Combination of Groups.

This week was a mixture of sunny and wet days. Because Tuesday and Wednesday were both wet some of the Pedallers chose not to ride on Tuesday and the LOTSW  decided to cancel their ride on Wednesday. I was riding on Thursday to the HCMF meet at East Worldham so I suggested that they should join me, meeting at my place for coffee at 10 o'clock. I also invited anyone from the Alresford Groupetta to join too. In the end Alex was unable to come because of a problem with his car and I was joined by David & Ian from LOTSW, Andrew from the Groupetta and Alan, who is a member of both The Pedallers and LOTSW, rode directly to the pub.

Thursday 25th January 2018.

The forecast was for the day to be mainly dry with a fair amount of sunshine but with the chance of a short rainy spell between 1 and 2 p.m. The forecast was spot on. (With the crafty use of the rain radar app on Andrew's phone we were able to avoid leaving the pub at the wrong time.)

I had planned the route using a new app I discovered recently which you can view here:

https://www.plotaroute.com/route/551789:-

You might like to compare it with our actual ride which was basically the same with two variations to avoid one steep hill in the shade by climbing through Theddon and Wivelrod instead of Beech and to avoid the very mucky lane from Medstead to Bighton.

The plan worked very well. Alan duly joined us at the Three Horseshoes along with about 16 other riders including Bob from Chandlers Ford, Roger from Hartley Wintney, 6 from Fleet CTC, Don and Steve (Winchester CTC) and Nora from Alton who came by taxi to join us.

The food was fine, I had a ham omelette with chips and salad for a reasonable price. Andrew kindly bought me a coffee to while away our time while we admired the rainbow through the window.

I was glad we had waited for when we got going the roads were flooded in many places from the heavy showers.

It was a very good day out and I was pleased that some of the others had enjoyed being lead along unfamiliar roads.

I had even managed to clock up a couple of PBs.

Sunday 28th January 2018.

Late up and didn't feel much like going out for a ride, but by the time I'd had my morning cuppa and some cereal I felt much better and got Posh out of the stable and saddled up. I decided not to push myself but be sensible and just pop to the pub. (Via Ropley and Privett?) Well I did need to work a little for my reward.

I tried to avoid the gravel and reduce the risk of a Hampshire flint doing its nasty work by sticking to the busier roads until I got to the A32. Time to turn back or at least to not go any further away.

Most of the minor roads were OK too but there was a huge puddle at the bottom of Brewers Lane. Not being sure how deep it was and what potholes lurked I got off and walked along the verge.

A rewarding visit to Privett Church. First time I'd been inside since I visited some years ago with my friend Don. I must go back another day when I am not so pressed for time to discover more.

By the time I got home I around 2.30 p.m. I was ready for my lunch, home cooked fish & chips with onion rings. 

Glad I made the effort.

Gridironman.

The Bear Necessities!

With rain forecast for the weekend I made sure I got in a couple of rides earlier in the week. Not a bad decision.  First was a Pedallers ride on Tuesday and then on Thursday I joined the HCMF at Easton. Today, Sunday, I have been to Mottisfont in my car to see the Heath Robinson exhibition at the National Trust Property. It was well worth the visit, very interesting selection of his work over much more of a spectrum than his crackpot  mechanical designs.  Check it out if you can. Click here for more details:-                 Heath Robinson

Tuesday 16th January 2018.

Feeling a bit below par I was unsure whether to join the Pedallers, but persuaded myself not to be a wimp. I was so glad I did go as I greatly enjoyed the day.  I joined two other Pedallers and led them over the hill via Spiers Lane into the Candover Valley. We paused for a photo shoot in the woods. 

My two friends chatted as they rode which suited me as I could conserve my breath for climbing whilst enjoying their discussions.

We were soon dodging pot holes as we climbed through Ellisfield to Herriard and Graham had a minor problem with his gears. 

This was soon sorted and we decided to go on to South Warnborough for our refreshment break. The village shop here has a thriving café with a very good menu.

The Naughty Corner.

 I chose the "Little" breakfast, it was very good, sausage, egg, bacon, beans and fried bread with a cappuccino for just over a fiver. Larger breakfasts are available! I made my pals sit in the correct spot in the Café. 

Eschewing the option of riding along the busy main road (B3349) we varied our return by taking a very muddy lane back to Upton Grey. I was a bit slow climbing the hill back up to Herriard but my pals waited for me at the top. We were passed by a couple of huge tractors pulling massive trailers at high speed. Very intimidating!

We meandered our way back through Medstead which I had planned to avoid as I dislike Trinity Hill but I had no option as they disregarded my shouts when they went the wrong way. I took control getting ahead and we went down Armsworth Hill to Old Alresford to see Chris's motor caravan. A lovely machine much plusher than Dobbin. 

It had been a most enjoyable day in which we had enjoyed the best of the weather.

Thursday 18th January 2018.

I was keen to have a ride and as the HCMF meet was only 5 miles away I thought that I might join the Fellowship without too much stress.  I cycled into town to pick up a prescription and then I had the mad idea of heading to Easton via Totford. I got on so well that having climbed the hill from there to the top of Northington instead of turning towards Itchen Abbas I decided that I would turn the other way and make a longer trip by going through East Stratton, Micheldever, Stoke Charity and Kings Worthy. I had a strong headwind in places but the miles soon clicked by and I realised that I would be not quite up to 20 miles by the time I got to the pub so I added another little loop to get close to that mark. I went down Chilland Lane to cross the River Itchen by the footbridge. It has been a favourite spot of mine ever since I used to regularly visit it to play Pooh Sticks with Hugo and Zoe. The reflection of the sky on the river were so beautiful that I took a couple of pictures. 

River Itchen looking downstream from the Chilland Bridge.

River Itchen looking upstream from the Chilland Bridge.

As you can see it was a lovely sunny day if a bit chilly. From the bridge a short walk along a rather muddy footpath took me out onto the lane between Avington and Easton. Here, quite by chance, I met Julie who had already been to the Cricketers and was off for a longer ride home. After a brief chat we parted company and I arrived at the pub to discover I was still a tiny bit short of my intended 20 miles. A nice gathering of most of the regulars I would estimate nearly 20 of us had attended though not all there at the same time.  After a very pleasant lunch a a chat over a pint I set off home by a much shorter route.

Snow drops Ovington.(Click on picture to see full size screen).

It was nice to see that the snow drops are coming out, though not yet in their full splendour. Here are the ones near the Bush Inn in Ovington.

I arrived home feeling very happy with my day. 
Here are the usual route map and details.

Gridironman.

Mixed Fortunes.

Due to other committments and health issues I only managed two rides this past week.  On Tuesday I was unable to join the pedallers due to a painful strain in my thigh. It had started on the ride on Saturday and although it was much better by Tuesday morning I felt it wise to rest it for another day. Just as well I stayed at home as the electrician called to connect my new cooker.

The thigh was fine by Wednesday 10th January so I joined the LOTSW group. Here are my data and map for the day:-

After I left the other two, near Northington I passed Martyn on his way home too I guess. I am not sure if he recognized me as I called out and stopped for a chat but he did not stop. At the top of the rise near Mollie's Dismount No:2 I stopped to take some pictures of a helicopter using my new camera to try out the zoom. The pictures were not a great success as it was difficult getting the aircraft into the frame. However, I did learn more about the camera.

Thursday 11th January 2018.

Despite my problem with the puncture I did enjoy my day with a good number of riders at the pub for a chat, though by the time we had got the bike back in shape to ride home time was getting on and the majority had gone . Half a dozen kept me company while I ate lunch and Mick even offered to buy me a beer. I declined as it should have been me buying him one. So, Mick, next time I see you I will make sure I treat you to one. 

I was offered a lift by John who had come by car. I was also reminded by Don that it is a good idea to carry one's bus pass as that can be useful if the problem cannot be fixed. The bike can always be left somewhere safe and collected later on or the next day.

I have had a busy weekend with my daughter visiting me for lunch on Saturday. She helped my clear out some of my old clothes to go to Oxfam. I also had a long overdue go at reorganizing my utility room and garage. I took two loads of rubbish to the tip and another load of recyclables to friends and family!

Phew!

Gridironman.

Welcome to 2018!

I had planned to ride on Tuesday 2nd but wimped out as I didn't fancy getting wet. Then on Wednesday the winds were so strong I opted not to ride again. I have always been wary of strong winds since when coming home from The Avenue G.C. a few years ago I had a narrow escape in Lasham Village when a dustbin lid flew over my head. I took shelter under a hedge watching branches being hurled to the ground from a nearby oak tree. (I had chosen NOT to shelter under it). When the wind had abated after about 20 minutes I continued home having to circumnavigate no fewer than 6 fallen trees on my way.

My original report with pictures can be seen here: 

https://gridironman79.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/squall-like-no-other-and-fallen-trees.html

I had other matters to attend to on Thursday but I did manage to join the HCMF meet at the Coach & Horses in Sutton Scotney by camper van. A good number there considering there were still very strong winds.

I did at last manage to get out on my bike on Friday. The first time I had ridden with the Winchester CTC on a Friday.

Friday 5th January.
To The Hawk Conservancy

It was a very good day for me despite the hiccups! It was most enjoyable to see many of my cycling friends I'd not seen for sometime and have a chance of a chat. 

Saturday 6th January.Another ride with the Winchester CTC.

Many of the same riders as yesterday. This time I only did a modest 21 miles with them after meeting them at the Swan in Alresford. Bob took us a most interesting way to Bishops Sutton via New Farm Lane and Whitehill! We had an enforced stop on Bramdean Common to replace another punctured tube. Lunch at the pub was very good, I had one of the best fish and chips I'd ever had, not only was it quite large but it was very tasty. I only just managed to eat it all.

Today the Winchester CTC are running their Annual Watership Down Audax and for once i am neither taking part or helping as I am going to a special birthday party.

A good start to the year!

Gridironman