HCMF Meet at Upham and Reconnaissance for VCC June Ride

Thursday 27th March 2014.

The phone rang around 9 a.m. It was Simon asking if I'd like to join him for a ride to the HCMF meet at the Brushmaker's Arms, Upham. I jumped at the offer and accepted but I wondered if this was a great decision as within half an hour the clouds had gone really dark and soon it was raining but I decided that wasn't going to be much and joined Simon at his house at 10.30. We decided to go via Kilmeston and Swanmore to enjoy a longer route to the pub.

We headed through Tichborne and as we came out onto the main road by chance we met Sarah and her daughter Chris out on a training run for their big Ride the Night event in May (Click here for Sarah's Link to find out more). We had a nice chat and we agreed to ride with them for a while through Cheriton and across the A272. Near Beauworth we left them when Sarah told us to carry on while they paused to remove surplus layers. I think they really stopped to see if they could spot the skylarks that were singing lustily nearby.

At the Milbury's we turned left to return to our original route to Beacon Hill and thence to Swanmore.
As we continued into Bishop's Waltham there were a few spots of rain but they soon blew over.

We climbed the hill to Upham and arrived at the pub around 12.15 p.m. to find about a dozen other members of the fellowship already enjoying their meal. More arrived soon after we'd ordered our lunch.

The Brushmaker's Arms.

Bob explaining how he got his picture on Face Book while Colin, Charles and Angela think "Oh NO! Not again!

Meanwhile others get stuck into their grub!

I tried to remember who was there after I got home. I managed to name 17 out of 18 present. I've forgotten the gentleman behind Colin talking to Roger. Not bad memory for an old fogey!

Simon suggested an alternative way home and we set off back down the hill to Lower Upham then along the B road towards Fisher's Pond. Next we turned up the lane to Owslebury and thence through Longwood, across the A272 to whizz down to Ovington. One last little climb up to the roundabout on the A31 and we were nearly home.

When I got there I discovered that instead of turning off the camera on my mobile phone I had switched it to video and I had recorded the inside of my bum bag for about 35 mins. Interestingly I had also recorded our chat, the passing traffic and the puffing as we climbed the hill!

I hastily deleted the recording just in case we had said anything libelous!

Our Map and Data for the Day.

Saturday 29th March 2014. 
Due to other commitments Simon and I both decided not to join the Winchester CTC ride to Tangley.
Instead I agreed to help Simon test a route for a ride he is leading for the VCC in June.

Simon had plotted the route on Garmin Connect and  we had both uploaded it to our devices. However as we had discovered before my 200 seemed to be less confusing to follow than Simon's more complicated version. Between us we manged to follow the planned route pretty well apart from Bossy Bryce leading the wrong way from Gundleton to Ropley. Hmm!

Here is our map and data for the day from which you can see that despite only covering 38 miles we did climb nearly 3,000 feet this is our excuse for only averaging a moving speed of 10.4 m.p.h.

En route to our lunch stop at Selborne we visited Chawton where I took these pictures.

They show the Church, Chawton House with its lovely display of daffodils and a couple of views of Jane Austen's House.

From Chawton we took the direct route to Selborne . it was hard work as apart from a few testing little rises the brisk breeze was right in our faces.

The pub was quite busy but we found ourselves a table in the bay window where we could enjoy a quiet chat whilst lunching.

Next came the hardest part of the ride. First we had that steep pitch of nearly 10% out of Selborne then several more steep climbs before we peaked at 829 feet after the climb from Hawkley. We seemed to be crossing one valley after another and the downhill stretches being in narrow and rough lanes could not be taken at speed.

We crossed the A272 climbed another hill and this time had a fast descent into East Meon. here we took advantage of the seat by the river to have a rest and a snack whilst soaking up the sunshine.A large group of cyclists passed while we were sitting here and we exchanged greetings.

The greatly improved surface on the road to West Meon enabled us to make excellent progress for a few miles. We were now on very familiar territory and the last few miles seemed to slip by very quickly, even the last few hills did not delay us much. At the top of the hill from West Meon we spotted this casualty of the storms last month.

Uprooted Beech Tree.

We arrived at Simon's Home feeling pretty tired and we enjoyed a cuppa while regaling Sarah with yarns of our derring do.

Thanks Simon for your company and enthusiasm on two very different but great fun rides this week.

Gridironman.

Frustration!

I had been looking forward to taking pat in the Phil Hampton memorial ride on Saturday 22nd March but was unable to do so because of other last minute family commitments. I hope those who did take part enjoyed it. The weather was certainly much better than it was last year when I did not take part through choice, because of the wintery weather.

However I did manage a decent solo ride on Thursday 20th March to join the HCMF riders at the White Lion, Wherwell.
Simon was unable to join me as he had an appointment with his dentist so I set off in my own time via the south side of the Itchen through Avington and Easton. Then through King's Worthy to Harestock.

As I crossed the Andover road near Harestock I was passed by a BT Outreach van which tooted me in greeting. It turned into the BT yard nearby and I followed to have a chat with the driver, as I knew it must be my good friend Dave. We exchanged news but Dave had work to do and I had miles to ride so eventually we parted company.

The weather was dry and fair but there was a pretty strong south westerly breeze making it hard work at times particularly just to the west of Crawley.

At the RV I was very pleased to see a very good turnout of riders from the southern part of the county. This RV being much more accessible to them. I had not seen most of them for some time. Of course this meant that apart from Richard, David and Roger there were no riders from the north of the county.

Some of the meadows on the edge of Wherwell were still flooded and the Swans and Ducks seemed to be enjoying the large area of shallow water with bottoms up! I tried to take a picture but discovered my battery was too low.

After good craic and a decent pint of ale I headed off homewards through Sutton Scotney where I visited my cousin Janet and her husband. They moved here last year and I was interested in learning how they have settled into their new home. After the experience of the cold breeze I found the house was nice and cosy with a log fire burning.

My route home from here my route was through Stoke Charity, Micheldever and Micheldever Woods to avoid turning into the breeze along "that road" to King's Worthy. However, for a short while from Northington cross roads to the top of "Mollie's Dismount" I had to contend with it anyway! I still thought it was more fun than the B road through Itchen Abbass.

It was another very successful day out and added 40 miles to my annual target, shame I didn't get to add another 50 on Saturday.

Map & Data for the day

Gridironman.

HCMF Meet at The Rose & Crown, Upper Farringdon & Groupetta visit to Boarhunt

Simon and I had a good couple of rides this week. The first on Thursday 13th March.  when we rode to Upper Farringdon to join the HCMF meet. We took a slightly longer route through Ropley, East Tisted & Selborne. This also enabled us to avoid the flooding on the A32 in Lower Farringdon.

It was a lovely sunny day and we enjoyed the sights and sounds of countryside with the rooks being particularly active. Several tractors with their trailers of manure adding to the smells and the mucky road!

When we arrived at the Rose & Crown we found we were first there. We took advantage of our early arrival to be first to order our lunches. Shortly afterwards Michael and Lesley arrived but almost as quickly disappeared again. Angela, Richard and David were next to appear and told us that a number of other riders had gone to the Golden Pheasant  in Lower Farringdon. It  transpired that there had on previous visits been problems with a rather bossy landlady. Richard went to join the others and after a pint and a chat David did likewise.

It was very pleasant sitting in the sunshine eating our lunch al fresco and we were soon joined by the Fleet group of 8  They had remained loyal to the chosen RV. Here they are enjoying their lunch.

The fleet Fleet Eight.

Eventually Simon and I decided it was time to head home. We chose to go via Alton and Beech to Medstead & then wishing to prolong our enjoyment of the day we continued home via Upper Wield & Armsworth Hill.

Thursday's Route and Data.

We had both decided that for a variety of reasons we did not wish to join the WIR to West Tytherley on Saturday 15th March. We opted instead to head south east towards Wickham.

We left Alresford shortly after 10 and soon found that the floods had abated. The area near the source of the Itchen was still flooded  but only a little over the road. We easily avoided getting our feet wet.

Riding Rooksgrove Hill took 11 mins 49 secs, only my seventh best time. My best was recorded last summer at 9 mins 42 secs. By comparison the best time recorded on RidewithGPS is 5 mins 33 sec. My best time overall is 17th. (This just goes to show nothing other than what a data nerd I am).

We zoomed downhill to cross the A32 near Droxford and turned south through Soberton to Boarhunt. A lovely display of Celendines along the road banks here.

Deciding it was time for a break we popped into a garden  nursery only to discover it was the wrong one without a cafe. The intended one was just a quarter of a mile further on. Here we refreshed ourselves surrounded by lovely pansies of multiple colours. Lovely scent too.

We headed for home through the edge of Wickham and along lanes to Swanmore. Simon's Raleigh had developed a strange tick now, but try as we might we could not find out the cause. As it appeared not to be serious we continued through Bishop's Waltham. The road at the foot of Beeches Hill was no longer flooded but still wet in places.

Half way up the hill we turned left into Ashton Lane as this is less busy and probably easier then the main road. We were rewarded by the sound of a spotted woodpecker drumming not once or twice but three times. Is that lucky? I think it ought to be!

Once we had crested the hill we still had the drag up to The Milbury's to conquer before that fun descent into Beauworth. Top speed of the day here at a shade over 32.6 m.p.h.

We decided to chance our luck and return to Alresford via Tichborne. We found the springs in the village had ceased flooding the road and the mucky overflow from the river further on had receded leaving the centre of the road almost free of water, so no problem with wet feet.

I joined Simon and his wife Sarah in a cuppa before continuing home for a belated lunch and to watch the final two Six nations rugby matches.

A most satisfying ride. i hope the Winchester CTC enjoyed their ride to The black Horse as much as we enjoyed ours.

Map and Data for our Saturday Ride.

Gridironman

Popham Airfield's Magnetic Attraction!

It seems that of late Popham Airfield has been drawing me in that direction. Maybe I just like their reasonably priced coffee and the pleasant relaxed atmosphere there. Whatever, having been there last Sunday I have been there twice more this week.

On Thursday 6th March I enjoyed a solo ride via Popham Airfield to the HCMF meet at The Queen, Dummer. I had ridden from home via my usual route up Mollie's Dismount then through The Strattons and Micheldever Station. After an interesting chat with a young man who was just about to enjoy his first flying lesson I continued through North Waltham to the meet.

Angela was already holding court with about a dozen other members. I did not stay long as I'd mislaid my wallet and thought I'd got no folding dosh. It transpired I'd hidden it in one of my inner pockets! Phew! What a relief, no need to report it lost along with credit and debit cards!

Running Water outside the Purefoy Arms.

My route home was via the flooded Candover Valley. The situation in Preston Candover was only slightly better than last Sunday but having splashed my way through the village I decided to take a closer look at the situation in the other Candover villages.

Between Preston & Chilton Candovers.

I passed the "Road Closed" sign and headed towards Chilton Candover intending to turn back if the water was too deep.

I rode through the first mini lake without getting my feet too wet and as I approached the second one I stopped to take this snap of an approaching car. When he reached me he stopped and told me he could have done a larger bow wave if he'd realised sooner I was taking a picture. 

He told me the road ahead was passable with care, being no deeper than the 6 ins in this puddle.

Notice he had kept to the shallower water on the wrong side of the road.

So I continued through the village and on into Brown Candover. Plenty of spring water here too This lorry driver enjoying making a splash.

Brown Candover awash in spring water.

I was surprised at the rate the water was running as can be seen from this shot of the water coming out of a field along the road and into the brook.

Candover Rapids.

Further along the valley near Swarraton the ground was dry enough for a farmer to be ploughing

Ploughing near Swarraton.

I was nearly home by now and I was glad to get there and remove my rather damp shoes and have a nice refreshing shower.

Here are data and map for the day.

My ride on Saturday 8th March 2014 was somewhat different.

I had ridden in to the start in Winchester and found David our leader for the day with with a large group of riders. A lot of new (to me) members, I can only name 15 out of 20. It was my first ride this year with the Winchester CTC! It was lovely to see so many friends I'd not seen for ages.

It was a lovely sunny day with many birds celebrating the arrival of spring. But we needed to discuss the route in the light of local knowledge of flodding. Also I persuaded David not to have the coffee stop in Alresford. Popham being chosen as the alternative!

Some flooding in Springvale, why else would it be named that? Then a brisk run to Stoke Charity where we regrouped. Through the north end of Micheldever and then just before Micheldever Station we found the road closed while workmen were removing a partially fallen tree. With John in the lead and the rest of us not far behind we bypassed the blockage by taking to the field. Fortunately there was no hedge.

At Popham Airfield we sat in the sunshine while chatting and enjoying our coffee, some riders indulging in a late breakfast! Suitably refreshed we headed for North Waltham. Along the way there were a number of skylarks singing. I did not spot any, it's a bit dangerous looking for them while cycling!

One of the disadvantages of cycling with such a large group is the need to help cars pass on the narrow lanes but by splitting into smaller groups and making use of passing places and other natural gaps we were managed to be considerate.

I was acting as back marker for this section as I knew the way to the Fox at Ellisfield so could sweep up any stragglers.

For a couple of reasons I decided to leave the group at Axford  heading home to Alresford via Preston Candover but his time turning up the road bypassing the rest of the valley.

Thanks David for an interesting ride and to all the others who made it fun!

By the way don't forget if you click on a picture you can see it full screen.

Gridironman.

Two Flood Checking Rides.

Much better weather this week and I managed to pick two of the best for my two rides.

The first on Thursday 27th February was a loop to the east and north. In Bishop's Sutton there was some spring water running along the road but not enough to cause any problems. The lanes through Ropley and into Four Marks were much as normal, a bit muddy in places and plenty of gravel and flints on the road to be avoided. 

After I crossed the A31 I decided to investigate Rumours Cafebar, one cafe I'd not visited before. It was a good decision. Not only was the cuppacino delicious but as I sat enjoying it, in walked my good friend Ray Topley, also out for a bike ride, who I'd not seen for months. We moved outside into the sunshine and had a good session of catching up with our news.

I eventually tore myself away and continued up Lymington Bottom to Medstead Village. A few large puddles and some surface water on this section as well as for the next few miles to Lower Wield, but not enough to cause any concern. My mudguards seem to deal pretty well with these sort of conditions.

Nice dry road for a spell and then I was into Preston Candover where there was still a lot of spring water on the main road. Once again easily dealt with provided passing cars don't go too fast! On the whole the drivers were very considerate.

Chilton Candover Manor Drive.

I paused at the top of the long drive which leads to Chilton Candover Manor to admire the view and I was greeted by a young lady who passed me on a smart hybrid. 

I set off in pursuit, using her as a carrot and hoping to improve my speed. She had a start of about 200 yards and I managed to narrow this to about 75 by the time she crested the hill. When I got there she was completely out of sight! I'd forgotten that in the time it took me to cover those 75 yards at 3 m.p.h she probably would have covered about 375 yards at an average of 15 mph.

I rode down the hill like a demon and just managed to catch up with her as we reached the junction with the Northington Road. Sadly she turned towards Northington while I carried on into Old Alresford and thence home.

Here are my map and data for the day. What a difference the lack of wind makes, an average of almost 12 mph instead of the 10 mph I managed on my ride to Bishop's Waltham when the wind was very strong.

Details for Thursday 27th Feb. 2014.

Saturday 1st March.

I have not yet ridden a Winchester CTC ride in 2014 because of cancellations and my family commitments and I had planned to join them today, but when I heard that the ride was to Alresford I decided to do my own thing.

Having spoken to my Pink Pal about possible plans for the day I decided to check out the lane to Tichborne. As I suspected it was still flooded very much the same as it was when I rode it  a few couple of weeks ago. 

Next I returned to the main road and headed for Easton via Ovington and Avington. Some water on the roads in places as can be seen from this picture near Avington House. 

Flooding across road near Avington House.

However the lake in front of the house did not seem a lot higher than normal:

Avington House and Lake.

Between Avington and Easton the road was closed to traffic due to other drainage works but when  I asked the workmen if I could get through on a bike they said that it was OK.

No problems in Easton so I next went to check on the situation near the King Charles in King's Worthy.

These three pictures illustrate the situation.

Lovedon Lane beside the King Charles.

The King Charles well defended from the floods by sandbags etc.

The Adjacent Field and Farm.

Although the road was closed to cars I was able to get past on the dry pavement following the guy in the red jersey just getting back onto his bike.

Having climbed the hill and taken "that road" to Stoke Charity I paused for refreshment and sat on the seat in the centre of the little roundabout and chatted to a lady who was working in her garden,

Next I explored the lanes through Wonston and Hunton where I discovered there had been many fallen trees;

Some of the many fallen trees across the river Dever.

From here I headed for home via Micheldever where I telephoned Barrie to give him a sitrep on the roads between Easton and Ovington which were on his projected route for the CTC ride,

Quite a lot of surface water in the village here but once again easily navigable. The rest of my ride was uneventful and I was home soon after 1.30 p.m. (Just as the group were starting from Winchester on there own ride to Alresford.)

Map and Data for the Day.

I enjoyed both rides immensely but I do miss my riding pals! Must remedy that soon.

Gridironman.