On Sunday, Brighton Excelsior invited local clubs for tea and bacon butties in Washington Village Hall. Andrew Ramsay led the Sunday social ride down there. He writes:

Several riders completed the traditional Sunday club ride to Washington, arriving to a definite but firstly illusive, ever more characteristic aroma. Whiffs of grilled bacon floating down the approach road past the nearby pub. Finally confirmed by all more than 100m away; senses enhanced because the Tea stop had taken 33 miles in to the stiff breeze and pangs were beginning to be felt.

The next concern was if the 40 plus wheelers (including impressive numbers of teenagers) from Brighton Excelsior, Sussex Nomads, Worthing etc., already scoffing, were as hungry as us, had they left any?

No worries; Honey and her efficient crew of helpers seemed glad we had come a fair way and so enough butties, tea by the little urn, fruit cake that would be unlikely to float, and toffee muffins to spare.

Washington - foot of the South Downs - I was not the only one relieved we were not climbing them today.

Wind direction remained kinder on the return and around 105k completed with arrival just after 2pm.