WEDNESDAY 3 AUGUST 2005 - Evening Ride: Felpham to The Wilkes Head, Eastergate
Continued good weather conditions brought 5 riders to the start point, only to find the trip in jeopardy due to the non arrival of the advertised leader.
After some discussion I was co-opted as leader (there were no other volunteers despite my entreaties), and we set off rather later than planned towards the advertised destination of the Winterton Arms at Crockerhill.

We went out by way of Middleton village, Yapton, Maypole Lane, and then round the back of Barnham via Woodside and Orchard Way to end up in the old part of Eastergate. As we passed Eastergate church the welcoming sight of the Wilkes Head pub proved too tempting, and as we were running late anyway, a decision was made to terminate the ride there. We noted that the Wilkes is a regular destination for evening rides, but has not appeared at all in this years programme. Thus we felt we were correcting that oversight.

For the return trip, John decided to leave the group in favour of a longer and faster circuit via Oving and Colworth, whilst the rest of us took to the tracks behind Westergate school to emerge on the main road at Woodgate. From there some lively running ensued as we headed straight down a strangely quiet A29 all the way to Bognor. Returning to Felpham via the cricket pitch we had completed a modest circuit of only 13 miles, although somehow it seemed much longer.


Graham

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

Sunday 31 July. DA Picnic, Wiggonholt, Walberton Pond Start
Harvey led from the pond and was joined by Colin, Gill and Steve Thomas.

The route took in Madehurst, Whiteways and then down to Houghton and across to Bury and round the lanes via Coldwaltham. It was decided not to stop for elevenses but come direct to the picnic at Wiggonholt Common.

Weather was cloudy but the rain held off during the morning and the picnic. The picnic was a pleasant meet up with Arun Adur and Horsham members and a large group starting from Chichester. Also Jeff and Beatrice came direct on their Tandem and Jim and
Irene came motorbike assisted.

The group joined the Chichester group for the return and cycled into shower clouds massing over the downs. There was torrential rain while cycling up Houghton Hill and the group decided to abandon the planned Arundel tea stop and head directly home.

Edwin for Harvey

Saturday, 30 July - Club BBQ
No swimmers, but no shortage of volunteers to mind the coals tonight as
the weather was slightly chilly and the skies overcast. A few drops of
rain fell, but not enough to deter outdoor consumption of the BBQ and
Mary's supporting spread + hot coffee. It was good to see so many out
(32) given the indifferent weather. Arthur and Fred were joint first in
the club raconteur award.

Phil Turner

Thursday, 28 July - Chichester start
Phil, Mary and Mike started from Chichester Cross in pleasant
conditions. We made our way out through Westhampnett and Halnaker to
pick up the minor road that leads through Eartham and Slindon Village
and then along a short ridge before dropping down to meet the A29 just
below the Spur. Entertainment was provided by Bognor and Chichester Road
club who were holding a time trial past the pub. It was a bumpy route
for an evening ride. We were well into our drinks by the time the
Felpham group arrived.

Phil Turner

THURSDAY 28 JULY 2005 - Evening Ride: Felpham to The Spur, Slindon
We were again fortunate to enjoy excellent cycling weather for this ride and 5 riders set out for Slindon by way of Bilsham, Yapton Church, Walberton, and Fontwell. From there we crossed under the A27 via the tunnel to emerge at Park Pale.

Our route then took us along Slindon Bottom Road, a very picturesque lane through Slindon Woods which skirts the perimeter of the pale. On leaving the woods the ruined Folly on Nore Hill was clearly visible to the north.

For pictures and a description of Nore's Folly click on this link. Link to website

We then tackled a challenging double climb over Court Hill and College Hill to reach Slindon village. Gravity then ensured a fast run down to the crossroads before the final hill climb to reach the Spur.

The return route was via Slindon Common, Tye Lane, Walberton Pond, Barnham and Yapton and the round-trip mileage was 19.5.


Graham

Sunday 24 July , 10.00 Chichester start to Westbourne
With strong wind and torrential rain not clearing in the end until lunchtime, this Ride was cancelled.

Edwin for Alan

Sunday 24 July, 9.30 Chichester start to Wickham, Hants
Colin led this ride on behalf of Arthur who was away. Weather was torrential rain with strong winds in the morning but clearing to sunny spells in the afternoon. Only new member Mike Trussler turned up to join Colin. The group stopped for elevenses at Horndean Garden Centre and then went on to Wickham for lunch at a Pub.

Edwin for Colin

Note
A new post has been made for Sunday July 10 by Avryl which I have edited to put it in the right order. Find it by scrolling down to the 10th.

Edwin

WEDNESDAY 20 JULY 2005 - Evening Ride: Felpham to The Bader Arms, Tangmere
Four riders left The Fox in glorious evening sunshine, although in an attempt to tack against quite a strong headwind we followed a north-westerly route. I was stand in leader for Edwin, who was unable to make it.

We skirted north Bognor and passed the thatched properties of North Bersted conservation area, noting that the village pond had succumbed to this long spell of dry weather and completely dried up. We then headed via Shripney and Woodgate to Hook Lane and Aldingbourne village, where we paused to read the newly placed information board at Aldingbourne Tote Copse Link to website,and carry out some minor adjustments to Val's new bike.

A quick cut along the bridleway which was once part of the reserve runway at RAF Tangmere brought us out to the Air museum and direct to the Bader Arms. Once again the Chichester contingent (both of them) had pipped us to the post.

Our return route was via Oving and Colworth; by this time the wind had dropped and the view across open country was spectacular, with a full harvest moon low in the sky to the east, and the sunset still glowing behind us. From Tangmere we did not see another moving vehicle until reaching the cycle track at Elbridge.

Total mileage recorded back to the start point was 16.8.


Graham

Sunday 17 July, Walberton start
There were 2 on this ride, Jill and the leader Colin. Weather was fair and warm. An elevenses stop was missed out and the group went straight to lunch at the Half Moon, Midhurst.

Edwin for Colin

Sunday 17 July, Chichester Start
There were 4 riders starting from Chichester, the leaders Freda and Jim and Avryl and Mike Trussler. Weather was very good with fine sunny skies. The group rode out via Cocking and stopped at the Moonlight Cafe for elevenses.

The ride continued on lanes via Bepton to the Half Moon and met up with Alan and Eric who made their own way and the group from Walberton Pond, Colin and Gill.

The return route joined the others on a track round the back of Cowdrey to Amersham. The groups then split with the Chichester group heading back on the Heyshott Cocking lane to stop for tea at West Dean Gardens.

Edwin for Freda

Saturday 16 July. A Saturday Ride in Tuscany
This a a days ride in the latter part of a 2 week tour of Tuscany and its neighbouring region of Romagna.

The days ride started fom our base for the last few days of Sestola at over 3000ft.

The day started as had the last few days with unbroken clear blue skies and temperatures reaching over 30C.
On the trip there was myself , the organiser Dave Fox and a friend of Dave's from Somerset. Mike Green.

We started with a long downhill to Pievepelago. We stopped here for picnic provisions. This was also the start of the 1500 metres climb to the Radici Pass. As we stopped to check the junction at the bottom an Italian Cyclist stopped to advise us on the route in impeccable English.

We then had a 10 mile climb but the heat wasn't too excessive thanks to lots of trees and a cooling breeze. We stopped for elevenses half way up at Sant Anne Pelago and then a picnic lunch at the top of the pass.




Dave Fox on the climb

We then continued on a minor road which involved steep gradients for another 100 metres. We then had a steep descent in dramatic scenery to the next valley. Brake rims heated up on downhill gradients registering up to 22% on my Cyclo Altitude bike computer.

We stopped for a pleasant shaded tea at a bar half way down at Chiozza and then headed down the mountain to the main valley road. We then needed to find our accommodation which had been booked at a place called Ill Cicero rather than the nearby mountain town of Bargo which was booked up due to a music festival.

The only problem with the accommodation was the 2 mile driveway up the side of the mountain up its own set of multiple hairpins. We arrived very hot and sweaty at what turned out to be a 4 star hotel. When we signed the checkin forms I left a pool of sweat on the counter to some disapproving glares from the receptionist.

We finished the day with a welcome swim and sunbathe with beautiful views to the mountains across the valley and to the adjoining hilltop town of Barga.




Ride Reward

Price was reasonable for the quality at
149 euros for 3 of us.

Mileage for the day was 41.35 and the days total climbing was 4074 ft.

Edwin

THURSDAY 14 JULY 2005 - Evening Ride: Felpham The Fox to The Murrell Arms, Barnham
In perfect weather, 6 riders set out from Felpham and followed a circuitous route via Bognor Golf club across the tracks to the hamlet of Flansham, crossing the unspoilt country and wheat fields on which it is proposed to plant 600 new houses plus the associated Bognor by-pass. We then proceeded via Worms lane, Larks field, Arun Chase and Bilsham to Yapton.

From Tack Lee Bridge we then took the towpath of the old canal before returning to the tarmac at Barnham mill, then following Mill Lane and Church Lane direct to the Murrell Arms.

On arrival we found the Chichester contingent had got there just ahead of us.

The return route was direct via Yapton, Middleton and Felpham and approximate round-trip mileage was 15.


Graham

Sunday July 10 05
This was scheduled as a 30ml easy ride. Richard Carlisle was unable to lead and delegated to me. It was an unusually hot day but nevertheless there was a good turnout. The numbers fluctuated somewhat owing to the temporary loss of 2 cyclists who were overkeen, racing ahead and missing the turning and then one who went to find them. 3 others joined us at different stages. Overall there were 11 which included 3 new faces.

Assured that the newcomers could manage a few hills we took the route to Arundel via Eartham, Slindon, Madehurst and Whiteways,stopping for breaks at Eartham and Whiteways. We had 2 punctures en route giving us a long stop amongst the hoards of motorcyclists gathered at Whiteways. Onwards,-flying downhill to Arundel and the Putting Green. It was a pleasant surprise to find plenty of free tables and with welcome umbrellas to give us shade.

Our return route was via Binsted Woods, Walberton and Drayton with people dispersing on the way.

Total mileage 30mls.

Avryl Bavister