THURSDAY 11 AUGUST 2005 - Evening Ride: Felpham to The Black horse, Binsted
Another evening of excellent cycling weather as 7 riders left Felpham for Binsted by way of Middleton, Yapton, Ford station and Tortington.

After a slow but steady climb from Tortington we were rewarded with a downhill stretch as the lane dropped down into Binsted Wood, and at the point where the tarmac ran out we stopped for a brief look at the Madonna pond.

Binsted is mentioned in the Domesday Book and there are many myths and legends about the woods and pond (or Binsted Lake as it was called in earlier times). Paranormal activity is said to have been observed. However it is known that the statue of the Madonna was placed there in 1946 in more mundane circumstances.

Leaving the pond for the short climb out of the copse and back into civilisation, the tarmac started again as suddenly as it had stopped, and the pub was soon reached. On arrival the pub manager greeted us to explain that they could not open the garden gate, and we were invited to wheel our bikes through the lounge bar, to the bemusement of the regulars.

Repeating this performance for the return trip, we then set out to complete a circular ride by taking the sharp drop down Hedgers Hill and then up the other side, to Walberton, North End, and then back to Yapton, Middleton and Felpham. Round trip mileage was 18.


Graham