Back to normal.

I am very happy that after my scare on Saturday last a scan at the RHCH on Wednesday showed no signs of a clot, blockage or bleed in my brain. (As the consultant said, "There is nothing there!").

A VERY HAPPY BUNNY!

He had already told me there was no need to stop cycling, in fact he encouraged me to keep it going. So on Tuesday 21st August I went out with The Pedallers.

Thursday 23rd August was a good day for me to cycle to join the HCMF as I needed to consult with my helpers to finalise the programme for the last four months of 2018. This has now been done and circulated to online members. Those who still live in the days of snail mail will have to wait a couple more days. Thankfully there are only 4 of those now.

Then on Saturday, 25th August, it seemed like a good idea to bank a weekend ride as it seems likely there would be rain on Sunday. So I went for a gentle ride to Lasham with my pal Cycmon.

Sunday 26th August. After a rather emotional day yesterday I was woken this morning by a horrible dream at a quarter to six. Decided that to exorcise the demons from my head I would go for a solo bike ride. I love riding Paris, he seems to want to fly along and I enjoy riding fast (well fast for me). As I concentrate on what I am doing all negative thoughts are blown away in my slipstream. 

I set off at 7 a.m. with little idea of where I was heading. I soon found myself climbing through Kilmeston and thought it would be nice to bomb down Wheeley Down. I was pleased when I got home to discover that I clocked a new PB doing so.

Another PB going up Lippen Lane. (So it's not just "no brakes Bryce"). Only managed a second best up the steepest hill of the day, (Filmore Hill Lane) but I was not disappointed with that.

As I rode through Privett and West Tisted I could see the rain clouds coming so I turned for home through Lyewood. As I descended through Ropley it started to spit with rain drops but didn't come to much until after I was safely home. A most enjoyable early morning ride, I must try them more often. 

I think I have done enough to stand a chance of winning the TUK medal this week but there have been some strong challenges from the other Groupetta riders so I must wait until the day is over and Strava has been updated to find out.

A week with many mixed emotions but with the encouragement of my many good friends I have survived extremely well. You know who you are, MANY THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT!

GRIDIRONMAN

Only 20+ miles!

It has been a very sorry tale of little riding this past week due to a number of different circumstances.

I was very busy with domestic and garden matters on Tuesday so did not join the Pedallers. On Wednesday I had a number of family and charity matters to deal with and the LotSW group were not riding so I thought I'll get a good ride in on Thursday, with Simon, going to the HCMF meet at North Waltham. It was pouring with rain when I woke on Thursday and continued all morning so Simon and I agreed not to go. By 2 o'clock it had stopped raining and by teatime the roads had dried out so I thought I'd pop to the pub on the bike by a roundabout route. Here are the details:-

I had planned to join Steve and the Winchester CTC ride on Saturday but when I woke on Saturday morning I had symptoms similar to those I had last year when I had a suspected TIA. I rang 111 and after I'd described my symptoms they sent an ambulance. I spent the morning in hospital being checked over numerous times until eventually I was told that it is quite likely I have never had a TIA but that there is some other reason for the tingling sensations I have been having. I have to go on Wednesday for a further consultation but in the meantime, I have been told I should carry on was normal including cycling, but not to overdo it!

Yesterday I did a little gardening and this morning I have enjoyed following the progress of many of my friends on Strava, especially PinkPal and Andy who have both done over 100 miles in the week and have been jointly awarded the TUK medal.

Watch this space for further news in due course!

Gridironman.

Three Counties Tour & A Visit to the Cotswolds

On Wednesday, August 8th, I decided that it would be good to join my LotSW pals for a ride. I drove to Whitchurch where  I met up with Caroline and Ian and the superb waffler David. I was not disappointed as Ian had planned a very good ride to the Littlecote Hotel near Hungerford.  We were late setting off and with a 10 minute or so waffle stop in Armansworth we arrived at the coffee stop in time for lunch. Afterwards, we continued to the Hotel via Hungerford, where we arrived in time to enjoy my after lunch coffee whilst the others tucked into tea and cakes. The return was over the hills into the Bourne valley where Caroline excelled herself leading us at speed down the valley.  An excellent day out. 

Green Man

Lovely Country Cottage.

The Faffers.

Speedy Caroline.

Despite the change in the weather, I have had another very enjoyable weekend away in Dobbin with Paris. I set off on Thursday, August 9th, and met my brother, Robin, in Cricklade. It was his birthday so after treating him and his wife Diana for lunch he took me for a ride. Here are the details:

The following day, Friday, August 10th, it was a very wet morning so I waited patiently until the weather brightened up. I left the Caravan Club park at Cirencester at around 1 p.m.and explored the lanes between Kemble and Cerney Wick not planning my route but just meandering about.  It was much easier riding than I had expected and I managed 15 miles in my first hour. That could not continue of course once I found some gentle hills. I still made good progress and stopped for a cup of coffee and a lardy cake in the village shop in Paulton. £1.85! Great value. I had not moved out of my big ring (50 teeth) all day until I climbed the hill from the town of Cirencester to the Camping Club site. which was the steepest hill on a very easy day. Here is the route of my very erratic progress:

After a rest and a cuppa, I decided to do another ride in the evening to the Thames Head Pub just a few miles away. I needed to make it a decent ride so I went via the villages of Coates and Tarlton to get there. Had to use my lowest gear for the first time all day! After a good meal, I returned to the campsite via Kemble and Ewen where my brother used to live. 

Saturday, August 11th, was a day for family business, Robin picked me up and we went to a Garden party at my Niece's home in Llanvair Discoed near Chepstow. It was a lovely family reunion day with many members of my family there as well as many of Glenys's friends. The weather didn't co-operate and we spent most of the party sheltering from the rain inside or under the canopy by the back door. Nevertheless a great day.

Today Sunday, August 12th, I decided not to ride as it was raining heavily at 9.00 when I would have set off to visit my home village of Cranham. Instead, I went by camper car.  I was so pleased I had gone as it had been Cranham Feast on Saturday and the Church was beautifully decorated with flowers. I enjoyed a chat with one of the current parishioners. 

Next, I visited my friend Geoffrey and his wife in Sheepscome and then called on another niece in Stroud for a brief chat and a welcome coffee before returning home.

It had been a little disappointing trip because of the rain on three of the four days but it was still a very enjoyable weekend with the renewal of family ties and other friendships. 

I have now enjoyed 5 of these mini Camper/Cycle trips without any major problems.

Gridironman.

A very busy week.

Hi all. I have had a very busy time with 5 rides totalling just over 150 miles this week. They involved many of my cycling friends. On Wednesday Caroline, Ian and David. On Thursday primarily Simon but also about 20 of the HCMF. Friday, once again with Simon and later with Paddy. Today Sunday 5th I rode alone but still got to chat with others. I will let the 5 reports tell the rest of the story. I have not won the TUK medal despite my efforts this goes to PinkPal wh has managed 188 miles. Well done!

Cheers!

Gridironman.

The beginning or the end of Summer?

Another good week of cycling, making the most of the fine dry weather with modifications to plans this weekend. Although I have recorded 6 rides on Strava there are really only three main days out but split into segments. They were all different in character. 

The first on Tuesday 24th July was a Pedallers ride across the New Forest which I found quite tough. The group were great company and looked after me well.

The second on Thursday 26th July was more of a ride with Cycmon to a social lunch with the usual band of regulars. We don't get the size of turnouts we used to, I guess this is partly due to our ageing without many younger new members.

The third on Saturday 28th July was very much a touch of wandering where I wanted and having a fun day including both watching cycling and riding myself.

Tuesday 24th July.

Thursday 26th July.

Saturday 28th July.

Cheers

GRIDIRONMAN

Cricket etc.

A good week despite the disappointment of not being able to join the Peddlers for their Dorset Coastlet ride.

Tuesday 17th July was a cycling related day. First I took Paris to Owen's for some minor maintenance, next went round to Andrew's (Alresford Mobile Cycle Repairs) where he cured my creaky handlebar/headset. (Stripped down, cleaned and refitted.) Next to Simon's where I test rode my Scottie following some modifications. Simon has replaced the two speed with a four speed Sturmey Archer and changed the pedals to more suitable ones. I am going to give Scottie another outing!

Finally, I went with Andrew by bike to watch him play cricket at Brockwood Park.

Wednesday 18th July, LotSW ride with David only. The others all being preoccupied. He joined me at my daughter's house in Kings Worthy. He suggested Jolly Olly's for lunch. As a direct ride would mean us arriving too early I chose to lead us up to Hannington and Ipsley. This worked well and we arrived at the cafe at 12.30 p.m. After a light lunch, we found another route back to Kings Worthy via Dummer, the Candover Valley, Itchen Abbas and Easton. The day was not over, Barrie and Mary had invited us for tea. We enjoyed tasty scones and cake with our cuppa before completing our ride to Westwinds. Thanks, David for taking the trouble to drive over to join me. 

Thursday 19th July 

Another good turnout of members at East Stratton. We were able to watch the Tour de France whilst enjoying our lunch.

Saturday July 21st. 

I was quite apprehensive about undertaking an Intermediate ride with the Winchester CTC so I put the route on my Garmin 25 so if I had to peel off at some stage I would know how to get back to Kings Worthy. My plan was to go as far as the coffee stop and then return if I felt not able to do the whole route. In the end, I did manage to ride the whole way and achieve a very credible pace as well as posting quite a number of PBs on Strava.

I started in Kings Worthy, joining PinkPal and Graham at the Good Life where we waited for the group. In all, there were 15 of us.

Present were: Steve, Sarah, Graham, Graham 2, Steve 2, Charles, Mary, Kate, Verity, Tony, Sarah 2, Phil, Camilla, Don & me.

The weather was just about perfect, dry and warm, with both cloud & sunshine. We had a coffee break at the Tea Pot in Hurstbourne Tarrant and lunch at the Hatchett Inn in Lower Chute.

Service at the pub was a trifle slow as it was very busy but we enjoyed the break in the shade in the garden.

Graham was again very supportive, making sure that I kept drinking. I managed four bottles during the ride as well as drinks at the two stops.

I have ridden over 150 miles during the week so today I think it is time for a rest and to watch the pros. doing their stuff on Le Tour.

I feel very lucky to be capable of enjoying my rides. I was amused when Don told me he had enjoyed being the oldest of the group until I turned up and spoilt it.

Phil was riding a brand new electric-assisted machine. He claims it is so he can keep up with his fitter brother. At one point he turned on the power to catch up with the group and found that it didn't work as it is restricted to 15 mph. We were doing 18 at the time.

A very fine day out. Thanks, Steve for leading us so ably and to all the others for making it a lovely social ride. (They always waited for me at the tops of the hills!).

Gridironman.

Windmill, Footie, HCMF and Winchester CTC!

Tuesday July 10th. 

Pedallers ride to Wilton.

Wednesday July 11th.

Thursday July 12th.

Saturday 14th July.

Kate's ride to Sandydown.

Wild Flower Hunt and Meals Out.

With the weather continuing to stay very hot and dry I have been cutting back a bit on my mileage and choosing to ride when it has been a little cooler.  My focus has been on seeing what wildflowers I could identify and taking pictures to check later.

Here is a link to my photo album I created on Wednesday.

Hedgerow Flowers

Wednesday, July 4th.

 LotSW Meander.

Met with Ian and David at the Little Bistro. Asked for a coke but changed my mind and opted for coffee instead when she wanted to charge me £2.40 for it. Did she think I wanted a fix of cocaine? 

We decided to head for the Leckford Estate Farm Shop and on the way were lucky to see a large number (20?) of marbled white butterflies feeding on blackberry flowers. They were mixed with a number of cabbage white butterflies. 

When we got near to the Cafe we realised it was still early so we continued down the Test Valley to Poppies for lunch. The route from Houghton to Mottisfont was supposed to be closed but we managed to get through with absolutely no problem.

 After lunch, we climbed via Braishfield over the ridge past the charming hamlet of Upper Eldon. 
In Kings Soimborne we stopped for ice creams at the little Corner Shop, before returning to The Little Bistro. Here Ian left us and David and I enjoyed a cup of tea before parting. I pleasant trundle home from there on my own.

Thursday 5th July.

HCMF Meet at The Plough, Itchen Abbas. 

I am glad to say that on Friday I was able to replace the flat tube. It was not a puncture as such,  but a patch which had been on the tube for over 5 weeks which had lifted a tiny bit, no doubt due to the heat. I also cleaned and adjusted my chain and gears.

Saturday 7th July.

Dinner in Kings Worthy.

Just a gentle evening ride to enjoy a family meal. As I rode home in the twilight it was pleasantly cool after the very hot day. 

Alresford Groupetta news: -

This week has been a good one for three of us with PinkPal pinching the TUK  medal. Well done PinkPal & Paddy too for a very good performance.

Andrew also clocked up some 47 miles while Simon, unfortunately, has been quite unwell. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Hoping for some more sunshine but with lower temperatures this coming week. The gardens do need some rain but "Be careful what you wish for"!

Gridironman

Birthday et al.

Follow me on

Another week of very warm & sunny weather. Into my new year, I was determined to keep up a very active lifestyle. However, I tripped at the second fence. Soon recovered and finished the week in fine style with another 109 miles covered during the week. Even clocked a few more PBs.

Monday 25th June. 

Celebrations at The Flower Pots.

Tuesday 26th June. 

Pedallers Baker's Dozen.

Thursday 28th & Friday 29th June.

More Partying.

Sunday July 1st.

 Early Morning Start.

Gridironman.

Chocolate Frog Circuit.

Sunday 24th 2018.

My last ride in my 84th year.

I had a good restful day yesterday so I was ready for another ride to complete my year. Three of the Groupetta joined me for a ride to Oakhanger. A good way to finish my year!

It has been a really good week for me with a total of 153 miles ridden. According to Strava I actually managed 8 PBs today, to add to a mass of others on Tuesday when I was with the Pedallers and a couple on Wednesday with the LotSW Group. Thanks to two of the best bikes I've ever ridden, Posh & Paris. 

Looking forward to a celebration tomorrow evening with my friends at The Flowerpots Inn, Cheriton. Join us for a drink if you can. 

Cheers.

Gridironman.

New Forest, Bournemouth and The Piddles.

My third mini cycling/camping car trip.

Tuesday 19th June.

Pedallers Ride From Poppies.

Set off in Dobbin on Tuesday morning to meet with The Pedallers Group at Poppies. From there Karen led us on a very interesting ride to Brockenhurst. Our first mile or so we headed North. I thought B. is South. Soon all was revealed as we turned West over the hill to West Wellow, Bramshaw and Stoney Cross. I was in my usual position at the back accompanied by Bill. After a gloomy and damp start, it was another very nice day. Lots of ponies and cattle about, on the old airfield a group of them did not want to move to let some cars by.

We shifted them! Lots of other folk out on bikes and the Rhinefield Drive was very busy with lots of activities going on. We had our break in Rosie's Tea Shop after riding through the ford. The route back was much flatter and for several spells, I lead the group at such a pace that for a while I was averaging 13 mph overall. This soon dropped to 12.8 by the end. (RWGPS seems to flatter, recording 13 overall). After a refreshing final drink together at Poppies we went our own ways. Mine was to drive on to stay with my good friend David in his new home in Bournemouth.

Wednesday 20th June.
LotSW Ride from Bournemouth.

The Faffing Begins.

David and I were joined by Ian, Caroline and Alex for a LotSW

group ride away from our usual haunts
David led us out of the town along some very busy roads which I did not like very much. However, we were soon out into the country and enjoying the warm sunshine.
We rode into the New Forest area, but further South than on Tuesday. David suggested a coffee stop in Ringwood but knowing where we were from Gridiron rides I suggested we went to the Farm Shop Cafe in Crow Lane. This worked out well as they had some nice cakes and we were able to enjoy sitting in the sun behind the cafe while we rested.

Orchids.

After some discussion, we followed the Gridiron route to Burley. When we turned South to Bransgore we passed a large number of orchids. They varied in colour quite a lot with some being almost white. We had a very pleasant lunch in the garden of the Crown Inn in Bransgore. 

Fortunately, David had his maps and was able to navigate us through some fairly busy areas back to the coast where we crossed over the entrance to Christchurch Harbour from Mudeford to near to the spit by Hengistbury Head. A pleasant ride back to David's from there.

After tea, we left David's to wend our various ways. Mine was to Crossways near Dorchester where I was staying in The C.& M. C. site. I had an hour to get there and I thought I had plenty of time. I had underestimated the density of the Bournemouth rush hour traffic and it took nearly 50 minutes to get clear of the conurbations. Only took another half an hour to cover the remaining twenty or so miles. The warden was unfazed by my tardiness and by six o'clock I had set up camp. I walked to the nearby pub, didn't like it much so walked the other way to the Co-op to get some beer to have with my own prepared supper.

Thursday 21st June.

 Exploring the Dorset Countryside.

Set off to find the grave of T.E. Lawrence (Of Arabia) in the nearby village of Moreton. Worth a visit for the most unusual and fabulous church with etched windows. T.E.L is actually laid to rest in the nearby cemetery just across the road.

Next, I headed east to Wool and turned to visit the Tank Museum

crossing a very crumbly bridge which is only open to pedestrians and cyclist.

HQ of the RAC. No not the motoring organisation but the Royal Armoured Corps. I rode through the grounds but decided I did not want to spend a long time looking at tanks but would rather ride my bike. 








I did park Posh next to one of the odder occupants of the car park.

I visited The Legionnaire, the Royal British Legion club for a coffee. Two other cyclists from Dorchester who were sitting outside and recommended the lemon and blueberry cake. They were right it was very tasty, one offered to help me scoff it.



I continue past The home of T.E.L. now under the care of the N.T. but decided not to stop but to head back towards Dorchester. The climbs so far had been easy as I had craftily chosen my way along river valleys, but I became more adventurous and went over a hill into Puddletown an interesting little town and then I rode up the Piddle Valley to Piddle Hinton. One hill out of the village was about 14% I could go that way or continue up the valley to Piddle Trenthide where another 14% hill would take me onto the same ridge. 


I chatted with a motorcyclist and he advised me to go the second alternative as there was a nice pub along that road. 
He was right, I had my lunch there in the garden before tackling the hill from P.T.


I had to walk the first 300 yds of the hill but then was able to ride the next one and a half miles to the top. the views from the top were great making it well worthwhile. 

The descent from there into Dorchester of about 6 miles was extremely easy with just a couple of uphills and according to my Garmin , I clocked 40 mph at one point.

Thomas Hardy's Lovely Cottage and Garden.

I chose a route back to the Campsite which took me near Thomas Hardy's home so I decided to pay it a visit. (Fortunately, I had my N.T. card with me). It was well worth the visit but they went and closed the tea room while I was admiring the garden! Doh!

The last few miles were very easy being mainly flat. I popped into the Co-Op for some fresh milk to brew a cuppa as soon as I got there.

It had been a fabulous day and I had enjoyed the very sunny but not too hot weather too.

Another successful mini tour. In a most lovely area. I recommend it to anyone who loves the countryside.

Gridironman.