The ride will begin in the middle of town, at the Chichester Cross. Where North, South, East and West Streets all meet. I have planned three stops along the route. Centurion Way Sculptures for a group photo. Graylingwell Chapel to take a look at coffee roasting. And a fabulous Tiny Library in Whyke (so please bring a book to donate/swap if you want). The ride ends at The Chichester Inn for an adult beverage, about 300m west of the start point.

This is a NO DROP Slow Bicycle ride. I’m a devote of the Slow Bicycle Movement, so this is very much my Modus Operandi for all my rides.

​A full-on Tweed Ride aficionado will ride in actual tweeds on a period bicycle. Probably with the scratchy underwear too, I’ve never asked. If you can though, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do come wearing the Full Monty if you have it.

But for the rest of us something approximating that on the bike you have WILL be equally brilliant. A flat cap goes a long way to completing your ‘look’. There are several gentleman’s outfitters in town, Goodrowes on The Hornet and of course, the Market, that sell suitable headwear.
​
All I had for my first Tweed Ride was a white shirt, black trousers, shoes (not trainers etc.) and a flat cap. I fitted in just fine. I called it ‘the stable boy look’. It’s the effort that counts. 

For the ladies, it seems to be all about the flouncy dress and bonnet. I have also see Ladies wearing tweed trousers and/or jackets (the bicycle was what ‘allowed‘ trouser wearing for women). There’s no rules for the ladies from what I can tell.

Above all it’s an excuse to dress up, have a nice ride with nice people and enjoy the most civilised of fun.

See you there. (Mark Simmons)

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/chichesterfunbicyclerides
START   https://goo.gl/maps/hP121FtJYfuDsd4h6
Brilliant book about cycling history:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Roads-Were-Not-Built-Cars/dp/1610916891/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=roads+were+not+built+for+cars&sr=8-1