It has been a very different week. Only one ride but two Christmas Meals with fellow cyclists.
The first was on Tuesday and I rode with 4 others to meet another nine at the Brushmakers Arms, Upham. The second was at The Milbury's, Beauworth.
Tuesday 5th December 2017.
Pedallers Christmas Lunch at the Brushmakers Arms, Upham.
Five of us had chosen to ride to the pub following a route devised by Chris. I was very familiar with the lanes involved so I led from the start but then climbing the steep pitch from the A272 up Brockwood Bottom I had to walk a short part of it and the others waited for me at the next crossroads. When I caught up I rode straight past and was soon in West Meon. Chris was just behind me as I turned up Old Winchester Hill Lane and I presumed the others were there too. However, as I climbed the hill after walking the short steep pitch near the bottom Chris told me the others were not there. I carried on expecting them all to catch up but when I arrived at the top I had to wait about 5 mins for Chris who had been on the phone and established that the others had gone along the main A32 to Exton. We agreed they should carry on and we would persist with the planned route having already climbed the highest hill. We did cut off the corner into Droxford and went straight down to Soberton. I reckon the others just didn't fancy trying to catch me on the climb so had taken the flatter route.
Chris and I arrived at the pub only a few minutes late and about 10 mins behind the others. Others of our members were already there, Bill having come by bike and the rest by car.
Here is our map of my route from which you can see we took a much shorter route home after a very enjoyable lunch.
Thursday 7th December 2017.
HCMF Christmas Lunch at the Milbury's, Beauworth.
This was a slightly more formal event with about 30 of us attending. Around a third had come by bike whilst the rest of us not wanting to get wet had come by car. Most of us had traditional fare with two or three courses proceeded by mulled wine and followed by coffee and chocolates.
Julie's Jug was presented to Charles Taylor for his regular attendance at our meetings combined with his service in the past as a volunteer Hostel Warden and his inspiration to us all by continuing to ride at least part of the way almost every week at the age of 84. Indeed he had ridden part way on the day but had had to return to his car and drive to the pub after a mishap. He had an overall majority of votes.
WELL DONE CHARLES.
For me that concluded my riding for the week as I had to abandon my plans to ride on Saturday as I had some severe pains in my back. I think I did too much house work and tidying up the garden on Friday including cleaning a gutter full of moss.
Following an easy day yesterday I am feeling much better today so hopefully will be able to ride this week provided the weather is OK.
Gridironman.
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