2013 What a Great Year Cycling!

It has been a most enjoyable year of cycling for me. I have completed 81 rides and covered 3,339 miles a little short of my 3,500 target. Maybe I'll squeeze in one more if it is not too wet.

It all started well in January when I set myself a very high standard by riding 122 miles in week two. This was largely because I took part in the Watership Down Audax accompanied by Mary. Including the ride to and from the start, that accounted for 79 miles, one of my longer rides in the year.  

Here is the summary of my rides analysed by type. About a quarter of my rides have been with three CTC groups, Winchester, Romsey Hares & Tortoises and Alton. Another quarter are rides to the Hampshire Midweek Fellowship meets, many of these accompanied by Simon. Simon also joined me on lots of the independent rides. These with the special events make up the bulk of the rest of the rides.

Without doubt the most enjoyable ride of the year was the one I lead to join the Alton CTC at their annual barbecue on 31st August. We had perfect weather and a very good turnout of 18. The Alton group welcomed us and fed us right royally. (Many thanks to them and to the other 17 riders who helped make it such a great day!) 

Winchester CTC riders at the Alton CTC barbecue.
 (Picture by Janice Montgomerie of Alton)

I did a number of special events some of which were for fun and some for charity. They were all enjoyable in different ways but all were a challenge which I couldn't resist! On three of these I had Simon to help me along by sharing the pace making, we particularly enjoyed the Hospice to Hospice ride which took us over roads we'd never ridden before, including the legendary but disappointing Box Hill. We had tackled two harder hills earlier on the same ride!

Of course my signature event was my sixth Gridiron. For the first time I rode this on my own. Well not quite as there were another 900 or so also taking part! I did it at my fastest speed ever.

Here is a chart comparing  my mileages over the last six years since I re-took up road cycling again. The 1,000 or so miles at the "Years to 2006" marker is the mileage I covered on my Nitro over the previous 9 years.

Although I covered more miles than last year, not having taken any cycling holidays during the year, I was unable to match my 2011 mileage.

Apart from the great camaraderie of cycling in a group and sharing meals and of course coffee and cake, the huge joy of cycling for me is being out in the fresh air, come rain or shine, preferably the latter, seeing the lovely countryside, spotting animals, birds and flowers, smelling the smells too, you miss those in a car! 

Taking pictures has been fun too, but not always easy to do when the group is bowling along at a good pace.

Thankfully I have survived the year without any major problems, a few of punctures and one embarrassing tumble when riding with the Alton Group and surprisingly few wettings. Mind you two of the special events made up for that. I reckon I got wet 5 times and dried out 5 times on the WintonMediate and on the Plain Challenge I got wetter than I had ever been before on a bike. Like the proverbial drowned rat!

I should like to thank all those who have ridden with me during the year and made my favourite hobby so much fun. Also thanks for the encouragement I have had from my blog followers who have commented on it. I hope any of you who have comments, good or bad, to make will do so when On My Bike 2013 becomes On My Bike 2014.

I am hoping for another good year in 2014 when I hope I will be joined by many of you out there on our bikes!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.

Gridironman.

Two Elderly Gentlemen go for Lunch & Winchester CTC Intermediate Ride to White Hart Stockbridge

I am much happier with this week's exploits. On Thursday Simon and I went for a gentle ride to enjoy a carvery lunch at The Angel, Privett and today, unexpectedly, I led the Intermediate ride.

Thursday 12th Decemberh

Having missed last week's HCMF meet at the Angel Simon suggested we should go there for lunch just a week late! As it is only about 8 miles from Alresford we took a devious route to work up an appetite for our lunch.

Traffic was extremely light once we had left the A31 and it was a nice day for the ride, milder than I'd expected. As you can see from our route we took the lanes through Ropley and Colmore. Our highest point for the day at 766 feet was near to the Pub with No Name. We dropped down into the valley running just to the north of Privett village and returned from the East to The Angel which is situated on the A32 just where the "lap" one marker is positioned.

The pub was quite quiet so there was no danger of my repeating last week's sorry performance. We had a very good lunch from the carvery accompanied by the local Angel Ale brewed in Alton for the pub.  It was very good value at £1.99 a pint! 

Once replenished we took a much shorter route home. If you check the lap times you can see that we increased our pace considerably. Was that due to the refuelling stop? I fear it is much more likely that as the profile shows the road home was almost all downhill!

We were back in Alresford nice and early so Simon could take his car to the garage. 

Thanks Simon for a very enjoyable tete a tete.

On Saturday 14th December the ride was totalIy differerent. Simon & I rode into Winchester along the awfully surfaced B3047. We found a small group already gathered there including an agitated Ian, the designated leader for the day. It transpired that Caroline was unwell and Ian asked me if I could lead the ride so he could return home to care for her. Of course I agreed.
After a brief delay, while newbie Martin went to park his car where it would be free rather than paying the exorbitant charge in the car park, we set off.
In addition to Simon, Martin & me, in the group were: John Spiers, Margaret & Paul and another new (to me) rider Fiona.
I knew the route that Ian had planned which was out along the Old Sarum Road towards Farley Mount. We turned left by Crab Wood and as we zipped down to Standon we were joined by  Mary and Ken. We paused at Merdon Castle for me to recover at the top of the hill! 
The next few miles to Poppies Garden Centre & Cafe were quickly covered and we were soon tucking into coffee, tea & cakes. We had expected to be joined here by Ninya but she was not there. However John, a good Samaritan came in and told us that he had helped her with a flat tyre and that she had gone back to Stockbridge.
We were soon on our way there too. I led the group along the cycle path, not perfect, but one of the more useful ones, past the temptations of the Malt House and the Bear & Ragged Staff to the turning to Mottisfont. Here we left the main road to ride through the village and to follow the valley to  Stockbridge.

When we arrived at the White Hart we found Ninya and also Alan who had come to have lunch with us. Ninya left us before we enjoyed our bar snacks and Alan afterwards.
Prompt at 2 p.m. we resumed our ride along a recently resurfaced lane. I was lucky enough to see a Sparrow Hawk chasing a small bird as I rode to the bottom of the hill to King's Somborne. Here Ken, Margaret and Paul turned off here to return to Southampton.
Fiona "I hope I'm not holding you up", forged ahead of the group as I trailed up the through Ashley with Simon in close attendance but they all waited for me at the top and again when we climbed Farley Mount.
Mary left us here to go down the other road to Standon and thence to Chandlers Ford. John turned off soon afterwards. Martin was accompanied to near his parked car while Fiona, Simon and I continued to Kings Worthy. Here we found a surprise joker in the pack. The road under the A34 was totally closed so Simon and I had the pleasure of riding up Nation's Hill to get back onto the road home. We arrived there just after 4 p.m. and I immediately reported to Ian "Job done". Then had a well earned relaxing bath!

Here are the data and map for the ride:

 

The interactive version can be found here:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/415648717

Another couple of possible rides before  Christmas, on Thursday the HCMF meet at the Phoenix in Twyford and on Saturday my intermediate ride. Just hope the weather is favourable.

Gridironman.

A Disappointing Week

Thursday 5th December.

Simon and I rode together to Stoke Charity for the start of the Barrie's Pedalling Group Christmas Lunch special ride.

We made good time to the start and found several riders already there. (Caroline, Brenda, David, Alan Hardnett, Ian & Debs). Graham arrived soon after and we set off via Weston Colley towards Whitchurch and Alan Gwyer also joined us. I am afraid my performance was somewhat lacklustre and I was soon trailing. But I did manage to catch up with the others as we entered Whitchurch where we met Karen & Bill with their daughter Jo.

Brenda had a minor problem when her chain came off but she quickly put it back on and we continued down the Test valley, passing through Longparish to Wherwell and the White Lion our planned Christmas lunch venue.

Barrie was on hand to greet us having come by car as he had an injured wrist. 

Lunch was good with most of us sampling their delicious pies. I had venison and bacon. very tasty.

Unforuntely I began to feel very uncomfortable and quite caustrophobic and panicky with the opressive atmosphere and the high level of noise from a very crowded room. I twice went out into the fresh air which helped, but when I re-entered I realised that I just had to get out that environment and head for home. A quick farewell to the others and having settled my part of the bill I got going. Very kindly Ian insisted on coming with me to make sure I was OK. I was very appreciative of that as I still was not 100%.

Despite being under par we managed a reasonable turn of speed and were in King's Worthy by 2.40 p.m. Here, Ian left me to return home while I popped up Church Lane to my daughter's hoping for tea and symptahy. Unfortunately there was no one home so I continued alone to Alresford. Here I did get a nice cuppa and a warming & refreshing shower.

Here is my map and data for the day, actually not too bad an average speed!

Jean tells me I have been trying to do too much and should take it easier!

On Saturday I had planned on going to Gunwharf Quays to hear the Rock Choir perform but with the thought of heavy traffic and almost certain crowds I decided that this was probably not a good idea and did not go to avoid any possible repetition.

I decided to take it easy today, have a nice quiet lunch and to watch some rugby on the telly. However, I am looking forward to riding again on Thursday and/or next Saturday if the weather is favourable. I shall however avoid any crowded pubs!

Have just taken this picture of the sunset:

Gridironman.

Grey Thursday and Sunny Saturday.

This week two rides very different in nature. On Thursday 28th Nov I rode solo to the HCMF meet at the Three Horseshoes, East Worldham and on Saturday 30th Debs led us on a very innovative route to lunch at the Black Swan in Monxton.

Thursday 28th November 2013.

A very grey day but at least largely dry and not too cold. 

Simon was unable to join me, so I chose a roundabout way of getting to the RV that suited me.

I headed first to Medstead but instead of the obvious way through Bighton I climbed Armsworth hill and then followed the ridge through Hattingly. Next I descended to Alton through Wivelrod and Theddon. Much nicer than the hill through Beech which has lots of metal covers and potholes.

I next took the much travelled route of Alton CTC through Holybourne, passing Treloars School and College. (So that's where they are now having left Upper Froyle!)

When I reached the turn to East Worldham through Wick I decided it was too early for lunch and carried on to Binsted. Here I paused to visit the grave of "Monty". The famous WW2 Field Marshall, Viscount Montgomery of Alemain.

Binsted Church.

Monty's Grave.

From the Church I descended to Kingsley. Bad move, I now had to reclimb the ridge to reach the pub. Oh well, it's only 14%! Still the trip down the lane was also one down memory lane as we had ridden this way on my BBQ ride at the end of August, rather nicer weather then!

A decent number of members present, but I was, the only representative from South Hampshire.

After lunch I took the line of least resistence and headed for home via Farringdon. Brightstone Lane, Four Marks and Ropley.

Here is the map and data of my ride:

Saturday 30th November.

Drove to Kings Worthy with Sporty on the rack. Left my car at my Daughter's and joined Jenny outside the Goodlife where we waited for Debs and the group. Soon after 9.30 they arrived, in the peleton were Karen, Mary, Margaret & Paul, Graham, Simon and Sheelagh.

We made good time through Stoke Charity and Hunton and were soon across the A30. Shortly after passing under the A303 a couple in a car stopped to ask the way to Popham Airfield. While I gave them what I thought were clear instructions on how to get there, (four times!) the others rode on. This turned out to be lucky for me for as I rode through the woods a deer crossed the road about 30 yards in front of me. It was followed by a second one with a limp. It stopped right in the middle of the road. Looked at me and thought "Oh no, a crazy cyclist, I'd better high tail it" and vanished into the undergrowth.

As I  neared the last little hill I could see some of the others climbing it about half a  mile ahead. I eventually caught up with them just as they arrived at H's for coffee. Here we were joined by David Foster.

After delicious cake and coffee Sheelagh left us. Maybe she only came for that!

Debs led us through St. Mary Bourne and westward through Little London and over Charlton Down along lanes many of the group had not ridden before. The last time I'd been this way was in August 2011 when I rode the Twinings Charity Event for Save the Children and Naomi House.

The northerly breeze reminded us that we are now in early winter but the sun continued to shine and light up the remaining autumnal colours.

We passed through Penton Mewsey and Weyhill before turning southward near Thruxton Village. 

We arrived at the Black Swan in Monxton around 1.10 p.m. only ten minutes behind schedule. We were joined here by John Spiers.

The pub was very busy which meant a long wait for lunch, but when it was eventually served it was very good. Much better value than some of the other pubs we have visited.

The Black Swan, Monxton.

We were well behind schedule as we headed for home, but we all agreed that, as it was a bright day, we should stick to Debs's original planned route and not take any shortcuts. David left us near Red Rice to return to Barton Stacey.

Once again the route was a good variation of well ridden route via Leckford and Crawley but taking a loop through Longstock.

By the time we got to the Leckford Hut the sun was setting so we all switched on our lights. As we neared Littleton it was getting a tad gloomy. Here we split with the majority continuing into Winchester while Debs, Jenny and I branched off over Three Maids Hill to Kings Worthy.

Many thanks Debs for a very enjoyable day out. Thanks also to all my fellow riders for the chat and banter that enliven such rides.
Thanks also to Simon for passing on his Garmin Data which I needed as I had forgotten to take my own Garmin. I have since traced my route and here is my map. 

Anyone wishing to follow the route can find it at:

http://connect.garmin.com/course/5227790

Gridironman.