More like Spring!

These last few days has seen an improvement in our weather here in Hampshire. Two rides without any significant rain and some nice sunshine, much warmer too. On Thursday 5th April I rode alone to the HCMF meet at Soberton. When I got there I discovered I had been following Steve about ten minutes behind. We had a good lunch together before we said a brief hello to the others who had chosen to go into the bar instead of the dining room where tables had been reserved for us. Steve and I rode together the "easy way" to Old Winchester Hill. We parted here and Steve went on for a much longer way home via Four Marks.

It was a very enjoyable ride, thanks Steve for your company.

Map and Data for Thursday 5th April.

Today Saturday 7th April I had a most enjoyable day out with a small number of friends who I had not ridden with recently. Here are the Map and Data with a brief description. 

I enquired at the pub about my friend Laurence John, who was the victim of a horrible accident a couple of months ago,  and had the good news that he is back home and has been in the pub a couple of times.

The violets near Northington.

Some of the flowers in my garden. Not bad seeing how much I've neglected it these last 12 months! 

Thanks PinkPal, Kate, John and Ken for your good companionship on and off the bikes. 

Gridironman.

Soggy Roads.

I have been watching the program on TV following seven people walking the Camino de Santiago. I found it very interesting and reflecting on how it had affected them I realized that in many ways their pilgrimage was like my experience riding the M2M in 2016. It is a challenge and needs some determination to do it. The rewards are immense, making many new friends, seeing new places, enjoying the countryside and sights along the way and feeling on top of the world. I was blessed by having 15 others to ride with who all had their own challenges. We got along so well that I am in regular contact with most of the group. I am planning to meet up with two of them in April to renew our friendship and hopefully to have a couple of rides together. In the meantime I am trying to stay fit and prepare Dobbin for my trip.

This is my Saturday outing:-

Saturday 31st March 2018.

After a very wet week I was inclined to go out whatever the weather. In fact it was not too bad at all. I was away just before 11 a.m. and had little idea of where I was going. I was on Sporty who had not been out for a ride for ages but I found he was going well so I decided to go to the Golden Glider, Lasham. It started to drizzle as I stopped to take my picture in Brown Candover but that didn't last long. In Preston Candover I met a couple of riders who had stopped to fix a flat. Since getting home I have identified one of them by using Strava Fly Bys and have sent him a message In Ellisfield

I was scared out of my skin when someone fired a shot gun just the other side of the hedge. A number of other shots rang out, pigeon shooting?

There were a few other bikes about and fortunately not too many cars. Nice piece of Bakewell Cherry Cake and a coffee at The Golden Glider and then a ride home in much nicer weather, except for the last half mile!

Not much to report regarding wild life, lots of daffodils , a number of Robins singing, a few blackbirds and a squirrel. No Kites.

Sunday April 1st 2018.

Was it an April Fools Day. Not at all I had a lovely morning. 

Continued to ride Sporty testing whether he would be a better choice than Posh for my Camper Car outings. He does have slightly lower gears than Posh but he is also a few pounds heavier which rather negates the advantage, I also find him harder to climb onto, so I think I will stick to my original decision to take Posh. (Don't want to risk Paris.) 

Thanks to all my friends both new and old for supporting me on my many rides and in many other ways. 

Gridironman.

Puddles & a Tumble

An abbreviated week of cycling with other commitments and snow affecting us. However I did manage to get in two rides on Wednesday and Thursday. 

Wednesday 14th March 2018.

Thursday 15th March 2018.

Ton Up Kid medal won by Gridironman!

It has been another good week for cycling with much improved weather. I was very happy to have managed over 100 miles in a week for the first time this year. I enjoyed three rides which were all different. Thanks to my companions on those rides for making the days such good fun. Here are the details:-

Tuesday 6th March, 2018.

Thursday 8th March, 2018

Sunday 11th March. 2018.

Gridironman.

Checking out the Snow Drifts.

Sunday March 4th 2018.

Fast Melting Cornices 

Puddle Ahead.

It was only about 4 ins deep so I was able to trickle through it without getting wet.

Only one ride this past week, but lucky to get that in. Saw very few other cyclists about, none in the snowy lanes.

Gridironman.

The Yew Tree & Circuit via Petersfield.

Thursday 22nd February 2018.

Joined the HCMF for lunch at the Yew Tree, Lower Wield.

Here are my route and further details:

Sunday 25th February.

On my way home I paused to get my breath before climbing Wheeley Down.
The Shark was looking good in the sunshine! 

I could only manage 27.4 mph freewheeling down from the Milbury's as I was riding into the wind for this descent. 

It was a good ride despite the cold as I was well wrapped up with 5 layers on. 

I was however for once disappointed by the quality of my food at Cloisters which is usually good. I had baked potato with Chilli con Carné. The spud was fine but he chilli had not been cooked into the mince, I think the cook had only sprinkled it onto the sauce and not mixed it in as it was non existent in some parts and moderate in others. They did ask if everything was OK and when I told them I was disappointed they reduced my bill, so I was happy with that.

Gridironman.

Too busy walking!

Just got back from a few days of dog minding and walking, that combined with the wet and windy weather on Tuesday meant I only had one ride last week. Still it was a very enjoyable one despite getting caught in the only 15 minute shower of the day! Here are the details:

Thursday 15th February 2018.

I managed to persuade Cycmon to join me. I t was a nice morning with sunshine but although a little warmer than of late it was still quite chilly. I had decided to go the hilliest way and come back an easier one. The climb along Chilbolton Avenue is a steady one so I gained height without too much puffing and panting. The next four miles are either up or down. That is the shark's teeth between four and five hundred feet. Some of these little pitches are quite steep and I had to keep zipping up and down the gears. When we neared the top of Farley Mount we could see the Memorial Stone shining brightly in the sun. We spotted a couple of riders about two hundred yards ahead but despite my best efforts we couldn't close the gap. The road was surprisingly wet in places where the large puddles hadn't had time to dry out. I heard my first skylark of the year as we neared Ashley.

WE were soon through kings Somborne and at the pub where we arrived at the same time as half a dozen others who had all ridden there separately. What timing!   

Of course the disadvantage of this is that unless one is swift it means queueing at the bar to order food and drink. 

In all there were around 20 of us, mainly the regulars but being this far south and west no one from North Hampshire or beyond apart from Paul who had come from Andover via the Woodford Valley.

We enjoyed lunch and the craic so much that it was nearing 2 o'clock by the time we set off for home. The wind was with us so that was good, at first, but then as we neared Crawley it clouded over and it started to hail. Unfortunately as we were going with the wind it lasted longer than it might have otherwise. It turned to rain as we were near Headbourne Worthy and by the time we got to Itchen Abbass the sun was out again so I accompanied Cycmon over the ford to Farewell Corner.

When I got home I found that my winter jacket had kept me almost dry but my feet were a bit damp and muddy.

Thanks Cycmon for keeping me company on the ride and for all the others who had made it such a social day too.

Will not be riding on Tuesday or Wednesday as I am visiting friends in Sutton Coldfield.

Gridironman.

 

Up Hill Down Dale!

Sadly I am beginning to find most rides are getting much harder than they were even a short time ago. I have had two good rides this week but I did find both of them tired me out quite a lot even though they were not that long. They did however contain some "nice little hills". 

Dobbin

Of course even a year ago  I was planning on using a camper van to take me to other places so I can enjoy shorter rides. I now have Dobbin and I have fitted a bike rack and curtains and I am going to the Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham soon to see what else I can pick up to make myself comfortable. So this blog will I hope become about both motor car touring/camping with bike rides.

Watch this space.

Tuesday 6th February 2018.

A ride with the Pedallers.

It was a small group of us braving the cold weather, but we were all well wrapped up and soon got warm riding. Dave had chosen a hilly route to pop over the border into Surrey. There were some pretty nasty pot holes in places and several places where they were very muddy. We found a nice café to have a nice snack, I had croque monsieur. Not had that for ages, it was very tasty.

The hills on our return to Old Basing were much easier and I even led the group at times! 

Thanks Dave for leading us. 

Thursday 8th February 2018.

The other Groupetta members being otherwise occupied I rode on my own to the HCMF meet at the Farmer's Home, Durley. I chose to go via Gander Down as I'd not been for a while. The snowdrops are at their best by the side of the river in Ovington now. A bird of prey was chasing the small birds over my head as I climbed the hill. Not sure which one it was as it all happened so quickly. Possibly a Merlin? It didn't succeed in catching one.  I had been late starting as I had been for a check up at the dentist, but I still was at the pub by 1:45 p.m. I believe we were 14 in total. A nice number as it gives one the opportunity to chat to nearly everyone. I had an excellent lunch before setting off home. The wind was behind me down the hill into Beauworth and I clocked over 36 mph freewheeling from the Milbury's, but was still unable to beat my record freewheel through the village. It drizzled a bit as I rode into Cheriton and the road was extremely muddy. A van driver stopped me to tell me to take care as it was very slippery and another cyclist had taken a tumble. By the time I got home the rain had stopped and the roads were dry.

Friday 9th February.

A meeting of cycle friends for dinner hosted by Kathy and Kevin. A lovely evening of good food and good company. Thanks guys!

Sunday 11th February.

The gang on the bridge at Chilland.

Ten of us met at Ovington park for a short walk to Chilland. We found the path across the fields to Easton far too slippery with deep mud so eight of us cut our walk short and drove to the Golden Lion, Winnall, Winchester where we were joined by Alan for a most enjoyable roast lunch. 

Chris with friend.

At Lunch.
Caroline the Project manager telling me what to do while Ken, who has heard it all before, looks on.

Gridironman.

Last ride in january, first ride in February.

Once again I have managed to choose fine days to ride. Today Sunday it was much colder than Tuesday with a strong NE breeze. Andrew rode with me on both rides and today we even managed to get Cycmon to join us. He is not so fit as usual having had a nasty cold and has not ridden for a while. He did manage to keep up!

Tuesday 30th January 2018.

A Pedallers ride to the Waitrose Farm Shop and Café. It was another very social one, it amazes me how we always seem to find plenty to talk about. Bill was most kind, keeping me company when I drifted off the back of the group.

Sunday 4th February 2018.

A late start which suited us all. It was a little warmer than it had been earlier in the day but I was glad I had on five layers because of the strong NE wind bringing cold air down from the artic.

Gridironman.

Combination of Groups.

This week was a mixture of sunny and wet days. Because Tuesday and Wednesday were both wet some of the Pedallers chose not to ride on Tuesday and the LOTSW  decided to cancel their ride on Wednesday. I was riding on Thursday to the HCMF meet at East Worldham so I suggested that they should join me, meeting at my place for coffee at 10 o'clock. I also invited anyone from the Alresford Groupetta to join too. In the end Alex was unable to come because of a problem with his car and I was joined by David & Ian from LOTSW, Andrew from the Groupetta and Alan, who is a member of both The Pedallers and LOTSW, rode directly to the pub.

Thursday 25th January 2018.

The forecast was for the day to be mainly dry with a fair amount of sunshine but with the chance of a short rainy spell between 1 and 2 p.m. The forecast was spot on. (With the crafty use of the rain radar app on Andrew's phone we were able to avoid leaving the pub at the wrong time.)

I had planned the route using a new app I discovered recently which you can view here:

https://www.plotaroute.com/route/551789:-

You might like to compare it with our actual ride which was basically the same with two variations to avoid one steep hill in the shade by climbing through Theddon and Wivelrod instead of Beech and to avoid the very mucky lane from Medstead to Bighton.

The plan worked very well. Alan duly joined us at the Three Horseshoes along with about 16 other riders including Bob from Chandlers Ford, Roger from Hartley Wintney, 6 from Fleet CTC, Don and Steve (Winchester CTC) and Nora from Alton who came by taxi to join us.

The food was fine, I had a ham omelette with chips and salad for a reasonable price. Andrew kindly bought me a coffee to while away our time while we admired the rainbow through the window.

I was glad we had waited for when we got going the roads were flooded in many places from the heavy showers.

It was a very good day out and I was pleased that some of the others had enjoyed being lead along unfamiliar roads.

I had even managed to clock up a couple of PBs.

Sunday 28th January 2018.

Late up and didn't feel much like going out for a ride, but by the time I'd had my morning cuppa and some cereal I felt much better and got Posh out of the stable and saddled up. I decided not to push myself but be sensible and just pop to the pub. (Via Ropley and Privett?) Well I did need to work a little for my reward.

I tried to avoid the gravel and reduce the risk of a Hampshire flint doing its nasty work by sticking to the busier roads until I got to the A32. Time to turn back or at least to not go any further away.

Most of the minor roads were OK too but there was a huge puddle at the bottom of Brewers Lane. Not being sure how deep it was and what potholes lurked I got off and walked along the verge.

A rewarding visit to Privett Church. First time I'd been inside since I visited some years ago with my friend Don. I must go back another day when I am not so pressed for time to discover more.

By the time I got home I around 2.30 p.m. I was ready for my lunch, home cooked fish & chips with onion rings. 

Glad I made the effort.

Gridironman.

The Bear Necessities!

With rain forecast for the weekend I made sure I got in a couple of rides earlier in the week. Not a bad decision.  First was a Pedallers ride on Tuesday and then on Thursday I joined the HCMF at Easton. Today, Sunday, I have been to Mottisfont in my car to see the Heath Robinson exhibition at the National Trust Property. It was well worth the visit, very interesting selection of his work over much more of a spectrum than his crackpot  mechanical designs.  Check it out if you can. Click here for more details:-                 Heath Robinson

Tuesday 16th January 2018.

Feeling a bit below par I was unsure whether to join the Pedallers, but persuaded myself not to be a wimp. I was so glad I did go as I greatly enjoyed the day.  I joined two other Pedallers and led them over the hill via Spiers Lane into the Candover Valley. We paused for a photo shoot in the woods. 

My two friends chatted as they rode which suited me as I could conserve my breath for climbing whilst enjoying their discussions.

We were soon dodging pot holes as we climbed through Ellisfield to Herriard and Graham had a minor problem with his gears. 

This was soon sorted and we decided to go on to South Warnborough for our refreshment break. The village shop here has a thriving café with a very good menu.

The Naughty Corner.

 I chose the "Little" breakfast, it was very good, sausage, egg, bacon, beans and fried bread with a cappuccino for just over a fiver. Larger breakfasts are available! I made my pals sit in the correct spot in the Café. 

Eschewing the option of riding along the busy main road (B3349) we varied our return by taking a very muddy lane back to Upton Grey. I was a bit slow climbing the hill back up to Herriard but my pals waited for me at the top. We were passed by a couple of huge tractors pulling massive trailers at high speed. Very intimidating!

We meandered our way back through Medstead which I had planned to avoid as I dislike Trinity Hill but I had no option as they disregarded my shouts when they went the wrong way. I took control getting ahead and we went down Armsworth Hill to Old Alresford to see Chris's motor caravan. A lovely machine much plusher than Dobbin. 

It had been a most enjoyable day in which we had enjoyed the best of the weather.

Thursday 18th January 2018.

I was keen to have a ride and as the HCMF meet was only 5 miles away I thought that I might join the Fellowship without too much stress.  I cycled into town to pick up a prescription and then I had the mad idea of heading to Easton via Totford. I got on so well that having climbed the hill from there to the top of Northington instead of turning towards Itchen Abbas I decided that I would turn the other way and make a longer trip by going through East Stratton, Micheldever, Stoke Charity and Kings Worthy. I had a strong headwind in places but the miles soon clicked by and I realised that I would be not quite up to 20 miles by the time I got to the pub so I added another little loop to get close to that mark. I went down Chilland Lane to cross the River Itchen by the footbridge. It has been a favourite spot of mine ever since I used to regularly visit it to play Pooh Sticks with Hugo and Zoe. The reflection of the sky on the river were so beautiful that I took a couple of pictures. 

River Itchen looking downstream from the Chilland Bridge.

River Itchen looking upstream from the Chilland Bridge.

As you can see it was a lovely sunny day if a bit chilly. From the bridge a short walk along a rather muddy footpath took me out onto the lane between Avington and Easton. Here, quite by chance, I met Julie who had already been to the Cricketers and was off for a longer ride home. After a brief chat we parted company and I arrived at the pub to discover I was still a tiny bit short of my intended 20 miles. A nice gathering of most of the regulars I would estimate nearly 20 of us had attended though not all there at the same time.  After a very pleasant lunch a a chat over a pint I set off home by a much shorter route.

Snow drops Ovington.(Click on picture to see full size screen).

It was nice to see that the snow drops are coming out, though not yet in their full splendour. Here are the ones near the Bush Inn in Ovington.

I arrived home feeling very happy with my day. 
Here are the usual route map and details.

Gridironman.

Mixed Fortunes.

Due to other committments and health issues I only managed two rides this past week.  On Tuesday I was unable to join the pedallers due to a painful strain in my thigh. It had started on the ride on Saturday and although it was much better by Tuesday morning I felt it wise to rest it for another day. Just as well I stayed at home as the electrician called to connect my new cooker.

The thigh was fine by Wednesday 10th January so I joined the LOTSW group. Here are my data and map for the day:-

After I left the other two, near Northington I passed Martyn on his way home too I guess. I am not sure if he recognized me as I called out and stopped for a chat but he did not stop. At the top of the rise near Mollie's Dismount No:2 I stopped to take some pictures of a helicopter using my new camera to try out the zoom. The pictures were not a great success as it was difficult getting the aircraft into the frame. However, I did learn more about the camera.

Thursday 11th January 2018.

Despite my problem with the puncture I did enjoy my day with a good number of riders at the pub for a chat, though by the time we had got the bike back in shape to ride home time was getting on and the majority had gone . Half a dozen kept me company while I ate lunch and Mick even offered to buy me a beer. I declined as it should have been me buying him one. So, Mick, next time I see you I will make sure I treat you to one. 

I was offered a lift by John who had come by car. I was also reminded by Don that it is a good idea to carry one's bus pass as that can be useful if the problem cannot be fixed. The bike can always be left somewhere safe and collected later on or the next day.

I have had a busy weekend with my daughter visiting me for lunch on Saturday. She helped my clear out some of my old clothes to go to Oxfam. I also had a long overdue go at reorganizing my utility room and garage. I took two loads of rubbish to the tip and another load of recyclables to friends and family!

Phew!

Gridironman.

Welcome to 2018!

I had planned to ride on Tuesday 2nd but wimped out as I didn't fancy getting wet. Then on Wednesday the winds were so strong I opted not to ride again. I have always been wary of strong winds since when coming home from The Avenue G.C. a few years ago I had a narrow escape in Lasham Village when a dustbin lid flew over my head. I took shelter under a hedge watching branches being hurled to the ground from a nearby oak tree. (I had chosen NOT to shelter under it). When the wind had abated after about 20 minutes I continued home having to circumnavigate no fewer than 6 fallen trees on my way.

My original report with pictures can be seen here: 

https://gridironman79.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/squall-like-no-other-and-fallen-trees.html

I had other matters to attend to on Thursday but I did manage to join the HCMF meet at the Coach & Horses in Sutton Scotney by camper van. A good number there considering there were still very strong winds.

I did at last manage to get out on my bike on Friday. The first time I had ridden with the Winchester CTC on a Friday.

Friday 5th January.
To The Hawk Conservancy

It was a very good day for me despite the hiccups! It was most enjoyable to see many of my cycling friends I'd not seen for sometime and have a chance of a chat. 

Saturday 6th January.Another ride with the Winchester CTC.

Many of the same riders as yesterday. This time I only did a modest 21 miles with them after meeting them at the Swan in Alresford. Bob took us a most interesting way to Bishops Sutton via New Farm Lane and Whitehill! We had an enforced stop on Bramdean Common to replace another punctured tube. Lunch at the pub was very good, I had one of the best fish and chips I'd ever had, not only was it quite large but it was very tasty. I only just managed to eat it all.

Today the Winchester CTC are running their Annual Watership Down Audax and for once i am neither taking part or helping as I am going to a special birthday party.

A good start to the year!

Gridironman