We were a bit stumped with what to do with ourselves this morning. Usually on a bright sunny morning like this we would pack a flask of coffee and a couple of hot cross buns, and take Merlin, our flat-coated retriever for a long walk across the downs. In fact, we may well do more of the South Downs Way. But sadly, Merlin is unwell; in fact, we are quite worried about him. He is back to the vets tomorrow for tests to find out what is wrong with him. Hoping it’s nothing too serious
So we decided to get the shiny Honda motorbike out for ride!
(We need lots of practice as we have a really exciting holiday booked for later in the year which involves hiring a Harley Davidson and riding the Pacific Highway up the coast of California
).
We set off in the direction of a National Trust property called ‘Uppark’. It was a stunningly beautiful ride! We left Worthing on the A27 going west and turned off at Arundel to meet the A272 at Bury Hill. We encountered dozens of cyclists puffing up the hills, whizzing down the other side, and enjoying the warm sunshine! We rode through lush green countryside. This Spring has come really late in the UK due to a long wet cold winter, but everything is in full lushness now! The trees are clothed in the brilliant lime green of new leaves, and the fields are green with young crops. The hedgerows along the side of the roads are full of white frothy cow parsley. We rode through leafy tunnels where the trees touch over the road, and the dappled sunlight filters through. At times we came out of the trees and high banks either side of the road to stunning vistas of rolling hills patchworked with lots of different shades of green. We rode through little villages, just a few quaint old cottages, and maybe a cosy looking pub (must make mental note to come back to some of these pubs!). There were signs on the side of the road advertising farm shops, village fetes, and the South of England Agricultural Show, but my favourite was a little hand written sign that said ‘ Beware, ducklings crossing’!
As we approached Uppark we rode through another leafy tunnel and came out to this stunning view. The brilliant yellow of the rape seed plants took our breath away, so we stopped to take some photos.
Just look a the blue sky and little fluffy clouds!
Unfortunately, you have to pay entry to Uppark to get to the cafe, and as we didn’t want to stay long, we decided to motor on. We took the road towards Chichester, which passes Goodwood motor racing circuit, and it was then that Maurice remembered that the Breakfast Club was on today, and the theme was Super Cars! So in complete contrast to our lovely countryside ride, we drank our coffee amongst ‘petrolheads’ admiring the (rather gorgeous) super cars. Which one shall I have? A McClaren, a Jaguar XJ220, a rich red Ferrari, or a Porsche?
You will be glad to know that we were home in time to watch the MotoGP motorbike racing at lunch time!
