Sunday 29 April Ride to Barnes Green

Russell was due to lead this ride and arrived late with a mechanical problem with his Cassette which was only intermittently engaging (not good) so he had to head home. There were 4 of us remaining being myself, Sam, Bob and Mike. It was a dull and cold winters day, sorry it’s nearly May, start again. It was a dull and cold Spring day with a cold NE wind and temperatures reaching only 7C. At least the rain forecast for the afternoon was delayed until evening.

I took over as leader and we headed out through Walberton and across the A27 via Shellbridge lane. Then it was a short stretch of the A29 before turning off on the Madehurst Lane through freshly green woods and bluebells. We stopped to regroup at the end of the lane by the Whiteways Roundabout.

Then it was a fast descent to Houghton and on to lanes via Amberley and Rackham and on to stop for elevenses at RSPB Cafe, Wiggonholt heading indoors out of the cold.

I headed home from here for a shorter ride and Sam took over as leader. His report is as follows –

65miles Door to door.  After Bird sanctuary on to Coolham,  Brooks Green & “Lunch” @ Summers Pond. Cold & nonstop head wind. After lunch on via “ club hill climb” to  Main Road( A29 Staine Street) Staggered crossing  and round to cross canal & river on A272; off up the B2133 to New Pound; left into back off Wisborough. Green  and on to Kirdford for a tea! Back through and down to & over A272 onward to Well Diggers Arms. Mike went left to Fittleworth: We went right through Byworth over Stopham bridge, Barlavington, Duncton, Singleton & Centurion Way home. Temp at top of Duncton 7 degrees C and NO RAIN

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For my return I wanted a different route than the outbound so headed on a lane towards Coldwaltham with a stop for a picture of Bluebells on the verge.

Then it was on a lane via Coates south of Fittleworth and a stop for a chat with Chris Dart who was coming in the other direction. He was not expecting to get to Barnes Green in time but getting in some hill training before a holiday. Then for me it was on via Duncton Hill and Upwaltham and the long descent to Eartham and Slindon Bottom Road. This is my favourite local road for quiet views especially with the trees in their Spring or Autumn leaves.

Then it was under the tunnel to Fontwell to discover a new Cyclepath. This goes the length of Fontwell Village as far as the lane down to Walberton. It is part of the cycle route from the coast to Slindon and the Downs. So new they had not put in yet give way markings at every side road.

Then back home via Yapton and the Prom. Mileage for me was 48 from and back to Pagham

My latest picture was taken on Thursday at the end of a visit to Arundel Castle Tulip Festival just as black storm clouds gathered. I sent the picture up to BBC South Today for their weather pictures and it was shown on TV Thursday Evening.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/40832808915/in/photostream/

Edwin

Evening ride- Arun Leisure Centre to Fontwell, The Stable Bar.

In contrast to last week’s evening ride, tonight was 10 or 12 degrees lower with a strong south westerly wind. Not an especially promising evening, but nonetheless 7 turned out for the ride.

I led Michelle, John, Maureen, Steve, Carol and Harvey away round the back of the Arun leisure Centre, up to Bognor Golf club and then the refurbished path through the new estate, crossing the relief road to Stanover Lane and on to the Barnham Cycle track. Stanover Lane although short is very sheltered under trees and in consequence can retain water when other roads have dried out. But it has been improved with a surface dressing. There was a thin layer of mud lying on parts of the surface dressing today, but it was neither sticky nor deep and was negotiated without difficulty. Numerous tyre tracks indicate this cut through is becoming very popular with cyclists.

After clearing the Barnham cyclepath we had a brief stop outside the Church to admire the blossom.

Then a straightforward route followed – To Walberton via the Cycletrack along Barnham Lane, then West Walberton Lane to Fontwell, where I was surprised to see a new cycletrack has been opened alongside the length of London Road and turning down towards the subway. I am sure this was not even started last time we came this way!

We rode the length of London Road to the A27 roundabout, turning into Fontwell Avenue and crossing to the Stables Bar.

For the return route, the plan was to take the path alongside the A27 for about half a mile to Nyton Lane, dropping down through Aldingbourne to Hook lane, then Woodgate Crossing and home. However we had only done a few hundred yards out from the Stables when Michelle got a puncture. And it was a big one. A huge “rock” was retrieved from the tube, which had instantly deflated. Repairs were effected in the pitch black alongside the A27.

After we got going again I decided to cut our losses and we turned down Level Mare Lane to join the A29 north of the Eastergate Memorial. Another short stop to change batteries for a failing light and then heads down for a fast run all the way down the A29 to the Bognor Relief Road. Those heading for Bognor left us there whilst a Felpham/Middleton contingent took the relief road’s cycle path to Flansham and home.

Start to finish it was a modest run of 14.5

Graham

Sunday 22 April Rides to Compton

This was a good idea from Russell of a long and short ride meeting for lunch at the same location at Compton. It was a beautiful sunny spring day for the rides with temperatures up to 20C inland. I was the leader of the long ride meeting at Chichester Cross at 9.00 and I was joined by just Sam and Bob. Arthur led the short ride and he was joined by Lynn, Harvey, Andrew, Graham, Alan, Bob and Gill plus David Glue who went part way.

I led the long ride out first via West Street and then up the Centurion Way before cutting across on lanes to West Stoke. Then it was on a lane via Woodend towards Funtington with beautiful views across rolling hills and fields of Rapeseed Oil. On the same lane we passed woods full of Bluebells. During the day on the ride after the long winter the fresh leaves on the trees were evident plus blossoms and at one point wild garlic on the verge.

From Funtington we headed up the hill and over to Racton and then on via Aldsworth to our elevenses stop in the sunshine at Rowlands Castle.

Then it was a gradual climb past the Golf Course and on via a lane to Horndean. A bridge took us over the A3 and then a narrow lane to Cathrington and on to Clanfield. Then another lane up again coming out by The Hampshire Hog Pub and back over the A3. A nice long descent followed to Chalton followed by a short sharp climb and a stop to regroup, admire the views and for Sam to use his electronic cigarette.

We usually avoid using this lane in the other direction because of the long very steep climb so it was a fast descent. We soon turned off on a lane past Idsworth Farm and a very long but gradual climb over to Compton for our lunch stop were we joined Arthur’s group. They had come a much more direct route with a stop for elevenses at Woodmancote.

We separated for our rides back but meeting up for tea at The Roman Palace Cafe, Fishbourne. For the last stretch back to Chichester we joined up as one group.

On the long ride the mileage from and back to Chichester was 38. My mileage from Pagham was 52.

On the way to the start of the Ride I did my first report this morning on the “I Love West Sussex” Pothole reporting App. This giant hole on Vinnetrow Road nr Chichester seemed an appropriate one to start with. Looks like the white lines the Council put round to show it needs attention have fallen into the hole

This next picture was taken in London last month showing Millwall Inner Dock just south of Canary Wharf.

For a bigger picture and more details see

https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/41448304332/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Thursday 19 April Cycle Ride to Murrell Arms

Our first evening ride for 2018 and what a good turnout 15 at the start probably helped by the lovely weather it was nice to see a lot of familiar faces and new.

I (Steve Led the riders out)We set off at 1935 hrs and made our way towards Butlins where we turned left and made our way down Limmer lane through King Georges Park and along Middleton Road out to Comet Corner, we crossed the busy A259 and made our way to Yapton.

We passed Yapton village hall and turned right into Church Lane at the end we turned right and made our way across Yapton Railway crossing where we turned left into lake lane, this turned out not to be a very good move as we were continually dodging the many deep and dangerous pot holes and we also came across our first friendly steering wheel attendant or not so friendly according my fellow riders Russ and Graham still he must have been a very busy man to get that annoyed for being held up all of 60 seconds.

At the end of Lake Lane we turned left and under Railway bridge and arrived at the Murrell arms, there were 3 other cyclist who met us there so 18 out in total we did split into 2 groups there was Michelle and her little group who sat in the warm then Carol and her hardy little group who were determined to sit outside in the cold but we all enjoyed a good chat and catch up with old friends.

Carol called time and took the reins and took us back towards Bognor using the Hoe lane cycle track which is not in a very good condition after recent ground works, we arrived back to Bognor safely and without incident overall a lovely first evening ride with a good group of people

Thanks

Steve & Carol

Sunday 15 April. Ride to Rogate

It was a cloudy day with a light SE wind and relatively mild at 11C. The fly in the ointment was a spell of rain in the afternoon after 1.00.. Sam was still out of action so Russell stepped in as the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by Bob, Edwin, Mike and newcomer to the Sunday Rides, Rosie who had been out before on some of the Saturday Rides.

We headed out on West Street and then up Centurion Way. The route extension was much dryer than it has been thanks to a few sunny days. At West Dean we took the loop through the village. Then it was a few miles of main road including the climb to the top of Cocking Hill. In Cocking we turned off on lanes via Bepton with a nice tailwind.

At Bepton we turned off on Severals Road a pleasant Lane between heather and trees. At the main road the A272 west of Midhurst we took a short stretch of cyclepath before crossing to a lane into Stedham.

We were soon in Rotherhill Nursery Cafe settled into a collection of lounge chairs for hot drinks and cakes. At the Nursery Bob had taken a shine to a 7ft tall Olive tree available for a snip at £1800. He eventually decided it was a little big for his saddlebag.

I had decided to make it a half day ride and headed home from the Cafe retracing the outbound route.

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Russell continues

Leaving Edwin to return home after elevenses at Stedham, we climbed the long hill up to Woolbeding Common and then on through Redford, giving Mike an opportunity to see the vintage petrol pumps at the village garage. Throughout the morning, part of the conversation had concerned the apparent disparity between the BBC and the Met Office forecasts, the Met Office one implying heavier rain , earlier in the afternoon. This influenced my decision to shorten the ride slightly and at the Rake/Fernhurst T junction we duly headed west instead of east.

This road was quiet traffic wise until we turned off to climb and then descend into Rogate. There is a downhill mountain bike course on the north side of Rogate Hill, at the steepest section. A hundred plus MTBers were enjoying the delights of careering down hill at great speed – the associated vans and cars that had transported them there lined the ascent roadside.

On arrival at Rogate recreation ground, our pre-selected picnic spot, there was a ‘Well Being Fayre’ going on in the community hall. Sniffing food, Bob went to investigate and before he knew it he had been whisked inside, lightened of 2 pounds for entry and told to enjoy a wander round. He was then thwarted in his progress towards the food counter by a lady having a ‘spiritual moment’. Eventually he managed to order a ‘beano burger’ before joining us on the benches outside. Unfortunately the beano burger wasn’t as exotic as it sounded but it did give Bob energy for the hills ahead.

Leaving Rogate we rode through Nyewood to climb Telegraph Hill ( after convincing Rosie that this would be akin to climbing the Mattterhorn, apologies for any consternation caused !) and rode through the very quiet grounds of Uppark House. The promised  rain then started bang on cue and it was heavy. Met office 1-0 BBC . The rain stayed with us all the way back to our return to Chichester at 3pm.

Mileage for the ride was 45 miles from Chichester and back to Chichester.

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My mileage from Pagham was 42 and it would be a fair bit longer for the full ride.

One of my latest pictures was taken on a recent London Trip. This is Redbridge Underground Station towards the eastern end of the Central Line and a first visit for me. It is one of the few stations with a central platform where 2 tracks can be viewed at once

For a bigger picture and more details see

https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/41424251521/in/photostream/

Edwin

Saturday Ride – Bognor Library to Aldingbourne Country Centre

A really lovely spring afternoon today, lots of sunshine and temperatures at 18 or 19 degrees, although an Easterly wind did occasionally serve to just take the edge off otherwise perfect biking weather. There were 11 of us on the ride.

I led Harvey, Sam, Maureen , Julian, Terry, Bill, Steve, Alan. Ann, and Chris from the start point at Bognor library under the subway to Highfield Bridge and Bersted, joining cycletrack from Ash Grove through to the New Estate and then on to the Bognor- Chichester cycle route to Colworth.  Back roads to Woodhorn and Aldingbourne village where en route we stopped to inspect a cornfield that Alan had seen a light aircraft do an emergency landing last year (it had only taken off from Goodwood a few minutes earlier).

I took the group up Norton Lane to the A27 which we crossed without too much difficulty and entered the Aldingbourne Centre via a shortcut, in the “rear” entrance which although a little churned up, wasn’t too muddy at all. It just involved lifting your bike between the bars of a two bar fence!

At the Garden Centre Cafe  we settled down for a  pleasant stop in the sunshine.

On our return, Bill and Chris headed direct towards Chichester, Terry went back to Walberton via Fontwell, and the rest of us went via Level Mare Lane and Northfields Lane to Nyton, then down Nyton Lane to Woodgate crossing. A mile of main road (A29) brought us to Shripney from where it was lanes and back roads via North & south Bersted to complete a circular route back to Bognor town centre.

The round trip mileage from, and back to, Bognor library was 18.0

Graham

Sunday 8 April. Ride to Sumners Pond Cafe and Freewheel Competition

I was the leader for this ride and rode to the start at Walberton Pond at first in the dry and then with increasing rain and a very poor forecast. Russell was the only one to join me but he decided in view of the weather to do his own short ride. With nobody to lead I was free to head to Barnham Station and catch a train to Billingshurst. Then it was a short ride to the Sumners Pond Campsite and their Cafe by the Lake at Barnes Green where the 3 DA Groups were due to meet for lunch prior to the Freewheel

A reasonable Group of 5 arrived from Arun Adur being Richard Boulton, Mick McCormack, Paul Price, Peter Train and Peter Rudd. Unusually nobody arrived to represent Horsham and Crawley so Arun Adur definitely won out in being the most waterproof.

It continued with constant rain while we had lunch but as we left for the Freewheel just after 1.30 it was easing to a stop just in time.

We rode together to the top of the Freewheel Hill where we received instructions from the organiser, Richard.

The hill is a good one for a Freewheel with a long down and then an up at the end to keep competitors close together. Pictures below of Mick and then Peter Rudd.

The winner was Paul Price followed by Peter Train and then Peter Rudd. I was 5^th out of 6.

My mileage for the day including getting to and from stations was 24.

The following picture was taken in much better weather on Thursday close to home of a ring of daffodils. It was taken with camera on the ground facing up and with a fisheye lens.

Edwin

Sunday 1 April. Ride to Fort Nelson Cafe, Portsdown

For the Easter Sunday Ride today it stayed dry unlike the rest of the long weekend. It started cold at 4C later reaching 8C with mainly cloudy skies save for a few hours of sun in the afternoon.

I was the leader and I was joined at Chichester Cross by Bob, Sam and Russell. Sam was down with a chest infection which had lasted for weeks and was not really up to coming out but came anyway but only as far as elevenses.

With all Garden Centres and their Cafes obliged to close on Easter Sunday we headed for Rowlands Castle for elevenses. We took the usual route out via Clay Lane on the South Coast Cycleway. On taking a lane near West Ashling we came across 3 large packs of rubbish dumped by fly tippers in the middle of the road, such amazing idiots.

We continued via Woodmancote and Westbourne and on to Rowlands Castle for elevenses. There were less cyclists there than usual and we readily got an inside table in the warm. After elevenses Sam headed back and Russell too as he had a family occasion leaving just Bob and myself to complete the ride.

We headed on via Horndean and then a lane towards Cathrington. Then it was a narrow quiet lane north of Denmead with the little lane ironically called Broadway. Then it was more lanes via Worlds End (not today) and passing close to North Boarhunt. Then it was on via Boarhunt and a gradual climb up to the western end of Portsdown Hill to Fort Nelson the free to enter Royal Armouries for lunch. The cafe had been moved from the visitor centre via a long trek to the Parade Ground. Not many people seemed to have made it that far.

Bob did his first go at a selfie and was already curious about selfie sticks.

Then it was on to Portsdown Hill Road. Apart from the traffic this is one of the best routes around for views. The narrow ridge overlooks Portsmouth Harbour and goes on for miles with sometimes views both ways to the harbour and north over the Downs. I stopped at a layby for a shot including Portchester Castle, The Harbour and the Spinnaker Tower.

Then it was a long long descent to Havant with the usual wait at the crossing for a train. From Havant we continued via Emsworth and turned off to take the lane to Prinsted. Here we came to the Southbourne Sea Scouts Teas. I recently received an email from them to say they were open from April to October on Saturday and Sundays. Russell has put them down for a Saturday Ride in the draft Summer Rides List. I made the sacrifice of stopping to test them out on their first day of opening. I would say they well passed with hot drinks and large slices of cake for £1 each.

Then it was on via Southbourne and Cooks lane before joining the South Coast Cycleroute back to Chichester. Mileage from and back to Chichester was 43. My return mileage from Pagham was 56.

Before leaving this morning I uploaded an April Fool joke picture to Facebook

The image was created from a night shot of London taken from the Tate Modern combined with a shot of the large entrance canopy of the EDF building in Paris which looks amazingly like the Saucer Section of the USS Enterprise.

Edwin