Re:
Here we go then, how long have you got?
After breakfast, I rode a whole two miles - maybe - before it was time for a coffee and cake stop! Which table am I at, again?
IMG_1083 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
I was on my second cup of coffee when Godders turned up, at the same time as Fagin. So a quick oggle at bikes, before the off!
IMG_1085 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
It quickly became apparent that my headset had become loose :facepalm: so for the rest of the ride I was doing it up! You wait 'til I see the mechanic! :roll:
Into Clapham, and a lovely carpet of colour,
IMG_1086 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Then a nice rooty, narrow-ish descent followed shortly after, by some nice singletrack.
IMG_1090 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
That's three times in two days for me!
After Godders' flat was mended, we carried on along, as it turned out, the route of an off road half and full marathon. Fagin was starting to feel the power in his legs, suddenly!
IMG_1091 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Before introducing them to my top singletrack!
IMG_1095 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Stopping to admire the view, obviously! :roll:
Onto the South Downs Way for a couple of miles, before dropping down, north, onto this steepish little track.
IMG_1096 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
But what goes down . . .
IMG_1097 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Went back up! :evil: but not for long, and we soon were riding through Washington village. And, er, up again! :facepalm:
IMG_1099 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Loving the smell of wild garlic, reminded me of Gatcombe Park!
Along the SDW again, accompanied by a weird mix of rapeseed and cowsh-t in my nostrils, before dropping down to the right, in this photo, to Amberley
IMG_1101 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
And to the lunch stop, for more CAKE! With a starter of Mrs Fagin's home made wares! Thanks for sharing Paul
IMG_1103 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Godders and cake! AGAIN! Some kind of magnetism between the two :roll:
IMG_1105 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Big mugs of coffee went down well, too! Replenished, we carried on up a steep climb, with ever darkening skies, towards the climb in the far distance.
IMG_1106 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Lovely and peaceful up here today,
IMG_1108 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Looking back to where we'd come from.
Looking back to the rollercoaster track we'd just ridden,
IMG_1109 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
It wasn't long before we were heading towards woods, and into Angmering Park Estate
IMG_1114 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
And more bluebells, in the woods, lovely part of the ride. Both pretty and sheltered from the rain that was coming down lightly.
WP_20170430_14_25_32_Pro by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Come on lads, last drag before the finish!
WP_20170430_14_47_36_Selfie(1) by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
And more ca, er sustenance!
WP_20170430_15_05_41_Pro by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Got home, had a shower, sorted out the headset, and washed the bike, ready for the next adventure!
WP_20170430_17_18_04_Pro by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
I really enjoyed the company, it's great when people come from miles away, in Fagin's case Cranleigh, and Godders from around 20-25 miles away. Always bewilders me that more local riders seem incapable/uninterested in meeting like minded souls, for some rides on old bikes. Their loss! I think the three of us enjoyed the ride. I certainly did!
Hope to catch up again soon, chaps
Mike