Chasing the Rainbow?

Saturday 14th May 2016.

Seeing that the Winchester CTC ride was an afternoon one with a comparatively short mileage I suggested to the Groupetta that we should do our own morning ride, get to Winchester in time for a light lunch before joining the CTC ride.

Our departure was a little delayed chatting to Cycmon's neighbours and then discovering that PinkPal was only coming for the morning we decided to stop for coffee at Barnaby's in Swanmore. Then Cycmon had a spoke problem so we visited the bike shop in Waltham Chase to sort that out. This meant we had to substantially revise our plan because time was now of the essence. I led my pals up Ashton Lane to launch PinkPal on her way back to Alresford while Cycmon and I turned towards Winchester. We went via Upham, Owslebury and Twyford aiming to get to the RV by 1.30 p.m. We failed in a glorious way, setting a load of new PRs on the way. We decided to try and catch up with the bunch and set off on what I thought was their route. It turned out I had only got it partly right and we made good time to Hursley, failing to see any sign of the group. 

Cycmon with his faithful Walter and Wisteria.

We paused to take some photos and Hey Presto the group appeared, from behind us. It appears we had passed the group in Sparsholt where the group had diverted along some minor lanes or when we took the shorter route from Crab Wood.

There were about 20 of us in all on the ride by now, including John S. Steve and  Caroline who had stopped to deal with Caroline's puncture. Some riders left the group to head home before our tea stop and others left soon afterwards. John as always, had a surprise for us, taking us up a lane marked as a dead end to link up with Hazeley Road via a very rough un-tarmaced lane. 

Some of the riders on the cycle path.

Cycmon and I found ourselves on the run into the centre of Winchester by the Cycle Path from the M3 for the third time in the week.  As we came into the centre of the city the group seemed to dissolve as riders disappeared in various directions. Eventually Cycmon and I found ourselves alone by KAS except for Alex and Ken.

Sunshine & Shadows.

By the time we got home I had done over 58 miles.

A quick shower and change and I was off out for an evening meal with my family. What a day!

Gridironman.