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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another very good day out on "Posh".

My route as recorded on RidewithGPS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guy joined me for a return to Alresford.

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

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

Here are further details:

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

Tiny my Giant, Cypress, DX

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


Gridironman.

Four Rides this Week!

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

Wednesday 16th July.

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

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

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

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

Simon and the now distant Chinook.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

West Wellow Church.

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

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

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

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

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

The Canadian Memorial.

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

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

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

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

Here is my record of the day:

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

GRIDIRONMAN.
.

Posh Gets Sorted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday's Route and Data.

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

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

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

Sunday 13th July 2014.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Suggestions welcome).

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

Sunday's Route and Data

Gridironman.


I

Birthday Fun Continues.

Thursday 3rd July.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are details of our ride with a map:

Mr. Grumps?

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

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

The remains of my cake.

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

Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th July 2014.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHEW WHAT A FANTASTIC WEEK!

Gridironman.

Birthday Week Extra!

Due to unexpected change in domestic arrangements I was free to get out again this morning. Sunday 29th June, 2014 so I was able grab the bike and add to my mileage for the week. (A total of 100 miles for the week rather than the 80 I'd aimed for!) Sometimes luck does go our way!

I set off in much better conditions than yesterday but it was quite cool despite the sunshine.
I took one of my favourite ways out of Alresford via Ovington and Gander Down. I notice that there is a good diversity of crops in the fields at present. I have spotted, in addition to pasture, hay, wheat, oats, barley, linseed, maize, clover, peas, beans, rape (both ripening and two fields still in flower).

The hedgerows are changing too with common hogweed now the dominant plant but there are also some prettier flowers like these rosebay willowherb.

Rosebay Willowherb and Common Hogweed.

Skylarks singing in several places. I'd not heard any recently.

I also spotted in addition to cows and horses these characters:

Alpacas near Midlington House, Droxford.

It was a gentle amble through the countryside compared to yesterday's mad dash in the rain, and I was home just after 1 to enjoy a curry and a beer (or two).

Just for the record here is my route and data for the day.

Gridironman.

My Birthday Week.

Thursday 26th June the day after my birthday.
Unfortunately Simon was unable to join me so I enjoyed a solo ride to the HCMF meet at The Wheatsheaf, Braishfield. I had to go of course as it was my turn to buy the drinks. I was wearing a birthday present from Jean, a KOM jersey! Have I earned it? I'll let you all decide.

I wanted to take a couple of pictures to post on Facebook in the manner set by Simon Hall. To ask "friends" to identify the location.

 Here are the three pictures I took. Kathy has already identified the Pig City and has a good idea as the where the poppies are. Any more guesses? The church is a difficult one but the clue is I took it on my way home.

Pig City

The ? Way through the poppies>

Tucked Away Church in the distance.

I took a the road through Eldon, the first time I'd been along it for years. It was so narrow in places that I either had to ride on the gravel in the middle of the road or get stung by the overhanging roadside nettles.

I arrived at the pub just before noon to discover a couple of riders already there. We were soon joined by more and we had a very good al fresco lunch. I was sporting my new KOM Jersey together with my octogenarians medal given to me by one of my very good friends,

More members arrived over the next hour or so and I enjoyed their birthday wishes and shared a celebratory beverage.
One pair produced a chess set and settled into a match.

The Winchester group arrived as often rather later than the others and after a brief chat with them I set off on my return journey.

Some of the assembled members. 

Chess Players.

The day had started out quite cool but the sun had now come out and it was much warmer. I headed back to through Slackstead to Standon and then up the lane to Sparsholt before cutting across the  edge of the city  via Dean and Harestock.

When I got home I was disappointed to discover that my Garmin file was corrupted and would not upload to Garmin Connect, but for some reason did upload to RidewithGPS. So the map has been produced from that site:

A great way to spend a day out with friends, most of whom I have known since I started cycling again six or more  years ago.

Saturday 28th June 2014.
A rather more prosaic ride today. Due to a number of circumstances I was unable to join the Winchester CTC ride and instead did my own thing. In view of the forecast for rain I got off as early as I could just after 10 o'clock. I decided to do a short training route I'd done several times before via Bentwoth to Lasham.

In Bentworth I discovered a number of scarecrow type figures outside some of the houses. Some sort of competition for the village fete which was taking place this afternoon. Here are some of them:

Bentworth  Characters!

It started to rain as I entered Lasham village so I sheltered in the Lychgate and then in the porch of the church. Took the opportunity to have a look inside the church too. A peaceful but somewhat gloomy interior without any artificial light as the windows are very narrow. A lovely picture of the Madonna and child.

When the rain eased I set off once more intending to get a coffee at the Lasham Gliding Club, but the rain increased once more and I decided that it would be wise to keep going and keep up my core temperature by working hard rather than sitting around getting cold, The tactic worked  for I was soon out of the rain and into sunshine. I took advantage of the improved weather to add a few more miles before arriving home almost on the stroke of one.

Another fast ride thanks to the inclement weather which had spurred me on.

A very good  way to start my 81st year, sadly I'd only managed just over 70 miles in all rather than the 80 I'd aimed for!

I have had a lovely birthday week with a lot of cards and greetings via Face Book from all my friends. Thank you all very much.

Gridiroman,

HCMF meet at The Alresford Cricketers and to Alice Holt Forest with the Alton CTC

Two more fun social rides this week the first on Thursday 19th June.  to The Alresford Cricketers. It was a lovely sunny day, too nice to miss a chance of a good ride. Earlier I'd been to Curry's to replace the DVD player that has been giving problems and had bought an HDMI lead to connect it to the TV. Found I'd already got one so I rode over to Winnall to return it and get my money back. Job done I decided to carry on through Winchester and return to the meet via Twyford. The new path to the Hockley junction is perfect at this time of the year with dappled sun & shade, views of the wild flowers on the old filled in by-pass on one side and the canal and water meadows on the other. Not too many dogs today.

When I got to Twyford instead of turning up Hazeley Lane I continued through Colden Common to Fishers' Pond and turned along Hensting Lane.

The only disadvantage of this route is the climb up to Owslebury which is 14% at its steepest. Today I managed it quite well but was glad when I got to the top.

Next there is a gradual climb to the top of Lane End Down where poppies were adorning the edge of the field of oil seed rape.

After the climbs it was fun to drop down the A272 to Cheriton. Clocked up my fastest time of the day at almost 31 m.p.h. It is humbling to realise that Alex Dowset recently set the new ten mile time trial record at a average speed of 34.6 m.p.h.! Wow!

Arriving rather late at the pub I found the Fleet and Alton group of about 10 just leaving. It was good to see them again after several weeks. A decent number of other riders in the garden. It was Peter's birthday so we helped him celebrate his special 80th anniversary. 

I apologised for being late as I lived almost a mile from the meet!

The craic was so good that it was nearly an hour later when I left to return home for a late lunch.

Map and Data for the day.

My second ride of the week on Saturday 21st June was also a very social one. As evidenced by the "lap" records on my Garmin it was almost 4 separate rides:

 


Lap 1 was my ride from home to the Alton.

Lap 2 The Alton meander to Alice Holt Forest.

Lap 3 The Alton group return to Alton

Lap 4 My dash home to be there by 6 p.m.

I left home at 11.36 and after pausing to visit the "hole in the wall" for some cash I headed through Bishop's Sutton to take the route through Ropley and Lower Farringdon to the start of the Alton easy ride to Alice Holt Forest.

In Ropley I discovered this sad sight:

The burnt out Ropley Church.
(Fire on Thursday 19th June).

I made good time to Alton arriving there in plenty of time to sit in the park and luxuriate in the shade of a tree whilst tucking into my picnic.

At the RV I met with over 20 other riders and was dismayed to hear that the destination was the Lavender Barn in Alresford. It turned out that this was the tea stop for a faster group and the moderate group were going to Alice Holt Forest where there is a cafe in the nearby garden centre. Phew! thought I'd be going straight home.

Eventually Frank led away a large group of faster riders and soon afterwards Diane and Ray shepherded us through the park and housing estates and up the steep hill to the Golden Pot. The ride was a gentle one and it was interesting for me as it took several lanes I'd not ridden before. A little loop through the hamlet of Yarnhans before a fast descent through Lower Froyle to Bentley. We had a mini break near Lower Froyle duck pond to see the ducklings.

We visited the church in Bentley to admire the colossal yews and the little church. A group of young men were busy clearing the long grass in the church yard.

Next we headed towards Farnham along Hole Lane, another new lane for me, and crossed the A31 near The Bull.  A steep climb through the forest took us to the Garden Centre to partake of refreshments.

This was the end of the dawdle "Lap".

The next "Lap" was a quicker one as we returned to Alton. 

Some of the riders on the ride.
1. Janice on her road bike.
2. Diane on her electric assisted hybrid.
3. Bob & Karen on their unusual tandem.

It was getting near five o'clock by the time we arrived back in Alton and seeing that my average for the day was only 10.3 m.p.h I decided to take on the challenge and try to  get that up to at least 11 m.p.h. and set off towards Beech at top speed. As I left the town I passed 4 of the fast group re-entering the town after their ride to Alresford. I struggled up Snode Lane but once I had passed Thedden Grange I managed to gain pace and started to watch my average edge up. The last five miles were nearly all down hill so I really picked up time and was home by ten to six. Job done my overall was 11.2 mph

The Alton Ride.

 A most satisfying and enjoyable ride. Thanks to Diane & Ray for finding an interesting route and leading our little group well.

Gidironman.

Winchester CTC Wintonmediate Event..

A super week of riding this last week, for the first time this year over 100 miles. On Thursday 12th June Simon joined me for a ride to The Watership Down Pub in Freefolk. He was on his light modern carbon Boardman bike testing it in preparation for Saturday's Special Event.

Cleavers.

We had arranged to meet David (Tommy) at the pub as the HCMF venue had been cancelled. We chose an indirect route there via the Candover Valley, one of my favourite routes out of Alresford, then we cut across the ridge to North Waltham from Axford. It was a lovely day once more with lots of warm sunshine. The fields are changing colour quickly with two fields of barley already beginning to ripen; and others different shades of green according to the crop. In the hedgerows one plant seems to be doing very well this year. Cleavers, so called because it clings to clothes and animals, also known as goosegrass. It is prolific in my garden as well as in the hedgerows. It has a tiny white flower which turn into little round seeds which also stick to clothes to facilitate distribution.

We took a loop round through the village of Steventon, the original home of Jane Austin when her father was vicar there. Then on to Overton and along the main road to Freefolk.

We arrived at the pub on the stroke of 12 noon and David  turned up a few minutes later. We had not visited this pub since it was refurbished about 18 months ago and were pleased to find that it was now much smarter than it had been before. There was only a limited selection of snack meals but the ones we chose were both tasty and filling.

We sat outside on the terrace enjoying the sight and sounds of house martins and swifts wheeling around.

River Test in Longparish.

Soon it was time to take leave of David and wend our way homewards. We went through Whitchurch and down the Test Valley before calling on another David in Barton Stacey. Once more we enjoyed the lovely sunny day sipping cool drinks in his garden, admiring his flowers. Thanks David!

As time was now pressing we took the usual route home from here through Stoke Charity.

Here is our map and data for the day.

Saturday 14th June 2014. The Wintonmediate.
The day was warm and humid with a hint of rain in the clouds. I drove to Kings Worthy where I left my car at my Sarah's and rode the 1.5 miles to the King Charles, our Start and Finish location.

Promptly at 9.30 a bunch of us set off with me in the lead until we got to the first hill up to Three Maids' Roundabout. Simon and I found ourselves naturally in a small groupetta with Sarah Marshallsay and Louise. We rode together for the rest of the day.

I seemed to have made a cock-up of setting the route on my Garmin and after a bout 6 miles I gave up trying to follow it on my unit and relied instead on memory from having ridden the route several times before. Sarah's unit worked perfectly and I have used her route and data here:

Sarah's Map and Data for the Wintonmediate.

You will see that the route was a hilly one with plenty of climbing but we managed to clock a decent moving speed.

The hedgerows were once more a picture with lots of both white and pink briar roses. Near the Winterslows we heard a cuckoo, twice. In the fields we noticed crops of Beans and Peas, probably both for animal feed.

We crossed Porton Down and were soon dodging pot holes as we entered the village of Porton. Next a surprise for my friends as we turned left to Gomeldon up a very steep hill. We paused for a drink and for me to phone home to report on our progress. In Winterbourne Dauntsey we took Gaters Lane across a footbridge adjacent to a ford. Then another long but gentle climb before crossing the A345 at High Post. Here we had to stop at the traffic lights! Sarah wished it had been a longer stop so she could get her breathe back. Also felt just a spot or two of rain.

Down into the Avon Valley we sped and turned North along it towards our check point and lunch stop at The Friar Tuck. In Upper Woodford we took another breather and I popped on sun block I'd forgotten before as the sun was now quite strong. Here is a picture of an interesting nearby building:

Barn Conversion in Upper Woodford.

John Spiers joined us here. Having trailed on some of the climbs I seemed to have a new lease of life as we headed into Amesbury but unfortunately here we had our first and only mishap of the day. At a pinchpoint I stopped to give way as required to an approaching car, Sarah stopped behind me but Louise ran into the back of Sarah's bike and took a tumble bruising her wrist.

It was only a few hundred yards from the cafe, so Louise had time to recover while Simon and I tucked into Traditional Breakfast and the ladies enjoyed Tuna Melts with chips. We discovered we were not the last on the road with two other riders and Suntish  coming in while we were eating having lost their way and three other riders arrived just as we were leaving to return to Kings Worthy.

The next few miles were some of the toughest of the day as we were riding along the undulating ranges' road into a strong breeze. I slipped behind the others by some 200 metres but eventually managed to close the gap when we got into a more sheltered area. Next was the clinb out of Tidworth made harder by the thoughtful council who have inserted cobblestones in places! I managed to crest the hill first! Were the others being kind to me? Or were they getting tired too? 

We were getting into more familiar territory now and enjoyed the lanes through Thruxton, Amport and Monxton to Abbots Ann. A comfort break at The Hawk in Amport where the kind landlady topped up my water bottle free of charge. It looked a nice pub and one we should consider for our longer all day rides.

Tired legs and lack of puff now saw us stopping for mini breaks more frequently and we were glad when we crested the hill near the Leckford Hut, only one more big hill now and a couple of little ones.

John Spiers caught us up again and rode with us once more.

Near Crawley I had a phone call from home. An emergency, the DVD player wouldn't work. I'm afraid the online mobile call centre was unable to offer a solution but when the House Elf got home when he discovered it was a blown fuse!

Lousie declined to ride the last mile or two from Three Maids Hill, choosing to return to Winchester along the Andover road.

We were soon back at the start and clocked in having completed the course in 7 hours 11 mins 21 secs.

It had been a wonderful day out for me, recalling some of the past special events riding with Sarah and other mates.

I left the group outside the pub to ride the last 1.5 miles to Mortimer Close even managing to climb Nations Hill!

Thanks to my  three co-riders for a great day and also to John Spiers and his helpers who gave up time to deal with the necessary administration and paper work.

GRIDIRONMAN.

Jean's House Elf enjoys a day out with a friendly Leprechaun & Dobby's* Devious Diversions.

A leprechaun's view of our ride on Thursday 5th June 2014

"A close on 50 mile ride yesterday to the Fellowship meet at the Bear & Ragged Staff near Romsey - rather a challenge on my 77 year old Sunbeam Golden Tourist with close ratio 3 speed derailleur - clear to see why we 'Brits' much preferred the Sturmey Archer 3-4 speed hub gears in the 30's. Pictured here at the Pub is the dynamic duo Bryce Mansfield and myself or is that 'Elf and Leprechaun' - bit late for St Patrick's Day though."

Elf and Leprechaun.

More notes by the Elf:

1. We had planned a roundabout route to the pub through Otterbourne and along Holcombe Road to Ampfield and thence into the Test Valley; with a more direct  return home via Kings Somborne. So I was surprised to discover afterwards that the two segments were almost the same length with the return one actually being longer. It was however faster, a reflection of the fact that we had had a pint with lunch? Or perhaps it was because it was less hilly?
2. When lagging behind the Leprechaun the mischievous Elf took a shortcut through the Potter's Heron car park to come out onto the main road 100 metres ahead of him, much to his confusion!
3. Disappointingly the Hillier's Gardens Rhododendrons and Azeleas had almost completely finished flowering.
4. As always plenty of craic at lunch with a nice mixed if modest group of members.
5. We showed David (Alias Tommy) the back road way through Mottisfont and Houghton to Stockbridge.
6. On our return segment we passed the Winchester Groupetta (Nick, Alan, Rodney and another on their way to the pub.)

The House Elf in his Domestic Environment.

Here are details of our route and data

Don't forget if you click on the pictures they can be viewed full screen.

Sunday 8th June 2014 Dobby's Devious Diversions

The House Elf escaped again! Today's  route was an innovative  one to Bishop's Waltham. 
It was a beautiful sunny day and it was a real pleasure to ride the lanes with plenty of shade. The only draw back being the dappling effect making it harder to spot pot holes.
I paused near Milbury's to enjoy this panoramic view of the Upper Itchen Valley. 

Looking North from the Southdowns Ridge near Beauworth.
(Some sheep for Isabel!)

Lots of other cyclists taking the opportunity to enjoy the summer. I estimate I must have seen at least 100 others. Two very large groups. One from Fareham of about 30. Another 15 or so in B.W. passed by as I chatted to two riders from Hedge End outside the coffee shop.
Unfortunately I had to be home for lunch so had to curtail my ride and return home from B.W. I was pleased that I was able to cover the 11.69 miles home at an average speed of 12.7 m.p.h. arriving there spot on one o'clock.

Here is Dobby's Route map and data.

(* Note for the uninitiated: Dobby is the House Elf for the Malfoy Family in the Harry Potter books).

Enjoy!

Gridironman