My first club road-ride with Portsmouth CTC this year was on Wednesday, 7th January. It was a fine day and over fellow 30 riders started out from The Spring in Emsworth Road, Havant. To avoid such a large number of riders obstructing traffic we split into three groups. The faster, fitter riders set off for Wickham by a longer and hillier circuit, whilst the second group took a more direct path. The final group, which included me, who prefer keeping within their limits avoided the main roads to Wickham by taking minor roads via Denmead and Soberton. We rode though the Forest of Bere, and once clear of the trees had splendid views over the rolling South Downs as we climbed and then descended to arrive at Wickham by 11.00 am.
Once everyone arrived in Wickham for our coffee break, we arranged to spread ourselves between several establishments to avoid long queues or crowding and also to give custom to more than one trader. After Coffee a few of us returned to base at Havant, but the majority rode on to have lunch at Titchfield Haven. Although the ride was planned some time ago, coincidence meant that those interested were able to get a good view from Titchfield Haven of the cargo ship stranded off Lee-on-Solent on the Bramble Bank. We subsequently learned that the high tide had allowed the vessel to free itself and was probably on the move as the cyclists finished their light lunch. It transpired that the Ship drifted, still listed at 52 degrees, some two miles to the east before the tugs standing off were able to secure her. Of course she has since been successfully righted and towed back to Southampton Docks.