Arnica

The trouble with getting the bikes roadworthy was that the the Gorse Fox was then tempted into using one. Saturday afternoon saw him launch himself on two wheels into the hinterland.


A pleasant ride in the sunshine is a perfect way to enjoy a summer's afternoon. Well, at least it is if you bicycle saddle is not made of concrete and the manufacture has thought to put some springs or dampers at various points of the design.

The other nice thing about being on two wheels is that the sedate pace allows you to looks at the various places you pass and allows easy opportunities to stop for photos. (This thatched cottage is in Rustington).

The Gorse Fox stopped in Rustington to buy some stationery, and then cycled on. He had some time to kill so cycled on towards Littlehampton.


Stopping on the beach for a while he watched the families frolicking in the sea and digging in the sands. Thirty or forty yachts were clearly visible in the bay - it was an archetypal British seaside scene.

The beach was fairly busy (though this is not apparent from the photo). Twenty minutes later GF was back on the bike and cycling on.



Littlehampton was heaving. There were people everywhere - making use of the beaches, the crazy-golf, the boating lakes, the gardens, and the amusement centre. Others were fishing off the harbour wall, though it was not clear that anyone had caught anything significant.

Dragging himself away, GF headed back, with a brief stop to see Angus. When he got home he had cycled about 10 miles (which Mark would probably consider a warm-up). He had also realised that there is a potential market for arnica-impregnated underwear. The small concrete saddle (about 8 inches long by 1 inch wide) had caused immense discomfort in places the Gorse Fox cares not to reveal. Suffice it to say he has achieved a very creditable John Wayne walk since returning.