A lovely sunny day, just right for cycling. Simon joined me for the ride on one of his special veteran bikes. This time a Carlton.
We left Alresford by the lanes running along the south side of the Itchen Valley thus avoiding the horrible rough surface of the B3407 and most of the traffic. Through the Worthies and over the Andover and Romsey roads we encountered more traffic, but we were soon in lanes once again through the very attractive hamlet of Dean. The lanes are so narrow that I got stung by stinging nettles while being passed by a van.
Once through Sparsholt and over the hill to Crab Wood it was a very quick descent to the Dolphin.
Here we found a group of about 20 members, most of whom were mourning one of our members, Barbara Braithwaite, having just been to her funeral.
Simon's bike attracted much attention. Here is a picture of Simon with Geoff and Norman discussing its finer points of the gearing, a combination of three speed derailleur and a 3 speed hub gear.
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After an hour or so, suitably refreshed we decided to return home via Otterbourne, Colden Common and Owslebury. This was a good choice as for most of the way there was little traffic and we were able to enjoy the countryside despite it beginning to look a little scruffy now after the long dry and hot spell.
Our fastest speed for the day was recorded as we descended the A272 to Cheriton. Here we discovered that our plan to pop into the Flower Pots for a swift half pint was thwarted by their having closed at 2.30.
At the edge of Alresford a group of children with their mothers were enjoying a paddle in the ford.
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This will be my only ride this week as on Saturday I am running a stall at Chettle Village fete for Naomi House.
Thanks Simon for your company on our ride today.
Gridironman.
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