A Hilly Fifty, Another visit to Braishfield & Scottie's Maiden Trip.

Tuesday 7th March 2017.A Hilly Fifty.

I decided to join the Pedallers despite some recent problems with my energy levels. I rode to the start knowing that we would most likely be riding northwards so I could if necessary take a shortcut home. Having decided to head to Overton to start with, I led the group through Hunton and along the A30 towards Popham. We had several hills to climb before we got to Overton and  I drifted to the back. We paused in Overton to decide where to go next and the vote was onwards and upwards to Kingsclere. I set off immediately knowing the others would catch me on the hills. Take a look at the profile and you will see how the route challenged us. However it was a lovely day and the view from the top of White Hill and then a fast descent, (34 mph), made it all worthwhile. A huge kite flew over us as we climbed one of the hills and drifted away in search of other prey!

After a very enjoyable coffee break where the staff made us feel very welcome allowing us to move the tables so we could all sit together. Then we decided not to climb back up White Hill but take the busy main road for a little way and then climb the easier way to Hannington.

In North Waltham Cycmon and I left the others to find our own way home via the Candover Valley. Here we paused for Cycmon to change his library books:

I felt quite tired by the time I got to Alresford but not too much so that I found a creative last mile or too to ensure we had reached the magic 50!

Thanks to my 8 pals for looking after me so well.

Thursday 9th March 2017.

Another visit to the Wheatsheaf, Braishfield.

Having been to the Wheatsheaf last Saturday I suggested to Cycmon that we should find an alternative way to the one we had used then. Here is our map of the day:

Another lovely spring day which brought out a much larger number of HCMF members. It also brought out lots of lovely flowers both in the hedgerows and gardens, celandines scattered like flakes of gold and daffodils everywhere. The birds were singing well too, skylarks, robins and many others. I was so intoxicated by my focus on wild life that I totally missed spotting this magnificent vehicle.

Simon's comment:
Today I thought I saw a Ghost but that was just a Phantom of my imagination. In fact it was a Roll Royce Phantom with its huge 7 litre engine returning about 10 miles to the gallon outside the Bear and Ragged Staff. I had a good chat with the owner - sorry Bryce Mansfield for holding you back. Obviously the human body is far more efficient as I covered another 50 miles on a pint of beer and about the same in water! Today at the Wheatsheaf Braishfield for the Thursday Cycling Fellowship Meet.

Light and shade along the Test vall

My arms were beginning to ache for some reason so I needed a couple of stops to relax including a nice one by Crawley Pond.

Thanks to my pal Cycmon once more for his considerate company.

Saturday 11th March 2017.Scottie's Maiden Ride.

It was time to test Scottie as I will be riding him at a Veteran Cycle day next Sunday (19th March). 

Cycmon came to collect me bringing a saddle bag for me to borrow. He had deliberately chosen a very easy route for me as Scottie only has two gears. This was a good choice as I managed all of the hills

Gathering for the start.

We went to Twyford for coffee and cake at the Bean Below. Visited the Churchyard for a photo shoot too. We then rode to the centre of the City to join Ian and 21 others for the CTC Easy Afternoon Ride. 

I only rode about 7 miles with the group before I suffered what frank Spencer would call a "bit of bother". First my saddle tipped forward when I hit a section of rough road and then the rear mudguard started to rattle. One of the clips had broken. Well it was quite old! My guardian angel Cycmon stepped in and fitted a cable tie to stop the rattled and tightened the saddle clip. His work was not done however as near the ford we met a young lady from Winchester, Michelle, who had loose cleats. Simon was able to lend her a tool to tighten them to enable her to ride home safely.

Cycmon rode on to catch up with the others while I chatted with Michelle until we parted company in Itchen Stoke. I was home in time to see England annihilate Scotland in the Six Nations match. I did feel a little sorry for Scotland who did seem to have more than their fair share of bad luck.

I just hope you all had as great a week as I have had. Feeling much more like my normal self now!

Gridironman.

Pancakes and Windy Days.

Tuesday 28th February 2017.

The Pedallers Search for Pancakes.

Thursday 2nd March 2017.

HCMF Meet at The Royal Oak, 

Goodworth Clatford.

Cycmon persuaded my to take the interesting way to the RV, rather than going along the much travelled B3047. Interesting climb within the first three miles up Mollie's Dismount, with the very strong wind in our faces. It was so blustery at first that I was nearly blown off course as I rounded the bend by the cottages in Abbotstone. Thankfully the hill did provide us with some shelter as we climbed the lea side. Another cyclist who had been just ahead of us turned round and went back to Itchen Stoke. We battled on, taking sheltered lanes as far as possible but I still needed a breather at 11.5 miles, in Stoke Charity. 

The hill out of Barton Stacey was also a real challenge. I struggle on it normally (it is about 8%), but with the wind in my face I only just managed it. Once more I was grateful for a breather. This one on the wooden bench beside the trig point in Memory of Paul Fanes. 

Through Chilbolton and Wherwell we found it much easier as we were more sheltered. We arrived at the pub well after noon to find another six fellows there. Two more joined us later. A somewhat disappointing turnout for a beautiful sunny day. (OK perhaps it was too windy for some). We had a animated and enjoyable lunch with chats about ancient bikes, travel plans and the low numbers attending before setting off to find an alternative route home. Of course, as we know sod's law decreed that the wind would have abated considerably by now and was not even strong enough to wave the tree branches. On the plus side at least it wasn't in our faces. As you can see from the split times we could only just manage double figures for our speed to the pub compared with 11.4 on our way home. I was happy to get home for a reviving shower and a cup Rosie! Thanks Cycmon for supporting me so well when I needed encouragement.

Gridironman Cresting the hill 

between Leckford & Crawley in Bright Sunshine.

Saturday 4th March 2017.
Joined the CTC for part of the ride to Braishfield.

To avoid driving to Winchester I decided that I would instead shorten my day's riding by finding my own way to the Coffee Stop at The Waitrose Farm Shop, Longstock. This also meant I could go at my own pace which seems to have become slower over my last 20 rides.

My plan worked well. I left home around 9 a.m. and got to the cafe at 10:45. I had to wait nearly 25 mins before the Group started to arrive. Here is my summary of the day:

The day was a good one for me as I was able to link up with the CTC riders and enjoy their company whilst for most of the day travelling at my own pace. Of course I know they always accommodate slower riders but it does add pressure to the slower riders to go faster than they would ideally like. 

Gridironman.

Not my finest week ever!

I have had a very poor week this past week with only one ride of 33 miles. I'm afraid I just have not been my normal self, struggling to do anything much and taking time off to just take it easy and regain my normal enthusiasm for my usual round of cycling, gardening, housework and charity support. 

I am very pleased to report that I have had tremendous encouragement from my many friends and family which has helped enormously. I certainly think I should be able to join the Pedallers on Tuesday to hunt for pancakes!

My one ride was last Tuesday 21st February when I led a small group to Petersfield for coffee at The Cloisters Cafe. Here are more details:-

I was interested to find the pile of stones referred to in Ken E.'s report of his recent ride leading Winchester CTC. They are by the side of the A272 near Bramdean at the foot of the hill leading up to Brookwood Park.

We did find them and Simon took some photos. However it was disappointing to discover that they probably are not part of an ancient monument but are of recent origin. More details can be found here: http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=14762

The weather was dull but at least it didn't rain. 
I did manage to drive to the HCMF meet at The Fox, Ellisfield on Thursday to enjoy the company of about 20 members. A very good turnout considering the weather which although mainly dry was very windy.

My school report for the week must be "Can do better"!

Grid(not so)Ironman.

Groupetta Fitness Training

Tuesday 14th February 2017. 

Alresford Groupetta ride to the Bat & Ball.

All pictures by kind permission of Cycmon.

Comment by Cycmon:

My cycling at the moment is like one of my old school reports 'can do better'; 27 miles on Sunday 35 miles today. Bit of a difference from the 50-60 I was doing on most outings last year! Ah well at least I'm getting out on the bikes – today PinkPal, Gridironman and I rode to the first Headquarters of English Cricket - The Bat and Ball at Hambledon (well its actually about 3 miles out of the village). 

Thursday 16th February 2017.The Groupetta ride to The Hampshire Bowman to join the HCMF.

Cycmon is beginning to write my blogs for me and supply some great pics of us riding. Here are his latest comments and pictures (Slightly edited):-

28 miles ridden today to the Thursday Fellowship pub meet at the Hampshire Bowman. I must be getting a bit fitter because on a few of the hills I was able to ride to the top first, get my camera out and take a few snaps (but only just!). There were some pretty tough hills today as you will see from the pictures of PinkPal and Gridironman just about keeping the bikes upright at the summit of one climb! 

it was a much milder day but dull at first with the sun coming out nicely later. 

I had planned a short but challenging route to the pub as you can see from the profile below on my map and data sheet.

A log fire greeted us at the pub along with a fair number of our fellowship. Cycmon was "in the chair|" celebrating his recent ? birthday. We had a pleasant surprise. Our recent supremo, Angela, was also there, by accident, having walked there with a group of ramblers. 

We enjoyed a tasty variety of dishes, mine was ham, egg and chips. Ages since I'd had such nice ham. Definitely carved off the bone. Just as we were leaving, Paul arrived having ridden from Andover, 34 miles, well done. 

It was only a modest distance home to Alresford so we added a small diversion to enjoy the views from the ridge near the Milbury's and then descended to Kilmeston by a different lane. A nice fast downhill to enjoy. We easily topped 31 mph. 

It was so pleasant an afternoon that when I got home I washed the mud, accumulated over the last three  rides, off the bike before taking my own shower.

Another very happy day with friends who are now getting back their fitness. Problem for me is are they going to get too fast for me?

Saturday 18th February 2017.Alresford Groupetta "Audax". 105 km.

We had a great day out enjoying the afternoon sunshine after a misty start. Lots of avian activity, apart from the ubiquitous rooks cawing and jackdaws clacking we heard many robins, blackbirds. thrushes, a skylark and many others unidentified. 

Simon's comments:

Simon Turner

18 February at 19:37

With my current level of fitness (still much to improve) I thought today I'd manage 50 miles so the CTC Saturday ride at 33 miles and heading for my home town didn't appeal. So I suggested to Gridironman that we should ride to the Black Swan at Monxton to do a before and after photo as I had found a 1907 photo of this pub with a family of cyclists outside. We then decided to join Laa-Laa & The Flying Scot in Whitchurch so a mere 17 miles before we began. In short I rode 67 miles and Gridironman 66, unfortunately TFS's chain broke north of Andover near Stoke - as it happened by a  pub doing afternoon tea's (I reckon he'd planned it!). Marvellous day still chilly but sun breaking through and towards dusk the sun was setting right over the crest of a hill we were descending almost completely blinding us with its intensity. Not so lucky with the camera today the morning mist did impact the first few photo's. TFS suggested that Gridironman at 83 this year was probably the boy in the original photo!!!

We had a really excellent day. The only downside was a rather substandard lunch at the Hawk Conservancy. they were very busy and their standards had slipped.

We did at least get a picture of the pub. Apologies for the sweat on the lens! (All pictures are Cycmon's. Thanks for letting me use them). After lunch we crossed the very busy A303 to get into Weyhill. A somewhat nervous transit. We got over the first half of the dual carriageway quite easily but had to wait ages for a gap big enough to scoot across the second half. It is a viable crossing but needs extreme care as much of the traffic is moving at 70+ mph. We found a nice route from Weyhill through Penton Mewsey and Little London. The daffodils at the entrance to Andover Cemetery were in full bloom, a lovely splash of gold in the sunshine!

We left TFS at The Oak to enjoy his tea while we rode on to Whitchurch. Laa-Laa returning with the car to pick him up while we helped ourselves to tea before completing our longest ride of the year. 

Cycmon & I have agreed that as we did the same three rides and completed around 130 miles in the week that we should share the Ton Up Kid medal this week, ignoring any small differences in the mileage recorded.

Here are some more of Cycmon's pictures to enjoy. 

What is this world if full of care if we don't have time to stand and stare!

Our last few miles were enhanced by the utilisation of PinkPal's variance of the way from Northington home by descending the speedy hill to Itchen Abbas. Of course I also escorted Cycmon via the ford to Farewell Corner to complete a magnificent day.

 Map and Data  for the day:

 Gridironman.

Two more chilly rides.

Thursday 9th February 2017.

Solo ride to HCMF meet at IBM Clubroom.

Weather rather chilly so I decided not to take too long a route to IBM. I could not persuade any of my Groupetta Pals to join me, but at least that meant I could go at my own pace. I avoided the B3047 by taking the lane through Ovington. When I got there I decided to continue up over Gander Down to cross the A272 and thence to Owslebury and Colden Common. I was a little cautious with Posh but the gears worked perfectly so that was not a problem. However I seemed to have picked up another odd sound when I brake. I paused twice to adjust my brake blocks but this made no difference. When I chatted to other riders at the club they were of the opinion that if there was nothing loose and the wheel was sound I should continue as normal to see if the noise got worse or better! I have examined both the brake and the wheel and can find no explanation. Any ideas?

Near Colden Common as I was riding from Fishers Pond towards the roundabout a car pulled out of a side turning right in front of me causing me to brake very hard to avoid hitting him. He drove off without a care in the world. I was being followed by a large lorry which had slowed waiting for a space to pass and I can only speculate that the motorist "DSM" and thought the truck was slowing to let him out.

Although it was a cold and grey day I was surprised that there were only 8 of us there to share the club with dozens of IBM employees.

I had a most enjoyable plate of fish and chips at a very reasonable price whilst chatting to the others. 

When I left the club I took the drive round to the Northern entrance to explore IBM's beautiful grounds. (Well looked after by Kevin, a friend of mine !)

Back to the centre of Hursley Village and then the most direct route home. 

I was mighty pleased to pop into a hot bath and enjoy a soak when I got in. I stayed in so long I could hardly stand when I got out!

Sunday 12th February 2017.The Groupetta ride to East Meon.

Skipped riding on Saturday as it seemed rather chilly and I wanted to watch the rugby. Don't think today was any warmer, the maximum shown on my garden thermometer was 2º C only 1º more than overnight. However three of the Groupetta planned a ride at 10 o'clock. Sadly Andrew was feeling a tad poorly so wimped out, a wise decision as both Cycmon and I found that 27 miles was enough on such a miserable day. There were plenty of other brave souls out there, we passed a number of small groups, some solo riders and two largish groups. One unlucky guy had picked up a "Hampshire Diamond" and was replacing his tube near Tichborne village. He told us he was fine. I was able to confirm from a local man who was chatting to him that the cows on the farm there are indeed Herefords as I had thought. We got as far as East Meon before we decided to return home. We discovered we could get a coffee in the village shop. There was even a couple of chairs and a table for us to sit at while we warmed up. We were back in Alresford by 1 o'clock, perfect timing for lunch and then another Six nations match to watch. Here is my summary report:

Hardly an earth shattering week, but I did manage over 94 miles Though Garmin/Strava show less as Garmin failed to pick up part of my Tuesday mileage. The "fit" file was "unfit" having somehow been corrupted. This is a rare event, but i have had it happen before. On one occasion Ride with GPS did open the file when Garmin couldn't. Something worth remembering.

Looking forward to some warmer days this coming week.

Gridironman.

Gridironman Takes a Tumble!

Tuesday 7th February 2017.The Alresford Groupetta join the Winchester CTC day ride to Upham for lunch.

A lovely spring like day brought out 17 riders in all. Fourteen started from Winchester and 3 of us joined the ride on the lane to Tichborne near the ford. 

Things started to go wrong almost immediately when my front light fell off. I had obviously not secured it properly. I did not realise I had lost it but fortunately one of the others spotted it and rescued it for me. It appears to be quite OK.

The climb through Kilmeston spread out the group with yours truly helping to bring up the rear. From the ridge we quickly descended Wheeley Down to Warnford. 

As we climbed the hill, more problems, Eileen dropped her chain but Andrew W. always the gentleman stopped to help. This gave the rest of us a breather at the top of Old Winchester Hill. 

Our problems were not over, John punctured about a mile from the Sustainability centre. Knowing him to be very capable the rest of us continued and he soon joined us for coffee.

Andrew captured a picture of us Sustaining Ourselves.

Suitably sustained we returned along the ridge and descended to Droxford before climbing over the next ridge to Dundridge. The lane here was wet like it often is. A couple more hills to climb before reaching our next destination, The Brushmakers Arms, Upham. On the second of these wanting to keep up momentum I stood on the pedals with disastrous results, my chain broke and I came a cropper. Fortunately I fell onto the soft bank under the hedgerow and apart from being both a little shocked and winded I was OK. It wasn't until later that I discovered that my bike had also suffered some damage. The full extent to be checked tomorrow. (It is the first time that I have ever had such a mishap.)

Realising it was only about a mile to the pub I told the others to carry on and they did apart from Ian who stayed with me. I walked most of the way to the pub but was able to freewheel down one hill which made it quicker.

After lunch Andrew very kindly repaired my chain and got me mobile again. The group broke into a number of small segments from here with people dispersing homeward. Fortunately Andrew was still with me as I had some more problems with the chain coming off twice. We discovered the gear changing mech. for the chainwheels had been put out of alignment. Andrew made adjustments and I was able to ride home without further problems.

The left brake leaver has been pushed out of position by the force of my fall but continues to work OK.   

Out of position brake lever.

Andrew is going to replace the chain, re-position the brake lever and check the bike for me tomorrow. How good it is to have such capable friends. THANKS ANDREW!!

Finally just to make the day complete I had problems uploading part of the data of my Garmin Route to my computer, but here are the details.

Gridironman.

Winchester CTC Ride to Preston Candover.

Saturday 4th February 2017.

Only one ride this week due to weather and other Charity commitments. However, it was a very busy and enjoyable week. First at Naomi House, in the finance section, then preparing the Annual Return and accounts for Save the Children, Alresford Branch and last but not least helping with Winchester CTC, first at the committee meeting and then with the use of Face Book.

A chance sighting of a friend running in Kings Worthy and meeting another cycling friend near Oakley made Saturday's ride even more special. At one stage I appeared to have lost my bike!

Picture by Cycmon.

Down the Candover valley the snowdrops are now out in swathes and with so many birds singing can it be long before it is spring.

Here is my summary of the day.

Gridironman..

Welcome to Scottie!

My "New" Bike, Scottie. 

 The first part of the week is best described by my pal Simon:-

Simon Turner
28 January at 11:41

Bryce Mansfield joins the veteran cyclists following with his recently acquired 1946 F H Scott from the estate of the late Bob West. Bryce asked me to 'look over' his new acquisition but of course for me I couldn't stop at just that so I conducted a full 'sympathetic' restoration believing at first this was a prewar bike as the wheels are certainly 1935 (the SA two speed fixed being stamped TF5). The frame number had the leading character '46' - I have a 1949 F H Scott and my frame number begins 49XXX. The Williams cranks were stamped AI for 1946 and the GB brakes were the very first made in 46 i,e, without the stamped Hidiminium on the arms. Most work was in the mudguards those on the bike the rear was made up of at least 10 patches of different guards!! I did save the early reflector and swapped it with that on the replacement Feather Weights, I also cut the spearpoint on the front guard and hand made the QR special bolts (stainless) and brass wingnuts. 82 years of age had taken their toll on the chrome on the Dunlop Special Lightweight rims (26 x 1 1/4) - front came up OK the back I clear lacquered to prevent rusting. Add appropriate wingnuts all round, stripped and re black enamelled the very rare two speed SA level and cable roller (they were painted red!).
As I had added wingnuts to the front Solite hub I decided to make a clip to mount the milometer on the fork blade rather than it drop to the ground every time the wheel was removed. The bar stem was bent and the brake levers had wildly different curvatures! I chunked the modern cork tape glued over the entire handlebars and levers, removed all the scratches from both and polished up recovered in red cloth tape. The saddle is a pre 53 'Oval' Brook B17 Narrow - it had a nickel Brooks clamp in bad condition but I manage to make one good one out of 3 I had. Those going to the VCC Fishbourne ride in March will see Bryce and the bike as well as my 49 F H Scott. We both hope the weather is warm enough to wear our Welsh RED DRAGON jerseys as all F H Scott frame were the 'Dragon' model as Mr Scott's wife (like my own wife) was named Sarah and came from Wales so adopted the Welsh Red Dragon on the head and seat tube badges.

I did help a little, spending four hours removing rust from the rims which are nearly as old as me! I used Brillo pads and another type of kitchen scourer.

The pictures on the left are before, those on the right after refurbishment. The main noticeable changes are: 1. We have dispensed with the scruffy frame and saddle bag. Neither of them period correct anyway. 2. Replacement brake cable covers and handlebar tape. 3. Correct painting of the gear change mechanism. 4. Those very tatty mudguards replaced 5 Beautifully shined bell. 6 Rust has been largely removed from the rims.

As you can see from Simon's very detailed description he has done a magnificent job, a true labour of love! I am over the moon with the result and having ridden Scottie for just over a mile, I am looking forward to a longer ride on him. Very many thanks Simon.

Saturday 28th January 2017.

Groupetta Ride to Lasham for Lunch.

A modest week of actual cycling but one of great interest to enthusiasts!

Gridironman.

Spring is coming!

It has been a bit of odd week for me. A couple of good rides with my pal Cycmon, also PinkPal on one of them. Had planned to ride today, Saturday 21st January, but got very cold in the night and woke feeling awful. Decided it was best to stay in the warm and went back to bed until mid morning. Since then I have perked up and done a few chores including a short walk into town for a couple of items. Tomorrow I have family commitments so won't be riding then. So here is the details of my cycling week.

Monday 16th January 2017.

Despite the colder weather of the last few days I have evidence that spring is coming. The first snowdrops are out in my garden!

Although I did not cycle on Monday, it was a special day. I went to see Sue West along with Bob Damper to discuss the disposition of the late Bob's many cycles. Sue very kindly gave me a 1930s F.H. Scott. I carried it home on the roof of my car and took it straight round to Cycmon's to get his first impressions of it.

Over the next few weeks he is going to help (?) me check it over and give it a little TLC. I suspect it will be Cycmon doing most of the work! I hope to ride it to a Veteran Cycles Club meet in March.

The "new" bike. What do I call him? Scottie?

Tuesday 17th January 2017.

Spring can't be far away 2. Both Cycmon and Pinkpal came out of hibernation to join me for a gentle Alresford Groupetta ride to Bishops Waltham and back. A modest 30 miles.

I am pleased to say they both did well and are beginning to get back into form. The bad news for me is that when they are back to full fitness I shall once more be trailing on the hills instead of leading as I did up Ashton Lane, setting my second best time ever for that climb.

Whilst in Bishops Waltham we had a coffee before searching for the site of an 1905 bike shop in the Avenue.  See pictures below.

The original Bike shop.

Is this it today?

This is the results of our search. I am not sure that this is the same structure. This is Cycmon's report:

Getting back on the bikes now, Saturday joined the CTC Oops - Cycling UK Easy Ride: well I hadn't ridden for 3 months following the Hernia Op. That was 30 miles, Tuesday was another 30 miles - a ride of discovery to seek out a Cycle Shop in The Avenue Bishops Waltham from a photo taken in 1905. Pretty sure we found the corrugated roofed shack - now much modified.

Thursday 19th January 2017.

As Simon had an earlier appointment it was gone 11.30 a.m. before we set off to join the Fellowship meet in Twyford. Here is Cycmon's report:

Today 27 miles to the Cycling Fellowship Pub meet at Twyford. Bob Damper had one of Bob West bikes there - a 1933 Higgins Ultralite but with much later 50-60s components (see photo). Bryce also now has his own vintage bike again one of Bob West's a F H Scott of Ealing circa 1937-9 with much period correct equipment - a nice touch on this machine is the Sturmey 2 speed fixed (although it has a BSA freewheel sprocket on it) - also the later period RRA pedals! Well I should do over the 'ton' this week if the weather's OK for 50 plus miles on Saturday.

GRIDIRONMAN.

Very Variable Weather modifies riding plans.

Tuesday 10th January 2017.

Winchester CTC ride to Brambridge G.C.

Rode alone to Winchester where I joined 14 other riders for Martyn's ride to Brambridge G.C. for coffee. Present were: Martyn, Steve, Ken E., Eileen, John, Roy, Sam, Margaret, Sarah, Cliff, Jane, Linda and two others. One lady whose name I can't remember and one other. Please tell me if you know who I've missed! As we left the city we were joined by two more, Rob & Caroline, and yet another, Ken G. at the cafe. Margaret left us after Coffee so there were still 17 of us in the peleton. Rather a large number to manage on the busier roads. We did try to mitigate the problem by leaving gaps, but it is not always easy. 
Martyn took us to Farley Mount via Hursley and Standon. From here several riders took the short route back to Winchester whilst the rest of us took a loop to the west via Ashe to Little Somborne, Ken E. left us here. I found I was struggling to keep up now as I was getting tired & I don't seem to have the speed I had only a short while ago. Sporty is definitely slower than either Posh or Paris. Near Crawley the road was closed while the road is being repaired but we managed to squeeze past a large truck unloading asphalt.
We shed more riders in Headbourne Worthy and in the city but as 8 of us arrived at the pub we were joined by Julie and Andrew who had done their own ride to Overton.
After an excellent two course lunch enlivened by plenty of chat I headed home feeling very happy with the day, clocking up a total of 44+ miles.

Wednesday 11th January 2017. 

Took Paris to Newbury.

I had been having a clicking noise coming from the pedal/bottom bracket area of Paris and arranged for it to be investigated under warranty at the Specialized Concept Store.

I met horrendous grid lock in Newbury Town centre but eventually managed to get to the store just after 9 o'clock. Whilst the problem was being investigated I wandered around the town, making a few purchases at Aldi who had some nice sports clothing. The phone rang and it was the Store to inform me the job had been done. It was still not 10 o'clock! After I had collected Paris I did some more shopping and filled up with petrol at Sainsbury's. I was still home in time for a one o'clock lunch. A good morning result. After lunch I washed the car!

Thursday 12th January 2017.

A Short Wet Circuit to Milbury's and back.

I had intended to join the HCMF meet at The Crown, Kings Somborne but the forecast was for rain, snow and high winds so at 9.30 I set off for a short ride on Paris to check whether the fault had been fixed. I am glad to say it has been. Apparently it was the bottom bracket making the noise. The rain started almost as soon as I'd left the house and as it was quite light I carried on. It got gradually heavier as I rode and by the time I had completed the circuit I was pretty wet and muddy as Paris has no mudguards. Nevertheless Simon welcomed me with a hot coffee when I called at his, even putting Paris in the kitchen with my rain jacket to dry off. We had a lovely chat for nearly an hour before I headed home to wash, 1. Paris, 2. My kit, 3 Myself.

Saturday 14th January 2017. 

Alresford Groupetta join the Winchester CTC.

I agreed with Simon to join the Debs's afternoon ride with the Winchester CTC and he arrived at my home 5 minutes early. Such keenness! Just as well that we were early leaving Alresford as within half a mile a loud pop from Simon's front wheel meant a change of inner tube. I sped on to alert Debs that Simon was coming and he actually arrived at the meeting place just before 9.30. 

Here is my route with data for the day:

From this you can see we rode about 7.5 miles from my home to the start then about 9 miles with the CTC before about 11.5 miles back to Alresford. 
There were about a dozen of us riding including several who I had not met before including Robert from Alresford who was riding with the CTC for the first time. (Welcome Robert).
Debs, being uncertain of the state of the roads due to the recent adverse weather, had chosen to stick to the more well used roads, fortunately this did not cause any major problems and on the whole motorists were very helpful in assisting our passage out of the city.
I am afraid I led Simon astray, when we got to Stoke Charity I suggested that we took an alternative route back to Alresford to avoid "that road we all love to hate" to Kings Worthy and then the B3047. Whilst this was not part of a cunning plan in the event it soon found us warming ourselves in The Northbrook Arms by a lovely log fire whilst supping a choice of ales. Mine was Butcombe Bitter, one that used to be a favourite when I lived in Somerset.
From here home Simon was beginning to suffer from his recent absence from the saddle and suffer from the "burn". For once it was me having to wait at the top of hills! Well done Simon a great effort.
For me this was a much better week overall but I still have only ridden 126 miles this year so far, well below my target of 160 (80 miles per week). However it has been fun both riding and socially.

Gridironman.

A low key start to 2017.

5th January 2017.

First HCMF Meet.

A cold and frosty start to the day and the frost lasted all day in the shade. As a result I postponed my start until after 11 to avoid any icy patches. A fair number of the others had done so too but there were a good number of riders there considering the conditions. Some had come by car too so we did have another good social gathering. I had delicious fish and chips with mushy peas. The portions were so big I only just managed it.

I had opted to ride Paris for a change as the roads were dry and I soon realised her potential getting to the pub in well under the hour. However, I don't think I would be much match for the 105 year old who has just set some astonishing new records.

I was glad I had worn my cap, as the sun was so low and in my face over the last few miles from Totford to Home. 
Not many other cyclists on Strava Flybys today. Bob being the only other one at our lunch.

Sunday 8th January 2017.

Helping with the Check In of the Watership Down.

I decided not to ride this event this year but to help instead. My task was to assist with checking in the finishers. We recorded their time of finishing and checked their brevets were completed and signed. We also took orders for finishing badges and medals. 

I rode to the start in a fine drizzle thinking I was glad I'd not ridden the event. Business was quiet at first but around three o'clock the bulk of the riders started arriving. There were about 160 entries in total but about 25 had decided not to start. I have not heard how many completed the course, but I know there were some who did not finish.The majority of riders seemed to have enjoyed the ride despite the drizzly and wet conditions. Many of them were pretty well plastered with muddy spray but a few seemed remarkably clean. I guess a lot depended on who had been wheel sucking and who had been using mudguards!

I knew quite a number of the riders from a number of different clubs, so it was nice to be able to greet them personally.

By four o'clock we were down to about 25 riders still to come. They trickled in over the next hour and just before 5 with only a few riders left unaccounted I decided to head home. 

My first ride in the dark for a very long time. I found my headlight was excellent giving me clear view for 25 yards ahead and having enough power to reflect of the cats-eyes and road signs. It was raining gently but I did not get my jeans too wet and my cycling top kept my other ordinary clothes dry.

I enjoyed the experience of helping and was pleased I had opted to ride almost 12 miles. Interestingly, according to my Garmin I appeared to have ridden a tenth of a mile less coming home than going on exactly the same route! I was much slower too, why was that, only a little more climbing, not enough to cause that much difference. See my Map and Data here:

Gridiroman.