A good week despite the disappointment of not being able to join the Peddlers for their Dorset Coastlet ride.
Tuesday 17th July was a cycling related day. First I took Paris to Owen's for some minor maintenance, next went round to Andrew's (Alresford Mobile Cycle Repairs) where he cured my creaky handlebar/headset. (Stripped down, cleaned and refitted.) Next to Simon's where I test rode my Scottie following some modifications. Simon has replaced the two speed with a four speed Sturmey Archer and changed the pedals to more suitable ones. I am going to give Scottie another outing!
Finally, I went with Andrew by bike to watch him play cricket at Brockwood Park.
Wednesday 18th July, LotSW ride with David only. The others all being preoccupied. He joined me at my daughter's house in Kings Worthy. He suggested Jolly Olly's for lunch. As a direct ride would mean us arriving too early I chose to lead us up to Hannington and Ipsley. This worked well and we arrived at the cafe at 12.30 p.m. After a light lunch, we found another route back to Kings Worthy via Dummer, the Candover Valley, Itchen Abbas and Easton. The day was not over, Barrie and Mary had invited us for tea. We enjoyed tasty scones and cake with our cuppa before completing our ride to Westwinds. Thanks, David for taking the trouble to drive over to join me.
Thursday 19th July
Another good turnout of members at East Stratton. We were able to watch the Tour de France whilst enjoying our lunch.
Saturday July 21st.
I was quite apprehensive about undertaking an Intermediate ride with the Winchester CTC so I put the route on my Garmin 25 so if I had to peel off at some stage I would know how to get back to Kings Worthy. My plan was to go as far as the coffee stop and then return if I felt not able to do the whole route. In the end, I did manage to ride the whole way and achieve a very credible pace as well as posting quite a number of PBs on Strava.
I started in Kings Worthy, joining PinkPal and Graham at the Good Life where we waited for the group. In all, there were 15 of us.
Present were: Steve, Sarah, Graham, Graham 2, Steve 2, Charles, Mary, Kate, Verity, Tony, Sarah 2, Phil, Camilla, Don & me.
The weather was just about perfect, dry and warm, with both cloud & sunshine. We had a coffee break at the Tea Pot in Hurstbourne Tarrant and lunch at the Hatchett Inn in Lower Chute.
Service at the pub was a trifle slow as it was very busy but we enjoyed the break in the shade in the garden.
Graham was again very supportive, making sure that I kept drinking. I managed four bottles during the ride as well as drinks at the two stops.
I have ridden over 150 miles during the week so today I think it is time for a rest and to watch the pros. doing their stuff on Le Tour.
I feel very lucky to be capable of enjoying my rides. I was amused when Don told me he had enjoyed being the oldest of the group until I turned up and spoilt it.
Phil was riding a brand new electric-assisted machine. He claims it is so he can keep up with his fitter brother. At one point he turned on the power to catch up with the group and found that it didn't work as it is restricted to 15 mph. We were doing 18 at the time.
A very fine day out. Thanks, Steve for leading us so ably and to all the others for making it a lovely social ride. (They always waited for me at the tops of the hills!).
Gridironman.
