Gridironman's Lee on Solent Giro & CTC ride to West Thytherley..

Wednesday 28th October 2015.

It looked like it would be wet on Thursday, so decided that as I'd missed yesterday's group ride I'd go my own again. Just after I set off I was inspired by a friendly wave from one of my pals to head for the coast. Here is my map and data from which you can see I managed to get down to Lee on Solent.

Sunshine filtering through the trees.
Near Shedfield.

It was another lovely day with bright sunshine showing up the autumn colours. 

With no clear plan I headed towards Titchfield Haven. (Hoping to see our friend Ann taking a dip?)

At the top of Beacon Hill I was disappointed that I was slower than my PB set in July 2014 on the climb from Cheriton.

Keeping largely to the lanes through Swanmore and Shedfield I paused to pop into the bike shop in Waltham Heath for a chat with the owner who I have known for 8 years.

I had to take a busier road from there to Titchfield. At one point a large queue of cars was held up behind a dust cart. I was able to keep moving faster than the cars!

Sea front Cafe at Lee on Solent.

Next I crossed the busy A27 using the pedestrian crossing and rode through the village. As I had plenty of time I continued through Stubbington to enjoy the sea views in Lee on Solent.

Fawley on the far side of the Solent.

After zooming up and down the waterfront my plan was next to ride back along the coast to Titchfield Haven via Hill Head. I was now looking for somewhere to get a sandwich but didn't spot anywhere. 

Travelling Lady in her home.
Note the wood burner on the right.

By the Haven I met this very interesting lady who was enjoying the views from her motor caravan home which even had a solid fuel stove. We had a good natter about the joys of travelling by van and bike. 

Titchfield Haven. (Not a mermaid in sight!)

Back to Titchfield and then started the journey home through Locks Heath and Park Gate to Botley.

Mark's Shop.20 High Street, Botley.

Here I discovered a new bike shop. Mark Alexander who used to run Hansford's shop in Oliver's Battery has set up a very different type of shop in Botley. He told me he is organizing bespoke bikes and doing bike fits. I sat on a bench outside his shop in the sun eating my lunch which I had got from the Co-op. Delicious sandwich of Smoked Salmon with cream cheese on brown bread with chocolate brownie and a soft drink all for £3.25. Excellent value and better scran than I've had in some pubs for more than twice the price. I am quite converted to this type of lunch break, provided it is fine.

Time was now marching on and I had about 2 hours to get home before the sun set so I took the main roads through Horton Heath and Fair Oak. Once again I was able to queue jump at a set of temporary traffic lights with a line of about 50 cars waiting!

My last challenge of the day was to climb the 14% hill to Owslebury. I did manage it without walking!

I was home about 4.30 having had a really good day riding.

Saturday 31st October 2015.

Ride of a different nature. I was joined by two of  the Alresford Groupetta, PinkPal and Cycmon to ride to join the Winchester CTC intermediate ride to West Tytherley. There were 11 of us so we split into two groups to lessen the impact on traffic. I led the first group to the end of Dean Lane where we paused to let the second group led by Graham to catch up. It was dull, but quite warm and I had already shed one layer. We were soon through Dean and Sparsholt and on our descent to Standon we met Ken coming up the hill to join us. 

St. John's Church,
Farley Chamberlayne.

Over the hill past Mardon Castle, to the surprise of the riders, Graham led us to the right, taking us up another hill to pass near to St. John's Church, Farley Chamberlayne.

This is along a very quiet lane leading to Braishfield.

Daren and Claire with the new trike.

We were soon at Poppies for a coffee and cake. Here another five riders joined us including Daren who was riding (? driving) his newly acquired machine. A recumbent streamlined tricycle. Daren assures me it is very good for carrying baguettes!

On our way once more with Gridironman leading the first group to the foot of the hill to Awbridge. Reunited once more we sped down into Dunbridge. Along the Dun valley to Lockerley where four of us took the wrong route and had to be reined in by Graham who had to have a breather after chasing us down.

The Black Horse, West Tytherley.

We continued through East Dean to West Dean before turning north to our lunch stop at The Black Horse. A couple of the group had left us along this stretch, I am not sure where.
As we enjoyed a refreshing drink and waited for our meals we were surprised to be joined by Alan and Barbara who had come by car. A very pleasant surprise. It was lovely to see and chat with Barbara as I had not seen her for some time. Paul left us here to head for home and the World Cup Rugby.
After lunch we headed back through E. Tytherley and along the Roman Road to Bossington. Several more riders peeled off here as we headed up the Test Valley via Houghton and Longstock to Leckford. The Groupetta and Steve continued up the valley while Graham and the others turned up the hill to cross the ridge to Little Somborne.
The four of us were now heading a chosen shorter way home (and the World Cup). Steve left us in Sutton Scotney while we continued through Stoke Charity and "that road" to Kings Worthy. PinkPal streaking off into the distance on Ruby 2 while I struggled to climb the humps encouraged by Cycmon. Of course PP waited for us at the crest of the ridge and we rode most of the way home with Gridironman leading at a reasonable pace. 
As we passed over the M3 we saw Alan and his son Robert on their way home from a ride. For those who need inspiration be aware Alan is 86!
I was home in time to have a shower and  see the The Allblacks beat the Wallabies using ITV+1.

What a great day!

Here is my route. Although I struggled to keep up at times, especially on the hills I was surprised to see that my average riding speed, riding the heavier of my two bikes, Sporty, was a credible 12.5 mph.

Thanks once again to my Groupetta pals for urging me along and to the group who made it a really fun day. 

Also a big thanks to Graham for a well planned route. Sorry we didn't always stick to the plan!

GRIDIRONMAN.

Gridironman's Gentle Giro & Explorations in Wiltshire and Dorset.

Lovely Autumn Colours.

Alresford Groupetta Leader Board.

With only three of our group riding this week Andrew was the clear TUK Medal winner with a mileage of 158, Gridironman also covered over the ton with 121. Cycmon managed 53.

Tuesday 20th October 2015.

I had opted out of the Tuesday Group ride as I was uncertain about my right thigh muscles after the problems I had on Saturday. I decided to do a short gentle ride through Ropley to Four Marks for coffee and then home. A circuit of about 16 miles. However had no problems and decided to carry on from Four Marks to Lasham Gliding Club for coffee instead. It was a lovely autumn day and I sat in the sun enjoying my latte and a large chocolate muffin while I watched gliders taking off. One launched using the winch the other behind a tug light aircraft. There was very little wind and the visibility was very good so ideal for a spot of gliding.

When I got to Herriard Village I perversely took a right turn down the fast hill into Weston Patrick. At the edge of the village I took a little lane through Weston Corbett over the hill to Tunworth.

I followed the lane through the village before rejoining the larger road between Upton Grey and Basingstoke. 

Basingstoke from near Tunworth

However not wanting to go into the Town I turned northwards once more and was soon in Old Basing, crossing the A30 and heading towards Fleet. (Going East!) Not quite the way I had intended but never mind it was a ride of exploration! 

I paused to take some pictures of a Red Kite which settled in the field near the road, before I turned north once more through Tylney and Rotherwick and then edging my way westward to Sherfield on Loddon. 

Here I went into a pub and then a coffee shop in search of some lunch but neither had anything to offer at a reasonable price of the type of meal I wanted. A few miles west in Bramley I popped into a One Stop village store and got a meal deal for £3.00. It consisted of a very good Tuna and Sweetcorn on brown bread sandwich with a bag of crisps and a bottle of orange juice. Just what I wanted. Time to turn South once more past The Vyne National Trust Property to Sherborne St. John. This time I did not make the mistake of heading along the main A340 but continued to Monk Sherborne and Ramsdell, pausing near a war memorial to eat my picnic.

I crossed the A339 and climbed the steepest hill of the day into Ibworth. Spotted another red kite as I descended the hill to North Oakley. 

Just a few more gentle climbs to master now. I crossed the B3400 into Oakley and was soon in North Waltham where I rewarded myself a large chocolate coated ice cream whilst sitting by the duck pond soaking up the rays!

Once I was over the A30 and under the bridge of the M3 I was onto my big ring all the way to Totford. Another red kite in the sky here. Then just one more hill, over Abbotstone Down and I was home having covered rather more miles than I'd set out to do. In fact I had covered over 100 km. Does that put me in line for the TUK medal?

In addition to the three kites I saw a lot of pheasants and partridge, many rooks and jackdaws and the flash of blue jay as well as quite few buzzards. The trees are really showing plenty of colour now and with light winds and sunshine it was a perfect day for cycling.

Saturday 25th October 2015.

It was a perfect day for a Groupetta ride of Exploration. Simon had plotted a ride from Wilton to Shaftesbury and back. We met at Andrew's house to load all three bikes into his car to drive to Wilton. We left Wilton following Simon's prepared route in reverse, but soon abandonned that plan as once again his Garmin unit did not co-operate! We made good time along the valley to Wylye, following the railway line and the river, hence fairly flat. However when we got to Wylye we turned up a long and in places steep hill. I had to walk a small stretch of it. A series of hills tested our legs and lungs and we descended a very steep hill into Dinton. we were almost back onto the A30 now, so we turned towards Tisbury. Here we found a nice coffee shop and enjoyed a welcome break. 

We continued westward into the village of Semley where we found a number of vintage cars outside the Benett Arms. Naturally Simon needed a break to examine them more closely. 

Simon with his vintage Sunbeam bicycle alongside
 a Sunbeam car of about the same vintage.

 Andrew was doing a sterling job navigating from experience of the area together with CycleMaps on his mobile phone. He led us into Dorset and through Gillingham where we turned back eastwards towards Shaftesbury. After a couple of frustrating attempts searching for somewhere for lunch we found a very pleasant garden centre near the edge of the town for a nice snack. 
Time was marching on so we sped along the B road towards Shaftesbury, turning up a small lane which led us into the town at the top of another very steep hill which both Simon and I walked.
We admired the views before visiting Gold Hill, famous in part for the Hovis advert. 
We then hightailed it back to Wilton via Berwick St. John and Broadchalke. The shadows we cast on the road growing longer,  as the miles ticked by, until they finally disappeared and we needed our lights on for the last five miles. I managed a top speed of not quite 40 mph on my descent into Wilton in the dark. Scary stuff! But I do have a good front light.

Simon climbs Gold Hill in Shaftesbury

Here is Simon's own report of the day:-

Inspired by a Facebook post of 'Hovis Hill' or Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, I persuaded Andrew Wilcox to drive Bryce Mansfield and myself to Wilton and ride a 53 mile course which included this landmark hill. To get into role I decided to ride my 1937 Sunbeam Golden Tourist my oldest bike and don the right attire of cloth cap (bakers) and knee length socks. The ride even before we got to the 'Hills' of Shaftesbury was challenging on a bike with only 3 gears of 60-54-46 inches! On route we came upon a pub where many vintage cars were gathered of which there were also 2 Sunbeams from the late 1920's as well as a stunning vintage MG - an 18/80 Mark 1 identical to that which Sir William Morris gave to the aviator Amy Johnson - one of the most desirable MG cars only bettered by MG K3 or the 18/80 Tigress, I had to be dragged away but only after myself and my Sunbeam bike were photographed with both Sunbeam cars! On then to Shaftesbury and the climb up Gold Hill (or rather walk) - its about 1 in 4 and slippery cobbles so there was no way on this bike and without a helmet I was going to attempt riding. 

.The return loop was equally enjoyable as the weather was cold but dry and at times sunny and the roads quiet - we just managed to return before darkness fell. A great day, with great fellowship, great scenery and vintage cars and bikes what more could I ask for? If you look at my posts you find Simon's Hovis Ad Remake - The Movie!

A refreshment stop and time to fit lights as we approached Wilton.

A big thanks to Simon for not only organizing the day but also for bankrolling it too. Thanks to Andrew for driving us there and back.

Here is our route for the day. 

Gridironman.

Simon's Salisbury Saunter!

I was able to ride again on Saturday 17th October after a spell off the bike following my second cataract operation.

I joined Simon and 14 other riders from Winchester CTC on a ride to  Hordcutt near Salisbury with some misgivings. Simon's plotted route seemed to take in a number of bridleways or private roads and about 1.5 miles on the A303. After some discussion with the other riders we amended the course to omit the first of these, a track from Sparsholt to Up Somborne. I led the way through the lanes from Sparsholt with help from another rider.

We were soon into Stockbridge where Simon decided to resort to navigating by map rather than following his Garmin route which was not displaying properly on his device. 

We headed North from here past Danebury Hillfort and the Army airfield near The Wallops. It was a good day for cycling for despite a strong north breeze it was mild for the time of year. I was however wearing my "longs" for the first time as were the majority.

We bypassed Palestine and skirted Grateley before locating the coffee stop in Cholderton. 

We enjoyed our coffee and cake on picnic tables in a pleasant covered area with a

number of bantam chickens helping themselves to the fallen  crumbs. 

Time was pressing now and with a number of riders not being at all happy about riding even for a short way on the A303 it was decided to further amend the route and take the A338 more directly to the Black Horse in Hurdcott near Winterbourne Earls. As service had been slow and because we felt that 16 riders together on a main road would be too many,we split into two groups. I had the honour of leading the first group for most of the way, doing my best to keep up as decent pace. The traffic was very heavy and one large French lorry came far too close to me. If I'd put out my right arm I would have touched it.  

The Black Horse, Hardcutt.

Our first group arrived at the pub spot on one o'clock confirming that our decision to shorten the route was a good one. Our arriving in two groups also assisted the landlady and her helpers in dealing with our orders. We had very good food, served nicely in the light and airy  little white extension.

Lunch over, but not our problems, Simon's route wanted to take us across closed MOD land, soon solved, we took the open road across Porton Down.

We crossed the A30 and climbed the very steep hill to East Winterslow. A real test for me but I did manage to ride it. 

Two of our group went astray here and descended another hill back to the A30 and had to climb back up again. While we waited it was agreed that four riders should set off while the rest of us waited for the stray pair. We set off back along the Roman Road towards Horsebridge and found the other four had taken a longer route and now rejoined us.

At Bossington some riders left us to find their own way home.

We were now well on our way back to Winchester with only a couple more tough climbs to do. Once more I struggled with my right thigh causing me a few problems but I did climb the hill to Farley Mount. It was another more innocuous hill near Crabwood Crossroads that finally defeated . My thigh hurt so much that  I had to stop. I walked for about 50 yards and the pain went away so I was able to get back on again. No further problems on any of the other uphill stretches. (No after effects today either.)

As we entered the City we started to split up and eventually I found myself riding back to Kings Worthy with Ken.

Thank you Simon and also to the others for their co-operation on the day which was a good one despite the problems we encountered. 

Here is my map and data for the day.

Alresford Groupetta News.

Somewhat diverse performances this week with both Simon and Andrew covering a lot of miles while several riders did not ride at all. Paddy even resorted to recording his walking miles !

Here are the provisional details.

Cycmon therefore holds onto the TUK Medal for the third week running!

Gridironman