Billingshurst to Bracklesham – a tour on two wheels
Two of our regular biker friends are Daniel and Katy, who own Mono Motorcycles in Funtington, near Chichester. We set them a challenge to devise a scenic tour of Sussex between our lovely diner on the A29 and our sister café, Billy’s on the Beach in Bracklesham Bay. So, here’s their tour on two wheels – a 170-mile round-trip with a little detour into Hampshire and Surrey for good measure:
“Our ‘Billy’s to Billy’s’ ride started bright and early by getting to Bahnstormer BMW in Alton for 8.30am. Our good friends at Bahnstormer BMW had agreed to let Daniel test ride the new BMW R1250RS Sport for the day, as we are in the market for a touring bike. Once Daniel had learnt to use all the settings, and we were suitably kitted up, we were on our way.
Countryside route
The route Daniel had planned avoided as many main roads, and in particular motorways, to enable us to really enjoy the countryside. Once we had skirted around Basingstoke, we rode through the picturesque market town of Odiham before heading into Surrey, enjoying the stunning scenery surrounding Farnham and the pretty historic market town of Haslemere. Soon, we were over the border into West Sussex and the traditional village of Wisborough Green. Once through the village we found ourselves in Billingshurst in perfect time for breakfast at Billy’s on the Road.
Favourite table at Billy’s
We were greeted with a warm welcome before choosing our favourite seat in the house – at the train track table with the model railway underneath the glass top. Just 50p sees Thomas the Tank engine & his friends pootle around the track, through the model village, beneath where you eat your food. It is great fun for children and adults alike, and one of the many reasons we visit so regularly.
Breakfast choice
The Billy’s on the Road menu is full of traditional options and an eclectic mix of flavours and combinations taken from Billy’s travels around the world. Daniel chose a traditional large English breakfast which consists of a vast plate of sausages, eggs, bacon, beans, hash browns and toast to fuel him for the journey ahead. I chose my favourite breakfast – the Spicy Avocado Breakfast – which consists of scalloped potatoes, slathered in melted cheese, topped with fresh avocado, fried eggs and a freshly made salsa. As a vegetarian I know I am always going to be well catered for at both Billy’s on the Road or Billy’s on the Beach.
Once we were suitably full, it was time to get back out on the roads and see what the BMW R1250RS Sport could show us.
From the top of Devil’s Dyke
Our next planned stop was at the very top of the South Downs at The Devils Dyke. We leisurely rode from Billingshurst out towards Washington and deep in to the heart of the Sussex countryside. As you approach the hills surrounding The Devil’s Dyke, you can occasionally see the chalky underbelly of this area, peeping through the grass like a white scar.
While you navigate your way to the summit, glance left and look out over the hundreds of wind turbines gracefully swirling in the sea offshore from Brighton. The views from the top of Devil’s Dyke are simply breath-taking, with rolling hills, villages and farms as far as the eye can see.
Once we had taken a few moments to sit back and enjoy this scenic treasure trove, we saddled up once more with Billy’s on the Beach as our next destination…………