A great morning beckoned - Sweder popped round for this lovely route out to Devils Dyke and back. We picked up 'Soft' Al on route.
An initial trundle, trying my best to pathfind through the woods at the back of Patcham Place. We finally picked up the trail to the windmill, on the market at the moment for nearly a 'mill', ha!
Took the long, dusty gradual incline upto the Dyke - a good few miles. A few bikers, dog walkers out in the glorious sunshine. We were all cooking up (note to self - require some decent wicking vests that also hide midriff), perspiration flowing freely and easily.
We caught our breath at the top - Ash taking some breathtaking photos with the Dyke as backdrop.
We dropped down along the side, coming out in Poynings. Unfortunately my knowledge of the route back was sketchy, we were forced onto the road, with little or no pavement for a good mile or so.
We finally wound our way back up to Saddlescombe, one tough little ascent later and we were homeward bound. Carving our way thorugh the fields and back down the flinty trails to the Waterhall playing fields. Saying our farewells to Alan - a tired looking, done in fella.
Still, hopefully this will provide the impetus, springboard for his Berlin endeavours at the end of September.
Ash came back for a shower, tea, water and recovery - his missus came to pick him up. "Have a good afternoon", I said - he had to mow the lawn, cook the roast and then perhaps chill - no rest for the wicked then, eh!
A hard earned ten miler in the bank. Need to come up with a route for next week, hmmm.
