The Fight for the Ton Up Kid medal hots up!

Tuesday 17th February 2015. Groupetta Ride via Oakley and Freefolk.

Had a late start as I had an appointment with my doctor, so rode to join a group of friends at their coffee stop at Jolly Olly's in Oakley.

Made good time on the 15 miles there (11.5 mph) and found in addition to my two Groupetta friends another 9 riders. Three of us decided to take a long route home to stretch our legs, and get in some more miles, via Whitchurch. We thought that Ian and Caroline were going to join us but as we split from the others when leaving Oakley, Caroline not being aware of that decision, went with the main group. We paused expecting them to join us but after several minutes it was evident that they were not so we carried on. We headed North from the B3400 with yours truly leading the others into a pub car park by mistake before taking the adjacent turn towards Hannington. We turned along the Harrow Way and climbed gradually onto the Kingsclere Road. We turned towards Cole Henley climbing a couple of steep pitches to reach 631 feet our highest point of the day. In Cole Henley there is a nasty little hill of more than 1 in 7 to test our tiring legs.

We chose not to carry on into Whitchurch but instead followed the Watership Down route past the Travellers' Encampment and past the Watership Down Pub into Freefolk. 

Near East Stratton we had a short break by a seat with spring flowers planted nearby. 

Winter Aconites.

We were soon back on to familiar ground and S & S were heading for an over 50 mile ride, but just ot make sure Sarah took us down into Itchen Abbass via one of her favourite descents and then back into  Alresford via the ford. 

My Two Pals passing the cress beds near the ford..

I went with Simon to his house to collect my "Ton Up Kid" medal while Sarah continued home.

A very enjoyable day out with S & S and others to share it with 

Thursday 19th February 2015. HCMF Meet at The Cricketers, Easton.

Originally the Groupetta had hoped to fit in another group ride but unfortunately circumstances prevented this. Health issues and the weather forecast for rain from mid day meant that I was on my own when I set off just after ten o'clock to ride to the meet.

I had planned a route of about 20 miles to the pub and I followed this plan. Here is my map from which you can see I headed in a southerly loop through Owslebury and Colden Common and then back through. Winchester.

There were a few spits and spats of rain as I rode to the pub but nothing to be worried about. 

In Hensting Lane I met a large group of horses with riders and walkers from the Hampshire Riding Therapy Centre. A very worthwhile charity helping both children and adults with special needs. Here is a link to their web site:-

http://hampshire-riding-therapy-centre.org.uk/

My route to Easton from Winchester was an unusual one up Quarry Road and along the Alresford Road before turning down to the village of Easton.

View of the downs to the east from the Long Walk near Easton.

I managed the 21 miles to the pub in just under 2 hours. here I found about half a dozen members of the group and we were soon joined by many more. Because of the forecast rain about half of those present had come by car to join in the fun which was partially spoilt by the pub seeming to be unprepared for us despite Angela having made a booking. However we did get the staff to turn on the lights in one dim corner and to turn off the unwatched TV which was spoiling the ambiance.

After a chat and a swift pint I headed home for lunch getting modestly wet on the way in the gentle rain. It has been much heavier since I got there!

Saturday 21st February 2015. Alresford Groupetta ride to Hambldon.

Simon's view of our day:

Yesterday I made some changes to my 1947 Selbach by swapping the sprocket on the 3 speed Sturmey AM (Alloy) hub gear from 19 to 22 teeth plus I fitted a pair of Phillips Alloy / Rubber pedals. The intention was to ride this bike today but with the lowest gear still being around a 48 inch, I just couldn't face pounding up the hills on our intended route and without toe clips! On our ascent of Old Winchester Hill it was clearly the right decision, being over a mile of climbing, plus we had several steeper hills on the route, one of which, just leaving Hambledon village, defeated Bryce Mansfield - can't remember any other time I've seen him walk part of a hill! So I was glad to be riding the Raleigh Royal with its very wide gear range and something like a 20 inch bottom gear. Bryce took the attached photos nearing the top of Old Winchester Hill and of myself trying to get a caffeine hit before the last 10 miles. 44 miles today plus 54 on Tuesdays and about 3 test riding the Selbach puts me just over the 100. But super competitive Bryce is still about 15-20 ahead. Clearly he will be retaining the coveted 'Ton up Kid' badge this week!

Looking South East from the top of the climb from West Meon.
Our destination the Beech Cafe just near the distant phone masts.

Looking towards East Meon over Henwood.

Wake Up! Simon you still have 10 mile to do. Bench close to the Brush Makers Arms - Upham

 
(Simon's own words)

At the Beech Cafe we sat in the sunshine while we drank our coffee and shared some of Simon's cake. A rider from Petersfield spotted my Ton Up Kid badge and asked what it was for. He suggested we should get one every time we did 100 in the week. Simon thought this would be too expensive.

I suggested a fast roundabout route to the village of Hambledon and we hurtled down the hill to Clanfield topping 34 mph. The gentle descent from there to Denmead enabled us to increase our average speed from sub 10 to 11.2 mph, sadly that was soon curtailed as we undulated our way to The Vyne. This was had almost a Marie Celeste quality with only one other customer. However at least it was peaceful and I enjoyed a most delicious baked spud with chili and cheese topping with a good side salad. Simon enjoyed his sandwich too.

Our journey home after lunch was via Soberton, Bishops Waltham and Upham where we had our second coffee, from Simon's Flask, accompanied by coconut cakes that I'd brought

I suggested we took Longwood Down Lane to the A272 so we could enjoy a change from the Milbury's route. This route also has another fast descent from the top of the down to Cheriton.

We were home before 4 o'clock having had a really good day out despite to cold wind.

Thanks Simon for your companionship!

Gridironman.

Ton Up Kid Medal won by Simon Turner who only had it for a couple of days!

Tuesday 10th February. I missed riding with my friends as I was having a new fence put in on one side of my garden. Simon however clocked up 51 miles and Sarah 39 so I was keen to get out on Thursday 12th to clock a few miles myself. After what seemed like a never ending string of email messages Simon and I were the only ones who could actually make it.

I had initially planned a route to show others some new roads and we decided to stick with it.

We first headed to Itchen Abbass, which had originally been our planned meet point, before turning up Northington Road. (My devious way of getting to the top of Mollie's Dismount without having to toil up it).

At the foot of the hill at Totford there is these signs:

No wonder people get lost! I have since reported the state of the signs to the Hants. C.C.

The next few miles to Axford were easy going and we made good time. When we got there we discovered the road to Ellisfield was closed. We decided to chance our luck that we would be able to get through. There was a lot of work going on in three separate places with the frayed edges of the road being replaced but with the help of the workers we were able to get through.

Our first target was the Avenue G.C. at Lasham. We arrived to find there were lots of grey haired customers already there and others queuing to be served. (So we fitted in quite well!).

Bearing in mind our last experience here we ordered one Belgian Bun to share. 

The Great Belgian Bun.

Another cyclist, waiting to be served, spotted that we were sharing and felt that that was a wise decision, but he questioned the fair division of the bun as Simon seemed to have a larger portion of the cherry. Well he did pay for it!

This cyclist (Steve) had ridden from Crondall with a friend and was a recently joined member of Fleet CTC.

Time was slipping by so we got moving once again and took a zigzag route to The Angel, Privett. We passed Roger heading in the opposite direction near Bentworth.

At the pub we found a modest number of riders, but we were quite late. I had HCMF subs pressed upon me by three members who did not know I was no longer treasurer. I promised I would pass them on. We had a nice pint before eating a quick snack outside and planned a longer route home to try to get Simon's mileage for the week to over the magic Ton.

I calculated that a loop through West Meon, Warnford and Wheeley Down would probably do it. Then at the last minute I deviated a little more by going through Privett village and down onto the A272 this proved to be the deciding factor as by the time we got to the ford, almost home, Simon had just clocked up enough miles. 

The Happy Medallist!

When I arrived home I had just managed 50 miles myself.

Saturday 14th February. Groupetta Ride ( ?) to South Warnborough

With Simon being away for the weekend and Sarah being busy with family matters Paddy and I agreed to ride to South Warnborough for lunch. Paddy suggested an interesting route. Unfortunately on Saturday morning Paddy had to cry off due to a couple of emergencies so I set off on my own at 9.20. 
I followed our planned route via the Candover Valley to Cliddesden. Lots of snowdrops in the hedgerows all along the way.

Hedgerow Snowdrops.

From Cliddesden I took a lane across to the A339 and rode down almost to the M3. Turned Eastwards but instead of taking Paddy's suggested route to Tunworth I continued to Mapledurwell where I encountered a small flood. I managed enough speed to freewheel through it to avoid pedalling and getting my feet wet. 

Floods in Mapledurwell.

The weather was not to bad at this juncture with some warm sunny spells but it was gradually getting more overcast. 
I took a bit of a detour along roads I'd not ridden before from Greywell to enter Odiham via the A237 and an underpass which links with the Old London Road. As I was getting hungry now my aim was to get to the Village Shop in South Warnborough. I found a way through Long Sutton and was soon at the shop where I was served very speedily with a delicious all day breakfast and a cup of tea, all for the sum of £5, exceedingly good value.
Unfortunately it had now started to rain and I set off up Froyle Lane with creaky after lunch legs wishing I was home. After half a mile I discovered I'd left my map in the Shop and had to turn back. the second time i climbed out of the village I found it much easier. I had only ridden this lane once before in the opposite direction and found it very peaceful and rural, I think it would look lovely in the sunshine. It leads to the ridge, not far from the village of Lower Froyle, and to the Golden Pot. I was now on much more familiar ground and sped for home in the now steady light rain. It eased for a while and I decided that as I still needed to add a few more miles to reach my 50 target I would go through Medstead and Four Marks before taking that lovely fast descent into Ropley. 
By the time I got home I had achieved my goal of over 50 miles and a "Ton" for the week.  Was that medal now in my grasp?

Just to make sure I'd done enough to wrest the medal from Simon I added another 21.5 miles on Sunday 15th February.

I wanted to see how the Spring 50 was going so headed in the reverse direction around part of the northern half of the course. I was passed by a large group of riders from Odiham heading for home as I climbed Armsworth Hill and already I was meeting riders who appeared to be on the Spring 50. Near Bentworth I passed Bob who must have been making good time. I also met and exchange greeting with other riders many known to me.
As I was returning home through Alresford i thought I spotted my friend Caroline outside Tiffins', I pulled up just past the junction with the B4306 and as I did so two other riders also stopped. They had overshot the junction too thinking I was on the Spring 50 and had followed me. The lady fell to the ground but was not hurt and I soon directed the pair the right way up Jacklyn's Lane.
By this time Caroline had disappeared, but I soon discovered by text messages that she and Ian had gone to the Courtyard Cafe for refreshments. I invited them to call on me before they went home and they eventually did so. We had a real nice catch up chat as I'd only seen Caroline once this year and Ian not since before Christmas.

For the record here is my map of the day.

My total for the week just short of 125 miles. YIPPEE!

GRIDIRONMAN.

Snow, Ice, Sunshine and Brisk Breezies.

Tuesday 3rd February.

Woke just after 7 a.m. to discover a white world outside. About 2" of snow had fallen in the night. Thought it was unlikely to clear in time for my scheduled ride with a group of friends. Within an hour or so it was snowing again and we had cancelled our ride.

A view of our home from our neighbour's house..

Soon after the phone rang and my daughter Sarah was asking if I fancied a walk in the snow. The answer YES! 

We set off about 10.30 in sunshine and had fun up Drove Lane spotting the various animal tracks. We identified deer, pheasant and rabbit tracks and saw others we could not identify.

In all we walked about 4 miles in two hours, mainly along tracks and paths and had a thoroughly enjoyable walk and a change from pedalling, but how my legs ached later on!

As always I can't resist a map!

Thursday . When I looked out first thing it was grey cold and uninviting and within an hour it was snowing again. I rang Simon and we agreed to cancel our planned ride to join the HCMF at Kings Somborne. 

Friday 6th February.

After a cold start the afternoon was beautifully sunny though a keen NE wind made it very cold. Not wanting to miss out on the chance of a ride I rang Simon but he was not at home, so I set off for a short keep fit ride on my own. I chose a convoluted route to Medstead riding up and down the lanes crisscrossing the ridge along which the railway line runs. I was riding into the wind so was not surprised when I eventually arrived by the church in Medstead to discover my average speed was only 9 m.p.h..

I still had an hour of sunlight so continued northwards to Bentworth and Burkham. In one place because of the wind I was struggling to get up a modest hill in bottom gear.

Fortunately the slopes and wind were now all in my favour as I zoomed homewards through the Candover valley, enabling me to post a decent overall average speed. 

I arrived home just as the sun dipped below the horizon at 5.05 p.m.

Map and Data for the Day.

Saturday 7th February 2015.

The planned Winchester CTC ride was coming through Alresford where they were stopping for coffee before continuing to East Meon for lunch. Joining them in Alresford we would have had a relativley short ride, so on my suggestion The Alresford Groupetta decided to start at 10 to ride to Petersfield for Coffee and then to join the CTC group at the Izaak Walton for lunch.

The plan worked well. Three of us set off via Ropley and up Smugglers Lane to West Tisted. (Chosen as it is the least steep of the three roads leading to the village).

We crossed the A32 near Privett and then just past the church we found the road blocked by a modest size fallen tree. We thought we might be able to move it but it was much to difficult so we left it for someone with a chain saw to deal with.

The highlight of the morning was the descent of Stoner Hill. Two miles of careful speeding tempered by some cautious braking on the steeper & rougher bits.

I lost sight of Simon who was in front at this stage as cars came past so was surprised to find him behind Paddy and I as I entered the market square. He had taken a different turn but then had spotted us going past and had followed our route.

It was very pleasant sitting inside warming up with a good coffee after the chilly ride. Not wanting to take the shortest route to East Meon as that would involve riding the A272 we opted to take a loop to the south near to Buriton and then take the Ramsdean Lane passing this interesting house converted from a grain store. Compare the picture with one I took in May last year.

Converted Grain Store. Feb 2015.

Converted Grain Store. May 2014.

We arrived at the pub in East Meon just before one o'clock, our target time. Outside there were about 15 bicycles so we were surprised once inside to discover only four riders from Winchester CTC. Chris, Alan G., Julie & Lydia. They had been there since 12.15 so had already had their lunch. After a good natter they left to wend their way back to Winchester. Soon afterwards our lunches arrived. We were pleased with the quality and the price and I definitely recommend using the pub again.

Eventually we completed our own ride home. Once more I led my two companions along one of my favourite routes, through West Meon and Warnford and up Wheeley Down past the artistic blacksmithy and a very fierce looking shark!

Once at the top of the down we had an easy ride for the last few miles past the Milbury's and through Beauworth, Cheriton and Tichborne.

I was pleased to be home in time to watch some exciting rugby in the "Six Nations".

Thanks Simon and Paddy for being very understanding of my bullying ways!

Paddy's comment on Face Book:
Dull weather very chilly north wind especially on the way back. Well looked after by Bryce Mansfield and Simon Turner. Nice coffee stop in Petersfield and good lunch at Isaac Walton pub in East Meon. Slow the two younsters down a bit but doing me good.

Gridironman.

Breezy Riverdown Circuit

After last week's fabulous century plus I barely broke my duck this week. i missed riding on Tuesday due to grandfatherly duties and Thursday was horrible and wet. I had planned to ride with Graham on the Winchester CTC Intermediate ride on Saturday 31st but when I woke I found it had snowed in the night and was threatening to do so again, I contacted Graham and told him I was not joining the ride. He was in two minds about cancelling the ride, but in the end he decided to go ahead. He tells me that he and five others had a good ride despite the weather and that two more joined them for lunch at the pub. (Kathy & Kevin?).

Sunday 1st February.

I found I had an unexpected window of opportunity before lunch so got out on Sporty to register at least  a few miles in the week. There was no time to consult with either Paddy or Simon as I shot off to make the most of the winter sunshine. It was very breezy but that was not a problem at first as I rode to Bishop's Sutton and up Scrubbs Lane to the Cheriton battlefield site.  The lane into Cheriton was a bit mucky past the dairy farm so I was glad I was mounted on Sporty with mudguards. Once through the village I climbed the steepest hill of the day to Hinton Ampner. 

A few ramblers here enjoying the day too.

As I rode along the valley to  Brockwood I could hear the wind howling in the trees on the hills above me and as I turned up Riverdown I felt it on my right hand side trying to push me into the gutter. It was quite scary as I passed gaps in the hedge which were giving me some shelter. Just after the chicken farm I was caught by a rider from Four Marks on a mountain bike. He was heading for Droxford before returning home. I suggested that he might like to try the old railway line from Droxford to Meonstoke and West Meon for his return journey. We chatted as we rode together to the top of the hill where we parted.

I paused a while to enjoy the view to the north and take this picture of Hinton Ampner House. 

Hinton Ampner House from the Southdowns.

The next two miles to The Milbury's was very hard work as I was riding almost directly into the wind and I was on the top of the exposed ridge, it was easier once I got to the shelter of the wooded section.

From here it was an easy ride home. near Cheriton i was passed by about 30 scooters who were heading for the Flower Pots.
During my ride |I saw over 20 other cyclists, a couple of them twice. They seemed to be doing a similar circuit but in the opposite direction.

I was home almost on schedule for Sunday lunch, Hunters' Chicken with roast spuds, parsnips and mixed veg, I certainly had worked up a good appetite for it.

A good opportunist ride averaging only 10.9 m.p.h., but it was quite hilly and very windy.

Gridironman.

Great start to the week with over 75 miles covered in 2 days.

Monday 19th January (Already)!

Cold but lovely sunny morning. Too good to waste it on domestic chores, so I went for a ride. 

Just a gentle loop from home via Ropley, Four marks and Medstead.

Popped into the Tree House Cafe at the Garthowen Garden centre and had a very good Americano. They have enough space there to be able to cope with a group of riders and they serve some very good nosh, so try it.

As I joined the A31 at the Eastern end of the village I discovered that it was totally closed just to my right, just as well I wasn't planning to go that way. It seems there must have been a major incident as there were flashing lights on vehicles everywhere including an ambulance.

I looped around through Medstead and Upper Wield before heading for home and lunch. A modest 20 but very enjoyable miles covered.

Tuesday 20th January.

Simon and I rode to Crawley Pond to join the Pedallers. It was the coldest it had been all winter at -5 deg C. Fortunately the roads were clear of ice as it had been dry yesterday, though Simon was having trouble with his rear brake which had frozen up.

We spotted Barrie ahead of us as we approached Three Maids Hill and caught up with him near Littleton shortly afterwards we discovered Graham at the side of the road, also with frozen brake trouble! 

At the RV we met Alan, David & Carol, Chris and after a brief chat Barrie left us to return home and the rest of us set off to go to the Waitrose Farm Shop & Cafe on the Leckford Farm Estate.

I soon found myself alone as the other six all seemed intent on being first to the coffee stop. No matter I plodded along at my own pace and caught up with them as they waited for me in King's Somborne. 

Our route was a good one through Houghton, Broughton and the Wallops and the roads were fine except in two places. The first in Middle Wallop where water was spilling onto the road causing a small area of mixed water, ice and slush. The second a larger one on the lane down to Grateley where the water from  a couple of large puddles were being splashed onto the road by vehicles with similar results. I'm glad to say we had no problems with either.

A brief pause in Monxton enabled me to woof down an energy bar before he headed South towards Leckford. I was struggling once again to keep up and as it was already gone noon I decided that I could not afford the time for the coffee stop as I needed to be home by three o'clock. So at Fullerton I bid farewell to the others and headed home via Barton Stacey. In Sutton Scotney I popped into the village shop to "get some nuts" to fuel me for the last 12 miles home.

I did manage to get there well before three. 

It enjoyed the ride but having spent 5+ hours in the saddle with only short breaks no wonder I felt a little shattered. This was soon put right with a cuppa and a nice hot bath and later a sausage risotto of my own recipe.

 Saturday 24th January.

Simon and I had planned to do our own thing and we soon had Sarah and Simon asking if they could join us.

I suggested a ride to Wickham starting at 10 a.m. However when I went out at 9.15 I found the roads to be quite icy in places so I phoned the others and we delayed our start until 11. A wise decision as even then there were still one or two icy patches in the shade.

Our route was very similar to one ridden by Simon and I in October last year with some variations and at least one lane used I'd never ridden before.

We headed to Cheriton on the B road rather than our normal route south through Tichborne, just in case there was ice there.
Up the hill through Kilmeston and over Beacon Hill, our highest point of the day at a little over 600 feet. Sarah as always showing her climbing ability despite her lack of recent miles. The couple of miles downhill to Droxford were covered rapidly apart from a pause just before the village where a horse, pedestrians, cars and cyclists all met!
From Soberton I omitted the hill up to Soberton Heath and took us straight to Newtown. Hoever there was no easy way of avoiding that hill from there to Bere Forest. 

We decided to patronise Lillie's Tea & Coffee Shop rather than the pub. A good choice as we had a very good lunch as you can see from these pictures:

Paddy enjoying his salad.

My Hampshire Beef Stew with roasted vegetables.

Sarah had a coronation chicken sandwich with doorstep size slices of granary bread, sorry no picture, she asked me not to publish it!! I though she would never manage it, but she did. Meanwhile Simon was enjoying Sausage and Bubble & Squeak.

Service was a little slow as they were so busy, but we didn't mind, we were in the warm and enjoyed chatting about all manner of things

The sun was still shining brightly when we emerged to take the road hoime. Why are tea shops always at the bottom pof hills?

I chose a route I'd not tried before via Prickett's Hill, High Street & Solomon's Lane to Waltham Heath. On to Swanmore and into Bishop's Waltham where clever dick tried a new route through the town. We found it was as i had warned the others it might be a no through road. Never mind if you don't explore you never find new routes.

We climbed the hill to Ashton lane and thence to the top of Beeches Hill.

Sarah decided she wanted to crack on and headed off with the three of us trailing behind. However by the time we got to the junction with Salt lane I was still only about 200 metres behind her, so wanting to get my average speed above 11 mph I tried to keep her in sight. She pulled away but then she stopped briefly and I closed within a 100 metres. On the hill down through Beauworth I caught and passed her. At the junction of the A272 I said farewell to her again as I waited for the other lads. 

Paddy Crossing the A272.

We were almost home now and Simon and I took the lane by the ford while Paddy carried on to the B3407.

Simon approaching the foot bridge.

A most enjoyable ride to finish a great week with over 110 miles covered.

Gridironman.

Pedallers & Alresford Groupetta Rides

A much less frantic week than last week. I did mange to fit in two rides, dodging the worst of the weather and finding some nice sunny days even if they were a little on the chilly side.

On Tuesday 13th January I rode to Crawley Pond to join the Pedallers. Only David & Carol and Brenda were waiting but Chris appeared soon afterwards having been held up in traffic in Hursley.

Brenda suggested we aimed for Annie's in Michelmersh for coffee. We took the route of least resistance via Kings Somborne and Mottisfont. It was bright and sunny but the forecast cloud and rain could be seen approaching from the west.  It arrived while we were just finishing our coffee/tea and cakes.

When it eased we set off on our return trip, Brenda choosing to return home via the Test valley whilst I led the rest past the Bear & Ragged Staff to Braishfield via Michelmersh Village. 

In Braishfield we split up with David & Carol climbing over the ridge to Kings Somborne, Chris heading for Romsey and I through Slackstead to Standon. the rain had stopped completely by now and by the time I reached Crab Wood I had dried out in the sunshine.

I took the Sarum Road into Winchester and thence home. 

Here are my map and details for the day:

A very enjoyable day despite the heavy shower.

Saturday 17th January Simon was leading the Winchester CTC Intermediate ride in place of Daren who is unwell. (Get fit soon Daren). The weather started with frost and some slippery surfaces but Simon rode into Winchester to the usual RV. Unfortunately no one else turned up so he rode back alone to meet Sarah, Paddy & I, as arranged, at the top of Broad Street.

His route took us through Medstead and Lasham to the Avenue Garden Centre where thee of us indulged ourselves in the largest Belgian Buns I've ever seen. They defeated us!!! Simon more wisely had chosen a more modest sponge cake.

The lane down to Shalden was in very poor condition with pot holes all over the road in places. Fortunately only for a short way. We were soon down the steep hill onto the B3349 and into Alton. 

Next we rode along the Old Winchester road and through the underpass into Chawton.  we paused by Jane Austen's house for a picture shoot. 

The Alresford Groupetta by Jane Austen's House.
(Sporty and my shadow making up the group)

Shortly after taking this picture whilst negotiating the shortcut past the Chawton village church with the sun in my eyes I totally missed spotting a large fallen tree log, hit it and tumbled in a heap. Fortunately neither Sporty or I seemed to have suffered any significant damage though I was feeling rather shaken. Once I had recovered we started off again, but then Simon had problems with a mudguard so we had another short delay while he fixed that.

The A32 was busy and we were a little concerned about drivers approaching us from behind being dazzled by the bright sunshine.  Fortunately we only had to go as far as The Angel near Privett.

Here we had a very enjoyable lunch and chat before heading back home to Alresford. We took the direct route through West Tisted and Ropley. In Bishop's Sutton Sarah & Simon chose to go the shortest route home over White Hill and I decided to go with them. Paddy being sensible took the easier option through the town.

My Garmin map for the ride has not recorded the route correctly but the mileage data seems to be correct, so I have retraced the route on RideWithGps for my records.

I greatly enjoyed the day especially as I had not ridden with Sarah and Paddy for some time so it was good to catch up with their news and ambitions. 

Paddy is riding his first event of the year in two weeks and Sarah will be riding LeJog in September so she is starting her training programme in earnest now.

Many thanks to Simon for his unusual route and to all three for their company and concern when I tumbled to the ground in Chawton.

Gridironman.

A Busy Week On and Off the Bike.


On Monday 5th January I handed over my post as registration Officer for Winchester CTC to Marian., on Wednesday 7th Simon and I checked the route for the Early Spring 50 mile challenge, on Thursday I had an interesting  ride with Don Anderson and on Friday 9th I handed over my role as HCMF Treasurer to Bob. Then to finish off the week in style, if not in distance, I rode to Kings Worthy to help with the serving of refreshments to riders on completion of  the Watership Down.

Monday 5th January

Marian came to me to jointly deal with the December list of Winchester CTC members and to take over the post of Registration Officer. We had a bit of "fun" transferring the ownership of the Mail Chimp utility, but otherwise the job went smoothly and Marian is now firmly in the post. 

January 7th 2015.

Simon joined me on a ride to check the northern loop of the Early Spring 50 mile ride.

We left home just after 10 a.m. and rode to Ovington to check that the work on Caroline's Ford had been completed and that the road was open again. it was. Much improved and the water quite low at present.

Here is our Map and Data for the day:

With Simon's help I amended some of the written instructions to make them clearer and I have sent these to Sue Coles for use on February 15th. Sue has since amended the details from my suggestions and those of Gary who checked the southern half of the course., coincidentally on the same day.

Thanks Simon for your valuable assistance.

Thursday 8th January.

It was a very wet start to the day and I had anticipated not riding, but by 1 p.m. the sun was shinning brightly and Jean suggested I should make the most of it. I changed in a flash and by 1.30 I was at the English Partridge in Bighton. On my way I was held up by one of our arch enemies, a farmer showering the road with hedge trimmings. I picked my way past him and shortly afterwards passed Charles on his way home. 

At the pub I only spotted one bike outside and feared that only one rider was within. I was wrong there were about a dozen in there. Some had parked their bikes on the other side of the pub, others had come by car. 

I had a pint with them before we all left to seek our various routes home.

I had mentioned that I would not be going straight home as that would only be a total ride of 6 miles so Don asked me to join him on a roundabout route towards Winchester. I agreed. here is the map of my route from which you will be able to see that we crossed the Candover Valley and went via Woodmancott and East Stratton to Itchen Abbas.

We chatted for most of the way, about many things, most interesting was when we discussed some of our families' connections with the first world war. 

In Itchen Abbass by chance I met Caroline a very good friend from my days volunteering at Naomi House. We had a short but good chat before Don and I continued to Avington. here our ways parted and I headed back to Alresford while Don went west.

Thanks Don for a most enjoyable ride.

Friday 9th January.

I divested myself of another role, that of HCMF treasurer. I drove over to Bob's home taking with me the records and funds of the Fellowship. Had a coffee and a piece of delicious Christmas Cake before passing over the goodies including a cheque for the funds.

Now I only have one volunteer job to deal with that of Treasurer for the Alresford Branch of Save the Children.

Sunday 11th January.
Having been unable to take part in the Watership Down Audax this year I thought I could at least help a little and repay the club for the fun (?) I have had on this event in the past. So after lunch I rode over there and helped with clearing tables and washing up. 
Among the ladies there in the kitchen were Marian and Caroline and Don was doing sterling work with the Brevet Cards and timing along with several other folk I do not know. 
I spotted and chatted with a number of friends from Alton, Winchester and Southampton CTCs and everyone seemed very happy with their day. It had certainly been one of the best regarding weather.
I could only stay a liitle while but I was happy that it had helped at the busiest time. Just before I left, Sue and Stephen arrived, having ridden most of the course after starting the event earlier in the day. Stephen was wearing one of the new Winchester CTC tops. The first I'd seen Very smart!

Just for the record here are my map and data for the day.

A most satisfactory week.

Gridironman.

New Alresford to Popham Airfield and back

Sunday 4th January 2015.

An unexpected change in family plans allowed me to sneak out for my first ride of 2015.

Too late to contact Simon as I needed to get going immediately, hope he will forgive me! 

I thought I'd head north for a change and decided to go to Popham Airfield to have a coffee in the clubroom.

Just after I left Old Alresford I was passed by two riders. One male, one female. I am not sure if they were together or not but they were both going at a good rate with the lady about 100 metres behind the gent. They continued up the hill towards Swarraton whilst I forked right to take the alternative way to the Candover Valley. 

I descended Spiers Lane to Chilton Candover and just as I was leaving the village the surprised lady rider came past me again. "How did you get here? You must know some thing I don't" she said. I replied "I know a shorter route of course!" She soon disappeared into the distance.

The mist got thicker as I climbed towards Dummer and it seemed colder too. I crossed the A30 and was soon through North Waltham and up the hill to Popham Airfield which was shrouded in mist.

Grounded!

When I pulled up outside the clubroom I spotted another bike outside which I thought I recognized as Caroline's. However  as there was no sign of Ian's bike I thought maybe I was mistaken. Lucky for me I wasn't. Caroline was inside enjoying a light lunch. I joined her and had a coffee and piece of fruit cake.

It was really lovely to see Caroline and exchange news and gossip but all too soon it was time for both of us to make our way home. We rode together for the first mile or so before our ways parted.

I took my usual route from the bridge under the A303 home, via West and East Stratton, up the short but steep pitch to the top of Northington Down and then a fast descent of Mollie's Dismount.

I was home soon after 2 having covered almost 28 miles.

A decent average speed for the day of 11.6 mph and surprisingly two personal bests on Strava despite the fact I was riding Sporty.

Ride and Data for the day.

Only the one ride to report today as I included last Tuesday's ride as the final one of 2014 the other day.

By the way Les Frewin, the winner of Guess My Miles, has donated his winnings to Naomi House. Thanks Les!

GRIDIRONMAN.