Top Tables

John drove from Manchester while Al made the comparatively short trip from London to meet at Jon’s for this week's ride. It was a pleasant evening; the westerly breeze providing relief from warm, humid conditions. We plumped for our regular Goodwood ride since John was yet to do this established route – the last time we tackled it the ride was somewhat curtailed by technical difficulties. We thought we were in for a similar experience this week when, with only 441ft showing on the odometer, John’s gears ceased up before we reached the end of Jon’s road.

John’s gears seemed to fix themselves as we worked our way towards the trundle. Al had started his training regime this week in preparation for the Chichester Challenge and, with the recent Staunton Park mileage also heavy on his legs, struggled to keep up with the others on the familiar ascent - by the time the car park was reached Al was a full 90 seconds behind. After a breather we decided to push for the trig point at the summit rather than skirting through the field, stopped for our customary photo and admired the magnificent views of the downs on one side, Chichester on the other and beyond all the way to the sea and the Isle of Wight.

Jon, Al & John on top of the Trundle

After the steep descent off the trundle we picked up the road that skirts the race course. Goodwood looked magnificent with immaculately manicured lawns, flags flying and tables and chairs set up for the regular Friday evening racing. We joined the bridle path which follows the perimeter of the race course before descending to Charlton and the Fox Goes Free. John and Al had a pint of the intriguing and delicious Hidden Pint from the Hidden Brewery in Dinton near Salisbury. John enjoyed a pint of the local Ballards Bitter as we all marvelled at the monolithic garden furniture which had been installed (Below).


After polishing off our beer we remounted and climbed the road back up towards the trundle. Gluttons for punishment we took a slightly longer (and definitely steeper) route back up via the summit rather than using the short cut following the contours around the peak. We cycled around the ancient walled fort and regrouped at the car park at the top of Claypit Lane. Al was keen to make up for his lack of pace on the ascent and managed to reach the bottom 90 seconds ahead of Jon who had reached the top first - revenge is sweet! At this point we decided to split up; with time marching on John was keen to get home but Al and Jon fancied a customary second pint in the Royal Oak.

The Jo(h)ns study the map at the Fox

Using the well-worn Goodwood perimeter track Jon and Al followed John’s tread-marks back to base after their beer. With no sign of John at home there was even more delicious spaghetti bolognese for the remaining two, washed down with bottles of Abbott Ale while watching ‘Hustle’ on the box. Al chose to stay over and, now that Jon has got rid of his lodger and with no Billy-Bob on the scene, finally got a proper bed!

Elevation Profile:

Speed Profile:

Route Map (click to enlarge):

(Posted by: Al)