Re:
The day finally came, and dawned sunny, with a strong north easterly wind.
For once, I had time for a slow potter along the coast, taking a piccie along the way.
IMG_1009 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Well, it had to be my latest retro creation, didn't it!
Along to the meeting point, to be greeted by Tim from HAVANT, with his Panasonic. Never seen one of those, and my size too. Hmmmm. :facepalm:
IMG_1011 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Shortly after came Shawn, nice to meet you at last, with his lovely Marin Team Ti!
IMG_1012 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Then from SEVENOAKS, came Andyz! Along with a slightly worse for wear Godders.
Andy, with his lovely Overbury's, and Godders on his faithful Cannondale.
IMG_1010 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Pity some more local riders didn't turn up and join us, we're not exactly short of Retro folk, but that's their loss. :roll:
Along Hove, then Brighton prom we trundled, opting to ride into the wind and get it over with! Then a short bit of off-roading, Shawn guiding us along some new tracks, to me. Including a short, sharp climb. Cheers buddy!
IMG_1013 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
That wasn't it, btw!
That was a first gear climb.
After which, it HAD to be a cake stop,
IMG_1014 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Fuelling up for the tremendously difficult path along the undercliff, with a tailwind!
IMG_1015 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
With a nice view out to sea. Then Shawn took us back up a short climb ( this is becoming a habit! ) to the top of the cliff, where a narrow path runs along the edge of.
IMG_1016 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Must admit, I am nervous of cliffs at the best of times, and with a wind coming from my right side, I was a bit nervous.
Staying slightly to the right of the track helped though.
Then back along the seafront,
IMG_1017 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
IMG_1018 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
IMG_1020 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Then Shawn had to drop out, family stuff beckoned :roll: and the rest of us carried on, up the Downs Link,
IMG_1021 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
And into Steyning, to my favourite tea rooms. Until now. Where the clear tables were reserved from 2pm, and the ones outside were taken. :facepalm: :shock:
Thankfully, Godders came to my rescue, I didn't want a mutiny! Finding a cafe with some benches free. And they should be, given the prices! It was a nice little sun trap though, and I felt our spirits rising again, as our tummies filled!
IMG_1022 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Heading back from where we came, and through a not-too-nice area, Shoreham, we made it back to where we started. Final photo.
WP_20170325_15_16_09_Selfie(1) by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Note to self, when taking a selfie, don't face the Sun!
Great to see you all, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, thanks for coming.
Mike