Sunday 24 June Ride to the Parrot Inn Forest Green

It was another warm sunny day with temperatures reaching 24C inland and a fresher 19C on the coast. We met at Walberton Pond. Russell the leader was joined by Sam, myself, Rosie, Paul and Mike. Jeff joined us at Bury so 7 were out in all.

We headed out on the usual route with a narrow lane via Madehurst. Then a fast descent (40.5 mph) down Bury Hill to meet up with Jeff at the junction at Bury Village. Then more lanes via West Burton and north towards Coates. Not much traffic.

We had a narrow escape from Brinkwells Hill as Russell instead took us left towards Little Bognor eventually coming out on the lane to Kirdford. As we took the long descent towards Kirdford Jeff gave a good demonstration over 20 metres of almost but not quite falling off on gravel as he slithered about on the gravel in the middle of the road.

At Kirdford we took a left and a short way on turned into Kirdford Village Stores and Cafe arriving fortuitously between 2 large groups of cyclists to get our orders in for bacon sandwiches, scrambled eggs  ect. Yes it was elevenses not lunch but I think we were feeling the hills.

After elevenses I wanted a shorter ride so headed for home. The rest were planning to continue north via Loxwood and on to Forest Green, Surrey for lunch.

My return took in Petworth, Duncton Hill and a picnic lunch in Eartham Churchyard. Then it was on via Sindon Bottom Road a beautiful tree lined lane.

Then on towards home via Yapton and Middleton and onto Felpham Prom. This is usually very busy on a warm Sunday but not today it still being Match time plus the Cafes normally packed were half empty. Great advantage of riding with no interest in football. I stopped for an ice cream break.

Mileage for me from and back to Walberton was 40. My mileage from and back to Pagham was 60. Doing the full ride would have added another 20 miles to that.

I have processed another picture from my dawn visit to the Bury Hill poppies on 13th June. This one was taken about 30 minutes after sunrise at 5.20am.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/42933850931

Edwin

Saturday 23 June Ride to West Dean Stores Cafe

It was a beautiful warm day for the Saturday afternoon ride to West Dean Stores and Cafe led by Graeme Hodge. 12 of us enjoyed the ride. Temperatures reached 24C. We met for the start at Chichester Library.

The route out took us via West Street and then Centurion Way northwards and free of traffic. After Lavant we took in the extension to West Dean and then negotiated the steep steps off the old railway path and down to a quiet lane.

From here it was a very short way straight across the main road into another lane to West Dean Village and the Village Stores and Cafe for tea. Apparently one of our group had the last of the cream buns..

For the return we first retraced our steps down the Centurion Way looking very green at this time of year.

From Lavant we headed  on a lane towards West Stoke before turning off on more lanes to West Broyle and back to the Library.

My mileage from Pagham was 26 and the mileage from and back to Chichester would have been about 14.

Edwin

Sunday 17 June Ride to Hindhead amended to Kirdford

The weather today was mainly dry despite really threatening looking quite dramatic clouds. Temperatures reached 17c but it felt cooler due to the very strong SW wind. Russell was the leader and he was joined at Chichester Cross by myself, Sam, Bob, Paul and Mike. Chris saw us briefly at The Cross before going Bell Ringing and then meeting us again at elevenses and the rest of the ride so 7 out in all.

We headed out via West Street and then the Centurion Way cyclepath north to West Dean. Russell was planning to get to Hindhead and then needed to be home early so set a brisk pace. At West Dean we joined the main road and continued north to the top of Cocking Hill where we stopped to regroup and I got a photo with some dramatic clouds.

We continued with a fast descent down Cocking Hill. With no other traffic around there was no doubt that we all set off the “Slow Down” speed warning sign coming into the 30mph area for the village. Sam maxed at 41mph and I was on 38. It is notable that speed limits do not apply to bicycles, only motor vehicles. The nearest offence for a bicycle is “Wanton and Furious Riding” and only applies if injury is caused.

After braking we turned left on a quiet lane to Bepton and then Severals lane to Stedham aiming to stop for elevenses at Rotherhill Nursery Cafe, only to find on arrival that it was closed for Kitchen Renovation. Russell’s schedule was now out the window and we decided to head to Garfields Cafe, Midhurst for elevenses and amend the lunch stop to the Cafe at Kirdford.

We took a cyclepath and lane to Midhurst and stopped at the Cafe which was very busy and some parts of our order took a little time. Just as well as totally coincidentally Chris had decided to stop at the square to check his map and found us by accident.

We continued on lanes to South Ambersham where I headed south having decided on a shorter ride. The rest headed north planning to go via Lodsworth and Lurgashall to Kirdford and then back via Houghton and the Khyber Pass to Arundel.

I went home via Heyshott and then the remote lane to Cocking. I stopped at a field entry to take a picture of a field and the clouds. Only a mobile was used so some editing was needed.

My mileage for the day from and back to Pagham was 48.

My latest major picture was taken on Wednesday at 4.50am with a view looking down from Bury Hill over a Poppy field to the mist in the Arun Valley. The picture was shown on BBC South Today Wednesday Evening as one of the 3 weather pictures before the local weather. The picture has gained a lot of interest having been viewed on Facebook by 9000 people and gained over 1000 “likes” As a result a lot of people are going there and I heard today from one ladies post on Facebook that the Farmer has had enough and told her to get off his land.

For a larger picture and more details see https://www.flickr.com/photos/edwinjones/28915918308/in/dateposted-public/

Edwin

Thursday 14 June Arun Leisure Centre Felpham to the Anchor at Sidlesham.

A lovely evening for the ride, dry, Clear and sunny, with the wind dropping making perfect riding conditions. 13 riders at the start point: with Graham as the leader. Steve and Carol met us near Summer Lane, Pagham making 15 out in total.

We took the promenade route to Fish Lane at Aldwick, then dropped into Barrack Lane. Edwin directed the Group on the new route through the Aldwick Bay Estate making use of a footpath connecting Apple Grove on the Estate and Greenways off Carninals Drive outside the Estate. We then emerged eventually at Nyetimber, where we took one of our regular routes down Summer Lane and across the Pagham Rife to Honer Lane and up to South Mundham. Most of this route will become officially recognised as part of National Cycle Route 2 if Sustrans lobbying is successful.  No shortage of midgies across the fields, but the ground was hard and not quite as lumpy as I’ve known it, so no-one had any problems negotiating it and we regrouped at the end of the track on Honer Lane

Then it was north through South Mundham and south via Fisher on waymarked Route 88. After crossing the cattle Grid on Fisher Lane we came across a large herd of cows enjoying a rich pasture and had the occasional excitement of cows caught on the wrong side of the lane making a sudden dash across the road to avoid being cut off by to them this strange procession. One cow even though it was on the right side was definitely eyeing up Steve with suspicion.

After riding across 2 more field on a good gravelled surface we rejoined tarmac on a lane passing Chalder Farm before emerging on the main Selsey Road right next to the Anchor pub. This particular route probably has more off-road riding than any of our other routes, but the scenery and absence of any other road traffic at all between Pagham and Sidlesham more than makes up for it.

The Pub Cat was happy to see us but is Harvey about to hit it or stroke it.

For the return route, we had a bit of a dilemma – whether to return by road or take the shortcut around Pagham Wall and the Harbour. It was on this route that Julian and his bike once took an impromptu mud bath in the harbour. However it was quite a bit lighter tonight and after some discussions we decided to go for it. John, Russell and Harvey headed home by road. The rest of us took a short stretch of main road before turning off on Rookery Lane and across tracks to Halseys Farm to reach Pagham Wall which was accessed by an awkward gate (maybe meant to stop bikes using the footpath) We were soon through after some bike lifting helped by Steve

On this occasion the Wall path was negotiated entirely without incident though in parts it was too overgrown to clearly see the route which might have been the cause of Julian’s incident. At the end of the wall we negotiated an easier Gate.

We headed back through Nyetimber and then back along the prom, with people peeling off along the way. Mileage for the route from and back to the Leisure Centre was about 20.

Edwin for Graham

Sunday 10 June Ride to Hambledon

Weather on Sunday was dry with cloud in the morning clearing in the afternoon and reaching a pleasant 21C. Sam was the leader on a ride due to go to The Shoe at Exton. There were 7 of us at the start of the Ride which had its share of problems starting with Jeff having a puncture after parking near the Centurion Way.

At Chichester Cross Sam was joined by myself, Mike, Russell, Bob and Mark for the first time this year. A cyclist from the West Country joined us briefly for a chat who originally hailed from Ireland and exactly the area Sam visits every year

We headed out to via West Street to pick up Jeff whose puncture was now mended.

Then it was on via Clay Lane and the lanes via Woodmancote to Westbourne where Mike had to turn back having realised he left his bag back at Chichester Cross. Problem no 2. We heard from Mike later that he had retrieved his bag safely and then headed home.

Meanwhile we headed on and stopped at Rowlands Castle for an early elevenses. A generally welcomed decision was made to have a shorter ride to lunch changing it to the Cafe at Hambledon and do a longer ride in the afternoon.

We headed on via Horndean and a lane to Cathrington where Sam decided to go off piste on a rarely used route on a lane to Hambeledon . However nobody had a paper map for the area so Google Maps was consulted as we huddled at a junction being buzzed by a moped rider going up and down. We headed out up a steep hill and then along a quiet narrow lane.

After some more ups and downs we came out by the Bat and Ball Pub and then a long downhill to Hambledon to lunch at the Old Forge Tea Rooms, formerly Lotts Cafe, much improved after being taken over by new owners.

The Sam loop for the afternoon started off as is traditional by heading the opposite direction from home up an exceptionally steep cruel hill. Then it was more pleasant lanes across rolling hills with beautiful views.

We took more lanes across to Chidden. At this point I wanted to avoid a long climb up to the Ridge and Jeff wanted to avoid some off-road Sam had planned so we split off and took a route of similar distance but lower. Our routes converged at the Hampshire Hogg and then across to Chalton and down to Finchdean and we met up for tea at Rowlands Castle. Jeff and I got there at least 20 minutes earlier than the rest mainly due to the off-road which proved more difficult than expected.

After tea in the bright sunshine we retrace our outbound route back to Chichester via Westbourne and Woodmancote. Mileage from and back to Chichester was about 48. My mileage from Pagham was 60.

Edwin

Saturday 9 June Cycle To Mewsbrook Park Café

17 riders out for today’s ride, we set off from Bognor Library in 2 groups as we adopted our new policy of no more than 10 riders together so as to make it easier and safer for cars to pass us, I led the first group of 10 and Mike led the second Carol being tail Rider for any problems which she could report via our walkie talkie radios.

We headed to Arun Leisure Centre and out to Hoe lane (as the new Bognor Littlehampton cycle path which we were hoping to use still is not completed) we stopped for regroup at the church then after 5 minutes to check everyone was OK set off towards Yapton passing through Ford and turning left into Horsemere  Green Lane at the end of lane we turned right and made our way to the busy A259 we crossed and into Ferry Road at the end we crossed the river Arun turned right and made our way down the river to the sea, at this point my friend Graham took the reins and led us onto the cycle track on the prom which was surprisingly not as busy as I thought it would be this must come with experience and the many many many  many years of experience Graham has on me Thankyou Graham for your assistance, we got to Mewsbrook café and sat outside in the lovely sunshine and all enjoyed the great hospitality provided by the staff Tea Coffee Chips Cakes and cold drinks.

The return trip was led by Carol and  I became tail end Charlie and Mike continued to lead second group.

Carol retraced our track right back to Yapton but instead of going to Hoe Lane went via Comet Corner, the ride was ended at Flansham Park as we were all going our separate ways.

Thank you to all the lovely people who came on our ride today and made it such fun

Steve and Carol

Sunday 3rd June. I-Spy Ride

Today was the second DA Event of the year, the I-Spy Ride organised by Horsham Crawley Group. Our Rides List provided for us to meet at Wiggonholt for the start of the event from 10.00. However after request I contacted regular riders and suggested an 8.15 start at Walberton Pond to Ride to Wiggonholt for 9.30 and an early coffee stop. That brought out a good turnout with Sam, Russell, Bob and Mike meeting me at Walberton and Harvey meeting us at Wiggonholt. It was a beautiful warm sunny day with temperatures up to 25C inland.

We headed out on the usual route taking the hilly lanes via Madehurst. Then it was a fast descent down Houghton Hill looking over the Arun Valley. Just after Amberley Sam spotted an artistic convergence of polluted jet contrails.

Then it was on via Rackham and the Gates to Parham and along a tree lined lane.

We arrived at Wiggonholt at dead on 9.30 to join Horsham Crawley members already there and we were soon joined by Arun Adur members. Pete Eyre was the organiser and handed out the route/clue sheets. . Totals were 9 from Horsham Crawley, 6 from Bognor Chichester and 3 from Arun Adur. Horsham Crawley formed 3 groups to go round the route while Bognor Chichester and Arun Adur formed a group each.

After a short stretch of main road we headed off on lanes towards Nutbourne and then Stream Lane and on to West Chiltington. After a loop through the village one of the clues was which number was missing. The clue included a picture of a Fire Hydrant marker with the bottom number missing so the answer was 6. This was the sort of question but not always as easy to find and even then there was some discussion as there was another Hydrant on the other side of the road but it didn’t fit the picture background.

I took the opportunity to get a group picture, not a lot of traffic around.

Then it was on north and east passing Shripney and on via Dial Post. Then the route took us on a quiet lane coming out near Ashurst to pick up the Downs Link cyclepath near Stans Bike Shack. A fair length of rough track along the old railway path followed until we were approaching the South Downs near Steyning.

More lanes took us to The Star in Steyning for lunch where we met up with the other groups, handed in the morning answers and received the afternoon’s clue sheet and route.

We headed out by road  back towards Ashurst but turned off on Spitathandle Lane towards Wiston. One of the clues was “Which Monarch do you pass” The answer being Queen Victoria shown on this no longer operational drinking fountain.

Then it was on to Ashington where Arun Adur caught up with us and we combined on the lane up to Warminghurst Church or strictly to get the clue answer correct as we did The Church of The Holy Sepulchre Warminghurst.

Then it was back via West Chiltington to the finish at Wiggonholt getting there with 15 minutes to spare before the Cafe closed at 4.30. In the end we came equal third out of 5 so not quite last. Jacqui and Gordon of Horsham Crawly came first.

For the return we took a little longer for less traffic via the track from Houghton to Burpham and Arundel and Yapton. For me it was a beautiful ride home along the seafront with the sea calm as a millpond.

The I-Spy route was about 37 miles. With the addition of riding from home to Wiggonholt and back my mileage for the day was 83 with 3558 feet of climb. See the image below for the route.

I have been quite busy with the Camera the last few days. On Friday I went to the Biannual Chichester Cathedral Festival of flowers with 50,000 blooms filling every corner.

On Saturday I joined a Bognor Camera Club trip to the Isle of Wight taking in Yaverland Beach, Sandown and Newtown Nature Reserve

Edwin