It poured, it rained, it deluged, it dripped, it flooded. The rain in January and February 2026 was relentless. Simon and Stephen were chatting and they agreed that a Cody cycle ride was required to raise morale. A date was put in the diary and then every day it rained and deluged. It was hopeless. But then something strange happened. The chosen Saturday for the ride was a dry, bright and sunny day, all day!

We rode in brilliant sun with a cold northerly wind making us aware that it was still winter. The route was one of our favourites, from West Dean to West Wittering beach. This is a mainly off-road route that is purpose made for walkers and cyclists. The views from the path were so beautiful and we all glad to be alive and to be out in the fresh air. 

At the beach it was quite busy. We guessed that lots of people had seized the chance to get out after all the rain. We had lunch and then a gentle potter on the beach before heading home.

Stephen, Simon, Andy and Vanessa were from Cody on the ride and we were joined by three cycling friends. 

The photograph shows the cycle path with one of the great big puddles on it. In truth, much of it was dry, but this seemed like too good a photo opportunity to miss!

All in all, this was a wonderfully enjoyable day out in the depths of a very wet winter. Seize the day!  

Stephen Deakin