This was our first Mums Club cycle ride, aimed at Mums left home alone while their children are away at school and are interested in getting back on their bikes. Unfortunately, the weather was rather windy and wet at times so there wasn't a huge turnout for this particular ride...just Lynn and myself.
We met in the car park of Chichester Sainsburys and I showed Lynn the cycle routes into Chichester, avoiding the busy roads - we cycled behind Homebase, through the housing estate and along the Roman Walls coming out next to WSCC - all along cycle routes. From here we made our way to the Centurion Way and cycled the length of this route and ended up in West Dean garden centre for tea and a slice of cake.
Going home we cycled the quiet back lanes of West Dean and cut along the bridleway towards Lavant and then cycled along Fordwater Lane coming out near the University.
We reach the car park at about 12.30pm.
The distance was approx 20 miles. It was good to see Lynn again and hope to see more ladies on our next Mums ride on Wed, Nov 9.
Monday, 10 October 2011
Sunday, 2 October 2011
East Kent Ladies Day
A sea of pink!
We had a really great day's cycling with the lovely ladies from the East Kent Ladies Cycling Club!
When we arranged this ride back in February no one imagined the temperature would be 28 degrees on October 1st!
We met at 10am at the start of the Centurion Way - and there was a total of 13 girls.
The gang....
We cycled almost the length of the CW, cutting through the housing estate in Lavant, then along the Chilgrove road, turning right onto Hylters Lane, up and along the 'bumpy bits' and instead of turning right as we normally do at the bottom of the lane we turned left.
These back lanes to The Fish House were in the shade, so it was pleasant and pretty along this route. At The Fish House we stopped to refill our water bottles and have a cool drink.
Back on the Chilrove Road we cycled on towards Marden, again a few hilly sections, finally reaching Compton for much needed tea and cakes.
At the start of the ride
A friendly cyclist who took our group photo....
Along the Centurion Way....
Chilgrove....
Compton tea shop
From Compton we made our way towards Bosham, along a very pretty route. We thought the girls would like an ice cream along the waterfront in Bosham and to look around the lovely area.
We reached Bosham at about 2.30pm and a few of us said our goodbyes.
Tizzie and Elise kindly offered to show the girls around Bosham, but I gather there were quite a few pub stops along the way!
It was great to meet the ladies from East Kent and hope very much to see you all again very soon, perhaps in Kent!
We had a lovely day with you all - thank you for coming to Chichester to see us!
The distance to Bosham was 26.5 miles and a fairly hilly route.
This is what Tizzie emailed me ....
Unfortunately we were not able to go into the church at Bosham as there was a wedding taking place. Having had a little look around the Quay, we then walked along the foreshore path then cycled down to the ferry where we (well, rather a nice looking guy in a dodgy looking boat) took the EKLs across to Itchenor. We stopped at (another) pub, the Ship, for more fluid and a comfort break, then took the EKLs back along the Salterns Way. A parting of the ways took place close to the underpass at the A27 – at this point we had done about 34 miles from the start of the Centurion Way.
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Sunday, Sept 25
GOODWOOD TO HEYSHOTT TO COCKING RIDE
One of our favourite rides this one and we're suggesting it becomes our Maratona Route in order to get all the Maratona Belles fit. We'll be planning monthly and then twice monthly rides along this route. It's not the Dolomites but a good route to increase our fitness before Christmas.
Angela, Ellie and Steph came out. Ellie and Angela met at my place and we cycled to meet Steph at Goodwood Hotel at 10.15am.
Good fine weather for a ride today and the roads along towards Duncton were quite busy with weekend traffic. Still bit of a thrill to free cycle down Duncton Hill.
Horse and carriage near Ambersham
We stopped at the Moonlight Cafe in Cocking for a lovely cup of tea and slice of cake. From here we made out way to Singleton and then up the Charlton Hill. Then cutting through the Goodwood Estate to see their cricket match plus a fun fair in progress.
Distance today was approx 30 miles
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Easy Belles ride - Sat Sept 24
Sally, Sandra and Lynne
I hadn't been here before but was very impressed with the facilities they have here - a cafe, small animal farm, shop, a well stocked garden centre, a furniture repair shop, they even clean horse rugs. Here are some of the animals we saw....
They even had a pair of lamas....
From here we crossed over the A27 at the Level Mare Lane junction, cycled along towards Nyton Lane then across to Church Lane, over the gate and on to the Tangmere airfield. We said goodbye to Sally at the edge of the airfield. Sandra and Lynne cycled back towards Sainsburys.
Approx distance was 13 miles. Thanks to all who came out.
The next easy ride will be on Wed, October 5 which is the first ride of our new section - the Mums Club. Hope to see as many of you as possible - and you don't have to be a mum to join us! We'll be meeting in Sainsburys car park, please email me if you're interested in joining us.
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Charity News
I'm delighted to announce that Lady March, the Countess of March and Kinrara, has kindly agreed to become Patron of the new charity section of the Biking Belles!
More details to follow....
Saturday, 10 September 2011
Saturday, September 11
LOST IN RUSTINGTON OR WAS IT EAST PRESTON!!
We all met outside Barnham Station - an excellent turnout....we welcomed new Belles...Felicity and Michelle. Caroline, Mercy, Karen, Ellie, Steph, Angela, Gill, Baby Belle, Sandra and Tizzie all made the ride and Cathy joined us at the East Beach Cafe. It was good to see so many Belles out - thanks to all.
Littlehampton swans...
It all started off ok...we cycled towards Ford (a bit busy this road, something to remember) and turned left on to the South Coast Cycle Route (2) all the way to the East Beach Cafe......
Here we had a lovely breakfast, from crispy bacon sandwiches, scrambled eggs on toast, apple cake, flap jacks and lovlely hot tea and coffees.
Mercy and Cathy
The owner of the cafe came over to us and told us that her daughter was getting married there this afternoon.
Reluctantly we left the cafe and cycled on towards Rustington, unfortunately Felicity had trouble with her tyres. Passing a car tyre place nearby, a friendly man helped her and soon we were back on the road....to nowhere!
Suddenly all the cycle route signs disappeared and we were stranded at the shops in East Preston. Thanks Arun Council! Heading nowhere fast we decided to make our way back to Barnham.
A disappointing ride in a way, but we arrived back at about 1pm and we did have a lovely breakfast, so not all was lost....
Back at Barnham Station, Mercy took the plunge and wrote out her cheque for the Maratona 2012...well done to her and to Sandra (and myself) who are also taking part.
Get ready for the pain girls!!
More details about this to follow.
Mercy
Sunday, 4 September 2011
Saturday, September 3
The length of the ride was 26 miles, but those of us who cycled from Tangmere or Chichester could add another 6 miles to this total. Take a look at Mercy's log.....
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/111530513#.TmJiuKxt0eU.email
It was good to see....Ellie, Angela, Mercy, Elise, Gill, Grace and Sandra out today. The next ride is on Sat, Sept 10 and we'll be meeting at 9.30am outside Barnham station to Littlehampton and breakfast at the East Beach Cafe. An easier ride this week - no hills!
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