Thursday, 28th September 2023. Eastbourne to Rye 52 kms.

    We cycled from Eastbourne to Rye, a total of 52 kms, along a fairly flattish way except for the big climb out of Hastings.  As we were approaching Rye, we came across a flock of sheep who were terrified when they saw us. They wanted to come up the path that we were coming down and they were perhaps unused to seeing bicycles. We had to stop and let them come up and then make their way up the hill to the farmhouse.

   We also had the pleasure of a nice strong southwester tailwind the whole way. When we got to Rye, we were told that there was a problem with an accident by some construction workers who had damaged the main water pipe line , and there was no cold water taps running in the whole of Rye. The hotel supplied us with bottled water, so there was no problem. The hot water taps were working with no problem. 

   Route: Eastbourne - Pevensey - Bexhill - Hastings - Fairlight - Winchelsea - Rye - The River Haven Hotel.

   

   

   

   

   

Wednesday, 27th September 2023. Eastbourne.

    No cycling today - we just spent the day exploring Eastbourne with M. and C. We went on the little tourist train west to Beachy Head and then east along the promenade to Sovereign Harbour.

   It was so nice to spend the day with them.

     

   

   

Tuesday, 26th September 2023. Brighton to Eastbourne 54 kms.

    Another challenging ride, but once again good weather and a light tailwind.

   Route: Brighton - Rottingdean - Peacehaven - Newhaven - Seaford - Litlington - Berwick - Arlington - Polegate - Hamden Park - Eastbourne - Burlington Hotel.

   Once you get away from the busy main roads, and go on to the quiet back roads, it is so silent and very pleasant.

   

   

   

                                          View of the Eastbourne Pier from our hotel room.

Monday,25th September 2023. Chichester to Brighton 58 kms.

    Route: Chichester - Merston - Bersted - Bognor Regis - Felpham - Climping - Littlehampton - Angmering - Ferring - Worthing - Shoreham By Sea - Portslade By Sea - Hove - The Grand Brighton Hotel.

   It was a bit complicated today, because the official route is not quite complete in places between Chichester and Bognor Regis. We had to rely quite a lot on Google Maps combined with the Sustrans Maps and other various road signs.

   We were once again blessed with perfect weather (22 Centigrade), and a steady tailwind.

   The Grand Brighton Hotel is an example of the best architecture of the Victorian era. It is truly luxurious and sumptuous . It was built on the Brighton seafront in 1864, and was one of the most expensive buildings in Britain at the time.

   It has had a chequered history, having had many very famous residents over time and many historic moments. It was bombed by the IRA in 1984, killing five and injuring 34, because Margaret Thatcher was attending the Tory Party conference there. 

   Tony Blair was in residence when he was informed of the 9/11 attacks in America.

        

   

   

   

Sunday, 24th September 2023. Newport to Chichester 46 kms.

    Route: Newport - Fishbourne - Ryde - Hovercraft Ferry to Portsmouth - Eastney - Hayling Island Ferry - North Hayling - Langstone - Emsworth - Nutbourne - Bosham - Chichester (Trents by Greene King Inn).

   It was a nice easy 46 km ride today, made even easier by a good southerly blowing us along. The cycle route was well signposted. Catching the Hovercraft Ferry was interesting. It was much quicker than if we had gone by boat.