Cycling – CTC Portsmouth

Mike Skiffins

The CTC cycling group organises rides around the Havant area. Recently we had a ride along the Salterns Way from Chichester to the Witterings. The ride was organised over two consecutive weeks in different directions.

For much of its route the Salterns Way from Chichester runs along safe and car-free paths, making it good for cycling. Other parts of the route follow quiet lanes where there is little traffic. The route is extremely flat, ideal for easy cycling.

The Salterns Way runs quite close to Chichester Harbour. However, only a few stretches provide harbour-side views. Perhaps the loveliest part lies between Apuldram and Birdham Pool. Pretty views extend across the fields. A pleasant cut through Salterns Copse gives way to a loop around Chichester Yacht Basin.

We paused at Chichester Yacht basin for coffee. Refreshed, we continued across the fields on specially designated cycling routes before ending up at Bracklesham Bay. There we enjoyed a well-earned lunch.

The return ride was a little muddy. Not a problem as it was soon washed off when the bicycles got home.

The following week we followed the route in the direction of Goodwood. We took coffee at Goodwood aerodrome, in the café at the old control tower.

This time the ride was more on the country roads. Drier and cleaner.

Within the group we had a couple of punctures, but as usual expert help was given. The wheels repaired. Bicycles and riders were accompanied back to the others who had ridden gently on, enjoying the countryside until we were all back together again.

The total distance ridden each week was about 50 miles, but obviously anyone who didn’t fancy this distance turned back in a small accompanied group after the coffee break.

NB: Portsmouth Cyclists' Touring Club is one of 250 local membership groups across the UK. Together they form the national Cyclists' Touring Club. Portsmouth CTC has some 200 active members from a wide area including Havant, Waterlooville and Emsworth. Portsmouth CTC has four rides per week in the summer and three in the winter. Sunday rides start from Cosham Library at 09.15 and cover 60 miles plus at a fairly swift pace. Wednesday and Saturday rides start from The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, East Street, Havant at 09.15. They are more leisurely. Potential new members are welcome to join a ride-out.

CTC Cycling

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