Sunday 17th December. Ride to Stansted

The weather today started off very cold with a frost and some ice around at -2C though warming up later to 9C with milder air coming in with the rain from midday.

The Ride was due to have gone to The Victoria, West Marden but with rain coming in the lunch stop was amended to Blossoms Cafe, Stansted. Arthur was the leader. He was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Sam and Bill. Russell and Chris caught up with us en route.  Lynn joined us at Woodmancote so 7 in all on the ride.

Sam was very cold

Arthur led the group out via West Street and then on via Clay Lane and the South Coast Cycleroute to Woodmancote for our elevenses stop where Lynn joined us. After a welcome warm break we got ready for the cold again.

From elevenses we split up, Bill, Chris and I headed straight back home while Arthur, Lynn, Sam and Russell headed on to Lunch at Stansted. I still got the rain with it starting while on the southern side of Chichester as forecast at 12.20. My mileage from Pagham was 28.

My latest picture to be processed was taken yesterday with Christmas Lights at Oxford Street during a photographic trip to London. Definitely not for Christmas shopping which I do online to save the hassle.

Today was the last Ride of the year. The next Ride is the New Years Day ride to Wiggonholt followed by the Mince Pie Ride on 7^th January. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All.

Edwin

Sunday 10 December. Midhurst

Sam was the leader of this ride but with torrential rain and strong winds gusting to 60mph, nobody else turned up. Sam went ahead anyway taking a route first up Centurion Way. Then it was on via West Stoke where a dip and a deep flood could have shorted the electrics but all was well.

Then on to Compton. The cyclists there were down on the normal numbers but there were 4 hardy types  loaded with camping gear and wearing shorts after having camped overnight at Kingley Vale. Sam decided that if they could do it he would finish the route and climbed Harting with a tail wind.

Then it was on to the Glasshouse Cafe, Stedham where they just managed to do him a Coffee before the electric died.

Then it was back home via Midhurst, Bepton and Cocking for a ride of 38.5 miles in torrential rain, fallen trees and branches and freezing temperatures.

Well done Sam.

Edwin for Sam

Saturday 9 December. Ride to Littlehampton

Despite temperatures barely reaching 3-4C there were 11 out at Bognor Library for the Saturday Ride today to Littlehampton. Steve and Carol joined us at Middleton so 13 in all on the Ride. David Sinclair was our leader.

Possible routes were limited due to the Barnham path being churned up by Cable Laying. David led us out via Hotham Park and the cycle path to Felpham. Then it was Limmer Lane and the Cycle Path across the Playing Fields and some convoluted estate roads taking Maureen past her house. Then on via Middleton and across the main road at Comet Corner where Steve and Carol joined us.

We continued on the lanes via Yapton and Horsemere Green Lane. Then it was across the main road from Ford Lane and more lanes to Littlehampton Footbridge over the river and on to the warmth of the Look and Sea Cafe. After a refreshing break we sorted out the bikes for the return.

The return was far too busy for the main road aggravated by the road being narrowed by the work on the new cyclepath. This will be something to look forward to next spring. We essentially retraced the outward route via Yapton and Middleton for the return though giving a miss to the Felpham estates.

My mileage from Pagham was 26 so from Bognor the ride would have been about 19.

Edwin for David

Sunday 3 December Ride to Compton and Christmas Lunch at The Four Chesnuts, Chichester

The weather today was cloudy but milder than of late reaching 10C by afternoon. About half way to Chichester I realised my camera was back home in the living room, too late! Just 3 of us met at Chichester Cross, myself, Sam and Russell. Bob joined us at Compton and Andrew almost joined us arriving for a coffee just as were leaving. There were 18 in all for the Christmas lunch later at Chichester. I was the leader. Thanks to Sam and his mobile and a member of the Public for the picture.

We headed out via West Street and then the Centurion Way with a lot of wet leaves and then via West Stoke and Funtington. I took a route straight to Compton on the valley road via West Marden. This is a gradual slight uphill all the way made to feel more so by a head on NW wind.

We stopped at Compton Village Tea Rooms for 11s, well 10s really as we arrived soon after 10.00 before the crowds of other cyclists piling in later.

Then we headed back at a much faster speed via West Marden, Racton and Woodmancote. At the west end of Chichester we turned in to Sam’s Road so he could change to an old bike less likely to be stolen. Apologies to Arun Adur who I gather were coming in the opposite direction as we turned off but I didn’t recognize in time.

At The Four Chesnuts, Chichester we settled in to a long (3 hours) 3 course Christmas lunch. Harvey and Mike came direct by bike with the rest coming by car or bus. At the old skittle alley which we used to use for autumn events the new owners had renovated as a new dining area and the food was much enjoyed. Credit to Bob for the picture.

My latest picture to be processed was taken yesterday in areas of The City of London while guiding a group of 15 from Bognor Regis Camera Club round various Photo locations. This one is of the Millennium Bridge and St Paul’s from the South Bank.

Edwin