Re:
Thanks for the post Tim, and guys apologies for the lateness of this feeble attempt to write up of our lovely day out. Big thanks for supporting the ride, and let's hope we can arrange something on a regular basis.
Here's a few lines ! Jerusalem Ride 15th July 2017 – Retrobike.
A sunny day was waking when I rode the short distance from Seaview Gardens to meet the intrepid and dedicated V-CC and guest wheelmen. We six (I was expecting nine) wheelmen met Hubert Parry’s Knights Croft House, introductions, we chatted about our selected machines – an eclectic and interesting peleton – while we waited for any later joiners.
We then set off at just after 1030 hrs for the short ride for coffee at the architecturally interesting beachfront East Beach Café (see photograph), we sat outside on oak benches (see Tim75s images), coffee orders were swiftly fulfilled and enjoyed before we set off along the promenade (cycleway) towards Littlehampton and the pedestrian bridge over the Arun River.
Crossing the Arun we joined the quiet – although quite a few fellow cyclists - Brookpit Lane to Climping, there had to use the roundabout to cross the A259, the busy Bognor Regis road. Through Climping, and onto Horsemere Green Lane to Yapton – with the disused Portsmouth and Arundel Canal once linking Arundel to Chichester Harbour, and birthplace of a famous Olympic swimmer – answers on a postcard please!
Taking then the road south though Bilsham and onto again the crossing of the A259 and finally heading south toward Felpham and the sea. Felpham, mentioned in the Doomsday Book and introduced to Blake by his friend William Hayley, and wrote:”away to sweet Felpham for heaven is there…”.
We wheelmen found heaven in Felpham at the Lobster Pot seaside café (Tim75s images again), recommended but busy. We mostly chose the cyclist’s fayre of tea and cake (s) or pop and cake, sitting outside chatting and watching the world go by before saying our farewells and heading off home…Tim to Arundel for his train to Hampshire, Mike giving him company along the way; the rest of us headed back to Rustington for our final farewells and the onward ride/drive home.
In all a lovely day’s cycling, not far, about 15 miles in all, but bookended by two lovely cafes and excellent company, Thanks to you all for a great day out !
Sadly, upon returning home I heard that John Spooner, erstwhile racer, Worthing bike shop owner, frame builder and all round nice chap, had passed away – RIP John, I hope there are plenty of Bourbons and few punctures where you ride now.
Those that took part in the ride were:
Roadking – 2002 Dave Yates
Tim75 – 1960 Raleigh/Carlton
RealSteel – 1998 Kona Kapu
Godders – 1951 Ephgrave No1
MikeMuz67 – 1991 Gitane
Chris Wright – 1967 Hetchins Magnum Bonum
Jon.
P.S have tried to upload images (Mike), but they're too large - I'll see if I can reduce them.