Posh Gets Wet and Muddy, Twice!

I am on pet minding duties for a couple of weeks, so I have tailored my rides to take advantage of this. On Tuesday 12th I rode over to Kings Worthy, I made good time along the much improved road through Itchen Abbass and Martyr Worthy. Once I'd done my chores I found an alternative way home through heading North past South Wonston to Wonston. I love that little road through Hunton always pretty with no fewer than three churches to pass in little over a mile.

My plan worked well until just after I'd passed through Micheldever and East Stratton. Then it started to rain. Shock horror, no mudguards!  It didn't rain enough to get me very wet but I ran into the area where it had been much heavier and the roads were swimming with water. I actually didn't get too much spray, I guess the smooth tyres don't pick up as much water as knobbly ones. 

I was home in just a couple of seconds over 2 hours moving time for the 26.77 miles. Bunged my wet kit into the washing machine had a shower and tucked into a beer & a late lunch. Bliss!

On Thursday 14th August the start was the same but I shaved a couple of minutes of my time from home to Westwinds.
I headed out of Winchester along the Old Sarum road and then turned down Kilham Lane to cross the Romsey road. Road works here causing major hold ups. I hopped of my bike and took to the pedestrian routes across the junction and took the Oliver's Battery Road North through the underpass and onto the Oliver's Battery Road South. There had been a shower on the slopes of Port Lane but I was able to dodge the wet patches on the road. I was aiming to join the HCMF at the Phoenix in Twyford. However, my luck did not hold as in Otterbourne it started to rain. 


I only just had time to get in the shelter of a large hedge before the rain came down in torrents. It continued for about 15 minutes. Luckily my shelter was good and I did not get too wet, but of course the roads were so wet that the spray of passing traffic and my lack of mudguards ensured that by the time I'd reached Brambridge I was getting a lot wetter. I did not fancy sitting in the Phoenix in wet clothes so instead of heading there as intended I chose instead to go home via Hensting Lane and Owslebury.

I was surprised that In Colden Common the roads were almost dry and there was little sign of the downpour I'd experienced.

There was now intermittent sunshine and only one small shower as I covered the 14 miles home. By the time I got there I was almost dry and apart from muddy streaks up my back and on my shoes there was little sign of my experience.

I can now say that Posh has now been well and truly "christened" and I am now a member of the rooster tail club!

Saturday 16th August.
At first I was sorry I was unable to join the Winchester CTC ride to Silchester but having seen the Garmin report of it by PinkPal  and her comment of "Knackered" perhaps I was lucky to have had a less demanding ride.

I was joined by Simon for an afternoon ride to Bishop's Waltham and back.

Our route was through Kilmeston and our time over the Rooksgrove sector was 22 seconds slower than my best. Possibly due to the strong head breeze. It certainly wasn't Simon holding me back as he was first up it.

Once over Beacon Hill we enjoyed the fast descent past the Golf Club. Here is the view towards Old Winchester Hill from the slopes above Droxford with  a comparison to the picture I took in the winter. (Not quite the exact same spot).

Looking towards Old Winchester Hill, August 16th 2014.
(The crop sown in November cut and only a few bales left to collect).

Preparing for the harvest, 14th November 2013

 We carried on through Droxford hoping to see the Alpacas. They were almost out of sight at the far end of their meadow. We passed a wedding reception as we climbed the hill and then when we got to Swanmore another wedding had just taken place with the happy couple getting into the wedding car and the throng of well-wishers blocking the road temporarily.

In BW we had our treat of the day. Jean had kindly told us to enjoy our refreshment break and indulge in cake as her treat. We had delicious coffee, walnut and pecan cake with fresh cream washed down by Sumatran coffee at The Anvil.

Suitably refreshed we returned home by the nearly direct route. We particularly enjoyed the downhill from the Milbury's. I think if it was not for the A272 it would be possible to freewheel all the way to Cheriton.

A bus chased us through the village and we were soon into the favourite lanes through Tichborne making a final sprint at 18 mph to the ford. 

I have been a little bit worried about the state of the footbridge recently as the wire mesh and staples seem to be getting worn and in danger of puncturing tyres, so I walked across and so did Simon.

Another very pleasant afternoon ride with coffee and cake. I must be getting soft!

Many thanks to Simon for his company and to Jean for our treat!

Gridironman.

Dorset Hostel Break.

What a lovely week I've had cycling for a couple of days in Dorset. On Monday 4th August I drove down to Litton Cheyney with Sporty on the roof rack. Arrived there before ten o'clock, in time to ask the warden of the Youth Hostel if I could leave my car in the car park.

Fishing and pleasure boats in West Bay Harbour.

Soon afterwards I was on my way through the lush countryside towards Bridport. The weather was just perfect, sunny and warm but with a light breeze to keep me fresh. I was soon through the village of Burton Bradstock and having climbed a short hill I was rewarded with my first view of the sea. A few miles on and I was in West Bay where a lot of holiday makers were enjoying the many attractions of the beach, swimming in the sea and fishing from the harbour walls.



After a while I headed inland through Bridport to find a route to Lyme Regis avoiding the main A35. This was not easy as the only alternatives involve looping inland. However the scenery was so lovely that this was very enjoyable.  I caught up with another cyclist who was very heavily laden with camping gear. I chatted with him and discovered he was a visitor from Germany.

At Shave Cross I turned South to follow the Char valley  to Charmouth.

The Char Valley.

My next stop was in the very unusually named village of Canonicorum Whitchurch. Not a bit like our Hampshire Whitchurch but just as attractive.  Canonicorum Whitchurch, Church. Amazingly large for such a small village. The road to Charmouth was surprisingly hilly as it seemed to follow the valley but there was a lot of high hedges and trees giving welcome shade. Charmouth was buzzing with a large number of Dutch cars about. I did not stop long and took on the challenge of  Fern Hill to Lyme Regis. It defeated me! I managed to get within 200 yards of the top before I ran out of puff. It was hard work even walking that last bit. The reward was of course a mega steep and fast descent into the town. Here I got off the bike and walked along the pavement as that was quicker than moving with the cars which were virtually gridlocked. Upwards once more out of Lyme Regis and over the hill to Uplyme. No shortage of hill climbs here. I left the main road and took a lane through the village of Yawl. As I climbed the 1 in 7 hill a lady in a car stopped to let me by and encouraged me to keep going. I made it to the top! The next few miles were relatively flat and I picked up the pace. however I was now quite peckish and looking for somewhere to have lunch . I turned off the B road to Hawkchurch where a pub was marked on my map. It was closed because it was Monday. So I sat in the Church  yard and ate a banana and an energy bar and relaxed for a while. Hawkchurch. I seemed to be border hoping for the next few miles, sometimes in Somerset, sometimes in Dorset. All very pretty. I had just been making up the route as I went and realizing I was getting near to Crewkerne I decided it was time  to turn back towards the YH. I  passed through  two more interesting villages. Drimpton and Broadwindsor   and then as I crested yet another hill I "bonked". (Lack of lunch!) For the next 15 minutes I sat on a grassy bank and ate the rest of my bars and fruit. Soon felt fit enough to continue through Stoke Abbott to Beaminster. An interesting war memorial here. An old horse trough memorial which had been removed has been replaced this year in memory of the commencement of WW1. It was late afternoon now and through the villages of Netherbury and Townway the lanes seemed to be busy with many small white vans and trucks. I surmise it was the workers heading home after a busy day. I continued through Bradpole, West Milton ant into Loders where I paused once more for refreshment and to phone home while sitting in the sunshine on a stone wall. Not far to go now, just another two or three more hilly lanes. As I climbed the one from Uploders under the A35 I noticed these terraced fields nearby. I arrived back at the YH just after six and after a refreshing cuppa and shower I had a very pleasant evening in the pub garden next door eating and drinking with a family of 4 from Midsomer Norton who where camping nearby. More craic back at the hostel with the warden and others before a well earned night's sleep. A great day out on the bike. Notice how the average speed is affected by the sightseeing and hills!

Ride number two from the Hostel on Tuesday 5th August was somewhat different. When woke at 7 a.m. it was raining. By the time I'd breakfasted and got ready at 9 a.m. it was still raining. Of course I was not going to miss a ride because of a spot of rain so off I went. this time heading east through the villages of Long Bredy and Little Bredy. My aching legs from yesterday's ride were unable to manage the first steep hill I encountered., well it was 12.5 %. At the top the wind was blowing the rain hard and I was soon pretty well wet through despite my waterproof jacket but I was sweating a lot too.

Here is my first stop of the day:

The Hardy Monument.
Note the size of the bike compared to the Monument.

As you will notice it is a very grey day!  

It was a nice long and fast downhill ride to Martinstown where I popped into the Post Office to withdraw some cash and get some nuts. (A Snickers bar.) I asked if there was anywhere nearby where I could get a coffee. Another customer told me I could get one just ten mins away. So I set off in the indicated direction. Five miles and a 500 foot climb later and after half an hour I got to the place he had told me about. I then realized that he meant ten mins by car! I was almost in Weymouth now, so I carried on until I got to the promenade. The sun had come out and I soon found a perfect spot for a coffee at one of the small kiosks. Spent the next half hour watching the world go by and chatting to a couple from Trowbridge at the next table. I had dried out nicely by now and set off for a tour round the harbour. A large Condor ferry was loading cars to go to the C.I. In the inner harbour there was a selection of fishing and leisure boats. I had to be careful here as there are tram tracks in the road used to carry away fish from the dockside.

Eventually I tore myself away and headed out into the country to find a suitable pub for lunch. On my way I passed this work of art:

More undulations before I found a nice pub (The Elm Tree) in the village of Langton Herring. Sat outside in the sunshine, completing my drying off. I had some banter from a group of ladies who had come outside the pub for a smoke. They wanted to get rid on one of their friends and asked me if I could take her away on the crossbar of my bike. I told them whilst I was willing I was afraid the YH might not let her in with me! I discovered that they were a group of Carers who had just returned from scattering the ashes of  a person they had looked after and were celebrating the life of that person.

After a most satisfying lunch I continued through Rodden to Abbotsbury. Here i encountered the sternest challenge of my holiday. The hill out of Abbotsbury. Ride with Gps indicate the steepest section as being 23%map . The O.S. only indicate a slope of more than one in seven. i would love to know more about how these grades are calculated. I suspect the Ride with GPS give the steepest whilst the O.S.  give the overall rate of climb.

Needless to say it meant more walking. this time for about 250 yards after I'd climbed the lower slopes.

At the top it was quite misty with the sea breeze causing the formation of sea mist as it climbed the hill.

It was only a few miles now back to the YH mainly downhill.

A much gentler and shorter  ride than yesterday but another  good one.

Back home after my brief break I managed to fit in another ride on Thursday 7th August I just had to go out again to get my week's mileage to over 100 miles. It was merely a quick run around the local area on Posh to keep my legs in shape!

Glad to be inside today and not riding in this stormy weather.

(Don't forget if you wish to see the pictures full screen just click on one and then you can view them).

GRIDIRONMAN

HCMF Meet at The Cricketers, Easton and Another Fast Training Ride

Thursday 31st July 2014

Another lovely summer's day, too good to miss a chance to join the HCMF meet at Easton. Bit close to home for a decent direct ride there so found an alternative route, then came home the short way.

Near West Stratton I caught up with a tractor trimming the hedge, he pulled in to let me by. Fortunately he was not spreading the cuttings all over the road.

I found the A30 to be very quiet so instead of turning down the lane to Hunton where there appeared to be fresh gravelling  I continued on towards Sutton Scotney and took the turn to Wonston. I noticed that most of the  trees which had  fallen earlier in the year across the river Dever had be removed and I could see large piles of logs in the field beyond.

In Stoke charity I stopped and chatted with two cyclists from Kings Worthy. Then I continued along the "road we love to hate" to KW. It certainly seemed easier on Posh, so maybe it's not so bad after all. 

It was just a touch cooler than it has been of late round about 20 deg C.so it was good to sit outside the pub and soak up the rays. A good crowd there including Richard and David from Tadley and about 8 riders from the Fleet CTC most of them resplendent in their new strip.The usual regulars from  Southampton, Winchester and Chandler's Ford were also there.

After a chat and a cool drink  I rode directly home for a late lunch.

Map and details for the day.

Saturday 2nd August 2014.

I had hoped to join Barrie's ride with the Winchester CTC but fortunately other commitments conspired to thwart that and so I did not get wet riding to Winchester as the rain came in just as I would have been on my way. It rained several more times during the morning and a cloud burst around lunch time. I hope Barrie & co were not caught in it.

Then the  sun came out and by 3.30 p.m. the roads were dry and i was free to ride once more so I set out on a training ride with Posh. I have really enjoyed this kind of ride on my new bike and this was another good one. I headed East through Ropley, past the burnt out church and up the steep hill to Lyeway. (One of two at 9%.)

I joined the A32 just South of East Tisted and made good time into Alton with the breeze behind me. The town centre there was busy and I had a short walk through the pedestrian area before turning for home.

My return route was higher than my outward one climbing the second steep hill through Beech. This is easier than it was having been re-tarmaced. However there are still a number of drain covers to avoid especially when descending. This climb is much longer than the Ropley one and so was a tad harder.

Data for Saturday 2nd Aug.

In Medstead I paused awhile to watch the cricket. Timely as one player was applauded, I think he had just scored 50, he was then out caught next ball! I continued along the ridge through Hattingley and just before I reached the top of Armsworth Hill my phone rang. It was only a family call so it did not delay me for long.




When I arrived home and downloaded my Garmin data i was pleased to see that even my .elapsed time for the 25.6 miles was under two hours. It was a very satisfying ride and great fun.

Map and profile of the route. Note the interesting  Gradient  line.

My split time for the outward and homeward leg show what how the strong breeze and hilly nature of the route affect speed.






I am off to Dorset tomorrow to spend 3 days cycling there. I am staying for two nights at Litton Cheyney Youth Hostel. I am a little apprehensive about the weather forecast which is not good for Tuesday and Wednesday, but hey ho must make the most of it like those riders in Glasgow today. Well done Lizzie, Emma, Geraint and Scott for their performances in the road races.

Sorry! No photos again too busy zipping along!

The next few days I will be riding at a more sedate pace on Sporty, enjoying the lovely Dorset countryside so hopefully there will be some photos to share next time.

All the best, whether cycling or not.

GRIDIRONMAN.

A Road Ride with Posh and an Off Road Excursion with Tiny and the Winchester CTC.

Two very contrasting rides this week. On Thursday I found myself able to join the HCMF meet at the Golf Club in Ampfield having previously thought I was otherwise engaged. Got my dates mixed up!

Of course I didn't want to take the shortest route as that is on main roads, I did however take the recently resurfaced B3047 through Itchen Abbass. I am pleased to report that the very worst part through the village and Martyr Worthy is now lovely smooth tarmac. The adjoining areas, whilst not perfect, are better than before having been regravelled.

The Hospital of St. Cross,
 nestling amongst the trees.

I rode the very good path to the Hockley junction stopping to enjoy the views across the valley to the Hospital of St. Cross.

I continued through Twyford and Colden Common and then crossed the river to Otterbourne, thus avoiding the climb of Shawford Down.

Next I took the road through Hiltingbury and looped round past North Baddesley Church past Gosport Farm to Ampfield. It was very hot and I found a number of riders already at the RV sitting in the only shady spot on the veranda in front of the Clubhouse. There was a small sunshade nearby so I commandeered that and shared it with David and Richard who had come all the way from Tadley. Certainly the longest route to the GC.

I met a number of members I'd not seen for a while and exchanged news and after a most enjoyable hour of chat and a cold beer I set off for home. I switched on my Garmin unit but for some reason it could not acquire a signal so I lost the first 1.5 miles or so of my homeward route.

My route home was back through Colden Common and via Hensting Lane to Owslebury. It was warm work climbing that hill but at least it was in the shade. Ridewith GPS give the gradient of the hill as 9% but the sign at the top gives it as 14%. I suspect the RidewithGPS is the average for the hill whereas the sign indicates the steepest part. Any comments?

The last few miles after climbing to the top of Lane End Down were very fast, down the A272 to Cheriton and through Tichborne.

Another very good day out on "Posh".

My route as recorded on RidewithGPS

Saturday 26th July 2014.
I decided to join the afternoon ride with the Winchester CTC led by the two Johns, Spiers & Fairbrother. They had plotted a gentle ride with a good section of tracks and paths so I took Tiny my 7 year old hybrid bike.

I had ridden in from Alresford with Guy. Also in attendance were Paul and Margaret, Lynne, Rodney, and new to me James, David & Will, Helen, Alan and splendid in pink Julie who was designated our "tail end charlie" as she was so easily spotted! (I hope I have got the names right, please tell me if I haven't).

Our route was a devious one to Crawley via Bereweeke Avenue and Dean lane before cutting back to cross the Stockbridge road to Littleton. Then on to Crawley where we went off road. This section of the route was the most interesting, mainly through woods which with the very warm day gave most welcome shade. It was very quiet and peaceful and with no traffic to contend with it was a pleasure.

Disused railway bridge between King's Worthy and South Wonston.

When we reached the A272 we took an path parallel with the road in the roadside woodland. The track was a lovely sinuous track. great fun! then we crossed it and continued through the woods to South Wonston. Some bumpy track along the south side of the village and then another shady ride along the old railway line. We passed the old railway station where the road splits in two . Three of us managed to choose the option which was blocked by a fallen tree. I climbed over the old platform whilst Rodney and Julie went back to the junction.

Just after the end of the track Will had a flat tyre. A couple of other riders stopped to help whilst the rest of us went on to the Goodlife for tea. We were soon joined by them and we all enjoyed a good chat. It was great to talk to some folk I'd not met before, most of it of course about cycling.

Guy joined me for a return to Alresford.

Here is my record of the day. Of the 25 miles ridden 12 were with the group, about 6 off road.

With Posh for dry days and Sporty for more inclement weather I now think I will sell Tiny. If anyone is interested I would be open to any reasonable offer in the neighbourhood of £85.

Here are further details:

Giant Cypress DX 2007.Medium size (about 52cm ?) Alivio gears. 42,34,24 chainring with 11 to 32 cassette. Cassette and chainrings have been renewed and tyres in good condition.

Tiny my Giant, Cypress, DX

That's all folks! Have a good week, cycling if that is your way!


Gridironman.

Four Rides this Week!

It an unusual week cycling in which I enjoyed 4 rides. The first three were all in the immediate area of Alresford so I have recorded the three routes on one map.

Wednesday 16th July.

I had an appointment at Naomi House on Wednesday so rather than go by car I went by bike. I knew the council were resurfacing the road through Itchen Abbass so needed to find an alternative route. I chose to go through Northington and Micheldever to test myself and Posh up the hill through the village. We managed it with only one small mistake in changing gear. After my meeting I returned home via the South side of the Itchen river.

Thursday 17th July. Simon and I were back together again for a good social ride to the HCMF meet at the Northbrook Arms, East Stratton. As the pub is only about 6 miles from home we naturally found a nice hilly optional way to get there. I forgot to start my Garmin until we were about 1.6 miles into the journey.

We climbed the ridge to Medstead before turning back towards East Stratton. The weather was beautiful and we were able to enjoy the views of the countryside before dropping from Upper Wield into the Candover Valley at Preston Candover. In Brown Candover we took a right turn up the steepest hill of the day and along the narrow lane to Woodmancott.

As we climbed this ridge we were buzzed several times by a Chinook helicopter, it passed over at a height of about 100 feet. Simon thought they were treating us as terrorists. Of course by the time I had stopped and got out my camera out it had decided to fly away and leave us alone.

Simon and the now distant Chinook.

As you can see there was a lot of loose gravel along the lane and we had to be careful, especially on the descents and corners. However we made good time to the meet arriving there just after noon.

A couple of riders already enjoying sitting on the green opposite the pub with a cooling drink. We were soon joined by many more. A few decided to stay in the shade inside whilst the rest of us made good use of the many sun shades at the bench table units.

There was a fair amount of banter, as always, with some fun about my new "Posh" and a round of applause when the Fleet CTC members arrived resplendent in their new strip.

Simon and I eventually managed to tear ourselves away as we both had other matters to attend to in the afternoon. 

On Saturday 19th being unable to join Ian and the Winchester CTC due to other matters I managed to get out for a "pop to the pub ride" in the evening. My choice of pub being the "Pub with No Name", a reasonable distance from home.

It was very warm but  at least it was cooler than earlier in the day.

After following the obvious route through Bishops Sutton and Ropley I turned off the Petersfield Road and climbed the ridge via Smugglers' Lane then after Monkwood I rejoined the Petersfield Road.
The pub was very busy with folk from all around and with campers from the field next door all enjoying their evening meals and drinks in the warm sunshine

I enjoyed a half pint of Butcombe Bitter from North Somerset before heading home via Privett, Woodlands and Bramdean Common.

The cream of the  batch was today Sunday 20th July when I drove to Romsey in the car and followed a course recorded by PinkPal last August. It was a joy to follow taking me along some lanes I'd not ridden before. It also involved some steep hills, for example the 9% climb from Nomansland.

West Wellow Church.

Near St. Margaret's Church I passed a group of cyclists going in the opposite direction and was greeted by name by my friend Graham Stanhope who was in the group. (Don't know if I knew anyone else.)

I have heard that the Tombstone of Florence  Nightingale which was damaged in the February gales has now been repaired. I did not stop to verify this.

The sun had broken through by now and I took Posh for his first dip through the ford near Plaitford.
(Took care not to go too fast so the lack of mudguards did not matter.)

Once up Nomansland Hill I thought I would be able to speed across the open ground near Fritham where there was a wartime airfield. No such luck, there was a strong head wind!

Once past the A31 I stopped to look at the Memorial to the Canadian Soldiers who landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-day and took the opportunity to talk to a couple of off roaders and a family who were looking at the memorial.

The Canadian Memorial.

Next came a fast downhill run through the leafy part of the forest.  Great fun as it is quite curvy too. In Emery Down, near Lyndhurst the route turned back northwards and continued through Minstead along a network of unfamiliar lanes.

It then crossed the Cadnam to Lyndhurst road and passed through Bartley and Winsor. Not far to go now but sneaky PP had chucked in a climb up Ridge Lane, across the dual carriage way and up Gardeners Land before zooming back into Romsey down Pauncefoot Hill.. (At least she hadn't taken the rough track across Broadlands.

It had been a great ride which I had followed easily on my Garmin with only two minor overshoots of junctions. Strangely my recorded route was about 1.5 miles shorter than PP's. I wonder why?

Just discovered why my Garmin record is 1.5 miles shorter than PP's. It seems that my Garmin was switched off for about that distance near Fritham.

Here is my record of the day:

Very many thanks to PP for recording the route which was great. Also thanks to Simon for his company on Thursday,

GRIDIRONMAN.
.

Posh Gets Sorted.

A number of other commitments made this last week an unusual one for my cycling.
On Wednesday 9th July after a busy domestic day I managed to pop out for a short ride in the evening. I was still trying to identify the source of the rattle. Removed the front reflector from the handlebars and the one mounted on the wheel but still the rattle was there. Never mind, I told myself, just enjoy the lovely sunny evening. I started out on one of my favourite climbs, Gander Down, at the top on the A272 the police were checking car speeds.

After a short way on the A272 I took the road eastwards past Lane End and the Milbury's to the top of Wheeley Down. Next down the hill into Kilmeston where I paused a while to enjoy an energy bar sitting on the seat by the village hall. It was a perfect evening. Warm and sunny but not too hot.

I checked the bike again but still could not identify the cause of the rattle.

I managed to ignore the siren calls of the Flower Pots in Cheriton and the Tichborne Arms and was home just as I was needed to pop to the shops for milk.

Getting used to the new gears and riding position now, but still grabbing for the brakes in the wrong place when riding on the tops of the bars!

It was a great way to spend a couple of hours, though I had rather tempted fate by leaving my pump on Sporty!

Wednesday's Route and Data.

On Thursday I took Posh back to Hargroves to see if they could identify and fix the rattle. I am pleased to say that they did. It turned out to be the rear brake cable which is routed through the top tube knocking on the inside of the frame. Thursday evening I had an enjoyable non cycling experience when I went to The Point in Eastleigh to see and listen to Rock Choir in which two of my friends were participating. It was a great show.

I was unable to ride on Saturday as I was busy cleaning carpets with the help of my grandson Archie.

It was the perfect weather for the job as it dried in a few hours.

Sunday 13th July 2014.

Time to get out and make the most of the sunshine. I had delayed my start as it had rained and of course I did not want Posh to get wet!

As is often the case when I ride alone, I make up the route as I go along. Decided to go South and try myself on Posh up Rooksgrove hill from Kilmeston. I knocked over a minute of my best previous time that I had set a year ago. (I now rank at 30 instead of 58 out of 78). 

Once at the top of Beacon Hill I decided to go down to Droxford and cross the A32 and then climb Watton Lane, the steepest hill of the day, and then up the flank of Old Winchester Hill to the Sustainability Centre. Luckily I arrived there just 10 mins before the cafe closed, so was able to enjoy a cup of tea and have a stroll round the herb garden with its scents. It seems to be in need of some TLC being somewhat overgrown.

My route home was via East and West Meon, into the teeth of the strong breeze. Hmm so that's why I'd found the outward journey easier than expected.

Quite a number of other cyclists about at various points of my ride, a lot of them off roaders.

I was pleased with Posh, I must admit to worrying I'd made the right choice of bike at first, but this ride has convinced me that I have. The gears have a great range and I'm riding on the 50 ring more than I do on the 48 of Sporty. The bottom gear of 26 being only a little higher than the 24 of Sporty so hill climbing with the lighter bike very much the same.

When I got home Jean asked me how it went and I told her that it had been "Such Fun"! Should have bought this bike 6 years ago!

I am planning a few days hosteling at the start of August. My dilemma, do I take Sporty or Posh.?

(Suggestions welcome).

Just realised, I was so busy riding I forgot to take any pictures. Sorry!

Sunday's Route and Data

Gridironman.


I

Birthday Fun Continues.

Thursday 3rd July.

Rode with John Heath and Guy Morgan to the HCMF meet at The Star, Bentworth. I led them a nice hilly route I'd ridden with Pink Pal in October 2008 when she was training for her Women for Women charity ride in Cuba. This time my return route from the meet was some 3 miles shorter as it was through Upper Wield and down Armsworth hill rather than through Medstead and Four Marks.

Near Burkham we spotted a skylark, no danger looking up as he was just descending on the other side of the hedge.

The weather was perfect for riding apart from a brisk breeze, though that did keep it cool enough for us to sit outside the pub in the sunshine.

The Riders and Supporters enjoying their lunch.
(Note the bunting and flags - in our honour?)

It was Guy's first ride to join an HCMF meet and he took to it like a duck to water, being an ideal riding companion and joining in the craic with the other members.

Guy and I left the group and headed home soon after 1 o'clock and enjoyed the fast descent of Armsworth Hill.

Here are details of our ride with a map:

Mr. Grumps?

The most exciting part of the day was still to come, my birthday party hosted by Simon and Sarah for my best cycling pals.  For me it was a very memorable evening. Caroline came to pick me up and we arrived almost as my other pals also arrived. We sat in the garden for drinks before enjoying a very tasty buffet. Very many thanks to Simon & Sarah for hosting the party and to my friends who made it an evening of fun. Ian had provided me with a party hat and I had worn my new KOM jersey and my Octogenarians medal given to me by Pinkpal.

Why then am I looking so pensive? Is it because half of my cake has already been eaten?

The remains of my cake.

I must admit that I did get a bit tiddly but Ian kindly drove me home so i came to no harm.

Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th July 2014.

My birthday excitements continued. I was given a new bicyle for my birthday. I had to go on Saturday to collect it from the bike shop. (Good news for Simon, I can easily get it into the back of my car as it has no mudguards rack etc and has lower bars. This means Simon's bike can go on the roof rack when we ride away together).

"Posh" my new Specialized Secteur Sport
(A posh bike not a push bike)

Once I got it home I took it out for a first ride as soon as the roads had dried out. Just 6 miles to and from the A31 roundabout near Ropley. It went beautifully.

Today (Sunday) I took it out for a proper ride of about 24 miles:-

Apart from one of Simon's vintage bikes I had not ridden a bike with drops for years and had not used the type of shifters fitted before. I managed to get on well with the gears which are only slightly higher than those on Sporty. Posh is about 5 pounds lighter and is more streamlined due to the lack of mudguards etc.so it is definitely faster.

Near Medstead I encountered Ron Liptrot out on an a morning ride too. We had a chat and he told me that he had also been lucky enough to have a similar 80th birthday gift a few years ago. 

It was a very satisfactory trial ride with only a mysterious rattle to spoil the total satisfaction. As I pulled up back home Paddy was also returning from a ride. We exchanged notes and Paddy suggested it was probably the wheel fitted reflector that was causing the noise. Will check it out.

WHEW WHAT A FANTASTIC WEEK!

Gridironman.