of noise and racing cars and quite busy. After coffee and cake we made our way straight back to Chichester. The whole ride travelling time was 1.5 hours and we covered approx 15 miles. A lovely autumnal ride in the October sun.

 Julian Larter

Posted by RideLeader at 19:11 BST

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The weather today was mainly cloudy but dry with temperatures up to 16C and a lighter NE wind. I was the leader and I was joined at Chichester Cross by Sam, Colin, Harvey and Paul. Chris joined us later at lunchtime so 6 out in all.

We headed out via the Centurion Way, West Stoke and Funtington to stop for elevenses at Horndean Garden Centre Cafe. Then it was on via quiet lanes near Cathrington and Clanfield and across to Worlds End and Hipley. We crossed the B2177 and then lanes via Boarhunt. It was then up a lane on the far west of Portsdown Hill which I had not done before and Sam had not done since 1962! This proved to be one of the easier climbs of the Hill. A short way up the road we reached Fort Nelson.

Some of us  went to the new cafe for lunch and some went to have sandwiches within the fort. Admission is free.

Coincidentally that day they had some special firings of a Canon such as those used on ships like Victory. There were two firings just after 1.00. The firings were to celebrate Trafalgar Day which is Wednesday. It had to be done today because some of the Gun Crew work weekdays. The pretend Admiral gave us a short talk first about the working of the Canon.

The return was first along the ridge road of Portsdown Hill with beautiful views down to Portsmouth and the Harbour. Then it was a long descent towards Havant where Harvey turned off to go straight home while the rest of us took a back route to Rowlands Castle to stop for tea.

The way back was the usual route via Westbourne and Woodmancote. The return mileage from Chichester was 48. My mileage from Pagham was 60.

One of my latest pictures was taken about 9 days ago when we still had clear skies showing Star Trails above Coates Church Nr Fittleworth. Taken over 50 minutes.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/21918932249/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 19:42 BST

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