A good week for the Alresford Groupetta...

Surprisingly as the Autumn is just changing to Winter the group seems to have been more active. Here is the Leader Board for the week:

Congratulations to Cycmon for winning the TUK Award this week.

My rides were as follows:

Wednesday 14th November
LoTSW ride to Leckford Farm Shop.

Thursday 16th November.
HCMF Meet at The Phoenix, Twyford

Rode on my own to the pub. chose to go a slightly longer way Via Owslebury to test my legs over the ridge rather than using the busy route through Winchester. Found I managed quite well and was able to enjoy the views thinking I'd earned them. At the pub there was a good number of members and there was a very convivial atmosphere. I always enjoy our visits to this pub as the landlord is always very welcoming and cheerful. In fact it is a proper English pub. I had very good fish and chips.

After lunch I was joined by Cycmon for the return trip and we opted to go another "over the hills" way. Our highest point being over 500 feet. The descent to Cheriton is always exciting as we bombed down at around 30 mph, at one stage I was behind a van which was following Cycmon and I was having to brake to avoid running into the van. (I was of course in the wind shelter behind the van). Surprisingly this wasn't our fastest speed of the day which was on the sharp drop just after the climb from Morestead. 

I spotted the "duty" kite en route. Lots of Pheasants around, trying to hide from the guns we could hear firing in some areas.

In all a most enjoyable day once again.

Sunday 19th November.

To Petersfield for an All Day Breakfast.

Cycmon had been brave enough to ride with Andrew on Saturday whilst I wimped out at home enjoying the various rugby matches. (Well done England). But I persuaded him to join me for a ride on a much nicer day. We went a familiar route to Petersfield & back.

Once more spotted a kite. Perhaps I should just tell you when we don't spot one as they are now so common.

We managed just on 11 m.p.h. which I am comfortable with these days, I was riding Paris which is definitely the fastest of my bikes as long as the hills are not too steep.

I thought it was interesting to compare our ride today with one done by PinkPal a couple of weeks ago on a very similar route to Petersfield & back.

When we first started riding together some 9.5 years ago we were fairly evenly matched, though she was a little better on hills even then, as I was reminded on one of the Gridiron Audax events by a fellow cutting the hedge at the side of a hill who shouted "Keep up Dad!"

It is clear she is now far faster than me! 

I hope you have all had a good week on your own bikes and enjoy your rides on the coming one.

Gridironman.

Dodging the rain and basking in the sun.

What a mixture of weather and rides this week.

1. Tuesday, 7th November.

A good day out with the "Pedallers".

Despite the weather forecast I decided to join the Pedallers on a ride starting from Old Basing. I had studied the detail of the forecast and watched the rain radar and decided that the heavy rain would not arrive until mid afternoon. Fortunately my conclusion proved to be largely correct. Eleven of us set off with Dave leading us. He followed a route we had ridden before, heading into Berkshire.

For the first ten miles the roads were dry and we had a few spots of rain at times but we were quite dry by the time we got to our lunch break at the Hillier's Garden Centre at Hermitage. I had managed to keep up with the others for most of the time, but had to walk one steep pitch after we crossed the Kennet valley.

I tucked into a plate of delicious ham eggs and chips to fuel up for the return trip while the others enjoyed a range of other delicacies. 

We left the GC and shortly afterwards it started to rain on and off for most of the way back but it was not enough to spoil the day. One more climb, as we left Bucklebury, defeated me and I had another stroll(?). Several times when the group paused to regroup I sailed past and let them chase me. Saves them having to wait more often! (They are very patient and kind). 

As we left Old Basing the rain was much heavier and there was a lot of surface water, how lucky we had been with our timing!

Thanks guys for sharing a good day out.

2.Wednesday 8th November.

 A  lovely day for a ride with "LoTSW". 

Ian and I met with Alex at his home where we had a coffee while Alex outlined the planned route.

As we started up the hill towards Oliver's Battery I had a issue with one of my toe clips and Alex helped me sort the problem. Our main objective for the day was a visit to see the restored memorial in the churchyard of St. Margaret's Wellow. (The original was badly damaged by a falling tree about 4 years ago.)

Despite riding Posh with a lowest gear of 26" I had to walk again on the Hill up to Merdon Castle. Well it is quite steep near the top (10+%) and my legs were tired from yesterday.) At the next junction eager beaver Gridironman went the wrong way and had to retrace the way for a couple of hundred yards. Alex took us up another hill towards Farley Church. I puffed and panted my way up this one! (Only 8.5%).

I thought these LoTSW rides were supposed to be for folk who find the Pedallers' rides too tough!

At Poppies we stopped for a coffee and cake with David who had come there by car on his way home from Bournemouth. We continued to Dandy's Ford where we had lunch. I chose a toasted sandwhich with salad rather than a baked spud, remembering how it once took them over an hour to produce one for me on a former occasion. It was so warm that we sat outside in the sunshine to eat our lunch in beautiful lakeside surroundings.

On to St. Margaret's for our cultural break before we set off back to Winchester with an alternative route to Braishfield and then a return back over Merdon Hill and up Port Lane for more refreshments at Badger's Bottom. 

3. Thursday 9th Novemeber. 

Joined with Simon for a ride to 

The Half Moon & Spreadeagle Micheldever. 

Simon took me a slightly longer than direct way there and also on the way back. At the top of the hill from Totford we were joined by Steve who had come the long way from his home via Alresford. 

We had a good lunch together  and we were joined by Ann and Derek. It was good to get to know them a little better and exchange tales of daring do by bike! There were a good number of other members on two other tables nearby, mainly consisting of the most regular of members. It think it is disappointing that there appears to be almost no one joining the Meets these days from either Alton of Winchester. Fleet riders generally have their own rides on Thursdays so only join in one week in four.

4. Groupetta Coffee & Cake at Selborne.

Cycmon and I had arranged to meet at 10. When my alarm woke me at 8 my back was aching. Took a couple of pills and had breakfast and by 9 I was feeling up to it. Cycmon suggested we head towards Selborne so our first task was to climb Whitehill Lane, not difficult, but always a tester when one has not warmed up. 

As we rode through Ropley we saw a group of people waiting outside the village hall. Presumably they were waiting to join the Armistice Sunday service there as the Church is still under repair.

Shortly afterwards we heard a sharp crack. Cycmon had broken a spoke. Not a great surprise as he had been working on the wheel and spokes and this was a trial run. We had the wind behind us so we made good progress to Selborne. 

Simon paused to check the wheel again and then we had C & C at The Selborne Tea Room. Very good, also very enjoyable chat with a 94 year old gentleman and the lady proprietor. 

The road to Alton was extremely busy both ways and the very strong NW wind made it hard work as the road is very open a lot of the way. From Alton we chose to ride home via Theddon, Wivelrod and Medstead. A short but sharp hill up to Theddon, together with a head wind, defeated me and I had to walk a couple of hundred yards.

The wind at 700 feet was much stronger than it had been lower down and we were glad to drop down into the more sheltered lanes to Bighton. Cycmon left me to go home via Jacklyn's Lane. I was home by 1.15 p.m. after another good ride. 

Thanks Cycmon for your company and treating me to C & C.

Ten of the most enjoyable years with
hundreds of new friends.

Thanks to all my friends both near and far for helping making it all such fun.

Gridironman.

Hills and Dales

A fine week of cycling starting with a short but hilly ride from Whitchurch. Then the following day a HCMF meet and then on Sunday another visit to Bishop's Waltham.

Wednesday 1st November 2017
Last of the Summer Wine.
(Three old pals having fun).

I had been cautious about riding with the pedallers in the New Forest on Tuesday as I thought that would be too tough for me, but I think it would  have been no tougher that the short ride I did from Whitchurch to Kingsclere and back with my two friends Ian and Alex The route Ian led us was it seemed nearly always going up or down, very little flat riding.

We went from Whitchurch to Laverstoke via Micheldever Road and Laverstoke Lane. We turned back towards Whitchurch but then took the hilly lanes North to Cole Henley. We headed towards Watership Down and began the 3.5 mile section, mainly up hill, to the top of the Down. It was hard work over the last half mile which was around 10%. I managed to complete the climb just in time to get this snap of my companions cresting the hill.

Panorama from the top of the down.

The descent down the steeper side was great fun despite having to slow for two horses half way down. We continued onwards first up a short pitch and then down another long hill to Echinswell. Here we discovered a  caped silver Super Bear. Ian posed with him whilst Alex minded the bikes. The message by him was a touching farewell note.

From here we headed for coffee and cake in Kingsclere. 

Next came the climb up White Hill towards Overton. It was a bit of a struggle for me with another maximum grade of 10%. They waited for me at the top and we were soon down that hill and climbing another towards Cole Henley. We returned down the lanes to Freefolk  (Laverstoke) the same way as we can ascended earlier. On an impulse I asked the other two if we could go to see the Church of St. Nicholas which was hidden behind trees to the South of us. Curiously there is also the Church of St. Mary also very near on the North side of the road which is clearly visible from the main road. We were not disappointed the tiny church is a gem, looked after by The Churches Conservation Trust. For more information and a picture visit this site:

https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/church-listing/st-nicholas-freefolk.html

The last few miles were the flattest we'd ridden all day, but even there we climbed a couple more easy slopes. 

I said farewell to my pals and headed home for a refreshing hot bath. Very happy after a lovely sunny ride with pals.

Of course our day was graced by the appearance of a number of Red Kites as well as numerous pheasants who were dicing with death on the roads, but sadly didn't see any signs of Hazel, Fiver, Bigwig or any other rabbits.

Thursday 2nd November 2017

HCMF meet at The Jolly Farmer, Blacknest.

I had planned to join the group provided I felt able to after yesterday's hilly ride. I decided that it would probably be wisest to drive part of the way, to Alton, to avoid having too much climbing and a round trip of over 36 miles. This fitted in well with my need for provisions and I paid a visit to the super market on my way home. Here is the map of my ride:

When I was climbing the hill from Bentley Station I was caught by Steve and we rode together to the pub. Two other members already there Roger and Charles, two of the regulars. We were soon joined by others including Cycmon who had come by car to keep the battery charged up. (So he says). I thought the beer was rather dear and I was  a little disappointed by the food too. There was plenty of chat as always and overall I enjoyed the meeting.

I left intending to find a longer route back having only ridden 7.5 miles to the pub. As you will see from the data the flatter roads and with only one serious hill my average speed was much better. However I was pleased that I had decided not to ride the whole way from home. It sometimes wise to temper one's aspirations! 

It was a lovely day with the woods looking beautiful in the sunshine. I resisted the temptation to call at The Chocolate Frog in Oakhanger for a post lunch coffee before climbing Rhode Hill to Selbourne.  

I met three riders from Alton Cycling Club as I rode the last mile or so and we had a short chat. 

I soon loaded Paris onto Dobbin and went to get my shopping.

Sunday 5th November 2017.

Not a Gunpowder Plot! 

Just a visit to the Sweetshop In Bishop's Waltham.

At my suggestion the Alresford Groupetta decided on a Sunday trip as the weather forecast was much better than that for Saturday. In the end only three of us made it. We met at Andrew's at ten oclock. After a brief con-flab while Andrew collected his helmet and water bottle we decided that Bishops Waltham would be a good choice as we could be almost certain of coffee there. 
It was another lovely sunny morning though not many degrees above freezing. It did warm a little later but I none of us needed to remove layers!
As we climbed the hill past College Down Farm we saw a kestrel and a red kite circling right beside the road.  A few miles later another kestrel this one hovering on the wind.
There were a lot of other cyclists making the most of the weather including a large group stopped near the top of Beacon Hill. I couldn't make out where they were from as they had a real medley of jersies.
After a welcome break for C & C. Simon suggested that we should return home via Upham. This is a pleasant option to the busier Salt Lane with easier climbing. The sky was beginning to cloud  over now and there was still a keen breeze keeping us very cool.
As we neared The Milbury's we saw a motorcycle & sidecar turn into the car park so we stopped to have a look at it.
There were more  motorcycles there too. 

After inspecting them we decided to drop down the hill to The Flower Pots to enjoy a glass of their beers. We had each had a different brew. All brewed on site.

I was home just about 2 p.m. and a few minutes after I got inside the house we had a shower. Great timing!

Thanks to Andrew and Simon for their company and for going at a pace that I could manage.

Overall a most enjoyable week of cycling for me. I feel although I am still no where near my formal fitness I have been able to ride three sensible rides at a good pace. 

On Strava at the moment (There may be entries after 17:30) for our Winchester CTC group I am 20/56 on distance, 49/56 on speed and 24/56 on distance. Not bad for an Old Guy ?

More importantly than that is I have had three most enjoyable rides in good weather and lovely surroundings. That is got to be better than sitting watching TV! 

Gridironman.

Holiday Walks and a ride with Winchester CTC.

I have had a few days away in Cornwall with my family. We enjoyed a number of walks and a visit to the Seal Sanctuary. Came home in time to meet with the HCMF but was too tired to do so!

Was recovered enough to join Winchester CTC yesterday.

Our Holiday Cottage.

Visit to the Seal Sanctuary, Gweek.

On Sunday 22nd October we had a great lunch at the Swan Inn in Gweek and then visited the Seal Sanctuary. A gentle walk enjoying the seals, penguins, sea lions and Asian otters. Well worth a visit. 

Walk in the Grounds of Gondolphin House
 National Trust Property

Wednesday 25th.

The Sky over Pendennis Castle beginning to cloud over. 

I was a bit sore having slipped and fallen yesterday on a muddy path, but I was determined to manage the walk round the castle. it was well worth it. Lovely views in all directions. It was a very sunny day until it cloudy over just as we were ending our walk.

Walk around Pendennis Castle, Falmouth.
Saturday 28th

Saturday's Ride with Winchester CTC.

Gridironman.

Tuesday 24th we drove on a misty day to Gondolphin NT property and had a day of wandering around in the mist. Pity the weather was not better but it did make for a very silent day. No traffic or aircraft noise for almost the whole of our time there. 

Pedalling to Jolly Olly's for Coffee and Cake

Gridironman.

Recovery week five

I am pleased to say that I am gradually getting back towards more normal cycling fitness though the back pain is still present at times. Fortunately those times are not when I am riding one of my bikes. In fact I am certain that some riding has actually helped with diminishing the back and leg pains. 

Tuesday October 10th 2017.

Thursday October 12th, 2017.

Saturday 14th October, 2017.

Hoping to keep progressing over the next week or two.

Gridironman.

HCMF meet at Bartley Heath & The Gridiron 2017.

HCMF Meet at Bartley Heath.

The Gridiron 2017. 

Sunday 8th October.

I was very happy to complete this year's Gridiron. It was the ninth time I have ridden it in ten years.

At the start I met Tessa and two of the riders who were on my Dutch holiday earlier this year. After a few miles I teamed up with a young lady, Melissa. I gave her some advice & she tucked in behind me until the first checkpoint, it was nice to have her company. Riding at a gentle pace I was constantly being passed by other riders including many Alton riders sporting their Owen's jersies. Later I met Tessa a couple of times and also Freja, Frank, Janice and Dan at the two checkpoints.

St Leonards Barn Ruins

There were many animals on the roads so we had to take care. There were many ponies, cows, pigs and sheep. I spotted a couple of buzzards and at St. Leonards the jackdaws were roosting and nesting in the old barn ruins.

It was quite cool at first, but the day was gradually warming up with the sun coming out so I dispensed with my cap, arm & neck warmers. I decided that as I was not suffering any ill effects I would carry on. The middle section was the hardest and I walked short distances on four hills. I could have done with some of the lower gears i have on some of my other bikes. Nevertheless I was happy with my choice, Paris, as he was so easy to ride elsewhere.

I chatted with two members of The Wanderers Club from the Isle of Wight asking them if the knew Hilary. They told me she was on the ride, but sadly I never met her.

The next 10 miles were much easier but when I got to Crow Hill I realised I needed to stop to feed and sat on a gravel bin by the side of the road watching the many other riders puffing up the hill. I ate a whole packet of  Haribos. They gave me enough energy to follow the correct route round Burley, many other riders cheated going through the village. With just 6 miles to go I had another break, sitting on the grass at the side of the road, once more giving the thumbs up to riders coming past as they asked if I was OK. There was certainly a great camaraderie amongst nearly all of the field. There were a few who were in such a hurry that they squeezed past when it really wasn't safe.

By the time I got to Lymington I was pretty well exhausted and had to walk up the last hill to the check in.

Here I was greeted by Clyde, and his good lady, who seeing my distressed state went and got a cup of tea for me with two sugars! We chatted for about 20 mins while I recovered. As I went outside I heard a shout, it was Andrew & Simon who had just arrived. After a brief chat I headed for home. 

This was the worst part of the day, I headed for Lyndhurst only to realise that this was a mistake queuing traffic for miles, I revised my route and went via Beaulieu, later on the motorway more jams so I went through Eastleigh & Twyford and was home in about 1 hr 20 Mins. (I did message Andrew to advise he should avoid Lyndhurst.)

Neck Wear

Musette & Water Bottle.

This year the Wessex CTC presented goodies at the finish, now I know why the price had gone up to ten pounds.

Medal & Carnet.

I had a nice arm bath when I got home then collapsed in front of the telly. This morning apart from feeling a little tired I am thankfully very well.

Happy cycling to you all who enjoy it.

Gridironman.

George to George and HCMF Meet at the Cricketers.

This week I have enjoyed another two rides clocking up over 30 miles. I had hoped to enjoy another but decided against it when I had a minor relapse with bad pain in my left hip area yesterday morning. I think I did too much gardening and maybe taking 5 bags of rubbish to the tip was not a good idea. My brother said he has had a similar problem which is the change in the weather combined with O.A. (Which my doctor diagnosed recently)!

A meeting with the Pedallers at The George, St Mary Bourne.

Tuesday 26th September 2017.

Thursday 28th September 2017.

Meet with the HCMF at The Cricketers at Tchborne Down.

Gridironman

The Recovery continues.

Four rides this week.

Monday 18th September & Thursday 21st September.

Saturday 23rd September 

Sunday 24th September.

A very satisfactory week. A modest distance ridden overall but at least I am mobile again. Total distance for the week according to my Strava records of  38.8 miles.

 A credible result!

Gridironman

Back on the bike.

Sunday 17th September 2017.

After almost three months of being unable to ride I have at last managed a gentle couple of rides. 

The first was only very short, just a couple of laps around the block. Today I managed close to six miles; from home to the Ropley roundabout and back. I am riding Tiny at present as he has front suspension forks and a sprung saddle post. These should help smooth out any bumps.

A newly spruced up Tiny.

My long standing friends will be thinking "Tiny, I thought G'Man had sold him some years ago."

The answer to this is this; my very good friend Alex bought Tiny from me for his brother Andrew to ride. He has since discovered that Andrew had not ridden Tiny for some time and arranged for Tiny to be returned. Andrew came last Monday accompanied by Alex and Chris and after Tiny was secured in my garden room we all went to the Swan to celebrate. Interestingly it is almost exactly ten years ago that I first bought Tiny on 13/9/2007 for the princely sum of £281.94. (At that time I thought that was a lot to pay for a bike!)

Since last Monday I have pumped up the tyres, done a quick wash to remove the dust, quickly cleaned and re-oiled the chain and removed a little rust. Then on Thursday I ventured out. I was alarmed to discover how wobbly I was for the first few hundred yards but I soon got more confident and having done one lap went for a second. I found no problems with my back and although my legs were fine they did feel a little stiff the next day.

Today I did the longer effort. Here is my Map and Data for the ride:

I rode from home to the Ropley Roundabout. Gears used were all on the middle sprocket (38 teeth) whilst on the rear sprocket I used mainly 4 to 7 (between 15 to 28 teeth). I was pleased with my time which was very near to the time I did the same trip for the first time on Tiny almost exactly ten years ago on 2 Oct 2007 when I did it in 30 mins.

It was great to be back on the leader boards of both the Alresford Groupetta and  Winchester CTC Strava, propping up the tables in both cases I suspect.

Now some 5 hours after the ride I am feeling good, though I suspect I might be a bit stiff in the morning.

Over the last three months I have had a great many visitors, in fact Mary and her husband Jeremy dropped in to see me just after lunch today. Last Monday I had the pleasure of entertaining John Moon and returning hospitality to Fiona another M2M friend. She came to stay the night before I took her to Portsmouth to join Nic and Julie en route to a coast to coast in Spain. In Portsmouth I was able to enjoy another reunion with Peter and David who were also on the M2M last year.

What a lot I've written after being dormant for so many weeks. I hope you all enjoy it and your own cycling.

Best wishes,

Gridironman.

Tour de France Watching.

Many of you will already know that I have not ridden a bike since 22nd of June when I rode to Ouistreham to catch the ferry back to England. This is because I am suffering with severe back and sciatic pains which are gradually getting better. (I hope). 

It is unlikely that I shall be able to ride before the end of the month and then I shall have to take it steady. If all goes to plan I should be able to join the CTC Birthday Rides Week in Gloucestershire in mid August. 

If being unable to ride for the last three weeks is not enough I have also been unable to drive for the last four weeks due to another medical problem. Thankfully I can do so now but a short test drive to Hinton Ampner on Monday was quite painful to my leg. I guess that I need to give it another week or more before I can drive any distance.

I have been considering discontinuing my blog permanently. However if there are sufficient folk interested I will recommence when I get back on one of my four bikes. Please let me know if you are interested in the ramblings of an OMIL.

In the meantime  I have at least had the Tour de France to keep me entertained and yesterday I had a visitor who came to cheer me up. Grant, who was one of my M2M companions last year, came on his lovely yellow Triumph Bonneville motorcycle. We had lunch together thanks to Tesco's £10 for a meal for two deal. It was great to catch up and share memories of past glories!

I have been following the exploits of my friends on their bikes and have been pleased to see they have been making the most of the fine weather to enjoy some good rides like this one:-

Just wish I was with them.

Gridironman.