Gardening: Jean's House Elf enjoys a day out with a friendly Leprechaun & Dobby's* Devious Diversions.

A leprechaun's view of our ride on Thursday 5th June 2014

"A close on 50 mile ride yesterday to the Fellowship meet at the Bear & Ragged Staff near Romsey - rather a challenge on my 77 year old Sunbeam Golden Tourist with close ratio 3 speed derailleur - clear to see why we 'Brits' much preferred the Sturmey Archer 3-4 speed hub gears in the 30's. Pictured here at the Pub is the dynamic duo Bryce Mansfield and myself or is that 'Elf and Leprechaun' - bit late for St Patrick's Day though."

Elf and Leprechaun.

More notes by the Elf:

We had planned a roundabout route to the pub through Otterbourne and along Holcombe Road to Ampfield and thence into the Test Valley; with a more direct return home via Kings Somborne. So I was surprised to discover afterwards that the two segments were almost the same length with the return one actually being longer. It was however faster, a reflection of the fact that we had had a pint with lunch? Or perhaps it was because it was less hilly?
When lagging behind the Leprechaun the mischievous Elf took a shortcut through the Potter's Heron car park to come out onto the main road 100 metres ahead of him, much to his confusion!
Disappointingly the Hillier's Gardens Rhododendrons and Azeleas had almost completely finished flowering.
As always plenty of craic at lunch with a nice mixed if modest group of members.
We showed David (Alias Tommy) the back road way through Mottisfont and Houghton to Stockbridge.
On our return segment we passed the Winchester Groupetta (Nick, Alan, Rodney and another on their way to the pub.)

The House Elf in his Domestic Environment.

Here are details of our route and data

Don't forget if you click on the pictures they can be viewed full screen.

Sunday 8th June 2014 Dobby's Devious Diversions

The House Elf escaped again! Today's route was an innovative one to Bishop's Waltham.
It was a beautiful sunny day and it was a real pleasure to ride the lanes with plenty of shade. The only draw back being the dappling effect making it harder to spot pot holes.
I paused near Milbury's to enjoy this panoramic view of the Upper Itchen Valley.

Looking North from the Southdowns Ridge near Beauworth.
(Some sheep for Isabel!)

Lots of other cyclists taking the opportunity to enjoy the summer. I estimate I must have seen at least 100 others. Two very large groups. One from Fareham of about 30. Another 15 or so in B.W. passed by as I chatted to two riders from Hedge End outside the coffee shop.
Unfortunately I had to be home for lunch so had to curtail my ride and return home from B.W. I was pleased that I was able to cover the 11.69 miles home at an average speed of 12.7 m.p.h. arriving there spot on one o'clock.

Here is Dobby's Route map and data.