7 of us met at the Cross, myself (Edwin) Phil, Mary, Ann, Avryl, Jeff and Richard. Weather was cooler than of late at about 24C but dry and mainly sunny with scattered cloud.

We took a route out via Goodwood Park and then over the Downs to Pillygreen Lodge and down to East Dean and the lane to Upwaltham. We descended Duncton Hill where Richard left us to return via Graffham. We continued on lanes to stop for elevenses at Tiffins in Petworth. We looked on with some interest over our tea and cakes as 2 mounted Hussars in full dress uniform rode past on the way to a festival at Petworth House.

We continued on beautiful leafy lanes via Balls Cross and Kirdford to Wisborough Green. Horsham Section members were already well settled at the Pub and we set up camp for the Picnic under a tree opposite the Pub.

We were soon joined by Arun Adur members and Harvey with Alan and Liz making up the Walberton Pond start and Colin and Chris who came direct. Ernie and Nicola also came direct. 30 attended the Picnic in all.

For the return ride our members with Arun Adur members formed a big joint group of 17 to ride via Kirdford and Byworth to stop for tea at the Sutton Hospitality Festival. Mary had seen the sign for this on the mornings ride and we had come across it 2 years ago when they did excellent teas at the Vicarage. Luckily the same arrangement applied this year and we were soon settled in the Vicarage back Garden. We would make this a regular Tea Stop but unfortunately it only opens once every 2 years when the festival is held.

Arun Adur members headed back east and the rest of us took a little used route up Bignor Hill, steepest in Sussex. Then down the track on the other side to Madehurst and back to the coast.

60 miles done by the time I returned home.

Edwin