The Yew Tree & Circuit via Petersfield.

Thursday 22nd February 2018.

Joined the HCMF for lunch at the Yew Tree, Lower Wield.

Here are my route and further details:

Sunday 25th February.

On my way home I paused to get my breath before climbing Wheeley Down.
The Shark was looking good in the sunshine! 

I could only manage 27.4 mph freewheeling down from the Milbury's as I was riding into the wind for this descent. 

It was a good ride despite the cold as I was well wrapped up with 5 layers on. 

I was however for once disappointed by the quality of my food at Cloisters which is usually good. I had baked potato with Chilli con Carné. The spud was fine but he chilli had not been cooked into the mince, I think the cook had only sprinkled it onto the sauce and not mixed it in as it was non existent in some parts and moderate in others. They did ask if everything was OK and when I told them I was disappointed they reduced my bill, so I was happy with that.

Gridironman.

Too busy walking!

Just got back from a few days of dog minding and walking, that combined with the wet and windy weather on Tuesday meant I only had one ride last week. Still it was a very enjoyable one despite getting caught in the only 15 minute shower of the day! Here are the details:

Thursday 15th February 2018.

I managed to persuade Cycmon to join me. I t was a nice morning with sunshine but although a little warmer than of late it was still quite chilly. I had decided to go the hilliest way and come back an easier one. The climb along Chilbolton Avenue is a steady one so I gained height without too much puffing and panting. The next four miles are either up or down. That is the shark's teeth between four and five hundred feet. Some of these little pitches are quite steep and I had to keep zipping up and down the gears. When we neared the top of Farley Mount we could see the Memorial Stone shining brightly in the sun. We spotted a couple of riders about two hundred yards ahead but despite my best efforts we couldn't close the gap. The road was surprisingly wet in places where the large puddles hadn't had time to dry out. I heard my first skylark of the year as we neared Ashley.

WE were soon through kings Somborne and at the pub where we arrived at the same time as half a dozen others who had all ridden there separately. What timing!   

Of course the disadvantage of this is that unless one is swift it means queueing at the bar to order food and drink. 

In all there were around 20 of us, mainly the regulars but being this far south and west no one from North Hampshire or beyond apart from Paul who had come from Andover via the Woodford Valley.

We enjoyed lunch and the craic so much that it was nearing 2 o'clock by the time we set off for home. The wind was with us so that was good, at first, but then as we neared Crawley it clouded over and it started to hail. Unfortunately as we were going with the wind it lasted longer than it might have otherwise. It turned to rain as we were near Headbourne Worthy and by the time we got to Itchen Abbass the sun was out again so I accompanied Cycmon over the ford to Farewell Corner.

When I got home I found that my winter jacket had kept me almost dry but my feet were a bit damp and muddy.

Thanks Cycmon for keeping me company on the ride and for all the others who had made it such a social day too.

Will not be riding on Tuesday or Wednesday as I am visiting friends in Sutton Coldfield.

Gridironman.

 

Up Hill Down Dale!

Sadly I am beginning to find most rides are getting much harder than they were even a short time ago. I have had two good rides this week but I did find both of them tired me out quite a lot even though they were not that long. They did however contain some "nice little hills". 

Dobbin

Of course even a year ago  I was planning on using a camper van to take me to other places so I can enjoy shorter rides. I now have Dobbin and I have fitted a bike rack and curtains and I am going to the Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham soon to see what else I can pick up to make myself comfortable. So this blog will I hope become about both motor car touring/camping with bike rides.

Watch this space.

Tuesday 6th February 2018.

A ride with the Pedallers.

It was a small group of us braving the cold weather, but we were all well wrapped up and soon got warm riding. Dave had chosen a hilly route to pop over the border into Surrey. There were some pretty nasty pot holes in places and several places where they were very muddy. We found a nice café to have a nice snack, I had croque monsieur. Not had that for ages, it was very tasty.

The hills on our return to Old Basing were much easier and I even led the group at times! 

Thanks Dave for leading us. 

Thursday 8th February 2018.

The other Groupetta members being otherwise occupied I rode on my own to the HCMF meet at the Farmer's Home, Durley. I chose to go via Gander Down as I'd not been for a while. The snowdrops are at their best by the side of the river in Ovington now. A bird of prey was chasing the small birds over my head as I climbed the hill. Not sure which one it was as it all happened so quickly. Possibly a Merlin? It didn't succeed in catching one.  I had been late starting as I had been for a check up at the dentist, but I still was at the pub by 1:45 p.m. I believe we were 14 in total. A nice number as it gives one the opportunity to chat to nearly everyone. I had an excellent lunch before setting off home. The wind was behind me down the hill into Beauworth and I clocked over 36 mph freewheeling from the Milbury's, but was still unable to beat my record freewheel through the village. It drizzled a bit as I rode into Cheriton and the road was extremely muddy. A van driver stopped me to tell me to take care as it was very slippery and another cyclist had taken a tumble. By the time I got home the rain had stopped and the roads were dry.

Friday 9th February.

A meeting of cycle friends for dinner hosted by Kathy and Kevin. A lovely evening of good food and good company. Thanks guys!

Sunday 11th February.

The gang on the bridge at Chilland.

Ten of us met at Ovington park for a short walk to Chilland. We found the path across the fields to Easton far too slippery with deep mud so eight of us cut our walk short and drove to the Golden Lion, Winnall, Winchester where we were joined by Alan for a most enjoyable roast lunch. 

Chris with friend.

At Lunch.
Caroline the Project manager telling me what to do while Ken, who has heard it all before, looks on.

Gridironman.

Last ride in january, first ride in February.

Once again I have managed to choose fine days to ride. Today Sunday it was much colder than Tuesday with a strong NE breeze. Andrew rode with me on both rides and today we even managed to get Cycmon to join us. He is not so fit as usual having had a nasty cold and has not ridden for a while. He did manage to keep up!

Tuesday 30th January 2018.

A Pedallers ride to the Waitrose Farm Shop and Café. It was another very social one, it amazes me how we always seem to find plenty to talk about. Bill was most kind, keeping me company when I drifted off the back of the group.

Sunday 4th February 2018.

A late start which suited us all. It was a little warmer than it had been earlier in the day but I was glad I had on five layers because of the strong NE wind bringing cold air down from the artic.

Gridironman.