Alresford Groupetta Wickham Circuit & Simon's Zig Zag Mystery Tour.

Thursday 27th August 2015 

Alresford Groupetta Wickham Circuit.

A final spin for Pink Pal before her epic ride on LEJOG. Three of us gentlemen (she is "not sure about that") escorted her round the lanes. Well the three of us tried to keep up with her! I am confident that she will do well as she seems to be in top form. 

The day was quite cool and grey but we only had a couple of spots of rain. The roads showed many signs of the recent rains being still very wet in places and were strewn with gravel on a lot of dips and corners.

As we sped down the hill towards Cheriton we caught up with Dave Pullinger and we all rode together for a short while before he zoomed off on his own.

We made good time to the top of Beacon Hill and needed to remove our top layers. The reward for the climbing being a long downhill stretch into Droxford. We explored a variation of the route we did last time we went to Lilly's. In avoiding one hill I found a different one to climb and we also had the picturesque one through the Bere Forest before arriving at Lilly's

We arrived just too soon for lunch and too late for breakfast, so we just had tea/coffee with cake. Well after all we are all CTC trained!

It spotted with rain as we left Wickham, but it was not enough to spoil the day. We went via Swanmore to Bishop's Waltham.

The return home was a more direct route up the Beeches Hill through Ashton. PP leading us along the Salt Way and at high speed down to the A272. We split on the B3046 with Simon and Andrew staying on the road while PP and I wended our way through Tichborne. We were home in time for a late lunch.

Thanks to my three companions for another good ride.

Saturday 29th August 2015. 

Simon's Magical Mystery Tour 

Simon had planned an interesting and adventurous ride into Berkshire for lunch at the Crown & Garter near Inkpen. I had helped him refine the route as the first one took us through the grounds of Highclere Castle and in one place along a bridle path. After some further problems with uploading the route to our Garmin devices we both had the route in place. 

We met at the end of New Farm Road and rode into Winchester to join 8 other Winchester CTC riders. Mary was trying out her new Rose lightweight bike, Susan was riding a fresh bike and Maggie was trying hard to get fit for her sponsored ride. Two riders I'd not met before were riding single speed bikes. Wow !

John Spiers came to see us off, actually I think he came to see if he could get a leader for next week's easy all day ride. I have since volunteered to do it.

We took an unusual route over Christmas Hill to Sutton  Scotney before rejoining the more familiar route to Longparish where we made a small diversion from the route to the Plough Pub to collect Alan S. and David G. Alan was riding for his first long ride using clipless pedals. 

We positively zoomed along the Bourne Valley, I was riding tail gunner to ensure no one was left behind, but I think I would have been last anyway with the speed the rest were going! This phenomenon seemed to continue all day!

Having helped Simon with his research for a cafe I lead the group the last half mile to the Tea Cosy. 

To see their excellent cakes visit their FB page at:

The-Tea-Cosy-Hurstbourne-Tarrant

My map of the route to the Tea Cosy.

Note the relatively easy profile and my fast average speed of 12.8 mph. Those who were doubtful of their abilities to keep up must have been even faster!

It took a little while for everyone to be served but we still had plenty of time to get to the lunch stop near Inkpen.

I reset my Garmin to show the route too, but made the mistake of leaving the scrolling option on. This meant that I could only see the route intermittently. This was to have a profound effect later on when we were riding unfamiliar lanes.

Simon had plotted an excellent alternative climb of the Downs avoiding the very steep climb of  Walbury Hill from Combe by taking the longer but gentler route through Faccombe. I spotted a red kite and we enjoyed great views from the crest of the Downs at over 940 feet before plunging down into Hell Corner in Inkpen where we found our lunch destination. 

The Crown & Garter.

The beer was good and the food from the Bakery was excellent. Shame we were rather bothered by the wasps who seemed to be very interested in the chutney in the Waterloo Sandwich. I missed out on the pasties and made do with a large sausage roll. David found his two rounds of ham sandwich to be too much, so I helped him out with half of one.



We were now on unfamiliar ground and Simon's Garmin seemed as confused as we were. I was able to get glimpses of the route from mine and with that and the frequent use of a map which I had for once remembered to bring we eventually navigated our way back onto the route near Highclere Castle, onto the A343. We left that for a short way to avoid some of the traffic, but had to use it to climb back over the Downs to Crux Easton. We were on the homeward fast run downhill down with just a couple of modest hills to conquer. Unfortunately the lane was strewn with grit and gravel and potholes so care was needed. Fortunately no one punctured! It had started to rain a little now and several riders put on waterproofs.

In Whitchurch Alan stopped off to feed his son's cat and David also left us. I was suffering from a tickle in my throat and tried to get a sweet to suck from my tube top bag. In doing so I dropped the sweet bag, as I stopped to recover it a car ran over it! By the time I got going again the others had disappeared. Further fdrustration on Micheldever Road as a large car passed me and then immediately had to stop to allow another oncoming car to pass a parked car. Of course the others waited for me at the next junction. I think Simon was just getting a little worried as I rejoined them.

I struggled a bit over the next mile or two, having trouble keeping up again as my wonky knee was giving me gyp , but after a stop at the junction with the A30 I took the lead and set a fast pace of nearly 20 mph along it. 

Only "That road" to deal with now from Stoke Charity to Kings Worthy. As Ken said, the problem with it is it is straight and undulating just when we are all getting tired.

I left three ladies at the top of the hill down into Springvale as they paused to recover before the last few miles into Winchester. The other six were waiting near the King Charles but I decideed to just give them a farewell wave as I sped by trying to maintain my momentum to climb Loveland Lane and to get home before the rain became heavier. It did so about 15 mins after I got home.

Simon being made of sterner stuff lead the group back into Winchester and I think just managed to beat the rain too.

Our day can be summed up by the comment of Julie and Paul, who wrote in an email:

Dear Simon and Bryce

Thank you very much for leading a most enjoyable mystery tour today!  It was a very interesting route with outstanding views. Both the refreshment stops were new to us and very pleasant.

Kind regards

Paul and Julie

Thanks to all who took part in making it a day to remember. One lesson learnt by me is to turn off the scrolling display when trying to follow a route. I was scared to try to do so en route in case I lost it altogether.

For anyone interested in looking at the Garmin routes in more detail here is a link to My Garmin records.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/881391129


Gridironman.

Welsh Border Raids and a couple of BBQs.

Sunday 14th August 2015.

My first ride in Herefordshire and Shropshire since I was a lad. I had driven up to Bridges YH the day before and enjoyed the wedding of my Great Niece Hannah to Mikey. 

I rode from the hostel to Wigmore to join the family for a celebratory BBQ. I had some problems with recording my route as I had not set up my new Garmin 200 correctly so I have re-plotted my route using RidewithGPS. 

I found the going a lot easier than I had expected, partly because I had chosen routes avoiding the steep hills. Generally one can find routes along the river valleys. Many of the unclassified roads were quite wide and traffic was much less than we are used to in Hampshire.  When I got near to Wigmore I found I was going to be too early so I added a small loop to the East. This seemed to be a popular route for the local cyclists as I passed one group of mature ladies and another of younger men. They all gave me a friendly wave as they passed.

After the BBQ I followed part of the same route back to the hostel but deviated to Bishop's Castle to add some variety before heading back up the valley to the YH. The views of the Long Mynd  were good, it seemed to be like a big black whale and appeared to be so steep that I did not fancy trying to ride over it via the little winding lanes.

Back at the Hostel I chilled out with other hostellers, going to the pub by the river for a night cap. Surprisingly the pub was absolutely packed. We discovered that there was a music festival taking place just a couple of miles away.

Monday 17th August 2015.

I decided to explore to the North and West. From the hostel it was up hill to start climbing to the highest point of my route at 1,160 feet.

The views from the top were spectacular. Miles of green fields and many hills scattered about and beyond the Severn plain around Shrewsbury. Lots of dairy herds in this area as well as potatoes and a variety grain crops.

The descent was 1 in 7 and because it was a good road I was able to freewheel at high speed for a long way. Fantastic!

I turned West, heading for Welshpool. To avoid one steep hill I rode along the main A458 for a short way. This was the only time that the traffic was heavy. The plus side of this was I found a roadside cafe in a lay-by dispensing welcome tea and snacks at very reasonable prices. 

I enjoyed watching a farmer collecting bales of straw in a field and admired another great view of some of the many little mountains. 

I was now back on minor roads and climbing again. These hills are sometimes long but rarely too steep.

Tractor with Baler.

The biggest hazard with the harvest in full swing was the many tractors in the lanes. This one passing me just as |I'd stopped to take a panorama view looking towards Wales and Welshpool. 

When I arrived in Welshpool I discovered one of the reasons for the heavy traffic. It was market day. The Livestock Auction Site was in full swing. I have never seen so many cattle trucks, pickups with animal accommodation and cattle trailers in my life. There must have been several hundred. The town was busy too but the real attraction for me was Powis Castle which is very close to the town.

The Entrance to Powis Castle.

It was quite a climb to the castle so I was glad to enjoy  lunch and a rest.

As I still had some way to go I did not go inside the Castle preferring to enjoy the gardens and park.

My route from here was back towards Bishop's Castle as a more direct way to the hostel would have involved some more seriously steep hills. Many of lanes here were lined with meadowsweet, not only a lovely sight, but filling the air with their scent.

In Churchstoke I stopped for a rest and a welcome pint at a pub. Then i took the B road towards Bishop's Castle before rejoining my route of yesterday through the village of Norbury. It was only a few miles now back to the hostel and I was glad of another break while I took some more pictures.

Brendon's Pass.

One of this unusual structure in a small meadow near a stream. The gate bore a name plate "Brendon's Pass".

Later enquiries revealed that this is probably a memorial to a young man, Brendon, who was killed in a motor accident nearby and who donated his organs to help five other people.

Back at the hostel I enjoyed a welcome cuppa before driving in my car to the top of the Long Mynd for the even more spectacular views.

Croeso   i  Gymru

The following day I headed North once more, to St. Martins near Oswestry. This time in my car to visit an old friend Jeanne and enjoy further sight seeing. This time by car as Jeanne does not cycle or drive.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Shropshire and my frequent incursions into Wales, due to the very wavy line of the border.

I would recommend it to others wanting to enjoy some cycling on good country roads with outstanding rural scenery. 

Saturday 22 August. Winchester CTC Join the Alton CTC BBQ.

It was my great pleasure to lead this ride to share with our cycling friends in the North Eastern part of Hampshire. I had been slightly apprehensive as I had hurt my knee on Wednesday. (A non cycling related incident) I had warned Simon that he might have to take over. I cyled to the start and as my knee was pretty well OK I did lead with Simon and John Spiers helping. 
I had planned a route which was a little shorter than last year's to ensure we arrived in good time. I led them via Easton, Itchen Abbas and Itchen Down to the top of Mollie's Dismount. Then through Abbotstone and Bighton to Medstead. From here we enjoyed a very fast descent through Beech.

I was not sure that my choice of coffee stop at the Departure Lounge was a good one as when we got there we found about 20 other cyclists from Farnham queuing for coffee. We decided that we needed a break even if we were slightly delayed.

Only a few miles now to Newton Stacey and the BBQ but unfortunately I managed to lose two riders in the traffic through Alton. (Apologies Ken and John S. for my error).




As always the BBQ was a great success with Brian working his magic over the hot coals with able assistance from David and others. 

Thanks Alton CTC for being such wonderful hosts making us feel really welcome.

                                                           Thanks Maggie for these three pictures of the Winchester CTC riders enjoying their lunch.

Brian enjoying the fruits of his labours

Of course we also enjoyed some delicious sweets before setting off via East Tisted and Ropley back to Alresford. Here I abandonned my charges to find their own ways back to Winchester. I believe that Simon accompanied them all the way! 

Three of the group did accept my offer of tea in my garden and I even had enough cake for them to have a small piece each.

My route for the day.

Sunday 23 August 2015.

It was my pleasure today to help my friend PinkPal with her fund raising at Tesco Stores in Winchester. She is due to ride LeJog in September in aid of Naomi House. Today she added almost £400 to her pot. Well done!

Please sponsor her if you have not already done so on:-

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/SarahLEJOG

Hope to see many of you out on the bikes again soon.

Don't forget that if you click on the photos they can be viewed full size as a slide show.

Gridironman.

A Friendship Renewed.

Tuesday 11th August 2015.

Almost 3 years ago I first met Christine Wood when we were doing the Gridiron on 14th October 2012. We both thought it was time to enjoy a ride together again. So Christine drove over to my home and Simon joined us. I led them on the easy way to the top of Mollie's Dismount by way of Itchen Abbas. Christine not having ridden much recently had been a little apprehensive but she was fine and in no danger of being dropped!

Our first port of call was the Spitfire Club Room at Popham. Coffee was only available from the serve yourself machine. We had some difficulty in working it but we were assisted by another customer.

We enjoyed watching several planes landing and taking off before continuing on our journey.

Next stop was at Steventon where we visited the little church where Jane Austen's father had been rector.

Steventon Church with Christine and Simon

It was very interesting with a number of the memorials relating to the Austen family and with an unusual painting over the arch to the chancel.

There was also a brass plaque recording the fact that Jane worshipped in the church.

Time was marching on and realizing that we were quite close to Jolly Olly's in Oakley we headed there for a light lunch. 

Our return to Alresford was via the Candover Valley and being largely downhill this enabled us to improve our average speed for the day.  (N.B. I was the one trailing up over the last climb, not Christine!)

Once again a good ride despite a spot or two of rain and a great way to renew a friendship. I think we should admit Christine to The Alresford Groupetta as a visiting member.

Simon and I are both looking forward to an "away day" ride with Christine in the New Forest area.

Gridironman.

Two More Castles and Some Exciting Cycling.

Tuesday 4th August 2015. Basingstoke to Chapel Row.

Three of the Alresford Groupetta joined 5 other riders to explore North Hampshire and Berkshire. We met at West Ham leisure centre car park, Basingstoke. Unfortunately the car park is very large, about half a mile long so whilst four of us were waiting at one end the other four were at the other. Eventually we linked up and left about ten minutes later than our planned time of ten o'clock.

We wended our way through a series of cycle paths and small roads and over a footbridge to avoid the worst of the traffic.

Simon and I were paying strict attention to the route as we were using one we ought to have used last Saturday to avoid the centre of the town.

As you will see from the map, our route was roughly due North passing through Baughurst where David, one of my friends, lives. We didn't see him.

We crossed the the Avon and Kennet Canal, the railway and the A4 in Woolhampton and then climbed to upper Woolhampton. We passed a very interesting complex of buildings. They are part of 

Douai Abbey which is home to a community of monks of the English Benedictine Congregation. The monastery is under the patronage of St Edmund, King & Martyr, and was founded in Paris in 1615. Uprooted by the French Revolution it settled at Douai in Flanders. After more political turmoil the monastic community finally returned to England in 1903, settling at Woolhampton in Berkshire, at the invitation of the Bishop of Portsmouth. More information can be found here: http://www.douaiabbey.org.uk/

A short while after we arrived at our coffee stop in Chapel Row where we were well looked after by a rather earnest young lady. 

Our return route was a little longer than our morning one taking a route to the East of Tadley, not far from where Richard, another of my pals, lives in Pamber Heath. We were soon on the roads that Simon and I ought to have taken last week on our return trip from Odiham.

It was another very enjoyable day out.

Thursday 6th August 2015. A Visit to Farnham Castle.

The Groupetta planned another castle visit but in the end only Simon  & I were able to make it. Our destination this time was Farnham Castle. Both of us had been past it before but neither had visited it.

Here is our map from which you will be able to see we chose a hilly route to test our legs.

On the top of the ridge soon after we had passed the Golden Pot we met our friend David Moseley again. Of course we stopped for a chat. We descended to Long Sutton and then climbed to Well hamlet where this well is situated. (No longer in use).

We were soon in Farnham and having climbed the hill to the Castle were exploring its ramparts. It appears to be very well looked after by English Heritage and there is a very well prepared information room with a animated display of the history of the castle.

Our return route was a little easier though we manage the steep climb of 1 in 7 in East Worldham and later Brightstone Lane.
We stopped for a coffee and strudel at  the Country market, Kingsley; never had such large cups, they must have held nearly a pint!

Friday 7th August 2015. Day 1 in Abergavenny.

I must confess my little legs were a little tired the following morning as I prepared to go cycling in Wales. However by the time Simon's wife had driven us to Abergavenny and had lunch in the Lamb & Flag I was ready for a gentle evening ride with Simon to Llangynidr.

 

We made good time along the A40 to Crickhowell where we did a circuit of the town because the way we had thought to go was an unfavourable  one way. We crossed the narrow bridge over the River Usk before continuing to follow the river valley to the west. We intended to do a loop round some small lanes towards Talybont reservoir. We crossed a hump back bridge over the canal.

Then found the road surface was poor and the hill was much longer & steeper than we had imagined. I was beaten by it. After I had walked about a quarter of a mile Simon who had ridden ahead came back with the bad news that he had not even seen the top and suggested we should abandon our plan and return to the valley. (The ceremonial stripping me of my Polka Dot cycling jersey will take place at some future date to be arranged!)

The return journey was much more fun being fast, especially when we found ourselves by mistake on a dual carriageway. Luckily the traffic was light in our direction with the Westward carriageway being much busier, feeding the Heads of The Valleys Road.

A good ride despite my shortcomings!

Later that evening we were able to enjoy watching the Criterium around the town centre. Fast and furious riding. After watching from various parts of the course we ended up beside the Start/Finish line where Hugh Porter was providing an informative & entertaining commentary. 

The race was won by Graham Briggs.

Saturday 8th August 2015. Day 2 in Abergavenny.

Simon and I decided to ride the course of the Grand Prix of Wales to be run on Sunday. There was a little confusion over the exact route as the road signs did not agree with the sketch map we had been given. Simon, wisely, decided to follow the arrows. This took us through the town of Usk where we discovered another castle to visit. The entrance was guarded by a horrible cattle grid with very widely spaced bars. I had a major problem in walking across it. (There was no question of riding over). 

However the visit was well worth while. This castle seems to be in private ownership but we were given a very friendly welcome and afterwards Simon put a donation in the honesty box.  Preparations were being made for a wedding the following day. What a romantic place for a wedding.

Once out of Usk we had our first serious climb of the day, not hard, but quite long, some of it climbed at over 10 mph!

Our reward was a very long stretch of downhill to Raglan. The views were lovely with hills all around, the fields mainly green pasture but also some arable crops of wheat, barley and maize.

A good display of wild flowers too, Th MCC seem to have sown a lot of wild flower seed on the roundabouts and in other shared spaces. Well done!

We paused for lunch at the Somerset Inn. I have noticed a number of such named pubs in Monmouth. I wonder if there is a connection with the Monmouth Rebellion which had is heart in Somerset?

Refreshed we continued into Monmouth, bypassing the town. As we headed out of the town we were passed by five riders.  They were from the PolyPipe team with a team car escorting them. No doubt they were checking the route for Sunday. 

Alresford Groupetta, Welsh Branch.

They remarked as they rode past England beats Wales. I wonder what they would have thought if they had realised that those two guys in the Alresford Groupetta, Welsh Branch, strip were actually from England. They were all probably at least 35 years younger too!

I found the return route to Abergavenny quite hard, no doubt because I had already ridden over 100 miles in the week. It was hilly but none of the hills were any higher than those we encounter in Hampshire. Simon pointed out various points of interest as we rode. It was a lovely afternoon with sunshine but not too hot. 

You can see from the data and map that we managed a decent average of 12.2 mph.

Sunday 9th August 2015. Third day in Abergavenny.

No cycling for us today. But we did get to see the last nine laps of the short loop of the Grand Prix of Wales, after they had ridden our route of yesterday, twice.

It was a good race won by Chris Lawless with Graham Briggs who won the Criterium on Friday coming a close third behind Yanto Barker.

The Victory Podium of The GP of Wales.
Left to right Yanto Barker, Chris Lawless & Graham Briggs.

It had been a fabulous week of cycling for me. 153 miles ridden in four rides with the added excitement of watching two excellent races.

Thanks very much to my friend Simon his wife Sarah  and her mother Gwen for putting me up and entertaining me so royally.

Gridironman.

First of my holiday rides & a visit to Odiham Castle.

Tuesday 28th July 2015.

The first day of a short trip to Bognor Regis to stay with my friend Eric. I was awake at six and realised there was no chance of going back to sleep again so I got up and by seven I was on my bike and en route to North Bersted, a suburb of Bognor Regis. I had planned a route using Garmin taking care to ensure it did not use any bridle ways or footpaths. Apart from two early climbs through Kilmeston and up Old Winchester Hill the route ,was fairly flat. I was a little concerned that I might struggle as I had about 25 lbs of clothes etc. in my panniers and rack bag, but I managed both hills quite well. At the top of the main ascent I pressed the wrong button on my Garmin 200 and had to restart it. Luckily it did save my map & data.

As I descended into Clanfield I was irritated by a rattle, I soon discovered it was caused by a loose bolt on one of my bottle carriers. Unfortunately I could not tighten it up, maybe the thread has gone? I popped the bottle into one of my panniers and carried on. My second problem of the day occurred as I tried to exit Clanfield. Mr. Garmin had planned to cross the A3 dual carriage way. I could not find a way over as there were several Armco barriers and a hedge blocking my way. I took a diversion through Horndean and was soon back on course.

My Diversion through Horndean.

Apart from a brief refreshment break I kept up a steady pace and was soon into Chichester.  Here I discovered some sensible and well marked cycle lanes making it easy to navigate the city centre.

There was also a decent though not perfect shared cycle path for about 3.5 miles from Chichester to North Bersted. I welcomed the use of this as the A259 is an extremely busy road with many large commercial vehicles zooming past.

I arrived at my friend's home just before 10.30 a.m. having covered the thirty five miles in a shade under 3.5 hours. Eric was very surprised to see me so early but I had soon unloaded my panniers and we were settled over a pot of coffee catching up with one another's news.

I had a most enjoyable time with Eric who did his best to make me feel at home. We went to Slindon for a walk after lunch and that evening we went to his son's home for dinner. David is a good cook and had prepared a delicious Guiness and Steak Pie.

On Wednesday we had a pub lunch at Duncton before visiting Petworth House for a walk in the park and tea in the Audit Room! 

Thursday 30th July 2015.

All too soon my visit was over and I started to wend my way home.

I had planned a slightly shorter but much hillier way home via South Harting and Petersfield. I went back along the cycle path to Chichester where I crossed the A27 by a purpose built cycle/pedestrian bridge. I was pleased with Mr. Garmin's route through the city which avoided the town centre and took me through some very quiet and shady residential streets.

For the first ten miles of the journey I was climbing, but very gently, rising only 240 feet, however there was still a ten mph breeze in my face which kept my speed down. Then I had to climb over the Downs to South Harting. At the top of the first steep climb I took this picture looking to the East, while I recovered and enjoyed a snack. A lovely sweep down to the valley floor from which  I'd just climbed.

My trusty well laden Sporty takes a rest before descending to South Harting.

Another tough climb to nearly 700 feet before that scintillating 

500 foot drop into South Harting and the undulating run into Petersfield.There is an abundance of ragwort this year and no action seems to being take action to control it in accordance with the Ragwort Control Act 2003. This field just outside Petersfield field almost looks like a planted crop!

I decided to stop for lunch here at The Cloisters Cafe. Very good baked spud with a mixed salad and a tasty chilli beef topping.

Parked next to Sporty was this unusual bike. A home built model with an electric motor. I chatted briefly with the owner who said it was very powerful. I forgot to ask what range it has. 

My next challenge was to climb Stoner Hill, much to my surprise I climbed it without having to resort to my very lowest gear. It certainly is a lot less steep than the South Harting one as it winds its way up to the top at almost 800 feet.

I was home by two o'clock having enjoyed the familiar road to Ropley and Alresford.

Comparison between my outward and homeward rides shows that the feet climbed per mile to Bognor was only 28.8 whereas the return was 48.8, (the second highest this year). The average ride is around 35.

Saturday 1st August 2015.

Simon and I decided to search out some roads we'd not ridden before and to visit Odiham Castle. We left Alresford at around 10 a.m. and headed over White Hill to Ropley. It was a lovely day with all manner of varied clouds on display from cirrus, mackerel sky to alto cumulus. Later in the day they had all gone and were replaced with cumulus with a touch of nimbus.
After our climb to Medstead I suggested that an early coffee stop at Lasham might be good but Simon vetoed that idea and we pressed on to Odiham. Here after a little indecision as to where to take our break we found a suitable coffee shop/bar and enjoyed good coffee with delicious warm Danish pastries. 
Simon found out where the castle was located and I managed to find it on a map on my phone! A first for me! As we set off to visit it we were spotted by Dave Moseley and stopped for a chat. 

We soon found the castle, famous its link with King John and the Magna Carta, along a canal-side path. We were amazed that the structure which has endured for over 800 years is made largely of flints. 

Simon with his Claude Butler cycle and Odiham Castle.

Time was marching on and Simon had a plan of passing to the north of Basingstoke and taking tea at Oakley. We found our way by trial and error as neither of us is familiar with this area. We did very well at first finding our way successfully around  to the |North of Hook to Turgis Green and Sherfield on Loddon. Then we headed through Bramley to Sherborne St. John. We could not seem to find a suitable road to take us further south west and we seemed to be drawn as if by a magnet towards Basingstoke. We eventually managed to get ourselves totally disorientated in the streets of the town and Simon being about 30 yards ahead of me managed to get through two sets of lights on green whereas I had to stop. I had no idea where he had gone so took the easy option, but not the nicest way, to the A339 Alton/Alresford road at Viables. Here miraculously Simon came up from behind me having come a totally different way through the town.

I would like to say that the rest of the way was a doddle, but of course it wasn't as we had that steep climb from Chiddesdon to the top of the downs at over 700 feet. We paused to refuel at the top having managed (just) to make it without walking. 

It was good to get home and have time for a cuppa and a shower before heading out for supper with my daughter and her family.

A very great day out with lots of exploring done of the area north of Basingstoke.

Alresford Groupetta News.

PinkPal regains the TUK medal after a sterling effort on Monday doing two hard climbs in the Mendip Hills in Somerset.Well done! Seems like our members are being drawn  outside our normal range with PinkPal and Andrew going to Somerset, Gridironman to Sussex and Cycmon & Gridironman exploring roads not ridden before in Hampshire.

Rank	Name	Miles.
1	PinkPal	144
2	Gridironman	132
3	Andrew	125
4	Cycmon	95
5	Mark	68
6	Paddy	0
	Total	564

N.B. Paddy is on holiday so may have been cycling in Ireland.

Gridironman.