Alresford Groupetta Meet with the Winchester CTC

Very Sad News.

Arthur Ramsey, one of our long time members of the HCMF died on Thursday 25th June, shortly after returning home from our meeting at East Stratton. Our thoughts are with Heather at this difficult time. I did not know Arthur well myself but had always enjoyed my chats with him and Heather on the occasions when we met.

Thursday 25th June, 2015. MY BIRTHDAY!

A fairly short time available for riding as I had been to the hospital for a pre-op assessment for a cataract operation next Monday. 

Cycmon called for me at 11.45 and we rode to East Stratton taking an indirect route, one with the easier hills via Itchen Abbas. Well that's what Cycmon told me as he was riding one of his single speed bikes. Secretly I think he was checking the route for Saturday. When we got to Itchen Abbas we met, by chance, a group of three from Winchester, along with David Parrott. We rode in somewhat loose formation to the pub. 

Simon and I paused to enjoy the fume of poppies on Itchen Down.

Field of White Poppies with Docks and Common Hogweed.

We found a select group at the Northbrook Arms already tucking in to some tasty morsels. Cycmon treated me to a birthday beer but we both declined lunch. Soon we were joined by the Fleet and Alton riders. We somehow managed to make our pints last for an hour and a half whilst enjoying the craic and sadly talking unknowingly for the last time to Arthur.

As to go directly  home would be a waste of a lovely afternoon we headed there via Micheldever, Stoke Charity and the country route along the Itchen Valley.

Route & Data for Thursday 25th June. 

It was a most enjoyable way to celebrate my birthday.

Thanks Cycmon.

Saturday 27th June 2015.

Cycmon was leading the Winchester CTC afternoon ride so to turn that into an all day ride for the Groupetta members, three of us, Cycmon, PinkPal and I, decided to start out at 10 a.m. and ride a roundabout way to the RV in Winchester. Unfortunately Andrew also tried to join us but missed us and found his own route to Winchester.

I was nominated to plan the route, so wanting to help PinkPal with her training for LeJog I took them a reasonably hilly way. We went via Tichborne for the first few miles as that is a nice warm up way. (i.e. mainly flat!)

We climbed to the top of Beacon Hill via Kilmeston. This enabled us to enjoy the fruits of our labours freewheeling down to Droxford Golf Club at a good pace of around 25 m.p.h.

PP was disappointed that I did not continue into Droxford, but I pointed out that would have required a climb back onto the ridge to get to Swanmore.

For a change I took Vicarage Lane which I find pleasanter than Hampton Hill. We turned back towards Winchester and rode into Bishops Waltham. Here I took Houchin Street rather than the High Street as I didn't want my pals to be tempted by the smell of coffee from the various cafes. 

As we had plenty of time we took the hilly route through Upham, where we resisted the siren call of the Brushmakers' Arms, Beybridge and Owslebury to Morestead.

The hill down to Twyford was not the easy freewheel I'd expected due to a fairly strong breeze right in our faces.

We soon covered the remaining few miles into the City via the cycle path and arrived at the King Alfred Pub before 12.30 giving us a full hour to enjoy lunch. We sat outside, for a while in the shade, but then as we cooled we moved back in the sunshine. 

Just before 1.30 we joined the other CTC Members at the Winchester Hotel Car Park. 

A very good turn out, 16 in all. With such a large number we split into two groups with Cycmon leading one and me the other. No wonder he'd led me this route on Thursday, prepping me for my big role.

Our route was the reverse of one Cycmon and I had done on Thursday, via Stoke Charity, Micheldever and East Stratton.

This time we rode past the pub.

The Northbrook Arms.

I led the group over the last three miles but sadly no one wanted to take up my offer of tea in my garden. I think it was my lack of promising any cake that persuaded them all to take tea elsewhere. Never mind perhaps on another ride when I have had time to bake!

Map & Data  Saturday 27th June

Of course the others, except for PinkPal still had to ride another 8 miles back to Winchester. 

Thanks Cycmon once again for a good day out.

There will be no cycling for me next week, so no blog report.

Gridironman.

The Wintonmediate, PinkPal's Tuesday Ride and a reverse of largely the same route on Thursday.

Saturday 20th June 2015. 

The Wintonmediate, The highlight of my cycling year.

I was determined to join the ride again this year although my two Groupetta companions of last year were otherwise engaged. I figured out that if I rode to and from the start I should just about cover a mile for every year of my life. 

The King Charles.
Our start and finish location.

I left home at 8.33 a.m. and had plenty of time to get to the King Charles in Kings Worthy for the 9.30 start. As I rode through Itchen Abbas it started to rain so my heart sank a little. I stopped put on my shower proof top. That did the trick it immediately stopped the rain!

At the start there was a relatively modest number of riders. It seemed to be less than previous years. A number of good friends were taking part and after registering, enjoying a coffee and chat, we set off promptly at 9.30, well I did anyway, there was a mad last minute scramble by others to move their cars onto the grass at the request of the landlady.

Faster riders soon caught and passed me and I was joined by Steve Cherry just after Three Maids Roundabout. We spent the rest of the day together, encouraging one another to keep up a good but sensible pace.

Some more late starters passed us as we descended towards Kings Somborne and on the steep Beech Tree Walk onto the Roman Road we were caught by David Foster, Mary Wallbank, Julie, & Joanne.

We rode together as a group to The Winterslows where David and Steve pulled ahead on the hill. I was trailing behind the ladies and in trying to adjust my mirror I knocked it off and had to stop to retrieve it, fortunately undamaged. Luckily the  ladies  paused where the route turned left along Pincroft Lane otherwise they would have gone the wrong way. All six of us descended the steep hill to the A30 enjoying high speed for a short while. We crossed Porton Down and in the village turned up the steep but thankfully short climb to Gomeldon, here there is a short downhill with a sweeping S bend in the middle. great fun at over 31 mph!

We were joined here by Simon Davies who had started late.

Soon we were crossing the river Bourne by footbridge. Another gentle climb over the ridge past High Post and then downhill again to cross the River Avon at Upper Woodford. The hedgerows all along the way were resplendent with common hog weed, dog roses and elder flower, but they all seemed to be especially prolific here.Steve and I had left the others behind as we climbed  and it wasn't until later that we found out that Mary had had a puncture. 

We reached the check in at The Friar Tuck Cafe to be greeted by John Spiers. Some of the faster riders were just leaving having enjoyed refreshments. Steve and I both opted for the traditional English breakfast with coffee for the very reasonable price of £6.25, it was delicious. Just before we left the other 5 arrived.

I suffered with "after lunch legs" climbing over the ridge to Bulford but by taking it easy I was soon fine again. We made excellent time along the road past the military firing ranges due to a tail wind and the possibility of being shot, there being lots of sounds of small arms fire. Through Tidworth and up the hill to Perham Down we went before another high speed section with the help of the wind to Kimpton.

We were now on much more familiar ground but my legs were beginning to tire and I made full use of my granny ring on the short sharp climb from Monxton and then up the one in Abbots Ann.

The highest speed of the day was achieved on the descent to Fullerton, over 35 mph. Of course for every downhill there is an uphill and we had two more significant climbs first from Leckford to the A30 and then through the lanes to Crawley. John Spiers passed us in his car here but we didn't realise that it was him until he told us later. He did call out to us but I guess we just thought it was a bit of banter from a frustrated motorist who had to wait for a wider space to pass.

The rest of the ride seemed to go very smoothly and we were back in Kings Worthy and at the pub at 3.55 p.m. (6hrs 25mins elapsed time at an overall average of 10.4 mph including stops).

I was very pleased as this was a big improvement on last year's elapsed time of 7hrs 11 mins. My average speed on moving time was 12.4 compared to last year's 12.0.

We joined with others in celebrating our day with a pint; necessary for re-hydration?!

David and the others still had not arrived by the time I left, John told me that unfortunately David had had a tyre blowout whilst in the cafe at Amesbury.

Despite the forecast of light rain apart from a few spots before the start and a couple more near Amesbury it had remained dry. In a couple of places there were puddles so there had been a few showers it would seem.

Zoe, my granddaughter.
Much better than a picture of me!

With still 7 miles needed to achieve my aim of a mile per year I popped into see my granddaughter Zoe who made me a cup of tea and provided enough leftovers from an end of exams party for my supper!

The last 6 miles home seemed easy. I managed it in under 30 mins.

Sorry no pictures taken en route, too busy riding!

Had a very pleasant evening after a hot relaxing bath watching cycle racing on TV and the very exciting cricket match between England & New Zealand.

Very many thanks to John and his team of helpers for the day for their hard work and dedication, the Certificates were produced by Caesar Slattery who also helped at registration and the finish check-in.    Registration was by Debs Chandler and finish check in with Caesar was Ken Ebbutt.

My map and Data for the day  from and to Alresford.

Tuesday 16th June 2015

Pink Pal led a group of 8 of us from Itchen Abbass to the Springs Coffee Shop in West Meon. She had chosen a good route, based on one of her training routes, along the valley to Ovington and then up Gander Down. After a short run along the A272 we turned off along the ridge past the Milbury's. We zoomed down Wheeley Down but then had to climb Old Winchester Hill. One wag suggested we should just ride to two miles to West Meon but we decided that would be wimping out and tackled the hill. Only the first few hundred yards is hard the rest of it being easily manageable provided one paces oneself. I was left behind by the stronger riders but am pleased to say I was not the last up the hill.
As we rode along the ridge to The once HMS Mercury we had wonderful views to both the NE and SW. 
PinkPal has set her heart on one of the new mansions being built on the old RN site. Just needs to win the lottery now.
We descended the hill to East Meon achieving around 34 miles per hour, the same average speed as Wiggo achieved for an hour. Imagine!
We decided to resist the temptation of the pub in the village and carried on to West Meon where we popped into the cafe. Service was a little slow and with some folk enjoying club sandwiches we were their for an hour and 20 mins, some coffee stop!
Eventually we got on our way and PP led us from Brockwood along the little lane to Hinton Ampner.
In Cheriton we split up with one lady deciding to ride all the way home and three of the Alresford Groupetta taking a long way round home via the battle site to the Ropley roundabout, whilst the others found there own way back to Itchen Abbas.

PinkPal's Excellent training route.

A most enjoyable ride. Thanks  PP.

Thursday 18th June 2015.

I was keen to try Tuesday's ride in trhe reverse direction and persuaded Simon that this was a good idea. We set off around ten o'clock to ride to the HCMF meet at Tichborne.

Here are Simon's Comments:

Another 30+ miles today to the Titchbourne Arms (all of 2 miles from home) so Bryce Mansfield led me on the reverse of the ride we did on Tuesday although slightly shorter. A good turn out of the Thursday Fellowship Group filling the beer garden, glorious weather. Bryce pictured here in East Meon where we stopped just before the climb to the top of Old Winchester Hill.

We climbed the hill we had sped down on Tuesday somewhat labouriously but Simon rewarded me at the Sustainability Centre's Beech Cafe with coffee and chocolate cake.This time our coffee stop was a mere 14 mins and we headed back towards our destination in Tichborne into a fairly strong breeze. The views were extensive with the Isle of Wight in the far distance. We are lucky to be able to ride in such a beautiful area. It was great descending Old Winchester Hill at speed , it was quite cool under the shade of the trees.

Having climbed Wheeley Down we knew our serious climbing was done and enjoyed the magnificent views from the ridge before descending through Beauworth to trundle through Cheriton to the pub in Tichborne.

Lots of interest in Simon's fabulous Paris Galibier bike. here he is with it together with his comments.

Eroica Britannia here I come! Over 100 miles ridden in the last 3 days, 70+ plus on the bike I'll being using for Eroica a 1952 Paris Galibier pictured here with me in period dress in East Meon today.

Eventually the day had to end and we soon covered the 2 miles home where I enjoyed a pizza and salad for a late lunch.

GRIDIRONMAN.

More social rides.

Monday 8th June 2015.

Paddy dragged me out to join him on a late afternoon ride just to keep our legs used to cycling!

We weren't going for any records and we chatted most of the time as we rode. We headed round one of our regular gentle routes going first through Tichborne and Cheriton and then to Upham. this was our most Southerly point and we returned home via Woodlands and lane End.

The sweetest part of the ride being the long downhill of Gander Down. Paddy easily outstripping me.

We were lucky at the A31 playing chicken with the fast moving cars and getting straight across without stopping!

Thanks Paddy for an enjoyable ride in the countryside.

For the record here is the map and also the data:

Thursday 11th June 2015.

No buddy to ride with today, they were all busy with work and other mundane matters!

I went to join the HCMF meet at The Phoenix, in Twyford. Of course that needed a little loop to get there so as not to ride the Itchen Valley too often. I took one of my favourite routes via Gander Down, (climbing it this time!), Owslebury and Hensting Lane.

Here is the map from which you can see the profile with the lumpy bits out of the way before lunch.

With the RV being near Winchester a number of my less able friends from the City were there, it was good to see them and catch up with their news, and tell them mine.

A busy week for me with other matters to deal with, so no time to ride on Saturday. Hope to be able to get out more over the rest of the summer.

Gridironman

Two social rides this week.

Thursday 4th June 2015.
Ride to The Sun Inn, Bentworth to join the HCMF for lunch.

It was my first Thursday ride for several weeks so I thought it would be good to catch up with my friends in the HCMF. The meet was at The Sun Inn, Bentworth, only about 9 miles from home so not too demanding. It was a lovely sunny day and I enjoyed trundling along at a gentle pace after the frenetic riding of last Saturday on the Sportive. Once through Bighton I stopped to take of my gilet as I was already warming up. I chose to test my legs up Chalky Hill to Hattingley instead of the more direct route to Medstead. I did set a new PB for the climb of 6 mins 55 secs, at an average speed of 5.8 m.p.h.

I was soon through Medstead and into Bentworth. When I got to the pub I found a modest number of riders there, they looked even fewer as they seemed to be secreting themselves in a number of different places, so after a chat with John Heath I took my lunch outside to share the craic there. I had a long chat with Don. 

David and Richard seemed to have disappeared so I thought they had gone, only to discover they were with Laurence in a hidey hole in a small garden I didn't even know existed.

I was very touched by the many messages of comfort and good will I had from all. Thanks, Pals. It really does help.

Eventually I headed off to ride home, but not even having ridden 10 miles so far I did take a longer route through Burkham and Axford and along the Candover Valley. As I entered Preston Candover a black van came out of the turning to Bradley. He appeared to think twice about coming out in front of me before stopping and letting me by. However after about 100 yards he overtook me, put on his hazard lights and stopped in front of me. I pulled out to pass him and he gave me a dirty look before driving off with maximum revs in a great cloud of black smoke. (Was he the wizard of The Candovers? And had I offended him? I made it home without further incident, so maybe not!). 

A good return to midweek cycling, long may it continue.

Saturday 6th June 2015. Winchester CTC ride to Curdridge for lunch at The Cricketers Inn.

Simon and I had decided to join this ride despite there being no appointed leader. We rode into the City to discover only three others had turned up to take part. After some discussion I persuaded the others to allow me to lead them to Curdridge as it was in a direction not often ridden by Winchester CTC Saturday group. 

This worked well. We did of course have to exit the City along the familiar cycle path to Hockley and then through Twyford before we turned off the busy road and meandered through Colden Common to Fishers Pond. 

We did a loop to the East before touching the outskirts of Fair Oak and then we headed for Durley, past Durley Church. We found a new interesting coffee stop at the Quob Stables & Equestrian Centre. Very busy with lots of youngsters and ponies. However the coffee shop was not busy and we were soon enjoying a refreshing cup. (Not the highest quality but OK).

It only took us another half an hour to get to our lunch destination , The Cricketers, Dundridge. Here we sat in the sun, wondering whether we should have stayed inside because of the cold wind. 

It was a while before our sandwiches arrived and also a while before they were eaten. They were very large!

After over an hour we resumed our ride heading through Waltham Chase to Swanmore. We turned for home here and pedalled our way to Bishops Waltham. Some chat here with a number of passing folk about bikes and exploits. 

We rode out of the town towards Fishers Pond and four of us turned up the lane to Upham while Mike continued to wards his home alone along the B2177. 

The hilliest part of the day now, the climbs to Upham and then over the hill to Baybridge and Oslebury and then finally cresting the South Downs Ridge via Gander Down, our highest point of the day at 527 feet. The descent into Ovington was of course great fun  and we had little trouble in crossing the A31 dual carriage way. In Ovington our paths split with Ken and Steve turning towards Avington while Simon and I made our way to Alresford.

It was a most enjoyable day out with friends despite the strong breeze.

Gridironman.