Saturday 23rd November 2013. I feel a bit like Billy no Mates at present. None of my CTC Alresford Groupetta pals was able to join me on my ride this morning.They missed a most interesting ride in the warm winter sunshine. Pity about the North wind which made it feel a little chilly. However, I was well layered up and wore my winter gloves for the first time.
I had no clear plan other than to be home in time for lunch. The bike was pointing west when I junped on, but not wanting to go towards Winchester, I dived down Drovers' Lane and tested myself by taking on Mollie's Dismount. (7.9% gradient). This warmed me up nicely. There had been almost no traffic but near East Stratton I met three cars and was passed by four others. This was the busiest time all day.
The trees vary a lot at the moment. Some leafless, some displaying lovely autumn colours and others still quite green as you will be able to see from this group in Stratton Park.
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| Ash bare, Beech coloured, Oak still green. |
The sun was also making lovely patterns with the light and shade in the woods.
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| Paterns of light and shade. |
I was passed by a truck carrying a load of Christmas trees near the Calvert Centre. They must have just been cut in the plantation near Woodmancott. Arriving in Brown Candover with only just over ten miles covered I decided to loop around through Preston Candover and Wield before heading for home.
I thought the Shard was in London but I took this picture in Brown Candover!
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| Hampshire's Shard? |
The hill to Upper Wield seemed quite easy, thanks North Wind!
I passed the vinyard on Chalk Hill and turned towards Bighton and here I took the small lane which loops around the farm instead of following the usual road. I rejoined the normal route at the edge of the village. From here it was an easy ride home where I arrived just in time for lunch and to watch the very exciting Rugby League Semi Final which England lost in the last minutes of the game. 20 - 18. Real rugby to watch later this evening!
Here is the link to my route and data for the day:-
Gridironman.
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