Sunday 13 May Ride to The Hamilton Arms, Stedham

Although a lot cooler than last weekend It was still a pleasant dry and sunny day with temperatures up to 15C and a westerly wind.

Just 3 of us met at Chichester Cross, myself as leader plus Bob and Keith Dodman. Chris joined us for lunch after bell ringing.

We headed out via West Street and then the South Coast Cycleroute lanes before turning off for West Ashling and on to Watery Lane which lived up to its name with a strong stream running alongside. Then on to Funtington and over the hill to Racton before heading up the B-Road via West Marden to stop for an early elevenses at Compton, we were joined there for a chat by Greg Newton who both I and Keith know from Time Trialling.

Then it was on towards Harting with a gradual climb from the south side passing woods with bluebells and wild Garlic. After a sharp descent into South Harting we took a lane to Nyewood before turning east on the very narrow Dumpford Lane negotiating at one point sand plus more than the usual potholes. Then on via Elsted Marsh and straight to The Hamilton Arms, Stedham for lunch. Here we were joined by 3 from Arun Adur led by Richard Boulton as they had a late change of destination.

Keith and Chris headed back their own ways as they were going more east. Bob and I headed back direct towards Chichester via lanes to Bepton and Cocking Hill. We stopped for tea at the Weald and Downland Museum new Cafe and spent a while there in the warm sunshine. Bob did another selfie, the last being on a ride 6 weeks back.

Then on via the gradual descent of the Centurion Way Path. The only disadvantage of the weather is more people on the path. Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 38, My mileage from Pagham was 52.

My latest picture was a close up of Oilseed Rape taken on Thursday near Shripney.