The weather today was dry with some sunshine. It started cold at 5C with low mist over the fields as the sun rose. Temperatures later rose to 10C. Sunny skies gave way to mist and fog hanging over the Downs. The picture was taken as I left home soon after sunrise at a Pond just north of Pagham

Sam was the leader today and he was joined at Chichester Cross at 9.00 by Mark, Jeff, Colin, Russell, Mike and myself making 7 out in all

We headed out on the Centurion Way. On request Sam eased back on the Power Output of his Electric bike. Up the Centurion Way it was very quiet soon after 9.00 though at times it was hard to see the path through the wet mulch of fallen leaves. We continued on the path north of Lavant to West Dean taking the old route as the exit has not yet been built though planning consent was granted on 31^st October.

Then it was on over the Downs along the main road with gathering mist. We stopped briefly at the top.

The sun returned as we headed down Cocking Hill and turned off on quiet lanes via Bepton and Severals Road up to the A272 just west of Midhurst. We followed a cyclepath beside the main road before crossing over to take a lane to Stedham and a stop for elevenses at a new cafe at Rotherhill Garden Centre. This is family owned and much better than the chain type Nursery Cafe. Sam had scouted it out and obviously made an impression as they gave us a warm welcome

My rear tyre slowly went down as we neared the cafe, good timing. The tyre is the almost but not quite puncture proof Schwalbe Marathon Plus. This is used on all my bikes and was the first puncture in about 2 years. Sam helped with getting it off and Colin helped with pumping it up thanks to his mini trackpump

After elevenses 3 of us headed straight back with myself Russell and Mike. We retraced our outward route. My mileage for the day from Pagham was 45.

The rest headed on to Durleighmarsh for lunch. A bit of offroad was included. After lunch they headed back via Ditcham Park School and Rowlands Castle getting back to Chichester by 3.00pm. The main groups mileage from and back to Chichester was 46.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 16:22 GMT

Updated: Monday, 12 December 2016 09:30 GMT

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The weather today was beautiful and sunny but very cold, just about managing 1C at our start time of 08.30 and climbing by the afternoon to 7C. There were no ice problems. Just 4 of us met at Chichester Cross, myself, Russell, Sam and Bob. There were 17 in all for the Christmas lunch later at Runcton. I was the leader.

We headed out via the relatively quiet main road to Lavant turning off just before then and taking lanes to West Stoke where we stopped for a Sam warming up his frozen hands stop.

Then it was on via  Funtington. Next I  took a route straight to Compton on the valley road via West Marden. We stopped at Compton Village Tea Rooms for 11s, well 10s really as we arrived for 9.45 before the crowds of other cyclists piling in later. As we were getting ready to leave Colin arrived and we chatted briefly before he headed on inland for a longer ride.

Then we headed back via West Marden, Racton and Woodmancote. At Runcton we settled in to a long (3 hours) 3 course Christmas lunch. Harvey, Mike, Arthur and Lynn came direct by bike with the rest coming by car

Mileage from Chichester was 28. My mileage from Pagham was 40.

My latest picture to be processed was taken a week ago at Canary Wharf while guiding a group of 18 from Bognor Regis Camera Club round various Photo locations. This one is at Blackwall Basin

For a larger picture and more details see

https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/30561019483/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:36 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 4 December 2016 18:00 GMT

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The weather today was chilly but started sunny with more cloud building up mid morning. Colin was the leader for the start at 9.00 at Chichester Cross. He was joined by myself, Sam, Gill, Jeff, Bob and Chris joined us at lunchtime so 7 out in all.

We headed out via the Centurion Way and West Stoke to Funtington. From here we encountered riders on the Wiggle Fontwell Freeze Sportive with 3 routes from 63 to 33 miles. Initially they were coming towards us but after a joining of routes near Walderton they were breezing past us at high speed. Then it was on via West Marden to stop for Elevenses (at 10.15) at Compton Village Cafe/Shop. An early arrival ensured we were there before the crowds took the warm inside seats.

I headed for home after elevenses, preferring to make it a half day ride. Jeff will now take up the tale. After elevenses the group continued up the B-Road over Harting Hill and through South Harting. There was a stop while Colin mended a puncture in his puncture proof Marathon Plus Tyre.

Then it was on via Nyewood and a lovely route up via Terwick Common and down via Chithurst to stop for lunch at Trotton where Chris joined the group after finishing Bell ringing at Chichester Cathedral.

Then it was back via Dumpford, Treyford and Elsted and up Telegraph Hill up the  back hill to Harting Down.  Then it was a turn off to North Marden.

Then on via lanes via East Marden to Walderton, then West Stoke where the new cafe was closed Tuesday and Sundays.  After a short way  it was on to  Wellies “also closed” then Funtington Road admiring the cathedral view before it is spoilt by the new development.

The ride from and back to Chichester was due to be 45 miles. My ride from Pagham was 37.

On Saturday I led a group of 18 from Bognor Regis Camera Club around London’s Canary Wharf. For a brilliant sunset we went to Blackwall Basin to view the skyscrapers across water.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 18:09 GMT

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I was joined at the library by Carol & Steve, Liz, David, Julian, Steve, Mike,Chris, and coming specially over from Portsmouth  Bev, Kev, and Paul, who signed up on Skyride, and we hope will join us again.

After a somewhat prolonged stop, emphasizing the social side of our rides , I completed a circular route taking our usual cut through Butterlees Farm at Lagness, (pic)

 Then it was a convoluted route through Aldwick to end up at the back of West Park. We ended up on the sea front where a brief stop was made to inspect the ruins of the fire damaged Beach Restaurant.

I ended the ride in central Bognor which was very busy with many events, live music, stalls and artificial snow for the switching on of Christmas lights.   The round trip was a modest 12.5 miles.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 22:08 GMT

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Steve led the way to Chichester Canal Basin then along the canal tow path to Hunston. Taking to the road we meandered our way in to a strong head wind to the Wittering's where coffee was taken.

Returning via the Salterns Way to Chichester Yacht Marina then on to the canal tow path back to Hunston. Here we each took our own way home Steve back to the Witterings and me to Aldwick. 'My Ride' showing a total distance of 30 miles door to door. Why is that you ride in to a strong head wind, turn around to go home and the wind drops to a whisper?

Alan

Posted by RideLeader at 16:36 GMT

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The weather today was bright and sunny with temperatures up to 11C with a northerly wind.

I was the leader and it was an 8.45 early start to get to the AGM in time. Colin and Sam were at Walberton with Chris going direct so 4 out in all. From Walberton we headed out up Shellbridge Road between the woods with some beautiful autumn colours still evident..

Then it was on the lanes via Madehurst and a brief stop at the top.

 Then it was a fast descent down Bury Hill and on to lanes via West Burton and Coates. Then it was on to Fittleworth and the main road to Pulborough and the AGM at Pulborough Village Hall. Sam split off for home just before Pulborough. We observed 2 minutes silence at 11.00. Officers remained the same apart from our member Roger Cline being elected as the new auditor. I received the Cup for best attendance on Sunday rides over the Summer. Louise Galley received the Cup for best Pedaller Article and all the other Cups went to Horsham/Crawley. There was fairly poor attendance with there being 9 from all the West Sussex Groups. Chris saved the day by arriving just before the end bringing us up to a quorum of 10.

After the AGM some of us met at the nearby Oddfellows Arms for lunch.

After lunch I got a train back to Pulborough so as to be in enough time to go out again to take pictures of the Supermoon rising above Bognor Pier. With cloud forecast for the rest of the week this was the only opportunity. Today the moon rose 10 minutes before sunset which is ideal for getting a moon which is not too bright and blends in with a landscape.

For this next shot the cyclist riding to the end of the pier was a lucky break.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:13 GMT

Updated: Sunday, 13 November 2016 20:16 GMT

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I led this ride for Philippa.

The weather forecast was less than encouraging, with heavy rain predicted for most of the afternoon. But there was only a light breeze and temperatures at around 12 degrees were up on earlier in the week. it had actually stopped raining when i set out, and still wasn't raining when I arrived at the start point, although before we left light drizzle started falling, which pretty much stayed with us all afternoon

Despite the poor weather, no fewer than nine turned up at the start - could this be a record for a miserable day? 

Steve, Carol, Maureen, Sam, Mike, Chris, Harvey, and newcomer Andy set off with me along West street, Westgate, and out on to the Fishbourne Road. We crossed the railway over the new bridge, then took the Emperors Way past the Roman Palace before emerging in Fishbourne. We then took Park Lane which was as usual very quiet and always makes for a lovely rural ride.  In due course the road ran down to Bosham Creek and the tide was out meaning we could take the harbour  road all the way to Bosham Walk, where we stopped at the Cafe for warmth and refreshment.

For the return ride I took the group  around Bosham Hoe and through the church yard then up past the station, following the Bosham Stream almost into the foothills of the Downs before returning to Chichester via Clay Lane and Fishbourne, completing a circular route of a modest 13.5 miles from and back to, the library.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 20:51 GMT

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The weather today was clear and sunny until cloud built up in the afternoon. The problem was the temperature which struggled to reach a maximum of 7C with a bitter NW Wind. The rain forecast for mid afternoon luckily was much delayed not arriving until evening.

Arthur couldn’t make it so I was the leader and despite the cold 9 others turned out. I was joined by Sam, Bill, Graham, Bob, Alan, Nick, Linda, Mark and newcomer Steve Wiles.

We headed out via West Street and Clay Lane among beautiful Autumn colours. Then it was on via Woodmancote and Westbourne to stop for elevenses at Poppins Cafe Havant.

Then it was on down the Hayling Billy cycle trail and the cycle path over the bridge to Hayling Island. Then it was on via the lane to Northney to our lunch stop at Meadow Farm Nursery Cafe. Despite the time of year and our arriving at 12.10 the cafe was nearly full inside so we adjourned outside which was just about doable in the sun with all coats on. (Memo to future leaders. Ring to reserve a table when at the start)

For the return route we retraced via Northney and the bridge and then took the path along the waterfront before turning off on a path heading back towards Havant. At this point Graham had an incident whereby something caught in his rear derailleur bending it and breaking it. He then locked up his bike and caught a 700 bus to Chichester 5 minutes later and returned for his bike by car.

The rest of us rode via Emsworth, Westbourne and Woodmancote. We then took a minor road to come down west of Bosham and took the old road alongside the A259 and the cyclepaths to Fishbourne and back to Chichester. Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 28. My mileage from Pagham was 40.

Next a bit of cuteness with 3 Harvest Mice taken at a Camera Club workshop with various small animals brought to the hall last Tuesday.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:36 GMT

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The weather today was sunny most of the day though with a chilly easterly wind.  Temperatures started out at 6C rising up to 12C.

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, Arthur and Keith.

We headed out on West Street and then the Centurion Way north to join Hunters Race Lane just before Lavant. Then it was more quiet lanes to West Stoke village hall for the AGM. The official meeting started at 10.30 and continued to 11.45 and included a lot of discussion about Cycle Routes. We stayed in the Hall for a Picnic Lunch with Tea and Coffee prepared by Dave and Jan.

In the afternoon  I was joined by Russell, Colin and Harvey for a short ride on the lanes to the west.

The ride from and back to Chichester would have been about 17 miles. My mileage from Pagham was 29.

On Thursday evening I joined a Camera Club Trip to the Sloe Fair at Northgate Car Park Chichester. No Photoshopping. The colours are all as seen and the movement is the Ride going round and up and down captured with a long shutter speed. Needless to say I only photographed, did not go on any rides.

For a larger pictures and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/30483297535/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin 

Posted by RideLeader at 17:25 BST

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There were 18 of us meeting at Bognor Library for today’s Ride

The weather was sunny with a cool easterly breeze. I (Carol) led the ride out of Bognor via Arun Leisure Centre, cutting through the new housing estate and picking up Hoe Lane to ride up the Barnham Path. At the Murrell Arms we turned right and made our way through Yapton turning left into Horsemere Green Lane. At the T junction we turned right  towards Littlehampton crossing the road into Rope Walk to cross the Arun on the Footbridge and on to the Look and Sea Cafe for our stop for Tea

Steve led the return journey home. We departed at Felpham and Graham led those left back into Bognor.

It was lovely to meet some new riders that joined us today.

Carol and Steve

Posted by RideLeader at 19:24 BST

Updated: Saturday, 22 October 2016 19:44 BST

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The weather today started with bright sunshine in the morning though with more cloud in the afternoon. A chilly start at 9C warmed up later to reach 15C.

Sam was the leader and he was joined by Jeff, Russell and myself so 4 out on the day. The Chichester Half Marathon started at 9.00 today and we briefly watched them go past along East Street.

Due to renovation work on Chichester Cross our start point had to be moved to the Nat West Bank on East Street in the sun to warm us up. Before we left Jeff made technical adjustment No 1 to his bike  as he needed to lower his saddle after getting it back from a Service.

We headed out up North Street on a route to avoid the Runners. Then it was up the B-Road along Old Broyle Road before turning off onto a lane, West Stoke Road and over Hunters Race before Technical Adjustment Stop 2 for some more Saddle fiddling.

After passing through West Stoke we passed the Kingley Vale car park and at Woodend stopped for technical adjustment 3 to sort wheel noises. Sorry Sam, I caught you at a bad moment!

500 yards further on we stopped for technical Adjustment 4, sorry I lost track of the cause but it was the last.

We continued through Funtington and then it was the B-Road via West Marden and on to Compton for our elevenses stop in the sun trap beside the Cafe. Another Cyclist kindly took the picture of all 4 of us. Sam looks a little awkward as he was trying to hold in his tummy.

I headed back from elevenses while the rest continued via Harting to the Hamilton Arms, Stedham and a meet up with Arun Adur.

My mileage for the morning from Pagham was 35.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 15:36 BST

Updated: Sunday, 9 October 2016 15:38 BST

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We set off in overcast but warm weather, which turned increasingly blustery and sunny as the day progressed. Top temperature was 18C but it felt warmer.

 We set off up the Centurion Way before taking the usual roads to our elevenses at Compton. Sitting in the warm autumn sunshine watching large groups of cyclists going up the road was a very pleasant way to pass 20 minutes prior to setting off for Rogate, via South Harting. For once the wind was in our favour and we were wind assisted for an easy ascent of Harting Hill, arriving at Rogate for an early lunch on one of the benches behind the still closed pub.

 For a change we cycled north and west from the White Horse, with a short but unavoidable section of A272 before heading south via very quiet roads and faraway sounding destinations, through Quebec and Goose Green, roads with grass in the centre and more walkers than cars. Then onto Nursted and winching ourselves up the steep ascent of Buriton Hill leaving a quick run into Rowlands Castle and then back to Chichester for an early finish to the day's ride.

Mileage for the day's ride was 46 miles.

Posted by RideLeader at 18:55 BST

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The weather today was pleasant with hazy sunshine and temperatures up to 20C with a southerly wind.

 it was a very good turnout with 20 of us at the start point including some newcomers.

Graham was the leader and was able to show off his very cool new Ride Leader Jacket branded with Cycle Bognor, Facebook.

Graham led us through the back streets of Bognor, to the new estate at Felpham, where we joined the Flansham to Barnham cycletrack with a brief stop to regroup by the Church.

From there it was on via the new cycletrack to  Walberton. Our route continued through Binsted and then beyond the tarmac and a short off-road climb where I waited for a Photographic ambush.

Then it was past the Madonna pond and up the road through the woods to join Tortington Lane. Then downhill a little before taking the cut through to some estates and down towards Arundel.

Then it was 200 yards of pavement, under the bridge to Fitzalan Road, and into Arundel Town Centre. We then went on to Grounds Cafe, which made for a very pleasant stop.

We took a shorter route back via the Ford Road and Yapton, then via Bilsham to Middleton & Felpham. People peeled off a various points leaving a smaller group to ride back via the Summerley Estate and Bognor Seafront.

 The round trip mileage from and back to Bognor library was about 23, a little longer than our normal Saturday afternoon rides.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:53 BST

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3 of us out on today’s, ride Colin leading with Sam and myself.

Pleasantly warm, about 19C most of the day with decent periods of sunshine.

Colin led us  at a good pace  down Houghton hill, through Rackham and West Chiltington to our morning stop at Whisper's, Billingshurst. 

Fortified by tea and bacon rolls, Sam and myself did our best to hang onto Colin's wheel, as we sped ever faster  towards our lunch stop at Dial Post - how the small peloton missed Edwin's presence - surely, he would have issued Colin with a yellow card for 'Ungentlemanly conduct'  at this point. The average speed for the ride was now 13.5 mph and rising

Following a relaxed lunch break on the bench opposite  a very quiet Crown Inn, Dial Post we set off for home. Colin was now on fine form, leading the group through a series of scenic country lanes at NBVS (near bicycle vaporizing speed, Einstein's 4th law). This has the effect of slowing time and sure enough by only 14.15hrs we had arrived at the  afternoon tea stop, the Amberley Village Cafe. Despite the rapid progress Sam was still on battery number one, however just to be sure he ordered a huge slice of coffee cake to restock his energy levels.

From there we ascended the Khyber, remarking how good the northern end of the bridle path is before going our separate ways. A great ride through archetypal Sussex countryside starting to show just the first hints of autumn.

The return mileage to Walberton Pond would have been about 60 miles.

Russell

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Monday, 19 September 2016 07:22 BST

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The weather today was dry and mainly sunny with temperatures up to 20C and a light southerly wind.

The Leader was Sam who was joined at the start by myself, Colin and Jeff. Chris joined us later making 5 out in all. Our usual start and seats at Chichester cross was blocked off by repair work being done to the monument due to last for 10 weeks. We met instead at a nearby seat.

Sam lead us out on Clay Lane and the usual South Coast Cycleroute lanes via Woodmancote and Westbourne. Then it was on via Rowlands Castle and Finchdean. Riders on the Southern Sportive were coming the other way. We turned off for the climb over the Downs via Ditcham Park School. At the top is especially remote from everywhere and notably quiet.

After descending to a short paved section of the South Downs Way we took in a steep descent with hairpins down to the B2146 near South Harting. . After a short ride towards Petersfield we turned off onto more out of the way lanes via Goose Green (2 houses)

Then more lanes to the A272 and straight across to Durleighmarsh and a short way up a lane to Durleighmarsh Tea Barn on the grounds of a farm for elevenses. As we were leaving Chris arrived to join us. I left for home at this point wanting a shorter ride. The rest continued via Hill brow to the Queens Head, Selborne for lunch.

My return took in West Harting, South Harting and Elsted to turn off onto the lanes at the foot of the Downs via Didling and on to Cocking. On the way back I stopped off at West Dean to look at where the planned new exit will be to the new section of the Centurion Way, currently a dead end. The plans with the planning application show this on the SE bank of the old railway bridge down to the lane to Chilgrove from opposite the Pub. There will be steps with a wheeling ramp for bikes. Below is a stitched panorama of shots. It looks like the steps will follow the existing path coming up from the bottom right of the picture. Rather than then follow the old path shown in the picture the steps will go on to the far left and then take a right-angled right turn to climb the bank to the path.

The mileage for the main group from and back to Chichester would have been between 60 and 65. My mileage from and back to Pagham was 53.

My latest picture is a shot taken in July at a small Wildflower Meadow by West Park Bognor.

For more details see

https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/29430361502/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 17:52 BST

Updated: Sunday, 11 September 2016 18:01 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 cloudy though it stayed dry with a SW wind and temperatures up to 20C.

I do not do any substantial Off Road any more so I met the group at elevenses and lunch. I took the took the train to Billingshurst and rode to meet for elevenses at The Old Mill Cafe, Wisborough Green. Numbers were well down on the usual with just 5 attending. For a change Bognor Chichester had the most attending with Colin, Jeff and Sam. Just Bob for Horsham Crawley and Paul from Arun Adur.

I kept to the road again as the others took to the tracks. The following shot was one by Jeff at one of the Arun Crossings before lunch.

We met up again for lunch at The Onslow Arms, Loxwood. The Pub is at a very pleasant location beside the canal.

Jeff sorted out a puncture over the lunch break and then Paul found he had another one as everybody started to leave.

From lunch I headed to Horsham to get a train back and got into the spirit of things by using a section of the safe to ride Downslink Path.

The official ride from and back to Pulborough was about 35 miles. My mileage from Pagham and from and back to stations was 28.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:44 BST

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The leader today was due to be Jeff for a planned ride to Northchapel. However Jeff fell off his bike on Saturday and sprained his ankle (get well soon Jeff)

Jeff had been unable to find an alternative leader so I went to the start to tell anybody who turned up that the official Ride was off, Only Sam was at the Cross and as neither of us wanted a long ride or to go to Northchapel we settled on a morning only ride to Aldingbourne. Sam was out on his electric bike, now his regular one.

The weather today was much cooler than of late, mainly cloudy with scattered showers with a strong SW wind and temperatures up to 19C. We headed out with a good tailwind via Westhampnett, and lanes via Strettington and Waterbeach to start the climb up Pillygreen. Sam was generally very restrained, riding alongside me except for one part of the hill where he piled on the electric power.

At the top it was right and along the ridge with good views down to the coast. Then it was a long fast descent via Eartham. We were caught out only once by a shower near RSPCA Mount Noddy a short way from the elevenses stop at Aldingbourne and welcome hot drinks.

After elevenses while Sam headed back into the Downs for some offroad I headed south for home via the Barnham – Flansham Cycletrack. My mileage for the day from Pagham was 31.

After the Olympic success my latest processed picture is one taken at the Paralympics at London 2012.

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 14:59 BST

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Steve and Carol were joint leaders today for the ride to Brick Kiln Nursery, 25 riders left Bognor Regis library a special welcome to the young riders Nyree and Nel and Ben who rode all the way from Coldharbour to be with us.

We decided that as there was such a large group to split into two. I would lead the first with my back marker Julian.(Thank you Julian) Graham leading 2nd with back marker Carol, (Thank You Graham) Carol and I were also equipped with our trusted walkie talkies which worked perfectly helping to keep us all safe.

We made our way through the Bognor Coach park under the under pass to the leisure centre from there out through the new housing estate to the new A259 where we crossed into Hoe Lane. At the end of hoe lane and the Barnham Path by the church we stopped and waited for 2nd group to arrive for photo.

The first group then left made our way out of church lane under Barnham railway bridge towards Wilkes Head Pub where we turned left through St Philip Howard School into Ivy Lane, we then made our way to Aldingbourne church via hook lane we waited for second group who were couple of minutes behind then had second photo shoot we all left and made our way to Tangmere aerodrome

Then it was the quite lanes that would lead us to the Gribble inn Oving where we split into 2 groups to make our way via Drayton crossing out to Bognor Cycle path and to our destination Brick Kiln where we all had tea and cakes and cold drinks. Edwin joines us there so 26 were out in all.

On the return journey the new leader would be Carol who took the cycle path back to Bognor, Harvey branched off at Colworth and lead a group back to Barnham (Thank you Harvey) whilst the main group made their way back to Bognor railway station with riders departing along the way

Steve Woods

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

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Our last led evening ride of the summer, and what a glorious evening it was, warm and sunny, with a light breeze, as it had been all day. But the evening was noticeably drawing in, so time to draw our evening rides to a conclusion.

The lovely weather attracted 14 riders to  the start point  - John, Julian, Steve, Carol, Dmitry, Terry, Nicola, Michelle, David, Harvey, Russ, Maureen, Tony and myself. 

We set off past Felpham cricket pitch and over Highfield Bridge towards North Bersted. The usual rather circuitous route through the housing estates took us to North Bersted Street where I took the group northwards to Shripney, and after a couple of miles of peaceful lane we joined a somewhat less peaceful A.29 northwards through Lidsey to Woodgate. In fact the road was not especially busy - quiet in fact - but although we were single file there were too many of us for cars to pass confidently so we acquired the usual queue of following traffic.

Over the railway at Woodgate - the gates stayed open for us - and then it was east down Hook Lane  towards Aldingbourne. A short cut brought us out on the Tangmere road and then the usual quiet lanes brought us around the back of Oving and the Gribble.

The return route took us over the railway at Woodhorn Bridge and the pitch-black lanes of Colworth, to Elbridge where we joined the Bognor-Chichester cyclepath for the short sprint to Bersted. Then we meandered back to Felpham with people peeling off to make their own way home.  A great ending to the season and a round trip mileage from and back to the Leisure centre of about 15.

Graham

Posted by RideLeader at 00:01 BST

Updated: Saturday, 20 August 2016 12:22 BST

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A beautiful summers day, mainly sunny with a light northerly wind and temperatures up to 22C. Arthur was the leader for an Awayday ride to the New Forest starting from Eling 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. Remarkably all the trains I caught were on time. Southampton Station has a new Sculpture outside which I thought quite appropriate for a New Forest Ride.

The ride had one problem at the start as our usual cafe at Ealing was still closed for renovation so we met at the nearby car park

We headed off across the forest  towards Beaulieu. However here was a slight navigational error en route and we ended up in Hythe instead for elevenses where we found a cafe in the pedestrian street

We then headed up to the moorland from Hythe and across part of the New Forest for a revised lunch stop at Beaulieu. There was a slight delay as we made our way round a donkey stubbornly staying in the middle of the High Street causing a traffic jam.

We timed our arrival just right at the Old Bakehouse Cafe in Beaulieu, which is very much a cyclists Mecca. A large group of road cyclists were just leaving as we arrived freeing up tables.

Next we had a climb up the moorland and a ride not very far at all (4 miles) to Bucklers Hard tearooms for Tea or rarther ice creams and more chatting.

We saw an Owl handler at the Cafe, this one is a Tawny Owl

I got back to Southampton Station and got the 4.30 train back to Chichester with 3 minutes to spare

The mileage for the ride was about 27. My mileage for the day including riding to and from stations was 45.

Last Thursday evening I took this shot with a fisheye lens of the Milky Way above Pagham Harbour. Taken at 12.30am one of the meteors is caught on the left.

For more details and a larger picture see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/28314559233/in/photostream/

Edwin

Posted by RideLeader at 20:44 BST

Updated: Sunday, 14 August 2016 20:47 BST

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