First of my holiday rides & a visit to Odiham Castle.

Tuesday 28th July 2015.

The first day of a short trip to Bognor Regis to stay with my friend Eric. I was awake at six and realised there was no chance of going back to sleep again so I got up and by seven I was on my bike and en route to North Bersted, a suburb of Bognor Regis. I had planned a route using Garmin taking care to ensure it did not use any bridle ways or footpaths. Apart from two early climbs through Kilmeston and up Old Winchester Hill the route ,was fairly flat. I was a little concerned that I might struggle as I had about 25 lbs of clothes etc. in my panniers and rack bag, but I managed both hills quite well. At the top of the main ascent I pressed the wrong button on my Garmin 200 and had to restart it. Luckily it did save my map & data.

As I descended into Clanfield I was irritated by a rattle, I soon discovered it was caused by a loose bolt on one of my bottle carriers. Unfortunately I could not tighten it up, maybe the thread has gone? I popped the bottle into one of my panniers and carried on. My second problem of the day occurred as I tried to exit Clanfield. Mr. Garmin had planned to cross the A3 dual carriage way. I could not find a way over as there were several Armco barriers and a hedge blocking my way. I took a diversion through Horndean and was soon back on course.

My Diversion through Horndean.

Apart from a brief refreshment break I kept up a steady pace and was soon into Chichester.  Here I discovered some sensible and well marked cycle lanes making it easy to navigate the city centre.

There was also a decent though not perfect shared cycle path for about 3.5 miles from Chichester to North Bersted. I welcomed the use of this as the A259 is an extremely busy road with many large commercial vehicles zooming past.

I arrived at my friend's home just before 10.30 a.m. having covered the thirty five miles in a shade under 3.5 hours. Eric was very surprised to see me so early but I had soon unloaded my panniers and we were settled over a pot of coffee catching up with one another's news.

I had a most enjoyable time with Eric who did his best to make me feel at home. We went to Slindon for a walk after lunch and that evening we went to his son's home for dinner. David is a good cook and had prepared a delicious Guiness and Steak Pie.

On Wednesday we had a pub lunch at Duncton before visiting Petworth House for a walk in the park and tea in the Audit Room! 

Thursday 30th July 2015.

All too soon my visit was over and I started to wend my way home.

I had planned a slightly shorter but much hillier way home via South Harting and Petersfield. I went back along the cycle path to Chichester where I crossed the A27 by a purpose built cycle/pedestrian bridge. I was pleased with Mr. Garmin's route through the city which avoided the town centre and took me through some very quiet and shady residential streets.

For the first ten miles of the journey I was climbing, but very gently, rising only 240 feet, however there was still a ten mph breeze in my face which kept my speed down. Then I had to climb over the Downs to South Harting. At the top of the first steep climb I took this picture looking to the East, while I recovered and enjoyed a snack. A lovely sweep down to the valley floor from which  I'd just climbed.

My trusty well laden Sporty takes a rest before descending to South Harting.

Another tough climb to nearly 700 feet before that scintillating 

500 foot drop into South Harting and the undulating run into Petersfield.There is an abundance of ragwort this year and no action seems to being take action to control it in accordance with the Ragwort Control Act 2003. This field just outside Petersfield field almost looks like a planted crop!

I decided to stop for lunch here at The Cloisters Cafe. Very good baked spud with a mixed salad and a tasty chilli beef topping.

Parked next to Sporty was this unusual bike. A home built model with an electric motor. I chatted briefly with the owner who said it was very powerful. I forgot to ask what range it has. 

My next challenge was to climb Stoner Hill, much to my surprise I climbed it without having to resort to my very lowest gear. It certainly is a lot less steep than the South Harting one as it winds its way up to the top at almost 800 feet.

I was home by two o'clock having enjoyed the familiar road to Ropley and Alresford.

Comparison between my outward and homeward rides shows that the feet climbed per mile to Bognor was only 28.8 whereas the return was 48.8, (the second highest this year). The average ride is around 35.

Saturday 1st August 2015.

Simon and I decided to search out some roads we'd not ridden before and to visit Odiham Castle. We left Alresford at around 10 a.m. and headed over White Hill to Ropley. It was a lovely day with all manner of varied clouds on display from cirrus, mackerel sky to alto cumulus. Later in the day they had all gone and were replaced with cumulus with a touch of nimbus.
After our climb to Medstead I suggested that an early coffee stop at Lasham might be good but Simon vetoed that idea and we pressed on to Odiham. Here after a little indecision as to where to take our break we found a suitable coffee shop/bar and enjoyed good coffee with delicious warm Danish pastries. 
Simon found out where the castle was located and I managed to find it on a map on my phone! A first for me! As we set off to visit it we were spotted by Dave Moseley and stopped for a chat. 

We soon found the castle, famous its link with King John and the Magna Carta, along a canal-side path. We were amazed that the structure which has endured for over 800 years is made largely of flints. 

Simon with his Claude Butler cycle and Odiham Castle.

Time was marching on and Simon had a plan of passing to the north of Basingstoke and taking tea at Oakley. We found our way by trial and error as neither of us is familiar with this area. We did very well at first finding our way successfully around  to the |North of Hook to Turgis Green and Sherfield on Loddon. Then we headed through Bramley to Sherborne St. John. We could not seem to find a suitable road to take us further south west and we seemed to be drawn as if by a magnet towards Basingstoke. We eventually managed to get ourselves totally disorientated in the streets of the town and Simon being about 30 yards ahead of me managed to get through two sets of lights on green whereas I had to stop. I had no idea where he had gone so took the easy option, but not the nicest way, to the A339 Alton/Alresford road at Viables. Here miraculously Simon came up from behind me having come a totally different way through the town.

I would like to say that the rest of the way was a doddle, but of course it wasn't as we had that steep climb from Chiddesdon to the top of the downs at over 700 feet. We paused to refuel at the top having managed (just) to make it without walking. 

It was good to get home and have time for a cuppa and a shower before heading out for supper with my daughter and her family.

A very great day out with lots of exploring done of the area north of Basingstoke.

Alresford Groupetta News.

PinkPal regains the TUK medal after a sterling effort on Monday doing two hard climbs in the Mendip Hills in Somerset.Well done! Seems like our members are being drawn  outside our normal range with PinkPal and Andrew going to Somerset, Gridironman to Sussex and Cycmon & Gridironman exploring roads not ridden before in Hampshire.

Rank	Name	Miles.
1	PinkPal	144
2	Gridironman	132
3	Andrew	125
4	Cycmon	95
5	Mark	68
6	Paddy	0
	Total	564

N.B. Paddy is on holiday so may have been cycling in Ireland.

Gridironman.

A Busy Week.

Groupetta News.

It has been another busy week for the Groupetta with some  of us getting in multiple rides. It's hardly fair on those who have to work!

Here is the Leader Board.

I have been exceedingly lucky to manage four rides which has enabled me to top the Winchester Strava Leader Board. Fame at last:

Of course there might still someone riding today who has not uploaded their route yet, so my lead might be short lived.

Tuesday 21st July 
I joined eight friends, including PinkPal and Cycmon for a long ride to the Hawk Conservancy for coffee. Knowing it was likely to be a fairly fast ride I set out from home in plenty of time to get to our meeting point at Crawley Pond and was there with over ten minutes to spare. 

After some discussion about the route it was decided to go to the Hawk Conservancy where PinkPal had been on her record breaking route last Sunday. It turned out to be a good choice for when we arrived we found the tea room to be almost empty and we got served quite quickly. 

Here is the map of my ride from which you will be able to see that we went via Kings Somborne and through the Wallops.

Add caption

The weather was cool at first but soon became sunny with the temperature in the mid sixties F. We bowled along at a good pace and I was pleased that I was able to keep up much better than when we had last ridden alongside the Wallop Brook.

From Over Wallop we climbed over the ridge to Grateley past the Plough Inn which holds our record for the slowest lunch ever, 2.5 hours! When we arrived in Monxton we were not quite sure which way to turn to find the Conservancy but PinkPal remembered the way and we were soon tucking into a variety of snacks.

Afterwards we retraced our route to Monxton and then headed to Fullerton via Abbots Ann and Red Rice. 

Here the group split to go in a variety of ways home. I suggested to my two Groupetta Pals that we should go via Newton Stacey and Barton Stacey and then to Stoke Charity. Afterwards they complained that that route was too rough and hilly and told me there was a better way through Forton and Middleton. That would have been two miles further and almost as hilly so I am quite happy with my choice!

When we got to Kings Worthy I left the others to go to my daughter's for a cuppa and a chat before taking the scenic route home on the South side of the Itchen.

Wenesday 22nd July 2015.

A very special ride. I rode from home to join about 70 other cyclists at the Wheat Sheaf on the A30 near Dummer. We were the escort for Arthur Ramsey's funeral cortege from there to the Crematorium about a mile away. We must have been quite a sight in our colourful cycling clothes.

Arthur was just 84 years old, born 23 June 1931 died 25 June 2015. Coincidentally both my birthday and my last meeting with Arthur at the HCMF meet at East Stratton only hours before he died.

The small chapel was packed with many having to stand and there was a very emotional but interesting service where we learned more about Arthur and his exploits.

Afterwards we met to celebrate his life and meet his family. I believe there were four generations present. 

Arthur was a keen cyclist all his life and had won many prizes and accolades for his long distance time trialling coming, I believe,  a very worthy sixth in the national 24 hour competition covering 465 miles! Wow!

Here this the record of my somewhat puny efforts for the day.

Thursday 23rd July 2015.

Joined Cycmon at the Alresford Cricketers at the lunch meet of the HCMF. Only half a mile from home.

Here is Cycmon's report of the day along with a snap of him at Beauworth:

Simon with His Hetchins Track Bike
 at Beauworth.

Today's Cycling Fellowship meeting was only a few 100 yards from my house today so I rode down on my 1946 Hetchins Super Special track bike - single speed fixed wheel thinking I'd just be riding round the block. 

However I did get just over 30 miles in post the meet and coped very well getting up all the hills. Bryce Mansfield and I had a Cream Tea in West Meon where we chatted to a couple who were also cycling, the guy had been in France watching the Tour and had covered 170 in one day! The thought of this must have made forget my Hetchins 'Bonk Bag' which I realised about a mile after leaving the cafe, thankfully all was present and correct on my return.

Thanks Cycmon for a good ride and for the delicious cream tea in West Meon.

Saturday 25th July 2015.

This ride contained a couple of challenges for me. The first was that I was helping with Save the Children Summer Sale so I was unable to get out on Posh until 1.20 p.m. My aim was to catch up with the Winchester CTC easy ride to Houghton for tea. They left Winchester at 1.30 p.m. so I had a ten minute start but also an extra 5 or so miles to cover. I eventually managed to catch them at Upper Somborne in exactly one hour, having covered 13.4 miles. Phew! Thank goodness it was largely flat or downhill.

We paused at Little Somborne Church. In the churchyard is the grave of Thomas Sopwith, the pioneer aviator who gave his name to the famous World War I fighter plane, the Sopwith Camel.

The first climb of any significance from here to go over the ridge to Stockbridge. The downhill on the reverse slope being great fun taken at over 30 mph.

We paused to view the Drovers' Inn, now a private home.

Dating from the C17, its timber frame is encased with an C18 exterior, and is Grade II Listed. It has a restored inscription outside on the front wall which reads in English 'DROVERS HOUSE' and above in Welsh 'GWAIR- TYMHERUS-PORFA-FLASUS-CWRW-DA-A-GWAL-CYCURUS' which translates as 'Seasons Hay, Rich Grass, Good Ale, Sound Sleep'.

Drovers' Inn

We were soon at Daisy’s of Houghton, set in the grounds of  Houghton Lodge. A wedding party was taking place in the gardens with a steel band livening up the proceedings.

After tea and cakes came my second challenge of the day, a roundabout route back to Alresford with Simon. We left the group at the southern edge of Houghton and looped westwards to Lockerley before turning towards home.

Here is my Map for the day. See how we avoided going back through Winchester, by taking taking a wriggly route through Romsey, Hiltingbury and across the Itchen Valley  through Bambridge. Then we climbed over the hills via the Alpe d' Owslebury (14%), but thankfully quite short. The fun of this route is on the hill down the A272 to Cheriton. I almost managed 40 m.p.h. 

As we entered Cheriton I suggested that half a pint at The Flower Pots would seal a great day. Here we were lucky to have a 1927 Raleigh Motor Bike to admire. I learnt to ride on a very similar model from 1929 which was owned by my brother John.

After all that excitement I was home in time to enjoy  the deciding stage of the T de F, won by Thibaut Pinot with Froome managing to minimise his losses and retain the yellow jersey.

Many thanks to all who took part in my rides making them so much fun!

GRIDIRONMAN

New Alresford Groupetta ride to National Trust property at Uppark.

Stop Press

The Groupetta are going from strength to strength with fantastic distances covered  this past week.

Here is the leader Board:

1	Cycmon	213
2	PinkPal	202
3	Andrew	146
4	Bryce	112
5	Mark	85
	Total	758

The longest single ride was 93 miles by PinkPal.

Thursday 16th July 2015
Since I received my birthday present of membership of the National Trust Simon and I had been planning visits to the National Trust properties. Simon organised our first one, a very exciting and demanding route to Uppark and return via Bepton, near Midhurst, Stedham and Milland to Liss, Selborne and Lower Farringdon where we planned to join the HCMF's luncheon meet. 

The weather was grey and a tad chilly to start but we soon warmed up and wearing my gilet I found I was fine despite having short sleeves. For a while we rode on wet roads as there was a fine drizzle, but it was not enough to spoil the ride.

We made good time until we got to South Harting, here we encountered the "Hill of the Day" according to the sign 16%. The total climb about 350 feet over 1.2 miles, so not quite as tough as those climbs in the TdF. I had to walk for about two hundred yards. PinkPal also had problems when she stopped and could not get going again, but the other two managed to climb it. 

When we got to Uppark we discovered that we were given free coffee or tea  because we had come by bike. They also had a good selection of tasty cakes. We did not have time to visit the house, saving that pleasure for another visit.

Going back down that hill was not much more fun than riding up it as it is very rough in places and has a number of corners. However we were soon out of South Harting and heading East. (East!? Simon surely we should be going North West?). The roads here were a little familiar to me, PinkPal and I having ridden the Tour de Dibling a few years ago.

The road sides here were beautiful, with masses of wild flowers, Meadow Sweet and  Rose bay Willow herb being particularly prevalent. The other three were setting a good pace so I had no time to take any pictures!

Gridironman emerges from a leafy lane.

We headed through a lovely forest are with sandy soil growing pines and heather. We came out onto a main road which had a reasonable cycle path taking us to Stedham Village. We took a wrong turn here and had to retrace our way for about half a mile.

The next section was one of steady climbing a number of deep hilly lanes, with green sandy sides, to get to Milland & Liss.. 

We were now on the north side of another ridge and paused to remove some layers as it was now very warm and the sun was beginning to come through.

My Three Pals with a lovely downland background.

A couple more hills to climb and then a fast ride down into Liss where we decided it was time for lunch. We sat in a tiny courtyard garden surrounded by clematis, tomatoes and other plants. It was warm in the sun and just as we started to eat I had a funny five minutes, feeling hot and bothered and slightly sick. However five minutes inside and a wash in cold water and I felt fine again and was able to eat most of my lunch. I also had a large glass of cold water before we set off again.

More climbing to get out of the valley and into Selborne. Although I was slow on the hill I was able to take the lead through Selborne and down into Lower Farringdon. It was now 3 o'clock and far to late to expect anyone from the HCMF to be still at the pub, so we continued up Brightstone Lane. Of course I was the last up the hill and my pals waited for me at the top.. I suggested to them that they might like to amuse themselves by running a small sweepstake guessing how long it would be before I caught up, but Simon dismissed this idea as he said he hadn't even had time to get his camera out.

Gridironman arrives at the top of Brightstone Lane.

We were now of course almost home with mainly downhills to come and we zoomed down through Ropley Village and along the valley into Alresford. I was home just before 4 o'clock. 

A really great day out there.Thanks Simon, Sarah and Andrew for your company.

For the record here is my map and data for the day. When I compared our moving speeds I discovered that I had averaged 12.3 mph whilst the others were of course a little faster. Not bad for a fairly hilly ride.

Saturday 18th July 2015.

Simon, Mark and I decided to join the Winchester CTC intermediate  ride to Clanfield. We met at the end of my road at 8.45 on the dot and rode into Winchester to join Sheelagh and five others. Daren led us out of the City by an unusual route beside the river and past the college to get to the Cycle Path to Hockley.

We went through Twyford and up Hazeley Road  and then over the ridge to Hensting Lane. We climbed the steep hill to Owslebury which defeated me and for the second time this week I had to walk a couple of hundred yards.

On through Beybridge and Upham we went and then took a Cross Lane through a gravelly patch and past a combine harvesting oil seed rape. We went over Ashton lane and up a small hill before descending Vernon Hill and into Bishops Waltham for our coffee break. We were well looked after in the Coffee Shop and enjoyed our break.

The untarmaced road,
Jervis Court Lane to Upper Swanmore.

Afterwards three riders returned to Winchester. Then there was a discussion about the route  and we decided to vary Sheelagh's original plan as it used some unsurfaced lanes (unsuitable for road bikes, but OK for mountain bikes.) and head eastwards through Swanmore. to Soberton. 

Lots of purple and blue flowers along the roadsides, as well as my favourite, rosebay willow herb, knapweed, marjoram and mallow were some I recognized.
There were more butterflies about, a lot of cabbage white, but also meadow brown and brimstone.

After climbing towards Old Winchester Hill we decided to turn East through the hamlet of Chidden and past the Bat & Ball pub on Broad-Halfpenny Down to Clanfield.  

Here we found Simon Davies waiting for us. He had arrived at the meeting place in Winchester after we had left and had found his own way to the pub.

We enjoyed some good reasonably priced fare and of course a lot of craic before we decided to head for home. This time following Sheelagh's Garmin route.

Gridironman resting his "after lunch legs"
Laterne Rouge John in the bistance

The initial climb after lunch caused the usual "after lunch legs" problems but then we had a super fast dash down hill to East Meon. I was in the lead and clocked nearly 35 m.p.h., others must have been going faster as they caught up with me.

I used my 50 chain ring for about 5 miles from the top of the hill all the way to Warnford, but then I was glad to drop down not once but twice to my 30 as we climbed Wheeley Down admiring two very large vivid blue fields full of Borage which is grown for its oil. 

Borage

It has culinary and medical uses.

Soon afterwards I left the group at the Milbury's to return home whilst the others carried on to Owslebury and Winchester.

Here is my map and data for the day.

Thanks, Sheelagh, for a very interesting and imaginative ride. It was good to ride some less familiar roads.

Thanks also to all who took part for their company on the ride and in the coffee and lunch stops.

Gridironman.

Back on my Posh Bike.

Saturday 11th July 2015. A gentle ride with Winchester CTC.

I was glad to be able to ride again after an enforced break of 12 days following my cataract operation. This went well and I now have much better sight in my left eye. So much so that I was able to ride without prescription spectacles. To protect my eyes I sported a new pair of cycling glasses which I got from Tesco for the princely sum of £13. The guy in their opticians recommended them from their cycling section. They have interchangeable lenses, clear, yellow and dark. I was very pleased with them.

 I left home just before quarter to one to ride into the City to join the Winchester CTC easy ride, led by Debs. Fifteen of us in all. 

We split into two groups to reduce the impact on traffic. David leading the first group and Debs the second. I was at the back of group 2 for a while but when it stopped near the Sarum Road Hospital I decided to press on to see if I could test myself and catch up with the front group. When I did, just as they reached Farley Mount, Simon was concerned that I might be overdoing it. I reassured him that I was not. I waited here for Debs and her group while the others went on. There were great views from the ridge and there were lots of flowers along the roadside to admire.

Yellow Bedstraw.

Dominant were the tall umbellifers, mainly common hogweed, but I also spotted honeysuckle,

yellow bedstraw and both white and pink convolvulus which were very prominent along the road between Kings Somborne and Crawley.

 At the bottom of the hill through Ashley we paused to regroup and I suggested to Debs that she and Lynne might like to carry on while Alan and I waited for the other 3 of our group. After 10 mins wait Alan set off back up the hill to see if he could find out why they had not appeared. Unfortunately Ninya had suffered a dropped chain which had got jammed below the chain catcher. Fortunately with Ken's help she had manged to free it.

Whilst I was waiting I took these pictures:

A Curious Tree.

Red & White Poppies.

Footpath through a field of White Poppy Seed Heads

Ninya and Ken took a shortcut to Up Somborne whilst Joanne, Alan and I followed Debs's route in case others were waiting on the road. Eventually we caught up with all of the others near and in Crawley. Now it was a quick ride to the newly found Little Kitchen, at the golf driving range beside the A34 near Three Maids Hill. 

I managed to be first in the queue and Simon and i were soon tucking into delicious chocolate cake whilst the others waited to be served. As usual this was a good time to exchange news and views and gossip. Eventually we got back on our bikes and split up to find our various ways home.

Simon led Mark and I back to Alresford by the scenic route via Easton, Avington and Ovington.

A great way to get back into my favourite pastime of cycling, here is my Map and Data for the day.

Gridironman.

Alresford Groupetta Meet with the Winchester CTC

Very Sad News.

Arthur Ramsey, one of our long time members of the HCMF died on Thursday 25th June, shortly after returning home from our meeting at East Stratton. Our thoughts are with Heather at this difficult time. I did not know Arthur well myself but had always enjoyed my chats with him and Heather on the occasions when we met.

Thursday 25th June, 2015. MY BIRTHDAY!

A fairly short time available for riding as I had been to the hospital for a pre-op assessment for a cataract operation next Monday. 

Cycmon called for me at 11.45 and we rode to East Stratton taking an indirect route, one with the easier hills via Itchen Abbas. Well that's what Cycmon told me as he was riding one of his single speed bikes. Secretly I think he was checking the route for Saturday. When we got to Itchen Abbas we met, by chance, a group of three from Winchester, along with David Parrott. We rode in somewhat loose formation to the pub. 

Simon and I paused to enjoy the fume of poppies on Itchen Down.

Field of White Poppies with Docks and Common Hogweed.

We found a select group at the Northbrook Arms already tucking in to some tasty morsels. Cycmon treated me to a birthday beer but we both declined lunch. Soon we were joined by the Fleet and Alton riders. We somehow managed to make our pints last for an hour and a half whilst enjoying the craic and sadly talking unknowingly for the last time to Arthur.

As to go directly  home would be a waste of a lovely afternoon we headed there via Micheldever, Stoke Charity and the country route along the Itchen Valley.

Route & Data for Thursday 25th June. 

It was a most enjoyable way to celebrate my birthday.

Thanks Cycmon.

Saturday 27th June 2015.

Cycmon was leading the Winchester CTC afternoon ride so to turn that into an all day ride for the Groupetta members, three of us, Cycmon, PinkPal and I, decided to start out at 10 a.m. and ride a roundabout way to the RV in Winchester. Unfortunately Andrew also tried to join us but missed us and found his own route to Winchester.

I was nominated to plan the route, so wanting to help PinkPal with her training for LeJog I took them a reasonably hilly way. We went via Tichborne for the first few miles as that is a nice warm up way. (i.e. mainly flat!)

We climbed to the top of Beacon Hill via Kilmeston. This enabled us to enjoy the fruits of our labours freewheeling down to Droxford Golf Club at a good pace of around 25 m.p.h.

PP was disappointed that I did not continue into Droxford, but I pointed out that would have required a climb back onto the ridge to get to Swanmore.

For a change I took Vicarage Lane which I find pleasanter than Hampton Hill. We turned back towards Winchester and rode into Bishops Waltham. Here I took Houchin Street rather than the High Street as I didn't want my pals to be tempted by the smell of coffee from the various cafes. 

As we had plenty of time we took the hilly route through Upham, where we resisted the siren call of the Brushmakers' Arms, Beybridge and Owslebury to Morestead.

The hill down to Twyford was not the easy freewheel I'd expected due to a fairly strong breeze right in our faces.

We soon covered the remaining few miles into the City via the cycle path and arrived at the King Alfred Pub before 12.30 giving us a full hour to enjoy lunch. We sat outside, for a while in the shade, but then as we cooled we moved back in the sunshine. 

Just before 1.30 we joined the other CTC Members at the Winchester Hotel Car Park. 

A very good turn out, 16 in all. With such a large number we split into two groups with Cycmon leading one and me the other. No wonder he'd led me this route on Thursday, prepping me for my big role.

Our route was the reverse of one Cycmon and I had done on Thursday, via Stoke Charity, Micheldever and East Stratton.

This time we rode past the pub.

The Northbrook Arms.

I led the group over the last three miles but sadly no one wanted to take up my offer of tea in my garden. I think it was my lack of promising any cake that persuaded them all to take tea elsewhere. Never mind perhaps on another ride when I have had time to bake!

Map & Data  Saturday 27th June

Of course the others, except for PinkPal still had to ride another 8 miles back to Winchester. 

Thanks Cycmon once again for a good day out.

There will be no cycling for me next week, so no blog report.

Gridironman.

The Wintonmediate, PinkPal's Tuesday Ride and a reverse of largely the same route on Thursday.

Saturday 20th June 2015. 

The Wintonmediate, The highlight of my cycling year.

I was determined to join the ride again this year although my two Groupetta companions of last year were otherwise engaged. I figured out that if I rode to and from the start I should just about cover a mile for every year of my life. 

The King Charles.
Our start and finish location.

I left home at 8.33 a.m. and had plenty of time to get to the King Charles in Kings Worthy for the 9.30 start. As I rode through Itchen Abbas it started to rain so my heart sank a little. I stopped put on my shower proof top. That did the trick it immediately stopped the rain!

At the start there was a relatively modest number of riders. It seemed to be less than previous years. A number of good friends were taking part and after registering, enjoying a coffee and chat, we set off promptly at 9.30, well I did anyway, there was a mad last minute scramble by others to move their cars onto the grass at the request of the landlady.

Faster riders soon caught and passed me and I was joined by Steve Cherry just after Three Maids Roundabout. We spent the rest of the day together, encouraging one another to keep up a good but sensible pace.

Some more late starters passed us as we descended towards Kings Somborne and on the steep Beech Tree Walk onto the Roman Road we were caught by David Foster, Mary Wallbank, Julie, & Joanne.

We rode together as a group to The Winterslows where David and Steve pulled ahead on the hill. I was trailing behind the ladies and in trying to adjust my mirror I knocked it off and had to stop to retrieve it, fortunately undamaged. Luckily the  ladies  paused where the route turned left along Pincroft Lane otherwise they would have gone the wrong way. All six of us descended the steep hill to the A30 enjoying high speed for a short while. We crossed Porton Down and in the village turned up the steep but thankfully short climb to Gomeldon, here there is a short downhill with a sweeping S bend in the middle. great fun at over 31 mph!

We were joined here by Simon Davies who had started late.

Soon we were crossing the river Bourne by footbridge. Another gentle climb over the ridge past High Post and then downhill again to cross the River Avon at Upper Woodford. The hedgerows all along the way were resplendent with common hog weed, dog roses and elder flower, but they all seemed to be especially prolific here.Steve and I had left the others behind as we climbed  and it wasn't until later that we found out that Mary had had a puncture. 

We reached the check in at The Friar Tuck Cafe to be greeted by John Spiers. Some of the faster riders were just leaving having enjoyed refreshments. Steve and I both opted for the traditional English breakfast with coffee for the very reasonable price of £6.25, it was delicious. Just before we left the other 5 arrived.

I suffered with "after lunch legs" climbing over the ridge to Bulford but by taking it easy I was soon fine again. We made excellent time along the road past the military firing ranges due to a tail wind and the possibility of being shot, there being lots of sounds of small arms fire. Through Tidworth and up the hill to Perham Down we went before another high speed section with the help of the wind to Kimpton.

We were now on much more familiar ground but my legs were beginning to tire and I made full use of my granny ring on the short sharp climb from Monxton and then up the one in Abbots Ann.

The highest speed of the day was achieved on the descent to Fullerton, over 35 mph. Of course for every downhill there is an uphill and we had two more significant climbs first from Leckford to the A30 and then through the lanes to Crawley. John Spiers passed us in his car here but we didn't realise that it was him until he told us later. He did call out to us but I guess we just thought it was a bit of banter from a frustrated motorist who had to wait for a wider space to pass.

The rest of the ride seemed to go very smoothly and we were back in Kings Worthy and at the pub at 3.55 p.m. (6hrs 25mins elapsed time at an overall average of 10.4 mph including stops).

I was very pleased as this was a big improvement on last year's elapsed time of 7hrs 11 mins. My average speed on moving time was 12.4 compared to last year's 12.0.

We joined with others in celebrating our day with a pint; necessary for re-hydration?!

David and the others still had not arrived by the time I left, John told me that unfortunately David had had a tyre blowout whilst in the cafe at Amesbury.

Despite the forecast of light rain apart from a few spots before the start and a couple more near Amesbury it had remained dry. In a couple of places there were puddles so there had been a few showers it would seem.

Zoe, my granddaughter.
Much better than a picture of me!

With still 7 miles needed to achieve my aim of a mile per year I popped into see my granddaughter Zoe who made me a cup of tea and provided enough leftovers from an end of exams party for my supper!

The last 6 miles home seemed easy. I managed it in under 30 mins.

Sorry no pictures taken en route, too busy riding!

Had a very pleasant evening after a hot relaxing bath watching cycle racing on TV and the very exciting cricket match between England & New Zealand.

Very many thanks to John and his team of helpers for the day for their hard work and dedication, the Certificates were produced by Caesar Slattery who also helped at registration and the finish check-in.    Registration was by Debs Chandler and finish check in with Caesar was Ken Ebbutt.

My map and Data for the day  from and to Alresford.

Tuesday 16th June 2015

Pink Pal led a group of 8 of us from Itchen Abbass to the Springs Coffee Shop in West Meon. She had chosen a good route, based on one of her training routes, along the valley to Ovington and then up Gander Down. After a short run along the A272 we turned off along the ridge past the Milbury's. We zoomed down Wheeley Down but then had to climb Old Winchester Hill. One wag suggested we should just ride to two miles to West Meon but we decided that would be wimping out and tackled the hill. Only the first few hundred yards is hard the rest of it being easily manageable provided one paces oneself. I was left behind by the stronger riders but am pleased to say I was not the last up the hill.
As we rode along the ridge to The once HMS Mercury we had wonderful views to both the NE and SW. 
PinkPal has set her heart on one of the new mansions being built on the old RN site. Just needs to win the lottery now.
We descended the hill to East Meon achieving around 34 miles per hour, the same average speed as Wiggo achieved for an hour. Imagine!
We decided to resist the temptation of the pub in the village and carried on to West Meon where we popped into the cafe. Service was a little slow and with some folk enjoying club sandwiches we were their for an hour and 20 mins, some coffee stop!
Eventually we got on our way and PP led us from Brockwood along the little lane to Hinton Ampner.
In Cheriton we split up with one lady deciding to ride all the way home and three of the Alresford Groupetta taking a long way round home via the battle site to the Ropley roundabout, whilst the others found there own way back to Itchen Abbas.

PinkPal's Excellent training route.

A most enjoyable ride. Thanks  PP.

Thursday 18th June 2015.

I was keen to try Tuesday's ride in trhe reverse direction and persuaded Simon that this was a good idea. We set off around ten o'clock to ride to the HCMF meet at Tichborne.

Here are Simon's Comments:

Another 30+ miles today to the Titchbourne Arms (all of 2 miles from home) so Bryce Mansfield led me on the reverse of the ride we did on Tuesday although slightly shorter. A good turn out of the Thursday Fellowship Group filling the beer garden, glorious weather. Bryce pictured here in East Meon where we stopped just before the climb to the top of Old Winchester Hill.

We climbed the hill we had sped down on Tuesday somewhat labouriously but Simon rewarded me at the Sustainability Centre's Beech Cafe with coffee and chocolate cake.This time our coffee stop was a mere 14 mins and we headed back towards our destination in Tichborne into a fairly strong breeze. The views were extensive with the Isle of Wight in the far distance. We are lucky to be able to ride in such a beautiful area. It was great descending Old Winchester Hill at speed , it was quite cool under the shade of the trees.

Having climbed Wheeley Down we knew our serious climbing was done and enjoyed the magnificent views from the ridge before descending through Beauworth to trundle through Cheriton to the pub in Tichborne.

Lots of interest in Simon's fabulous Paris Galibier bike. here he is with it together with his comments.

Eroica Britannia here I come! Over 100 miles ridden in the last 3 days, 70+ plus on the bike I'll being using for Eroica a 1952 Paris Galibier pictured here with me in period dress in East Meon today.

Eventually the day had to end and we soon covered the 2 miles home where I enjoyed a pizza and salad for a late lunch.

GRIDIRONMAN.

More social rides.

Monday 8th June 2015.

Paddy dragged me out to join him on a late afternoon ride just to keep our legs used to cycling!

We weren't going for any records and we chatted most of the time as we rode. We headed round one of our regular gentle routes going first through Tichborne and Cheriton and then to Upham. this was our most Southerly point and we returned home via Woodlands and lane End.

The sweetest part of the ride being the long downhill of Gander Down. Paddy easily outstripping me.

We were lucky at the A31 playing chicken with the fast moving cars and getting straight across without stopping!

Thanks Paddy for an enjoyable ride in the countryside.

For the record here is the map and also the data:

Thursday 11th June 2015.

No buddy to ride with today, they were all busy with work and other mundane matters!

I went to join the HCMF meet at The Phoenix, in Twyford. Of course that needed a little loop to get there so as not to ride the Itchen Valley too often. I took one of my favourite routes via Gander Down, (climbing it this time!), Owslebury and Hensting Lane.

Here is the map from which you can see the profile with the lumpy bits out of the way before lunch.

With the RV being near Winchester a number of my less able friends from the City were there, it was good to see them and catch up with their news, and tell them mine.

A busy week for me with other matters to deal with, so no time to ride on Saturday. Hope to be able to get out more over the rest of the summer.

Gridironman

Two social rides this week.

Thursday 4th June 2015.
Ride to The Sun Inn, Bentworth to join the HCMF for lunch.

It was my first Thursday ride for several weeks so I thought it would be good to catch up with my friends in the HCMF. The meet was at The Sun Inn, Bentworth, only about 9 miles from home so not too demanding. It was a lovely sunny day and I enjoyed trundling along at a gentle pace after the frenetic riding of last Saturday on the Sportive. Once through Bighton I stopped to take of my gilet as I was already warming up. I chose to test my legs up Chalky Hill to Hattingley instead of the more direct route to Medstead. I did set a new PB for the climb of 6 mins 55 secs, at an average speed of 5.8 m.p.h.

I was soon through Medstead and into Bentworth. When I got to the pub I found a modest number of riders there, they looked even fewer as they seemed to be secreting themselves in a number of different places, so after a chat with John Heath I took my lunch outside to share the craic there. I had a long chat with Don. 

David and Richard seemed to have disappeared so I thought they had gone, only to discover they were with Laurence in a hidey hole in a small garden I didn't even know existed.

I was very touched by the many messages of comfort and good will I had from all. Thanks, Pals. It really does help.

Eventually I headed off to ride home, but not even having ridden 10 miles so far I did take a longer route through Burkham and Axford and along the Candover Valley. As I entered Preston Candover a black van came out of the turning to Bradley. He appeared to think twice about coming out in front of me before stopping and letting me by. However after about 100 yards he overtook me, put on his hazard lights and stopped in front of me. I pulled out to pass him and he gave me a dirty look before driving off with maximum revs in a great cloud of black smoke. (Was he the wizard of The Candovers? And had I offended him? I made it home without further incident, so maybe not!). 

A good return to midweek cycling, long may it continue.

Saturday 6th June 2015. Winchester CTC ride to Curdridge for lunch at The Cricketers Inn.

Simon and I had decided to join this ride despite there being no appointed leader. We rode into the City to discover only three others had turned up to take part. After some discussion I persuaded the others to allow me to lead them to Curdridge as it was in a direction not often ridden by Winchester CTC Saturday group. 

This worked well. We did of course have to exit the City along the familiar cycle path to Hockley and then through Twyford before we turned off the busy road and meandered through Colden Common to Fishers Pond. 

We did a loop to the East before touching the outskirts of Fair Oak and then we headed for Durley, past Durley Church. We found a new interesting coffee stop at the Quob Stables & Equestrian Centre. Very busy with lots of youngsters and ponies. However the coffee shop was not busy and we were soon enjoying a refreshing cup. (Not the highest quality but OK).

It only took us another half an hour to get to our lunch destination , The Cricketers, Dundridge. Here we sat in the sun, wondering whether we should have stayed inside because of the cold wind. 

It was a while before our sandwiches arrived and also a while before they were eaten. They were very large!

After over an hour we resumed our ride heading through Waltham Chase to Swanmore. We turned for home here and pedalled our way to Bishops Waltham. Some chat here with a number of passing folk about bikes and exploits. 

We rode out of the town towards Fishers Pond and four of us turned up the lane to Upham while Mike continued to wards his home alone along the B2177. 

The hilliest part of the day now, the climbs to Upham and then over the hill to Baybridge and Oslebury and then finally cresting the South Downs Ridge via Gander Down, our highest point of the day at 527 feet. The descent into Ovington was of course great fun  and we had little trouble in crossing the A31 dual carriage way. In Ovington our paths split with Ken and Steve turning towards Avington while Simon and I made our way to Alresford.

It was a most enjoyable day out with friends despite the strong breeze.

Gridironman.