South Downs Way cut short

Husband & I set off from the house at half 8 yesterday in the rain, meeting up with Kitty & Goldfish to embark on the South Downs Way from Cheesefoot Head. All morning, the weather varied between light rain & heavy rain - the high winds remained constant! Tiring because I had to concentrate more on getting my line right - less margin for error.

Having said that, spirits were surprisingly high - once wet, didn't really notice the rain. We all sang at points - Singing in the rain, Only Happy when it Rains, Mud Glorious Mud.... notice a theme?!

Got to Queen Elizabeth Country Park for about half 12 where we had lunch - bacon baguette & a big piece of coffee cake for me - and looked out of the window hoping that the rain might ease off - nope!

So set off into the rain again. The first noticeable change between Hampshire & Sussex parts of SDW was signage - Sussex has more! Also, the route has less tarmac, and the scenery became a little grander - more of the big sweeping downland scenery. Just as we got to Harting Down, the sun came out! Even Goldfish waxed lyrical about the view from there. The route kindly took us around Beacon Hill, but the climbing became harder. Kitty noticed her lunch a little too much for her liking & Husband started getting cramps in his thighs.

Just as we got to last descent, saw a red kite close to the track - I haven't seen one in the UK outside of Buckinghamshire. Close enough to appreciate how big & beautiful it was.

Very impressed by Kitty - esp as her training regime had only started 4 weeks ago. She seemed tired but chipper at the end of the day. Also v.impressed with the waterproof map we were using - really was waterproof! Everything not in a poly bag was wel & truly soaked. We invested £5 at the pub in Cocking to have all our kit washed & dried.

Fish & chips for tea with some beer. However, I started feeling unwell - as did Husband - and we spent most of the night on the loo! This morning, we decided we couldn't carry on. Neither of us could eat and I didn't think diarrhea and a 35 mile off road bike ride would be compatible - would have meant acquiring immodium & not drinking - and the latter wouldn't have been sensible.

So we've cut it short. Kitty was also feeling off colour so the 3 of us caught bus to Chichester, train home. I'm OK-ish - feeling delicate & Husband tells me I look green. We're getting the bikes later (with car) and will go to tonight's B&B. But just planning on some tourist stuff tomorrow.

I am very very disappointed. But I think we made the right call. We'll give it another go next year.