A Road Ride with Posh and an Off Road Excursion with Tiny and the Winchester CTC.

Two very contrasting rides this week. On Thursday I found myself able to join the HCMF meet at the Golf Club in Ampfield having previously thought I was otherwise engaged. Got my dates mixed up!

Of course I didn't want to take the shortest route as that is on main roads, I did however take the recently resurfaced B3047 through Itchen Abbass. I am pleased to report that the very worst part through the village and Martyr Worthy is now lovely smooth tarmac. The adjoining areas, whilst not perfect, are better than before having been regravelled.

The Hospital of St. Cross,
 nestling amongst the trees.

I rode the very good path to the Hockley junction stopping to enjoy the views across the valley to the Hospital of St. Cross.

I continued through Twyford and Colden Common and then crossed the river to Otterbourne, thus avoiding the climb of Shawford Down.

Next I took the road through Hiltingbury and looped round past North Baddesley Church past Gosport Farm to Ampfield. It was very hot and I found a number of riders already at the RV sitting in the only shady spot on the veranda in front of the Clubhouse. There was a small sunshade nearby so I commandeered that and shared it with David and Richard who had come all the way from Tadley. Certainly the longest route to the GC.

I met a number of members I'd not seen for a while and exchanged news and after a most enjoyable hour of chat and a cold beer I set off for home. I switched on my Garmin unit but for some reason it could not acquire a signal so I lost the first 1.5 miles or so of my homeward route.

My route home was back through Colden Common and via Hensting Lane to Owslebury. It was warm work climbing that hill but at least it was in the shade. Ridewith GPS give the gradient of the hill as 9% but the sign at the top gives it as 14%. I suspect the RidewithGPS is the average for the hill whereas the sign indicates the steepest part. Any comments?

The last few miles after climbing to the top of Lane End Down were very fast, down the A272 to Cheriton and through Tichborne.

Another very good day out on "Posh".

My route as recorded on RidewithGPS

Saturday 26th July 2014.
I decided to join the afternoon ride with the Winchester CTC led by the two Johns, Spiers & Fairbrother. They had plotted a gentle ride with a good section of tracks and paths so I took Tiny my 7 year old hybrid bike.

I had ridden in from Alresford with Guy. Also in attendance were Paul and Margaret, Lynne, Rodney, and new to me James, David & Will, Helen, Alan and splendid in pink Julie who was designated our "tail end charlie" as she was so easily spotted! (I hope I have got the names right, please tell me if I haven't).

Our route was a devious one to Crawley via Bereweeke Avenue and Dean lane before cutting back to cross the Stockbridge road to Littleton. Then on to Crawley where we went off road. This section of the route was the most interesting, mainly through woods which with the very warm day gave most welcome shade. It was very quiet and peaceful and with no traffic to contend with it was a pleasure.

Disused railway bridge between King's Worthy and South Wonston.

When we reached the A272 we took an path parallel with the road in the roadside woodland. The track was a lovely sinuous track. great fun! then we crossed it and continued through the woods to South Wonston. Some bumpy track along the south side of the village and then another shady ride along the old railway line. We passed the old railway station where the road splits in two . Three of us managed to choose the option which was blocked by a fallen tree. I climbed over the old platform whilst Rodney and Julie went back to the junction.

Just after the end of the track Will had a flat tyre. A couple of other riders stopped to help whilst the rest of us went on to the Goodlife for tea. We were soon joined by them and we all enjoyed a good chat. It was great to talk to some folk I'd not met before, most of it of course about cycling.

Guy joined me for a return to Alresford.

Here is my record of the day. Of the 25 miles ridden 12 were with the group, about 6 off road.

With Posh for dry days and Sporty for more inclement weather I now think I will sell Tiny. If anyone is interested I would be open to any reasonable offer in the neighbourhood of £85.

Here are further details:

Giant Cypress DX 2007.Medium size (about 52cm ?) Alivio gears. 42,34,24 chainring with 11 to 32 cassette. Cassette and chainrings have been renewed and tyres in good condition.

Tiny my Giant, Cypress, DX

That's all folks! Have a good week, cycling if that is your way!


Gridironman.

Four Rides this Week!

It an unusual week cycling in which I enjoyed 4 rides. The first three were all in the immediate area of Alresford so I have recorded the three routes on one map.

Wednesday 16th July.

I had an appointment at Naomi House on Wednesday so rather than go by car I went by bike. I knew the council were resurfacing the road through Itchen Abbass so needed to find an alternative route. I chose to go through Northington and Micheldever to test myself and Posh up the hill through the village. We managed it with only one small mistake in changing gear. After my meeting I returned home via the South side of the Itchen river.

Thursday 17th July. Simon and I were back together again for a good social ride to the HCMF meet at the Northbrook Arms, East Stratton. As the pub is only about 6 miles from home we naturally found a nice hilly optional way to get there. I forgot to start my Garmin until we were about 1.6 miles into the journey.

We climbed the ridge to Medstead before turning back towards East Stratton. The weather was beautiful and we were able to enjoy the views of the countryside before dropping from Upper Wield into the Candover Valley at Preston Candover. In Brown Candover we took a right turn up the steepest hill of the day and along the narrow lane to Woodmancott.

As we climbed this ridge we were buzzed several times by a Chinook helicopter, it passed over at a height of about 100 feet. Simon thought they were treating us as terrorists. Of course by the time I had stopped and got out my camera out it had decided to fly away and leave us alone.

Simon and the now distant Chinook.

As you can see there was a lot of loose gravel along the lane and we had to be careful, especially on the descents and corners. However we made good time to the meet arriving there just after noon.

A couple of riders already enjoying sitting on the green opposite the pub with a cooling drink. We were soon joined by many more. A few decided to stay in the shade inside whilst the rest of us made good use of the many sun shades at the bench table units.

There was a fair amount of banter, as always, with some fun about my new "Posh" and a round of applause when the Fleet CTC members arrived resplendent in their new strip.

Simon and I eventually managed to tear ourselves away as we both had other matters to attend to in the afternoon. 

On Saturday 19th being unable to join Ian and the Winchester CTC due to other matters I managed to get out for a "pop to the pub ride" in the evening. My choice of pub being the "Pub with No Name", a reasonable distance from home.

It was very warm but  at least it was cooler than earlier in the day.

After following the obvious route through Bishops Sutton and Ropley I turned off the Petersfield Road and climbed the ridge via Smugglers' Lane then after Monkwood I rejoined the Petersfield Road.
The pub was very busy with folk from all around and with campers from the field next door all enjoying their evening meals and drinks in the warm sunshine

I enjoyed a half pint of Butcombe Bitter from North Somerset before heading home via Privett, Woodlands and Bramdean Common.

The cream of the  batch was today Sunday 20th July when I drove to Romsey in the car and followed a course recorded by PinkPal last August. It was a joy to follow taking me along some lanes I'd not ridden before. It also involved some steep hills, for example the 9% climb from Nomansland.

West Wellow Church.

Near St. Margaret's Church I passed a group of cyclists going in the opposite direction and was greeted by name by my friend Graham Stanhope who was in the group. (Don't know if I knew anyone else.)

I have heard that the Tombstone of Florence  Nightingale which was damaged in the February gales has now been repaired. I did not stop to verify this.

The sun had broken through by now and I took Posh for his first dip through the ford near Plaitford.
(Took care not to go too fast so the lack of mudguards did not matter.)

Once up Nomansland Hill I thought I would be able to speed across the open ground near Fritham where there was a wartime airfield. No such luck, there was a strong head wind!

Once past the A31 I stopped to look at the Memorial to the Canadian Soldiers who landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-day and took the opportunity to talk to a couple of off roaders and a family who were looking at the memorial.

The Canadian Memorial.

Next came a fast downhill run through the leafy part of the forest.  Great fun as it is quite curvy too. In Emery Down, near Lyndhurst the route turned back northwards and continued through Minstead along a network of unfamiliar lanes.

It then crossed the Cadnam to Lyndhurst road and passed through Bartley and Winsor. Not far to go now but sneaky PP had chucked in a climb up Ridge Lane, across the dual carriage way and up Gardeners Land before zooming back into Romsey down Pauncefoot Hill.. (At least she hadn't taken the rough track across Broadlands.

It had been a great ride which I had followed easily on my Garmin with only two minor overshoots of junctions. Strangely my recorded route was about 1.5 miles shorter than PP's. I wonder why?

Just discovered why my Garmin record is 1.5 miles shorter than PP's. It seems that my Garmin was switched off for about that distance near Fritham.

Here is my record of the day:

Very many thanks to PP for recording the route which was great. Also thanks to Simon for his company on Thursday,

GRIDIRONMAN.
.

Posh Gets Sorted.

A number of other commitments made this last week an unusual one for my cycling.
On Wednesday 9th July after a busy domestic day I managed to pop out for a short ride in the evening. I was still trying to identify the source of the rattle. Removed the front reflector from the handlebars and the one mounted on the wheel but still the rattle was there. Never mind, I told myself, just enjoy the lovely sunny evening. I started out on one of my favourite climbs, Gander Down, at the top on the A272 the police were checking car speeds.

After a short way on the A272 I took the road eastwards past Lane End and the Milbury's to the top of Wheeley Down. Next down the hill into Kilmeston where I paused a while to enjoy an energy bar sitting on the seat by the village hall. It was a perfect evening. Warm and sunny but not too hot.

I checked the bike again but still could not identify the cause of the rattle.

I managed to ignore the siren calls of the Flower Pots in Cheriton and the Tichborne Arms and was home just as I was needed to pop to the shops for milk.

Getting used to the new gears and riding position now, but still grabbing for the brakes in the wrong place when riding on the tops of the bars!

It was a great way to spend a couple of hours, though I had rather tempted fate by leaving my pump on Sporty!

Wednesday's Route and Data.

On Thursday I took Posh back to Hargroves to see if they could identify and fix the rattle. I am pleased to say that they did. It turned out to be the rear brake cable which is routed through the top tube knocking on the inside of the frame. Thursday evening I had an enjoyable non cycling experience when I went to The Point in Eastleigh to see and listen to Rock Choir in which two of my friends were participating. It was a great show.

I was unable to ride on Saturday as I was busy cleaning carpets with the help of my grandson Archie.

It was the perfect weather for the job as it dried in a few hours.

Sunday 13th July 2014.

Time to get out and make the most of the sunshine. I had delayed my start as it had rained and of course I did not want Posh to get wet!

As is often the case when I ride alone, I make up the route as I go along. Decided to go South and try myself on Posh up Rooksgrove hill from Kilmeston. I knocked over a minute of my best previous time that I had set a year ago. (I now rank at 30 instead of 58 out of 78). 

Once at the top of Beacon Hill I decided to go down to Droxford and cross the A32 and then climb Watton Lane, the steepest hill of the day, and then up the flank of Old Winchester Hill to the Sustainability Centre. Luckily I arrived there just 10 mins before the cafe closed, so was able to enjoy a cup of tea and have a stroll round the herb garden with its scents. It seems to be in need of some TLC being somewhat overgrown.

My route home was via East and West Meon, into the teeth of the strong breeze. Hmm so that's why I'd found the outward journey easier than expected.

Quite a number of other cyclists about at various points of my ride, a lot of them off roaders.

I was pleased with Posh, I must admit to worrying I'd made the right choice of bike at first, but this ride has convinced me that I have. The gears have a great range and I'm riding on the 50 ring more than I do on the 48 of Sporty. The bottom gear of 26 being only a little higher than the 24 of Sporty so hill climbing with the lighter bike very much the same.

When I got home Jean asked me how it went and I told her that it had been "Such Fun"! Should have bought this bike 6 years ago!

I am planning a few days hosteling at the start of August. My dilemma, do I take Sporty or Posh.?

(Suggestions welcome).

Just realised, I was so busy riding I forgot to take any pictures. Sorry!

Sunday's Route and Data

Gridironman.


I

Birthday Fun Continues.

Thursday 3rd July.

Rode with John Heath and Guy Morgan to the HCMF meet at The Star, Bentworth. I led them a nice hilly route I'd ridden with Pink Pal in October 2008 when she was training for her Women for Women charity ride in Cuba. This time my return route from the meet was some 3 miles shorter as it was through Upper Wield and down Armsworth hill rather than through Medstead and Four Marks.

Near Burkham we spotted a skylark, no danger looking up as he was just descending on the other side of the hedge.

The weather was perfect for riding apart from a brisk breeze, though that did keep it cool enough for us to sit outside the pub in the sunshine.

The Riders and Supporters enjoying their lunch.
(Note the bunting and flags - in our honour?)

It was Guy's first ride to join an HCMF meet and he took to it like a duck to water, being an ideal riding companion and joining in the craic with the other members.

Guy and I left the group and headed home soon after 1 o'clock and enjoyed the fast descent of Armsworth Hill.

Here are details of our ride with a map:

Mr. Grumps?

The most exciting part of the day was still to come, my birthday party hosted by Simon and Sarah for my best cycling pals.  For me it was a very memorable evening. Caroline came to pick me up and we arrived almost as my other pals also arrived. We sat in the garden for drinks before enjoying a very tasty buffet. Very many thanks to Simon & Sarah for hosting the party and to my friends who made it an evening of fun. Ian had provided me with a party hat and I had worn my new KOM jersey and my Octogenarians medal given to me by Pinkpal.

Why then am I looking so pensive? Is it because half of my cake has already been eaten?

The remains of my cake.

I must admit that I did get a bit tiddly but Ian kindly drove me home so i came to no harm.

Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th July 2014.

My birthday excitements continued. I was given a new bicyle for my birthday. I had to go on Saturday to collect it from the bike shop. (Good news for Simon, I can easily get it into the back of my car as it has no mudguards rack etc and has lower bars. This means Simon's bike can go on the roof rack when we ride away together).

"Posh" my new Specialized Secteur Sport
(A posh bike not a push bike)

Once I got it home I took it out for a first ride as soon as the roads had dried out. Just 6 miles to and from the A31 roundabout near Ropley. It went beautifully.

Today (Sunday) I took it out for a proper ride of about 24 miles:-

Apart from one of Simon's vintage bikes I had not ridden a bike with drops for years and had not used the type of shifters fitted before. I managed to get on well with the gears which are only slightly higher than those on Sporty. Posh is about 5 pounds lighter and is more streamlined due to the lack of mudguards etc.so it is definitely faster.

Near Medstead I encountered Ron Liptrot out on an a morning ride too. We had a chat and he told me that he had also been lucky enough to have a similar 80th birthday gift a few years ago. 

It was a very satisfactory trial ride with only a mysterious rattle to spoil the total satisfaction. As I pulled up back home Paddy was also returning from a ride. We exchanged notes and Paddy suggested it was probably the wheel fitted reflector that was causing the noise. Will check it out.

WHEW WHAT A FANTASTIC WEEK!

Gridironman.