Alresford Groupetta Meet with the Winchester CTC

Very Sad News.

Arthur Ramsey, one of our long time members of the HCMF died on Thursday 25th June, shortly after returning home from our meeting at East Stratton. Our thoughts are with Heather at this difficult time. I did not know Arthur well myself but had always enjoyed my chats with him and Heather on the occasions when we met.

Thursday 25th June, 2015. MY BIRTHDAY!

A fairly short time available for riding as I had been to the hospital for a pre-op assessment for a cataract operation next Monday. 

Cycmon called for me at 11.45 and we rode to East Stratton taking an indirect route, one with the easier hills via Itchen Abbas. Well that's what Cycmon told me as he was riding one of his single speed bikes. Secretly I think he was checking the route for Saturday. When we got to Itchen Abbas we met, by chance, a group of three from Winchester, along with David Parrott. We rode in somewhat loose formation to the pub. 

Simon and I paused to enjoy the fume of poppies on Itchen Down.

Field of White Poppies with Docks and Common Hogweed.

We found a select group at the Northbrook Arms already tucking in to some tasty morsels. Cycmon treated me to a birthday beer but we both declined lunch. Soon we were joined by the Fleet and Alton riders. We somehow managed to make our pints last for an hour and a half whilst enjoying the craic and sadly talking unknowingly for the last time to Arthur.

As to go directly  home would be a waste of a lovely afternoon we headed there via Micheldever, Stoke Charity and the country route along the Itchen Valley.

Route & Data for Thursday 25th June. 

It was a most enjoyable way to celebrate my birthday.

Thanks Cycmon.

Saturday 27th June 2015.

Cycmon was leading the Winchester CTC afternoon ride so to turn that into an all day ride for the Groupetta members, three of us, Cycmon, PinkPal and I, decided to start out at 10 a.m. and ride a roundabout way to the RV in Winchester. Unfortunately Andrew also tried to join us but missed us and found his own route to Winchester.

I was nominated to plan the route, so wanting to help PinkPal with her training for LeJog I took them a reasonably hilly way. We went via Tichborne for the first few miles as that is a nice warm up way. (i.e. mainly flat!)

We climbed to the top of Beacon Hill via Kilmeston. This enabled us to enjoy the fruits of our labours freewheeling down to Droxford Golf Club at a good pace of around 25 m.p.h.

PP was disappointed that I did not continue into Droxford, but I pointed out that would have required a climb back onto the ridge to get to Swanmore.

For a change I took Vicarage Lane which I find pleasanter than Hampton Hill. We turned back towards Winchester and rode into Bishops Waltham. Here I took Houchin Street rather than the High Street as I didn't want my pals to be tempted by the smell of coffee from the various cafes. 

As we had plenty of time we took the hilly route through Upham, where we resisted the siren call of the Brushmakers' Arms, Beybridge and Owslebury to Morestead.

The hill down to Twyford was not the easy freewheel I'd expected due to a fairly strong breeze right in our faces.

We soon covered the remaining few miles into the City via the cycle path and arrived at the King Alfred Pub before 12.30 giving us a full hour to enjoy lunch. We sat outside, for a while in the shade, but then as we cooled we moved back in the sunshine. 

Just before 1.30 we joined the other CTC Members at the Winchester Hotel Car Park. 

A very good turn out, 16 in all. With such a large number we split into two groups with Cycmon leading one and me the other. No wonder he'd led me this route on Thursday, prepping me for my big role.

Our route was the reverse of one Cycmon and I had done on Thursday, via Stoke Charity, Micheldever and East Stratton.

This time we rode past the pub.

The Northbrook Arms.

I led the group over the last three miles but sadly no one wanted to take up my offer of tea in my garden. I think it was my lack of promising any cake that persuaded them all to take tea elsewhere. Never mind perhaps on another ride when I have had time to bake!

Map & Data  Saturday 27th June

Of course the others, except for PinkPal still had to ride another 8 miles back to Winchester. 

Thanks Cycmon once again for a good day out.

There will be no cycling for me next week, so no blog report.

Gridironman.

The Wintonmediate, PinkPal's Tuesday Ride and a reverse of largely the same route on Thursday.

Saturday 20th June 2015. 

The Wintonmediate, The highlight of my cycling year.

I was determined to join the ride again this year although my two Groupetta companions of last year were otherwise engaged. I figured out that if I rode to and from the start I should just about cover a mile for every year of my life. 

The King Charles.
Our start and finish location.

I left home at 8.33 a.m. and had plenty of time to get to the King Charles in Kings Worthy for the 9.30 start. As I rode through Itchen Abbas it started to rain so my heart sank a little. I stopped put on my shower proof top. That did the trick it immediately stopped the rain!

At the start there was a relatively modest number of riders. It seemed to be less than previous years. A number of good friends were taking part and after registering, enjoying a coffee and chat, we set off promptly at 9.30, well I did anyway, there was a mad last minute scramble by others to move their cars onto the grass at the request of the landlady.

Faster riders soon caught and passed me and I was joined by Steve Cherry just after Three Maids Roundabout. We spent the rest of the day together, encouraging one another to keep up a good but sensible pace.

Some more late starters passed us as we descended towards Kings Somborne and on the steep Beech Tree Walk onto the Roman Road we were caught by David Foster, Mary Wallbank, Julie, & Joanne.

We rode together as a group to The Winterslows where David and Steve pulled ahead on the hill. I was trailing behind the ladies and in trying to adjust my mirror I knocked it off and had to stop to retrieve it, fortunately undamaged. Luckily the  ladies  paused where the route turned left along Pincroft Lane otherwise they would have gone the wrong way. All six of us descended the steep hill to the A30 enjoying high speed for a short while. We crossed Porton Down and in the village turned up the steep but thankfully short climb to Gomeldon, here there is a short downhill with a sweeping S bend in the middle. great fun at over 31 mph!

We were joined here by Simon Davies who had started late.

Soon we were crossing the river Bourne by footbridge. Another gentle climb over the ridge past High Post and then downhill again to cross the River Avon at Upper Woodford. The hedgerows all along the way were resplendent with common hog weed, dog roses and elder flower, but they all seemed to be especially prolific here.Steve and I had left the others behind as we climbed  and it wasn't until later that we found out that Mary had had a puncture. 

We reached the check in at The Friar Tuck Cafe to be greeted by John Spiers. Some of the faster riders were just leaving having enjoyed refreshments. Steve and I both opted for the traditional English breakfast with coffee for the very reasonable price of £6.25, it was delicious. Just before we left the other 5 arrived.

I suffered with "after lunch legs" climbing over the ridge to Bulford but by taking it easy I was soon fine again. We made excellent time along the road past the military firing ranges due to a tail wind and the possibility of being shot, there being lots of sounds of small arms fire. Through Tidworth and up the hill to Perham Down we went before another high speed section with the help of the wind to Kimpton.

We were now on much more familiar ground but my legs were beginning to tire and I made full use of my granny ring on the short sharp climb from Monxton and then up the one in Abbots Ann.

The highest speed of the day was achieved on the descent to Fullerton, over 35 mph. Of course for every downhill there is an uphill and we had two more significant climbs first from Leckford to the A30 and then through the lanes to Crawley. John Spiers passed us in his car here but we didn't realise that it was him until he told us later. He did call out to us but I guess we just thought it was a bit of banter from a frustrated motorist who had to wait for a wider space to pass.

The rest of the ride seemed to go very smoothly and we were back in Kings Worthy and at the pub at 3.55 p.m. (6hrs 25mins elapsed time at an overall average of 10.4 mph including stops).

I was very pleased as this was a big improvement on last year's elapsed time of 7hrs 11 mins. My average speed on moving time was 12.4 compared to last year's 12.0.

We joined with others in celebrating our day with a pint; necessary for re-hydration?!

David and the others still had not arrived by the time I left, John told me that unfortunately David had had a tyre blowout whilst in the cafe at Amesbury.

Despite the forecast of light rain apart from a few spots before the start and a couple more near Amesbury it had remained dry. In a couple of places there were puddles so there had been a few showers it would seem.

Zoe, my granddaughter.
Much better than a picture of me!

With still 7 miles needed to achieve my aim of a mile per year I popped into see my granddaughter Zoe who made me a cup of tea and provided enough leftovers from an end of exams party for my supper!

The last 6 miles home seemed easy. I managed it in under 30 mins.

Sorry no pictures taken en route, too busy riding!

Had a very pleasant evening after a hot relaxing bath watching cycle racing on TV and the very exciting cricket match between England & New Zealand.

Very many thanks to John and his team of helpers for the day for their hard work and dedication, the Certificates were produced by Caesar Slattery who also helped at registration and the finish check-in.    Registration was by Debs Chandler and finish check in with Caesar was Ken Ebbutt.

My map and Data for the day  from and to Alresford.

Tuesday 16th June 2015

Pink Pal led a group of 8 of us from Itchen Abbass to the Springs Coffee Shop in West Meon. She had chosen a good route, based on one of her training routes, along the valley to Ovington and then up Gander Down. After a short run along the A272 we turned off along the ridge past the Milbury's. We zoomed down Wheeley Down but then had to climb Old Winchester Hill. One wag suggested we should just ride to two miles to West Meon but we decided that would be wimping out and tackled the hill. Only the first few hundred yards is hard the rest of it being easily manageable provided one paces oneself. I was left behind by the stronger riders but am pleased to say I was not the last up the hill.
As we rode along the ridge to The once HMS Mercury we had wonderful views to both the NE and SW. 
PinkPal has set her heart on one of the new mansions being built on the old RN site. Just needs to win the lottery now.
We descended the hill to East Meon achieving around 34 miles per hour, the same average speed as Wiggo achieved for an hour. Imagine!
We decided to resist the temptation of the pub in the village and carried on to West Meon where we popped into the cafe. Service was a little slow and with some folk enjoying club sandwiches we were their for an hour and 20 mins, some coffee stop!
Eventually we got on our way and PP led us from Brockwood along the little lane to Hinton Ampner.
In Cheriton we split up with one lady deciding to ride all the way home and three of the Alresford Groupetta taking a long way round home via the battle site to the Ropley roundabout, whilst the others found there own way back to Itchen Abbas.

PinkPal's Excellent training route.

A most enjoyable ride. Thanks  PP.

Thursday 18th June 2015.

I was keen to try Tuesday's ride in trhe reverse direction and persuaded Simon that this was a good idea. We set off around ten o'clock to ride to the HCMF meet at Tichborne.

Here are Simon's Comments:

Another 30+ miles today to the Titchbourne Arms (all of 2 miles from home) so Bryce Mansfield led me on the reverse of the ride we did on Tuesday although slightly shorter. A good turn out of the Thursday Fellowship Group filling the beer garden, glorious weather. Bryce pictured here in East Meon where we stopped just before the climb to the top of Old Winchester Hill.

We climbed the hill we had sped down on Tuesday somewhat labouriously but Simon rewarded me at the Sustainability Centre's Beech Cafe with coffee and chocolate cake.This time our coffee stop was a mere 14 mins and we headed back towards our destination in Tichborne into a fairly strong breeze. The views were extensive with the Isle of Wight in the far distance. We are lucky to be able to ride in such a beautiful area. It was great descending Old Winchester Hill at speed , it was quite cool under the shade of the trees.

Having climbed Wheeley Down we knew our serious climbing was done and enjoyed the magnificent views from the ridge before descending through Beauworth to trundle through Cheriton to the pub in Tichborne.

Lots of interest in Simon's fabulous Paris Galibier bike. here he is with it together with his comments.

Eroica Britannia here I come! Over 100 miles ridden in the last 3 days, 70+ plus on the bike I'll being using for Eroica a 1952 Paris Galibier pictured here with me in period dress in East Meon today.

Eventually the day had to end and we soon covered the 2 miles home where I enjoyed a pizza and salad for a late lunch.

GRIDIRONMAN.

More social rides.

Monday 8th June 2015.

Paddy dragged me out to join him on a late afternoon ride just to keep our legs used to cycling!

We weren't going for any records and we chatted most of the time as we rode. We headed round one of our regular gentle routes going first through Tichborne and Cheriton and then to Upham. this was our most Southerly point and we returned home via Woodlands and lane End.

The sweetest part of the ride being the long downhill of Gander Down. Paddy easily outstripping me.

We were lucky at the A31 playing chicken with the fast moving cars and getting straight across without stopping!

Thanks Paddy for an enjoyable ride in the countryside.

For the record here is the map and also the data:

Thursday 11th June 2015.

No buddy to ride with today, they were all busy with work and other mundane matters!

I went to join the HCMF meet at The Phoenix, in Twyford. Of course that needed a little loop to get there so as not to ride the Itchen Valley too often. I took one of my favourite routes via Gander Down, (climbing it this time!), Owslebury and Hensting Lane.

Here is the map from which you can see the profile with the lumpy bits out of the way before lunch.

With the RV being near Winchester a number of my less able friends from the City were there, it was good to see them and catch up with their news, and tell them mine.

A busy week for me with other matters to deal with, so no time to ride on Saturday. Hope to be able to get out more over the rest of the summer.

Gridironman

Two social rides this week.

Thursday 4th June 2015.
Ride to The Sun Inn, Bentworth to join the HCMF for lunch.

It was my first Thursday ride for several weeks so I thought it would be good to catch up with my friends in the HCMF. The meet was at The Sun Inn, Bentworth, only about 9 miles from home so not too demanding. It was a lovely sunny day and I enjoyed trundling along at a gentle pace after the frenetic riding of last Saturday on the Sportive. Once through Bighton I stopped to take of my gilet as I was already warming up. I chose to test my legs up Chalky Hill to Hattingley instead of the more direct route to Medstead. I did set a new PB for the climb of 6 mins 55 secs, at an average speed of 5.8 m.p.h.

I was soon through Medstead and into Bentworth. When I got to the pub I found a modest number of riders there, they looked even fewer as they seemed to be secreting themselves in a number of different places, so after a chat with John Heath I took my lunch outside to share the craic there. I had a long chat with Don. 

David and Richard seemed to have disappeared so I thought they had gone, only to discover they were with Laurence in a hidey hole in a small garden I didn't even know existed.

I was very touched by the many messages of comfort and good will I had from all. Thanks, Pals. It really does help.

Eventually I headed off to ride home, but not even having ridden 10 miles so far I did take a longer route through Burkham and Axford and along the Candover Valley. As I entered Preston Candover a black van came out of the turning to Bradley. He appeared to think twice about coming out in front of me before stopping and letting me by. However after about 100 yards he overtook me, put on his hazard lights and stopped in front of me. I pulled out to pass him and he gave me a dirty look before driving off with maximum revs in a great cloud of black smoke. (Was he the wizard of The Candovers? And had I offended him? I made it home without further incident, so maybe not!). 

A good return to midweek cycling, long may it continue.

Saturday 6th June 2015. Winchester CTC ride to Curdridge for lunch at The Cricketers Inn.

Simon and I had decided to join this ride despite there being no appointed leader. We rode into the City to discover only three others had turned up to take part. After some discussion I persuaded the others to allow me to lead them to Curdridge as it was in a direction not often ridden by Winchester CTC Saturday group. 

This worked well. We did of course have to exit the City along the familiar cycle path to Hockley and then through Twyford before we turned off the busy road and meandered through Colden Common to Fishers Pond. 

We did a loop to the East before touching the outskirts of Fair Oak and then we headed for Durley, past Durley Church. We found a new interesting coffee stop at the Quob Stables & Equestrian Centre. Very busy with lots of youngsters and ponies. However the coffee shop was not busy and we were soon enjoying a refreshing cup. (Not the highest quality but OK).

It only took us another half an hour to get to our lunch destination , The Cricketers, Dundridge. Here we sat in the sun, wondering whether we should have stayed inside because of the cold wind. 

It was a while before our sandwiches arrived and also a while before they were eaten. They were very large!

After over an hour we resumed our ride heading through Waltham Chase to Swanmore. We turned for home here and pedalled our way to Bishops Waltham. Some chat here with a number of passing folk about bikes and exploits. 

We rode out of the town towards Fishers Pond and four of us turned up the lane to Upham while Mike continued to wards his home alone along the B2177. 

The hilliest part of the day now, the climbs to Upham and then over the hill to Baybridge and Oslebury and then finally cresting the South Downs Ridge via Gander Down, our highest point of the day at 527 feet. The descent into Ovington was of course great fun  and we had little trouble in crossing the A31 dual carriage way. In Ovington our paths split with Ken and Steve turning towards Avington while Simon and I made our way to Alresford.

It was a most enjoyable day out with friends despite the strong breeze.

Gridironman.

Wiggle Bournemouth Sportive.

Saturday 30th May 2015. 

After the hectic events of the last week I was determined to get out on my bike once more. I joined Cycmon and PinkPal to ride this Sportive event. I was not disappointed, it proved to be a very exciting and rewarding ride.

Cycmon kindly picked me up in his car and we arrived at the venue in Matchams at around 7.45. We met PinkPal and joined the queue for the start. I have never seen so many cyclists together before. I believe there were 2,000 taking part. We were released in batches and our group was away just after 8.30.

The first 15 miles were very easy and I covered them in under an hour. However I could not keep up with my two pals, they seemed to be intent on achieving a Gold certificate. I knew I needed to conserve my effort so let them disappear into the distance. 

Our route was on some familiar roads near Ringwood and Fordingbridge then we were onto new ground climbing over a ridge to Coombe Bissett. I sat on the verge at  the top of the hill for a break and to text my friend Caroline who had enquired if I was cycling. 

The course now turned westwards along a very pretty valley through Bishopstone, Broad Chalke and Fifield Bavant. I had ridden this road before when I stayed in the Youth Hostel in Salisbury a few years ago. I stopped to lend my pump to a guy with a flat tyre. That cost me 7 minutes. Soon afterwards I arrived at the first feed stop in the village of Ebbesbourne Wake. No sign of my pals, so after a feed and topping up my bottle. I got going again. We were now over half distance and near Berwick St. John had our toughest hill of the day we climbed over 400 feet to nearly 900 feet. I struggled to make it and some riders had to walk as they did not have low enough gears. Our reward was the great views from the top then a lovely long downhill for about 5 miles.

View from the highest hill in Dorset looking towards Tollard Royal.

The great thing about these rides is that you are never alone for long. There was a continuous stream of faster riders coming past and if they are not going too fast one can get on the wheels for a while and enjoy the drafting effect. Sadly I could not manage to keep up for long. I did however manage to overtake some riders myself and rode with some for a while.

As we got nearer to Ringwood we were treated to another feed stop in the village of Woodlands. I needed the break as the next few miles were testing with many little ups and downs which were steep enough for me to need my granny ring. Of course having covered 50+ miles I was also getting very tired.  We took a loop around to Edmondsham & Alderholt before heading past Ringwood back to the finish. Here is my official time certificate, bearing in mind I stopped to help for 7 mins I had almost achieved my aim of finishing within 6 hours. 

My map & data including my actual riding time are as follows:

I found my two mates waiting for me just after I had crossed the finishing line and we had a little chat, comparing our experiences, before heading home. Thanks Cycmon for the lift and for both for sharing the day with me and a couple of thousand others.

I have analysed the official results and having adjusted for Simon riding the Standard and not the Epic here are my version of the results

1. Total Number Completing the Event       1888
2. Total Number completing the Standard    794
3. PinkPal's position in standard                  601
4. Cycmon's position                                  657
5. Gridironman's position                           708

Not a bad result for the Alresford Groupetta!

I was delivered home by Cycmon before 4 p.m. and enjoyed a hot bath and a glass of beer to celebrate. But oh! Did my legs ache!
Sadly no one at home to share the  experience with.

Gridironman.

Exploring with John Spiers and the Winchester CTC.

Saturday 23rd may 2015. 

After a very traumatic week I decided on Saturday to get myself out on the bike with my friends rather than to sit about moping at home. I set off at 12.50 p.m. to join John Spiers for his easy afternoon ride with the Winchester CTC. Managed to get to the start in near to record time 31 mins and 33 secs. Felt quite happy that I'd not forgotten how to turn the pedals.

There were 15 of us, some good friends of many years, others new ones. I forgot to put my helmet back on before leading the group up the little footpath taking us out on to the Andover road but John spotted it on top of the rubbish bin and brought it to me. Thanks John!

We had been blessed with a very pleasant day for cycling, for once that cool nip in the air had gone away. 

Our route was an innovative one through a number of little lanes that none of us had ridden before, mainly because they did not really go anywhere!

Here is a map of our route, see if you can spot the unusual portions.

Maybe that is a lttle unfair, but if you look at my Garmin Route here you can enlarge the map and see the detail. 

https://connect.garmin.com/activity/782457911

It was a short but very enjoyable ride as is always the case with John who makes a real effort to bring our attention to some matters of interest, sometimes geographical, sometimes historical or topical. 

 Eventually we arrived at the tea stop, Sacher and Strudel in Shawford. Here we enjoyed delicious coffee/tea and very tasty cakes before continuing our ride back to Winchester. I was treated by Jenny, many thanks Jenny, and everyone was so kind, talking about my recent loss sympathetically. It is at times like these when friends can do so much to help just by being there for one.

We were soon back in Winchester where I left the others and gave myself another challenge, to ride up Quarry Hill. i managed a PB. here is the Strava detail:

Quarry Hill Strava record.

I was only 251 st, but 24 people were slower! One of life's little triumphs. 

I rode a little of the A31 before turning towards Avington down the lanes, fondly expecting it to be all downhill. I clearly had forgotten that it actually has several small climbs in it. 

I eventually arrived hoime just after 5 o'clock. Just time for a change and a quick shower before going out to my daughter's for supper.

Another good day on the bike.

Gridironman.

A Strange Week.

Week Ending Sunday 17th May 2015.

No signs of any of the Alresford Groupetta even getting near the ton this week. Though we did manage 144 between us! We have all had various reasons for not doing many miles. Poor Paddy tried a repeat of Caroline's accident in her ford. Fortunately his injuries were not so severe but he has been unable to cycle any more this week, so his total is a modest 15. Simon had a number of other commitments but did manage about 40  today. I have been unable to ride until today because of looking after Jean, but I did get up early and rode to Petersfield for a breakfast stop at the Cloisters Cafe. More details below. Undoubtedly the best effort this week has been by our roving  continental reporter who had two fabulously Nice rides on the Cote d'Azur. Here is one of her route maps. Far more interesting than mine! 

She racked up a total of 47. (I think she could have ridden today but I believe she was too busy enjoying the delights of the Watercress festival). 

Saturday 16th May 2015.

Although I didn't have time to ride with John Spiers and the Winchester CTC, I did manage to join them at the pub in Upper Clatford for lunch. It was as always good to see many old friends, particularly Mary and Don both of whom I'd not seen for ages.

When they left to continue their ride I followed Phil who was on his bike to have coffee in his garden in Andover. We had a great time drinking far too much delicious coffee and chatting about everything. Thanks Phil.

After I left him I paid another visit to the HRCH before heading home to watch stage 7 of the Giro d'Italia.

Sunday 17th May 2015.

I was awake early, (the result of that coffee?), so not wanting to lie abed on such a nice morning I got out the bike and set off just after 7.30 for Petersfield. I followed a well ridden route, but this time in an anti clockwise direction for a change. Here is my map:

I made good progress with little traffic to deal with and for once used the A272 from Bramdean instead of taking the country route. I puffed up the hill to Brockwood but for most of the way I felt surprisingly able despite not having ridden for a week.

Red Campion.

Solomon's Seal.

Lots of flowers to add to the list of those showing in the hedgerows and woods too. Red Campion, Purple Vetch, and Solomon's Seal.

I took a small loop through Buriton before entering Petersfield and calling at the Cloisters Cafe for a latte.

 I climbed Stoner Hill managing it quite well without needing to use my bottom gear. I am quite pleased with this picture of Ashford Hangers taken near the top of Stoner Hill. How green the trees are now compared to how they looked just a couple of weeks ago.

Ashford Hangers Nature Reserve.

It was too short a route to go directly home so I deviated through Four Marks where I spotted this tree, loaded with blossom.

I was now nearly home so I threw all my efforts into riding at speed to get my average for the day to over 12 mph. I avoided the town centre because of the Watercress festival and went via Drove Lane. Lots of cars here because of the diversions.

A most satisfactory ride. Helped dispel my demons!

Gridironman.

Lunch at Lasham Gliding Club.

Friday 8th May. Once more my daughter Sarah took over care duties so I could get out on Posh for a ride. 

My route was through Old Alresford and Swarraton and up the Candover Valley. In Brown Candover I came across this interesting  scene:

Police car and Two Breakdown Trucks attend the scene.

Baker's Flatbed backing into position to unload the cargo. 

Baker's Truck in position.
Note the ladder to access the cargo.

BUILDBASE TRUCK in the Candover Brook.
I wonder why he drove onto the grass verge? Perhaps he was trying to pass another vehicle and misjudged the width?

I only had three hours so needing to have some lunch I chose not to stay to watch what happened next but to go on to the Gliding Club. I figured that I would get served quickly there whereas the nearby Avenue Garden Centre is always busy and it sometimes takes a while to get served. The GC usually have a choice of three ready cooked meals. On this occasion the choice was Fish & Chips, Beef Curry or Cheesy Pasta Bake. All three looked delicious. I chose the curry and found it to be very tasty without being too hot. (Mango chutney and poppadom on the side.) I also had a very large cup of coffee, all for  £7.80.

It tried to rain while I was in the Club but fortunately nothing much came of it and I was able to return home in the dry.

Near Lasham airfield there was a dead badger.

Lots of spring flowers out now in profusion and most trees have greened up substantially since last weekend.. The bluebells near Ellisfield filling the air with a lovely perfume. Also the more pungent smell of the wild garlic. Other flowers in abundance were dandelions, cow parsley, white dead nettle, stitch-wort & garlic mustard. The barley is already in ear and there is a lot of oil seed rape in the fields.

I was back just before my three hours were up having had another exhilarating ride the details of which are here:

Alresford Groupetta News.

Not up to our usual high standard. for a variety of reasons, mainly health related. Unless anyone has sneaked in another ride today that I don't know about we have only managed a total of 69 miles between us all. PinkPal leading with 41 whilst I managed a token 28!
We promise to try and do better.


GRIDIRONMAN.

Alresford Groupetta Survivor

Alresford Groupetta News:

Another week of mixed fortunes. Here is the leader board:-

Cycmon once more topping the list, but he did have the advantage of time for three rides. Both he & PinkPal did well on Sunday with that very wet and windy weather to contend with. PinkPal rode 66 miles on the IOW Randonee Audax whilst Cycmon was taking part in a 45 mile veteran cycles ride. Well done both.
Not such a great week for Paddy, see more details below.

Saturday 2nd May 2015. The Groupetta had planned short ride to Petersfield for coffee. However things did not quite turn out as planned.

Paddy and I were all ready to go at 1.30 p.m. but there was no sign of Cycmon. A phone call to Cycmon was not answered so we presumed he was on his way. As he still had not arrived by 1.45 I checked my emails and discovered that an email had been sent about midday; unfortunately after my computer had been turned off. So Paddy and I set off for Petersfield as planned but our plans soon had to be revised as  Paddy had a problem with his back wheel and after just 3 miles we stopped to try and sort it. It turned out to be a badly fitted tyre which was causing a bumping. Paddy managed to fix it and we set off once more along the Petersfield Road. 

Paddy does a dance with White Van man.

However after about two more miles at the foot of Smugglers Lane after I had just taken this picture of him doing a waltz with a Yodel Van, Paddy told me he felt unwell. 

He decided to return home. I hope it was nothing serious and that he is now feeling better. 

I was determined to make the most of my couple of hours of respite and I continued up Smugglers Lane to Monkwood. Here a very bouncy greyhound wanted to play with me and nearly had me in trouble as he pranced alongside. However since time had already been lost due to the late start and the two involuntary stops I decided it was far too late to attempt to get to Petersfield. Instead I opted to do a loop through Alton and back home via Medstead. 

That Log!

I was able to maintain a good speed along the A32 through East Tisted and Farringdon. In Chawton I paused to examine the site of my tumble on January 17th. How could I not have seen that big log!

As I exited the village a couple decided to cross the road without looking and when I shouted "LOOK OUT" the woman looked at me as if I was the one who was at fault! 

I skirted Alton and was soon climbing Snode Hill, now much easier since the council resurfaced it.

Lots of bluebells out now. Here is my offering of a snap. I expect others will be posted soon on FB much better than mine!

Bluebells near Wivelrod.

After checking with my relief carer that I still had time, I popped into Owen's Bike Shop for a chat with Owen and to sort out a problem I've had with a light I had bought there. 



Near Lyeway as I rounded a corner a large brown hare crossed the road a few yards in front of me. Shortly afterwards I saw this pretty patch of white flowers, what are they? Possibly a brassica?

From here it was all more or less downhill. 


I eventually arrived home about 4.30 with a total elapsed time from 1.45 p.m. of 2 hours 45 mins. Riding time of about 2 hours 10 mins. (Garmin  record adjusted to add 1.5 miles and 8 minutes ridden without it recording)
It had in the end been a very good training ride and I felt very pleased. Thanks to my daughter Sarah for giving me the chance to get out on my Posh bike.

Gridironman.

Cycmon cracks the two ton barrier!

Once more it has on the whole been a good week for the my Groupetta pals.  Cycmon has ridden a record 260 miles in the week but has also had problems with punctures. PinkPal has been away for a training weekend in preparation for LEJOG and has become our latest Ton Up Kid with a mileage of 104 whilst Paddy having been out and about on a number of rides has completed 71. 

Cycmon demonstrates his puncture repair skills while Andrew looks on.

Meanwhile I have had other matters to attend to, but I did manage to get out Saturday 25th April for a short ride of 25 miles with Cycmon and Paddy. Paddy had planned a good route in advance knowing we had only about 2.5 hours available.

We headed south through Tichborne where I stopped to buy a cake from two little girls who were raising money for a local charity. It was delicious, still warm from the oven. By the time I caught up with my pals it had been scoffed.

Here is the map of our route from which you can see we meandered about rather than taking a direct route anywhere.

 From Kilmeston we looped back towards Hinton Ampner and at the bottom of the valley we hit a patch of mud and gravel at high speed. It was a real test of our bike handling skills. We all made it safely through. We trundled along Brockwood Bottom and turned up Riverdown Road, a bit of a drag but not too steep. 

Paddy twiddling his way to the top of Riverdown.

We rested Beacon Hill, the highest point of the day and descended towards Bishop's Waltham down the green leafy lane to join the Corhampton to Winchester Road. We met a wedding car resplendent with ribbons, I wondered where they were going.

A couple of nice little hills later we weaved our way through the little hamlet of Woodcote, before setting off towards home along Longwood Dean lane. In places there was a pungent scent of the wild garlic and bluebells are showing too, not quite the carpets of blue yet. Several other cyclists passed along this stretch, obviously a popular route with the clan. 

In Ovington we paused to admire the blossom by the church.

Ovington Church.

Only a short way now, I chose the route past the mill to check on its roses, not out yet of course but shooting well. I forgot I had no mudguards and rode fast enough through the Caroline's Ford to dampen my bottom!

Cycmon left us to return home via the other ford after we had wished him well for his adventure on Sunday.

Thanks to both Cycmon and Paddy for their support today the little outing had helped me recharge my batteries!

Gridironman.

UPPER CLATFORD CYCLE CHALLENGE IN AID OF NAOMI HOUSE.

It has been a great week for the other three members of the Alresford Groupetta but not quite so good for me as due to other commitments I was only able to do one special ride. The Naomi House Clatford Challenge organised by Simon Hall.

Here is the leader board for the week:

Cycmon once more topping the table but PinkPal pressed him close and would have done more miles if she had not been aiding a fellow entrant for the LEJOG ride in September.
I think she is worthy of the TUK award for the week too. Why not have joint holders of those over the ton?

The Naomi House Clatford Challenge Sunday 19th April 2015.

Three of us from the group had entered for the sponsored ride of 60 miles to raise funds for this worthy cause, but for various reasons we decided to make our own way there.

I was quite late arriving and by the time I'd got ready the briefing was well under way. As I joined the group I spotted my two Groupees and another Face Book friend who was riding with PinkPal. After a brief greeting and a photo of all the riders we got under way on the dot of 9.

Cycmon on left Gridironman 3rd left in blue Naomi House vest.

I kept up with the group through the village and up the first hill as we rode I was joined by Cycmon and we could still see the faster riders infront,but after 3 miles we encountered a very steep hill which defeated me and I had to walk about 100 metres. As the hill eased i tried to get back on but I kept doing miniature wheelies and frightened myself so I walked another 50 metres.

The run down to Houghton was fast and as we entered Kings Somborne I noticed we were averaging over 13 mph. 

Having left my water bottle in the car I popped into the village shop here to buy some water, I managed to find a bottle that perfectly fitted my bottle cage..

We had now turned into the NE breeze and for the next 20 miles or so we found it much harder going than we'd expected. In Kings Worthy we had our first short stop to top up our calories. I left Simon drinking coffee anticipating he would catch me on the hill. As I rode up the hill I was treated to the sight of a large group of riders from Alton descending the hill at speed. I recognized some including Frank and there were a number of shouts "Hi Bryce".

It was one of those moments when one enjoys the camaraderie of cycling.

At the top I was joined once more by Cycmon who reported he'd seen PinkPal and her friend.  

We were soon at the refreshment stop in Sutton Scotney enjoying the delicious cakes and flapjacks made by Simon Hall's family and other helpers. We  joined by other riders including PinkPal & friend.

Cycmon and Gridironman with helpers Pam, Elaine & Emily.

PinkPal and friend enjoying the refreshments.

Fully refreshed we continued on our merry way through Micheldever and past Micheldever Station. 

It was hard work here as the breeze seemed determined to slow us up. 

We made it to Hannington, just over the 40 mile mark about 1 o'clock and enjoyed a welcome rest on the edge of the green.

Hill & breeze conquered!

The green and grandad relaxing for a spell.

After a 15 min break we set off on the final leg. Luckily this was mainly downhill and we managed to increase our average from under 11 mph to over 12.2. There were of course a couple of testing hills. The first a very steep but thankfully short pitch in Cole Henley and the final one the winding climb from Wherwell. Simon left me here to sprint the last few miles to the finish. 

When I arrived there I found that PinkPal and friend were already there. How did they manage that? Mr Garmin had the answer. They'd dispensed with the climb to Hannington and cut about 10 miles of the route! Never mind they'd had a good test of their fitness and had help raise money for Naomi House.

The day was of course completed with welcome tea & cakes, essential to any good cycle ride.

Here is my Garmin record for the day.

Thanks Simon Hall and all your helpers for a great day riding with some great mates.

GRIDIRONMAN.