Hospice to Hospice Charity Event.

Thursday 26th September.To complete my warm up for the main event of the week, the Hospice to Hospice ride,  I planned to ride with Simon to join the HCMF meet at the Rose & Crown, Upper Farringdon. 

However the best laid plans are often thwarted and so it was on this occasion. Simon was unable to come due to other matters, we did however have a practice at loading both of our bikes into the back of Simon's car in preparation for Sunday. Happily they fitted without much hassle.

I left Shepherd's Down at 11.30 and climbed over White Hill to Bishop's Sutton. First test of the day! The route to the meet was very straightforward through Ropley and Four Marks and down Brightstone Lane to cross the A32 and so into the village. As I rode through Four Marks I spotted two riders ahead but try as hard as I could I was unable to catch them. At the pub I discovered it was Geoff and Alan I'd been chasing, no wonder I couldn't catch up.

Another fairly modest number present, but as always very good craic. However an unfortunate incident occurred when the landlady of the pub asked one of our members to leave for abusing her hospitality by eating his own sandwiches in the garden. Self Caterers beware! We should of course eat somewhere nearby either before or after the meet. I think the Landlady was a bit suspicious of me as I did not order any food either, not really fancying anything that was readily available. I bought a sandwich in Selbourne after I'd left the others.

My route home was another ride of discovery. First I investigated Gracious Street from Selbourne and discovered it led to Newton Valence by a much nicer hill than that we had used when we joined the BBQ earlier in the summer. 

I visited the dear little St Mary Church and admired the colossal yew tree in the church yard. I think it might be even bigger and older than the very large one in Bentley. What do you think Diane?

The Massive Yew.

St Francis  Can you spot the  little Stoat?

St Mary Church, Newton Valence.

Not wanting to go directly home I headed towards Hawkley and then turned right to climb over two ridges through Dean to pass the Pub with no Name. I shudder to think what my friends Caroline & Christine would have thought of the state of the roads here, they were worse than the one near Colmore, with a lot of potholes, gravel, sand and other debris. It took almost as long to go down the hills as up them.

I crossed the Petersfield to Ropley road and thence to Privett where I discovered another little gem of a Dual Cabbageway. See picture below. 

My latest discovered Cabbage Way.

From here it was only a fairly short run home through West Tisted and Ropley. A tough day considering it was only 32.2 miles.
Map and data for the day:

Sunday 29th September 2013. The main event of the week. A ride in aid of the two Children's Hospices, Shooting Star and Christophers together known as Shooting Star Chase. This is the second year this event has been run and the second time I've ridden it. The organizer is Emma Willshire, known to many of you, as she used to work for Naomi House.

Simon took Sporty and loaded him into his car along with his Hetchins on saturday night so that when he arrived outside my door at 6.45 on Sunday morning all I had to do was jump into the car and we were off to Painshill Park near Cobham. We arrived there just after 7.30 and we registered, had a drink, unloaded the bikes and received a final briefing before setting off on our adventure just after 8.33 

The first ten miles was through a very urban landscape through Weybridge, Walton on Thames and Shepperton to Shooting Star House. We encountered many other cyclists on our way including another event riding in the opposite direction. We noticed that inside the M25 most cyclists did not greet one, too many others and too busy with traffic? Outside the M25 a large number did exchange greetings.

Refreshments at Shooting Star House.

We had a refreshment break at the House before continuing our Northern route through Bushey Park, a green lung in the urban environment. As it was cloudy and we couldn't see the sun I got disorientated and hadn't much idea which direction we were going.

We passed Sandown Park race course and through Esher before arriving back in Cobham. Here the route split with the 20 milers returning to Painshill Park. The marshall on the corner making sure we went the correct way was Emma's mother Wendy, an ex Naomi House carer. It was lovely to see her.

Our route to Guildford was through the Horseleys and East Clandon. The traffic was building up by now and we were glad that Emma had taken us round some back streets but not quite so glad they included some very steep ups and downs around Castle Hill. We were guided through a crafty short cut over a pedestrian bridge which avoided the very centre before arriving at Christophers having taken less than three hours for the 35 miles. (ONLY HALF WAY!)

Christophers with some of the riders on the 2012 event.

Serious refreshment stop here, bananas and cereal bars and two bottles of water. I sat on the only seat available as I was scared if I sat on the grass I would be unable to get up! 

From here the way was much more rural through the village of Albury to Shere. En route taking another sneaky short cut across a busy dual carriage way. Very well marshalled. 

Our toughest test of the day was climbing to the top of the ridge via Combe Lane. (12.3%). I just managed to ride it by taking the outside lane on the very steep and sharp hairpin bend near the top. I was going so slowly that my Garmin auto paused thinking I'd stopped.  Once over the top I stopped for a cereal bar and for Simon to catch up. (He had walked the steepest part as his bike does not have low enough gears for that type of climb).

From there we had a fast descent down Green Dene where the 50 milers peeled off to return to Painshill. We took a very sharp right and climbed another very steep hill, Crocknorth Road, this is only recorded at 9% but it seemed steeper than that. 

We had a most enjoyable switch back ride through a very wooded area along the top of the ridge. We passed a group of youngsters who were helping the National Trust clear scrub and another group who seemed to be on a Duke of Edinburgh hike.

We then had another super fast downhill section passing a number of riders struggling up. Another short break at the bottom to refuel before heading for Boxhill. Zig Zag Hill was somewhat of an anti climax as we found it much easier than we expected and nowhere near as hard as Shere Hill. The maximum gradient was 7.5% and most of it only 5%. The views however were spectacular. 

View from halfway up, spot the first hair pin of the climb.

There were a lot of other people about enjoying what had now become a lovely sunny day and we were greeted at the top by the support team dispensing water and gel bars to energise us for the last 16 miles to Painshill.

The hard work of climbing is often rewarded by a fast downhill section and this was once more the case and we were soon back down in the valley only a couple of miles north of where we started the Boxhill climb. We crossed the busy A24 and took another well marshalled short cut. This was a bit gravelly and half way along it we came to a temporary barrier across the road. Put there to marshall the cows from the field into the milking parlour. Fortunately we negotiated this easily and did not actually meet the cows. 

The temporary barrier.

Our final ten miles were largely reasonably flat but as we had discovered earlier the quality of the surface was pretty poor in many places with numerous patches and pot holes and very rough tarmac. 

We arrived back at the finish line quite tired but very happy to receive our medals and enjoy a cup of coffee and more refreshments. 

We chatted with some of the other riders and I had the opportunity of talking to Wendy and her husband about the day and Wendy's running.

A fantastically enjoyable day which we hope has contributed to the coffers of Shooting Staf Chase. 

Well done Emma and your team, it must have taken a lot of hard work to produce such a well run and well marshalled event. Thanks!

Thanks also to Simon for doing the driving, it was lovely being driven in his very nice car, and for being such a good companion on the ride.

A very happy guy with his two Shooting Star Chase Medals.

For those who are still interested here is the map and summary for the day.

Gridironman

Half Dry, Half Wet!

Are you an optimist or a pessimist? I guess I am the former for on Thursday 19th September despite the weather forecast of rain at one o'clock onwards I persuaded Simon to join me to ride to the HCMF meet at The Crown, King's Somborne.

Simon thought we ought to follow our Alresford Groupetta guiding principles and find an interesting route rather than follow the obvious one. We headed South. I forgot to click start on my Garmin 200 and after about 2 miles as we neared Cheriton Mill it reminded me by switching off with a beep.

Our ride was highlighted by counting the HCMF meet locations that we passed en route. Simon had already passed the Alresford Cricketers. First on our joint ride was the Tichborne Arms (2). Next was the Milburys (3).

We were pleased to see that some decent repairs had been made to the road on the hill up to the pub.

Our next pub to tick was the Brushmakers in Upham (4). From here we headed through Fair Oak, Bishopstoke and Eastleigh. I had forgotten where the best cycle routes are through here  so we stuck to the roads and were soon out into the country once more heading past North Baddesley Church and then into Ampfield. We were very close to the White Horse, so we'll count that as number 5. We passed Hillier's Arboretum and dropped down into the Test Valley. We cycled along the cycle path passing The Malt House, Timsbury and The Bear and Ragged Staff, Michelmersh. (6 & 7)

We avoided riding on the main road by taking the country route through Mottisfont and Houghton. Just before Houghton it started to rain, 12.50 p.m., forecast very accurate!, so we popped on our rain jackets.

We passed another RV, the John o' Gaunt  (8) and arrived at The Crown, King's Somborne (9) just on 1 p.m.

We were disappointed to see that only about a dozen riders were there but we did have some enjoyable and animated conversations.

Simon treated me to lunch as I had rather carelessly (?) forgotten my wallet! It will be my treat next time Simon.

We delayed resuming our ride as long as possible but eventfully decided we should go despite the rain. Once again we had to overcome "lunch legs" which we did quite quickly and made good time up the gentle hill to Crawley. That little hill up from the duck pond always challenges me and this time was no exception, by the time I got to the top Simon was 200 metres ahead. He kindly moderated his pace so I could catch up and we rode in close company for the remaining ten miles home. En route we passed the Cart & Horses (10).

We got home by around 4 o'clock, about three hours earlier than last week's effort but of course we had done 26 miles less!

Here is our map for the day.

The map of our ride. 


Saturday 21st September.

The Alresford Groupetta, (Sarah, Paddy and I), rode to join the Winchester CTC  intermediate ride led by Graham. Near to the Goodlife in Headborne Worthy we found Jenny and soon after we arrived Graham appeared with six other riders. 

The first part of our ride was a very familiar one through Stoke Charity, Hunton, across the A30 and under the A303 to Whitchurch. Unfortunately new rider Matthew suffered a puncture and ever helpful John Spiers stopped to help him while the rest of us continued to H's for coffee and cakes. It transpired that the cause of the flat was a large flint and John repaired the tube for Matthew.

Outside H's we were accosted by a man with a large and soppy Newfoundland dog, Yogi. It turned out to be our friend Ian in mufti!

While we were enjoying coffee Alan Gwyer appeared having ridden from Basingstoke and a while afterwards John and Matthew caught up with us. 

Paddy and Matthew left us to return home as they both had other matters to attend to after lunch. It was then agreed that 8 of us should continue to Crux Easton and Armansworth while John and Alan should follow. 

The road to Crux Easton climbs gently over several miles so it is not too tough and we all made good time. In fact the group remained compact throughout the day. We paused at Crux Easton to admire the Wind Engine before crossing the busy A343 to Ashmansworth reputed to be the highest village in Hampshire. The official record for the highest point in the village is 791 feet, my Garmin recorded 784. 

The Wind machine at Crux Easton.

The Guardian of the Green at Ashmansworth.
(Picture taken by me  in the spring, he is rather shaggier now and needs a trim.)

The next few miles were a joy, DOWNHILL! and we were soon across the A343 once more and into the village of Stoke where we took a tiny back lane that I'd not ridden before and so into St. Mary Bourne. 

The George was our lunch stop and we enjoyed some good pub food at reasonable prices. We were still some time ahead of John and Alan but when they did arrive after we'd eaten they agreed to our leaving them behind to enjoy their lunch.

There was some discussion about the final part of the route and in the end it was decided that we should split into two groups when we got to Barton Stacey; Graham taking the planned route with Ken, Big Dave and Simon while I led Sarah, Lynne and Jenny back to King's Worthy via Norton, Hunton and Stoke Charity. 

Near the King Charles pub Sarah and I continued up Loveland Lane to return home to Alresford while Jenny and Lynne went down Springvale.

Once more it was a most enjoyable day out with good friends and a big thank you must go to Graham for his very good preparation and timing despite the set backs.

Our thanks must also go to John for looking after Matthew and being prepared to ride home alone after Alan left him.

Here is my map and data for the day:

My Route and data for the day.

Anyone wanting the detailed interactive map can find it here: WER Intermediate ride to St. Mary Bourne.

Gridironman.

Three Counties Ride.

 Thursday 12th September.

Simon and I decided to skip the ride to the HCMF meet as it was in Alresford and Simon fancied a more challenging ride. He had planned a ride of over 80 miles but I thought this might be a little tough so we headed out of Alresford on the first part of his route and decided we would adapt his plan as we went.

I had had a particularly poor start to the day with a number of problems, one of which was discovering that my car's M.O.T. ran out on that very day. Fortunately Wilcan Garage were very helpful and undertook to get it done for me if they could fit it into their already full schedule. We eventually got mobile around 10 o'clock about 30 minutes later than planned and set off in light drizzle - once more up Mollie's Dismount.

The first part of our ride was almost identical to last week's foray to North Hampshire through East & West Stratton and Micheldever Station. However this time we deviated to Whitchurch after crossing the A30 and A303. Here I had a belated breakfast of a bacon buttie and a large coffee while Simon enjoyed a nice piece of cake with his coffee.

We continued Northwards via St. Mary Bourne and found the gentle rise up the Bourne Valley was by far the best way of climbing the Downs. We rode two abreast and chatted and as we neared Hurstbourne Tarrant my phone rang, it was the garage ringing to tell me the car had passed it's M.O.T. but that I had a tyre which was barely legal. I told them to replace it and we then continued on our way. 

When we paused for a comfort break it was lovely to hear a Robin tuning up and a number of other birds calling.

 Soon after we crossed the border into Wiltshire.

The last few miles to the top of the downs were a little steeper as we rode through the villages of Fosbury and Oakenwood but the views when we got there were magnificent as the sun had broken through and it was warm enough for me to have removed my rain jacket.  We stopped to admire the great views from the Downs.

View Eastwards from the top of the Downs.

As we descended we came across this gigantic collection of straw bales.

A small collection of straw bales.

Simon led us a little westwards so we could visit and admire the Wilton Windmill. We then headed back to Great Bedwyn looking for a place for lunch. It was now almost 2 p.m. and getting quite late to find sonewhere but we were lucky to find the Cross Keys where they were still serving food. I had a very good Greek Feta Cheese Salad, which was vastly superior than one I'd had recently at the Vyne in Hannington for a very similar price. Meanwhile Simon ploughed his way through a substantial fish pie. We were given a complimentary dish of chips which the chef had prepared by accident. We would like to recommend the pub to the HCMF but fear it would be rather too far for most of the riders! Some 30 miles North of Winchester,

The Wilton Windmill.

After lunch we followed the valley and the Kennet & Avon Canal to Hungerford entering Berkshire as we went. 

Lock in operation on the kennet & Avon Canal.

The Narrow Boat safely into the lock.

We continued across Hungerford Common to Kintbury before deciding we should head for home if we wanted to be there before the light started to fail.

The next few miles were tough culminating in us walking the last 200 metres to the top of Walbury Hill & Combe Gibbet. It is rumoured that cyclists who fail to climb the hill are hung out to dry on the Gibbet but somehow we escaped!

The next 30 miles were thankfully more down than up hill and we made good time, taking it in turns to lead.  For a spell we were on the same road as we'd ridden earlier in the day between Hursbourne Tarrant and St. Mary Bourne. After this we opted to continue down the valley to Longparish and then to cross the hills through Barton Stacey to  Sutton Scotney and Stoke Charity. Strangely that road to King's Worthy did not seem too bad despite my now tired legs.

I did lag a bit behind Simon on the last six miles to Alresford and we eventually parted company when he opted to head home via the the ford whilst I rode under the old railway bridge, turned into New Farm Road and arrived home just a few minutes before 7 p.m. Phew! What a great day out!

I was most gratified to discover that we had covered over 78 miles at an average moving speed for the day of 12.6 m.p.h. Here are our other stats. and map for the day.

Thanks Simon for a really great day out! We seem to have had the good fortune lately of finding new places and new roads which have enriched our rides!

Gridironman.

Oh! What Fun!!

Thursday 5th Sptember 2013.

In preparation for the main event on Saturday Simon and I decided to find an interesting route to the RV for the day's HCMF meet. For once I let Simon lead and he immediately tested my legs by heading up Mollie's Dismount. As we entered the village of East Stratton we passed a car and the driver waved to us. I thought it was John Heath, but we later discovered that it was Mike Bailey. (Both guys being bearded).

We covered the 10 miles or so to Micheldever Station in just under an hour so Simon decided we needed to put in an extra loop and led me over the A30 to Laverstoke. Lots of work going on here on the old Bank buildings.

We were soon in Overton where we paused for a drink and to check the map, yes Sarah,  once more I was uncertain of where the turn was and thought I should verify it. In the town we were spotted by Caroline but we were too engossed to notice her!

The lanes to North Waltham were made lovely by the dappled sunshine but had been poorly repaired with loose gravel and tar. As we entered the village we caught up with Mike and Charlotte who had ridden from East Stratton. 

After exchanging a greeting they pressed on while Simon and I had a picnic lunch on the green before we continued to Dummer. As we crossed the A33 I noticed a dust devil in a nearby field. it seemed to have been started by a tractor working but soon grew to about 75 feet. However it did not last long enough for me to take a snap.

In Dummer the first person we saw was John Heath who was riding away from the pub. Why?

We were somewhat disappointed by the number of riders there, way below our best. We had a long chat with Charles, David, Joyce & Dick while we refreshed ourselves with a nice pint.

Angela was there having come in her little Noddy Car, already dunning riders for their subs, including those over 80! It seems as a large majority of the riders are getting close to that mark Angela felt we should remove the concession, after all it is only £1.

I suggested to Simon that we should take an indirect route home so we headed east from Dummer to cross the B road and go via the "dip" through Farleigh to Ellisfield.

We visited St. Martin's Church, Ellisfield. A very small church with some interesting stained glass windows.

There is also a very interesting memorial to Dayrell Botry Pigott who was drowned in Homa Bay, Nywanza, Kenya on 28th Feb 1911. I believe this is fairly near Mwanza in Tanzania where Forever Angels Baby Home is situated.

As we left the church Don arrived, having decided on a similar route home. The three of us rode together down Furzey Lane and over the hill to Bradley. 

Another hill past the "Gay Dog Boarding Kennels" took us up to Lower & Upper Wield. (Yes, there really is such an establishment!)

We made good speed down Armsworth Hill and through Old Alresford, Don leaving us near Old Alresford church to find his way home to Winchester.

Our data and map for the day:

Another lovely Autumn day's ride!

Saturday 7th September.

I left home at 12.30 to get to the meet of the Alton CTC for their annual Pace Judging and Freewheeling Competition. I made good time having enough to spare to pause at The Hoddington Arms to enjoy half a pint of bitter with my picnic and then get to the RV 5 minutes before the fun commenced.

There were thirteen of us taking part with Janice and Dan running the event with their usual efficiency and Mark giving us encouragement.

Each rider rode a clockwise lap of a course of just over 3 miles and was timed. Then we rode the same lap anticlockwise and the time recorded and compared with the first lap. The object is to try to make the times the same. Three of the competitors managed to get within a single second of the same time!!!! I was a dismal 30 seconds out which I had thought was quite reasonable. (Riders are not allowed to use watches or cycle computers as aids).

Next came the Freewheeling. Starting at the top of a hill we were released, in turn, to freewheel down the hill without pedalling and then up the next slope to see how far up the hill we could get before we came to a stop. 

For each activity the riders were given a position and the two positions added together to find the winner who was Mike. Here are the results with La Laterne Rouge propping up the rest as usual!!!

Oliver and I admire as Stuart keeps going up the hill, already well past our marks .

After the event was completed we climbed the hill to Herriard and then cut through the lanes to Lasham Gliding Club where we had tea and Dan presented the prizes.

Dan Presents the Junior Award to Oliver.

From here we dispersed in various homeward directions. The sky to the west was very black and I hoped to get to Alresford before it started to rain. I was not lucky, as i rode into Upper Wield it started to spot and I put on my rain jacket. By the time I got to Armsworth Hill it was raining hard and continued until I got home when of course the sun came out again and made a lovely Rainbow to welcome me home.

What a change in 20 minutes!

Thanks Janice and Dan for a brilliant afternoon and thanks too for the photos and results list.

Map and Data for the Day.
 Note the little loop which was our course.

Gridironman.

P.S. Don't forget you can look at the pictures in more detail by clicking on them.

North to Fleet then the WIR to join the Alton BBQ

What a great week I've had cycling.

First on Thursday 29th I talked Simon into one of my special rides, another Mansfield Mystery Tour.

We headed North up the Candover Valley to Axford, turned right to Ellisfield and climbed over the ridge.

Descending towards Cliddesden we turned down a very narrow and stoney lane to come out onto the A339 a mile or so from Basingstoke. We left this just short of the M3 and trundled eastwards to Mapledurwell. It was a lovely day and apart from the drone of the nearby M3 it was very peaceful.  We were successful 

in achieving my aim which was to discover some roads we'd not ridden before by crossing over the motorway and taking the A30 towards Hook. This was quite busy even though the M-way was close by so we turned once more into leafy lanes with some very smart and expensive looking houses. The village of Newnham is a joy with houses clustered round a large green. This area is much flatter but I still managed to find a few of my now famous little hills to test our aged legs. Knowing that Simon's back up vehicle with Sarah at the wheel was not available we decided it would be prudent to turn back towards home. We passed through the outskirts of Hook recrossed the M-Way and were in Odiham just at the right time for lunch. Simon's choice of The George proved to be firmly shut but after talking to a local man we ended up at the Bell in a small square by the church. Here we enjoyed a  traditional pub lunch and a pint of Riveters Ale.

Simon at The Bell, Odiham.

Odiham Church.

Suitably refreshed we took the road to Long Sutton and then up Copse Lane to crest the ridge once more. As we climbed our steepest hill of the day to our highest point of the day at about 742 feet,  a car passed us and met a Jewson's delivery truck in a very narrow spot. After much manoeuvering they managed to squeeze by with literally an inch to spare.

Our route and data for the day.

The rest of our ride was along more familiar ground but it was enlivened by yours truly picking up a flint in my rear tyre. Simon did most of the work in changing the tube. We could not find the cause so by the time I got  home I was not surprised to find the tyre had gone soft again. A closer inspection revealed a tiny flint which was so sharp I thought it was a needle. Changed the tube again ready for the main event of the week which was:-

Saturday 31st August my WIR to join the Alton CTC Barbeque.

The day was perfect for cycling and I was joined by 17 other riders for my intermediate ride. They were Karen, Sarah, Chris, Alex Coates, Caroline, Claire, Big Dave, Dave Foster, Simon Turner, Simon, Ken, Daren, Graham, Phil, John Spiers, Mike and newby Guy Morgan.

I led them via Old Alresford and up Armsworth Hill to Upper Wield. The first test for climbers and Claire's electrically assisted machine. We were soon through Bentworth and at the Avenue Garden Centre in Lasham. This was our coffee stop. I think that some of the group thought it was breakfast time judging by some of the "refuelling" choices. 

When we resumed our ride Mike left us as planned to return home. He had ridden from Twyford.

Past the Golden Pot and following the route in reverse to that taken by Simon and I on Thursday we climbed to the top of the 745 foot hill (it seems to have grown by 3 feet since Thursday). As promised the next 2 to 3 miles was nearly all downhill and we made great time to Bentley and the A31.

By now most of the riders were on unfamiliar ground and when I paused to check the map Sarah chided me that I was lost. I replied that it was I who was leading and not her! 

We crossed the A31 and climbed once more but this time quite gently to Binsted.  Everyone was keeping up well with my pace and some of the Hares were streaking on ahead, but I managed to keep control by giving limited information so we regrouped at suitable road junctions. We passed near Kingsly and through Oakhammer. Time was marching on and by 12.30 the start time for the BBQ we still had some 5 miles to cover. However I was not worried as the nature of BBQs is that all the food cannot be prepared at once.

Some of the group were complaining of feeling peckish and Chris had to have a sugar boost to help her over the next climb to Selborne. 

My plan to make them all earn their lunch worked well as they had to climb that very steep hill out of Selborne. Ride with GPS recorded it as one in ten. It seemed much steeper than that. I just hope that Chris is going to forgive me and not take me off her friends' list.

We eventually climbed another hill to arrive at Newton Valence on the dot of one. The time my mum always said was lunch time!

We were welcomed by Frank and a host of Alton CTC riders.

It was good to catch up with some I'd not seen for a while.

General view of the BBQ

Richard and David hard at work!

Diane and Mark discuss the finer points while Mark gets on with the important choices!

Another view of the diners.

Some found it a bit hot in the sun and made use of the shade.

A very big thanks indeed to the Alton group of the North Hants CTC for making us so welcome. All of our riders told me afterwards how much they had enjoyed the day.

However our ride was still not complete. John wished to get home quickly and suggested a shorter route than I had in mind. After some discussion 14 decided to come with me on a slightly extended route home whilst John and Alex took the short way.

The road after Colmore was very bad in places and needed care to navigate round the potholes and through the gravel. I must remember not to go that way again unless it is mended. (Black mark Bryce!). We climbed once more through Monkwood and headed via West Tisted into Ropley. Phil left us here to visit a friend in Fourmarks and shortly after Karen peeled off to ride home to Chandler's Ford. By the end of the day she must have ridden over 60 miles!

The group seemed to disintegrate as we rode the last few miles with Simon taking the road over White Hill to his home, Christine stopping to meet with a friend etc. I rode into town on my own to find a group waiting patiently at the top of Broad Street. 

Five of the riders accepted my offer of tea whilst the rest continued their various ways home. The five turned up at my door bearing three delicious cakes to share! 

It was a lovely end to the day sitting in my garden in the sunshine with mates reviewing the day and talking of many other things too. They all seemed reluctant to leave until I mentioned the washing up!

Thanks to all who took part for making it such a super day. I rather gather from remarks and through facebook and email that I am not alone in thinking it was a great day out with friends old and new!

I must make a special mention of thanks to John Spiers for his support and for bringing the Winchester starters to Alresford.

Our route and data for the day.

Gridironman.

Happy Cycling wherever you ride!!