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 starting with breakfast at our sister café, Billy’s on the Road at Billinghurst, before heading to Bracklesham for afternoon tea and cake. Here’s their tour on two wheels – a 170-mile round-trip with a little detour into Hampshire and Surrey for good measure…
Read the first half of their journey on the Billy’s on the Road website here
Here we pick up with them from Devil’s Dyke to Duncton Hill
Once we had wound our way back down from Devil’s Dyke and out through the South Downs, we headed back through Washington and skirted around Bury Hill in Arundel, a very popular biker destination. The roads then took us through the glorious West Sussex countryside, through sleepy villages and past many traditional pubs. Riding effortlessly through the leafy sunny hills, we took another opportunity for a rest at the top of Duncton Hill, just outside Chichester.
The views from Duncton Hill are illustrated on a plaque donated by the Automobile Association and guide your gaze far and wide to places of interest. The plaque also lets you know that at that point on the hill, you are 398 feet (121 metres) above sea level.
Chichester villages
By this point in the afternoon, it was most definitely time for tea and cake at Billy’s on the Beach. We chose to ride through the stunning villages surrounding Chichester, taking in West Dean and Singleton on route. Once we had dropped down through Chichester, we joined the road towards Selsey and the Witterings and headed to Bracklesham beach.
It was a gloriously sunny July day and when we arrived the sea glistened in the sunshine. Leaving our bikes in the pay and display car park we walked towards the unmistakable blue and white striped building that is Billy’s on the Beach. The café interior has been designed to mimic the inside of a beach hut and has artwork from local artists, including some ‘found’ artworks created with elements found on the local beaches.
Time for tea
As before, we were greeted with beaming smiles from all of the staff and made to feel truly welcome by all. Having been joined by one of our friends, Phil Harman from Advanced Plus Training for the afternoon, we all chose a tea/coffee and cake option. As I avoid wheat, I was delighted to be offered a delicious slice of lemon polenta cake, fluffy with icing sugar and served with creamy, vanilla ice cream. Phil and Daniel indulged in heavenly chocolate cake, which was again accompanied with ice cream. We all loved the ‘Billy’s on the Beach’ mugs with the slogan “life’s a beach” – you really do feel just that as time stops while you relax in comfort looking out at the sea.
Booking essential
As a biker destination, Billy’s on the Beach is perfect either for a full meal, afternoon tea or an ice cream or drink from the ‘Billy’s on the Go’ van outside, open during the summer only. However, if you are planning a trip to Billy’s on the Beach at peak times, make sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment. The restaurant is extremely popular, for very good reason, with locals and holiday makers alike.
As we polished off our tea & cake, it was time to head back up to Alton and return the BMW R1205RS Sport back to Bahnstormer.
What a glorious day, fantastic food supplied by our two favourite places to eat, and an opportunity to have a test ride on the new BMW R1250RS Sport.
