Five met at Chichester Cross for one of the trial 8am ride starts, destination West Liss. Sam as leader being joined by Paul, Russell, Adam and Mark, who was joining his first group ride in six months. The group took the usual route out to Rowlands Castle before continuing at a good pace via Ditcham, where Mark bade farewell to make his own way back, before stopping at Durleighmarsh Tea rooms for a very early elevenses. A leisurely stop was enjoyed in warm autumn sunshine.
Continuing the ride it was a short fast cycle along the A272 to Roegate, up the long hill and onto West Liss, arriving at the intended destination, The Spread Eagle Inn, much too early for lunch. A quick conflab followed and we took the Hawkley road, turning off to pass through Steep Marsh and Steep before stopping for lunch at Cupacheenos in West Meon. As usual the outdoor seating was full of cyclists but we managed to bag the vacant table in the conservatory, enjoying a pleasant 45 minute stop.
The afternoon route home, again taken at a good pace ( yes, that was me hanging off the back!) saw us climb Old Winchester Hill, pass Mercury Park and take the long descent to Hinton Manor, pausing at Rowlands Castle for afternoon tea.
We arrived back in Chichester just before 4pm after a very enjoyable day
out , 67 miles Cross to Cross.
Russell
Bognor and Chichester Cycling UK 