Sunday, 31 July - DA picnic, Chichester start
Nine started from the Cross under cloudy skies but pleasant riding
temperature. We went out through Westhampnett and climbed up to the
ridge at Pilleygreen Lodge. A dislocated chain on the lower slopes
proved difficult to fix but eventually we regrouped and continued along
the ridge, descending to Upwaltham, climbing back to the top of Duncton
Hill, then descending the hill and turning right at the bottom to follow
the minor road through Sutton, making the short steep climb of Sutton
Hill to Bignor Roman Villa where we stopped for coffee. We continued to
cross the A29 near Bury and then through Houghton Bridge, Amberley
Village and Rackham to Wiggonholt. We arrived a little late so most of
the other DA attendees were already tucking into their picnics.

A few drops of rain fell and hastened our departure back towards
Houghton Bridge and Arundell together with the Walberton start group. On
the climb of Houghton Hill, the rain became torrential and it was a
bedraggled group that assembled under the trees at Whiteways. A
consensus quickly emerged that we should skip afternoon tea and head for
home. The rain stopped as quickly as it started and by the time the
depleted group reached Eastergate, the sun was poking back through the
clouds.

There was a good representation from the section at the DA picnic
including Jim and Irene on their new motorbike.

Phil Turner