Alresford Groupetta is revived.

Several of my local friends have been getting back on their bikes once more, so I thought it would be a good idea to revive this local group. The object is to ride together on an informal basis. Obviously, at present we are restricted to a group of 6.  

Our policy is to keep the rides at a level that all can enjoy and not feel having to "keep up". If you wish to join the group please let us by email to me at gridironman76@gmail.com.

Here is the link to our FB page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/858262090955878/

My garden is still open to visitors as café à vélos no: 5 so on occasion that might be linked to a Groupetta ride.

On Thursday 27th August I was unable to get anyone to join me for a quick ride before that very heavy rain set in. Here is my report:- 

On Saturday I made a last-minute decision to ride to West Meon to meet the Alton Cycling UK group.

Sunday 30th August the revived Alresford Groupetta of six riders enjoyed our first ride since lockdown.

The weather has been a very variable over the week so I was pleased to be able to manage to have 3 rides totalling 66.9 miles.

Gridironman.

My Recovery Continues.

With showers around on many days and with the garden needing serious attention, my rides were restricted this week. However, one unplanned and welcome event was being able to meet up with the Alton CTC riders in Alresford. They were split into three groups at The Swan, The Station & The Courtyard Cafe. Dave Mackenzie rang me to see if I was at home, I told him I would join them at The Swan and did so a few minutes later. After a chat with that group, I moved on to The Station to see the others. I asked if I could join them, keeping safe distances, on their ride back to Alton. It was so good to see them all especially Janice who chatted to me as we rode along. I didn't see Frank who was in the third group until we were in Alton when he passed me going the other way!

The Station Group at Medstead.

On Saturday we took our chances with the weather and four of us got together to test our little legs over the downs and back. Paddy, Simon and I were able to welcome our new cycling pal Reg. Ashe to join us.

It all went pretty well despite a couple of heavy showers, from which we were able to shelter under the trees. We got so little wet that we dried out as we rode.

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The Three Megawatts.

After having had a bad night's sleep on Friday night I was a little sleepy and after a tasty home-cooked lunch with a glass of beer and halfway through the rugby match between London Irish and The Saints I started to nod off. Went and laid on the bed, the next thing it was two hours later and time for tea.

A good week achieving my target of at least 50 miles per week. The hands are so much better, but far from fully normal. My left ankle still playing up a bit too. 

Thank you all for your support, especially Paddy who is keeping a watchful eye on me.

Till next week, CHEERS!

Gridironman

Weather

After a very hot day on Tuesday, the weather broke bringing lots of loose gravel and mud onto the roads making it hazardous riding on Thursday. Later in the week, I was distracted from cycling by trying to keep my garden under control and because I was taking delivery of a "new" car.

MaxZe, My new toy.

 I have yet to determine how well my bikes will fit inside it. I have measured the available space before buying it and am hopeful that there will be no problems. The rear seats can be folded in two ways or completely removed. I need some nice weather before starting to fiddle about checking what option is best. Just as I started today it began raining so I gave up.

Before all that excitement I did enjoy a ride on the rather warm day on Tuesday. Here are the data:-

Today Sunday 16th August I had a ride with my friend paddy. Details as follows:-

Best wishes to you all in this difficult time, take care,

Gridironman.

Txiki is Back!

After a good first week back riding again, it was time to arrange for Txiki to come home so I could have a ride on him. Steve brought him over and I soon repaired the scuffed and torn black bar tape with some insulating tape. Can hardly tell it has been damaged. There are scratches on the left brake/gear lever and left pedal but they are not immediately obvious.

I arranged with Paddy to have a ride together. Here is my report of the ride:-

 

No, I don't have a white beard, that's just sunshine!

My second E-Bike ride was one of necessity. I had an appointment to view a car in Droxford and needed to get there in an hour, with Beacon Hill in between I felt it was justifiable to use Txiki. I got there in just 52 minutes without getting too hot and sweaty.

As it was a hot day on Saturday I decided to have a ride in the evening. This worked well as I was invited to go to my daughter's for a Chinese Meal.  As she only lives six miles away I went a long way round via East Stratton. It was good to see the Northbrook Arms was open once more and advertising food. There were a lot of customers on the open space opposite, all well spaced out. 

Here is my ride report.

On Sunday Paddy and I decided to get out early to avoid the heat. The conditions were just about perfect. Temp only about 20 with a nice breeze. 

We noticed that the pub in Bighton is open again now renamed with its previous name "The Three Horseshoes". 

When we got back to de Lucy Avenue we had coffee and cake at the café à vélos no: 5. What a perfect way to end a good ride.

I am very pleased with how well I have been getting on. It seems that riding my bikes and using my hands has helped with my recovery. I have been following advice given by a hand therapist and doing exercises suggested by her.

I hope you are all managing in this warm weather. I have adapted to it quite well. Reminds me of when I lived in the tropics when it was like this for months on end. I think your blood gets thinner with time in that climate.

Gridironman.

Recovery Rides.

Following my first trial ride on Tuesday 28th, I have managed another four rides. They have all been fairly short and I have chosen routes where I felt I could manage to climb the gentle slopes without getting too much out of puff!

I have been very pleased with how well I have managed. In fact I think the activity has actually helped the healing process. I had a telephone consultation with a therapist last Monday and have a follow-up tomorrow. She encouraged me to start riding again provided it didn't cause either of my hands any distress.

It has been great to get mobile once more, enjoying the countryside. The flower of the week award is shared by Great Willowherb, Purple Loosestrife and Meadow Sweet.

Purple Loosestrife.

Great Willowherb.

Meadowsweet.

To complete an excellent week of recovery I enjoyed a visit at "Café à vélos n°5" by Jo Halford. It was good to see her and hear her news.

Best wishes to you all, Gridironman.