Sunday, May 22

Mercy, just reminding us all that we need cake!

This was our first MTB and I think everyone enjoyed themselves even though it was a hilly ride. I think this is one of my favourite rides so far.

Thanks to Mercy, Angela, Elise, Nikki, Sandra and Leyla who made this ride such fun.

We met at Harroways, which is opposite Goodwood Racecourse, on what was a very windy morning.

We started off cycling along the tracks in the woods which in places were very narrow with tree roots and short tree stumps along the way.

Crossing over from the woods to the Racecourse track and down to Charlton.

We then crossed over to the Bridleway which runs along the back edge of Goodwood Racecourse, down the hill and out into Charlton, just coming out near the back of The Partridge. This track was all downhill.

Still nobody had fallen off, however I heard that Leyla had to 'dismount in a lady-like fashion', suppose that doesn't count as a fall. So far Angela is in the lead as the most fallen Belle...

Angela!













From Charlton we cycled past the Fox Goes Free and turned right along the Bridleway which brought us out on top of Cocking hill. This was a rough stoney track with a short sharp hill towards the end - most satisfying to reach the top!

The views all along the ride were spectacular....

This track brought us out on the Cocking road, from here we made our way to our essential tea and cake stop at West Dean, as usual they have a good selection of cakes and scones. In their car park they had several classic cars....

After tea we cycled along the back road from West Dean and along the Bridleway which ends at The Trundle, but first we headed towards 'that hill'.........

Leyla and sheep

Sandra, Angela and Nikki

'That hill' - hard work but very satisying once we'd reached the top...more great views!

Signpost home, back to The Trundle.

Back to the start of the ride.

We reached Harroways at approximately 1pm and had cycled almost 10miles (those who cycled from Tangmere add another 6 miles!).

This was a great ride, as I mentioned, one of my favourites. We have more MTB rides planned in the next couple of months. Our next ride is an evening ride with supper at the Fox Goes Free on Sunday May 29 - this is a road ride and not a MTB ride.

Hope to see you all again soon- safe cycling!