BDN August Arundel Debacle
5 August 2025 – BDN ride to Arundel
PT and JR met at OPG for a ceremonial handover of keys (not the famous Rover keys, but a smaller set lost on the Hadrians Wall ride). The keys had come to light when PT finally unpacked a bag of maps after that trip, so as to replace the maps in their correct places in the map drawer. For the occasion, PT attached the keys to a lanyard bearing the logo of Fulham Football Club. These keys will not be lost again.
Nigel G arrived at OPG on his spanking new lime green Cube, and a jaunt over to Arundel was decided on.
The peletwo set off for a quick circuit of the village, taking in Nepcroft to see if Mark was to be out on one of the numerous e-bikes resident chez Richard. Unable to detect any activity, the two set off for the crem gates. Rush hour at the crem, aparrently, as we were passed by four vehicles during our ascent to the rusty yellow gate where the route enters the woods. Emerging into the field at the top, we turned right to pass behind the Puckamuck site, and then on up to the gun club and the SDW (South Downs Way) west to Springhead Hill.
Emerging from the trees at Springhead, we took the left fork for the long downhill to Burpham via Peppering High Barn, and continued on road through Wepham to Warningcamp. Unusually, PT was riding point, and blissfully continued to, and across, the A27. Awaiting Nigel it occurred that he must have been some way behind, and when he eventually appeared it was to announce that his Cube had betrayed him. The steed had displayed an error code and sullenly refused to offer electrical assistance. Despite the universal digital tactic of “Turn It Off And On again”, the cycle withheld its cooperation, forcing Nigel to ride without aid to the Moat House, where options were considered. Being of an independent disposition, the idea of a tow back to Findon did not appeal, and we threw ourselves onto Whatsapp to see if any FGCC Gentleman could offer a solution, and then turned our attention to bacon sarnies from the lovely Erica.
Various suggestions were forthcoming from the Gentlemen, these being of varying levels of seriousness and feasibility. Mr Budd’s suggestion that e-bikes should be replaced by leg powered equivalents was deemed to be wise, but of limited utility in our current situation. Mr Kersley’s sympathy was welcomed, but he was regrettably estopped from offering any practical assistance as he was occupied by the exigencies of running the nation’s train set.
Step forward our hero, or to put it in his parlance, “cometh the hour, cometh the man”, as John offered to fire up the Landy for a rescue mission and sped over to Arundel.
To teach the recalcitrant bike a lesson, it was deprived of its battery and wheels and brusquely stuffed into the back of the Landy, while its rider and our hero occupied the luxurious seats
and headed over to Storrington to have words with South Downs Bikes, suppliers of the traitorous machine.
Meanwhile, PT saddled up and rode his impeccably behaved Cube back to Findon, the ride made interesting by having one shoe only tenuously attached to its pedal by a dodgy cleat.
PT had just finished packing his bike into the car at OPG when the Landy made its triumphant return to the village, healing hands having been passed over the green goddess to restore her to digital health, and with increased vigour.
Exeunt omnes domum, after an exciting morning. Many thanks to John and the Landy, which must now qualify as an “Official” LSV.