Seven met at an unseasonably mild Chichester Cross for today’s cycle to Compton, via a circular route. Bob was leading and he was joined by Sam, Paul, Michael, Tim, Gill and myself. Bob however is recovering from an off on wet leaves, so Sam and myself took over leading. Bob would follow on at his own pace to meet up for lunch.
The group took the regular route out to Westbourne, where Gill decided that she would head straight for Stansted, leaving the rest of us to ride to Horndean Garden Centre Cafe for elevenses. The café was markedly quieter than on our last visit in December and it was warm enough to sit outside for a leisurely stop.
Leaving Horndean, in a distinctly blustery NNW wind, we retraced our route nearly as far as Rowlands Castle before taking the Finchdean road and descending White Hill. Then the long climb to the top of the hill at Forestside before the long descent to Stansted. Then a problem – Blossoms Café is closed for refurbishment throughout January and February. A quick discussion followed and then we were cycling back up the long climb to Forest side before taking lunch at Compton.
After lunch I left the group and headed straight back to Chichester. Sam, Paul, Tim and Michael cycled over the hill to Stoughton and then on to Walderton and Funtington and back to Chichester.
My mileage to and from Chichester was 34 miles.
As a footnote, Bob and Gill were met by Chris and they enjoyed a nice relaxing lunch in the Café at Stansted House. So in total eight out today.
Russell
Bognor and Chichester Cycling UK 