There were 2 rides today a short one led by Richard and an alternative long fast ride led by me and billed an Appetite Improver Ride.

We met 8.15 at the Cross with the sun just rising and a thick carpet of frost on the ground. I was joined by Sam and Phil and Mary.

Weather was bright clear and sunny in the morning starting very cold with a  temperature of zero and rising to 9C later in the day. Rain came in later but not until late afternoon.

We took the opportunity of light early traffic to ride up the main road to Singleton and then along the valley via East Dean. Then down Duncton Hill and backroads up to Petworth. There were patches of thin ice on puddles in places but luckily temperatures were not quite low enough for anything slippery.

We reached Petworth at 9.50 and with Tiffins closed till 11.00 we went to the old timbered café of Saddlers Rest which opens at 9.00. 2 cyclists from Guildford were already there and 7 Worthing Excelsior rides arrived later.

We headed back on the same route with a stiff climb up Duncton Hill and then via Eartham and Oving to the Walnut Tree, Runcton for the Christmas Lunch.

22 attended the lunch and the appetite was well and truly satisfied after the 3rd course. I headed directly back home after lunch only catching the beginning of some light rain.

46 miles for the day.

Posted by Ride Leader at 6:14 PM GMT

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