It was a perfect day for the ride today with clear blue skies, light winds and temperatures up to 23C. Apart from our group as it was a DA Event there were members out from Horsham Crawley and Arun Adur and a total of 24 rode the route. 13 of those were from Bognor Chichester with many rarely coming out on a Sunday Ride. The good turnout was helped by a different type of ride and paying respects to Colin. Colin’s son and his wife were at the start and I chatted to them after everybody left. The Canal Basin Cafe was a good starting point in the sunshine
The route involved visiting various Churches including West Stoke and Funtington.
Then it was on via quiet lanes via Racton Church and then Stoughton dating from 1050 AD
Then on to East Marden the Church beside the Well
And on to the 12th Century North Marden Church.
Then it was on to lunch at Hooksway, a pleasant Pub in the woods whose only disadvantage is the climb to get back out of the hollow. Thanks to Michael for the group picture
The ride split then with some taking a direct route back and others continuing on back roads to West Dean Church and the Centurion Way and then on to Lavant Church and Tangmere and Oving Churches.
Meanwhile while waiting for people to return to the Canal Basin in the Bishops Gardens I came across a local eccentric who rides places on a Penny Farthing in suitably old style clothing. He has just got back from going over the Alps on a Space Hopper. He offered me a ride on his Penny Farthing but I declined. His plan for next year is to ride from London to Paris on his Penny Farthing while wearing a Suit of Armour!!
At the end of the ride back at the Canal Basin there were 3 tie break questions with 3 getting the same points for observation. The tie break of the tie break was to state the date of birth of the lady the bench was in memory of at West Stoke Church. Our own Bob Birtwell got it dead on at 1971 so was the overall winner, well done Bob.
Edwin
Bognor and Chichester Cycling UK 