Lone Ranger Rides Again

Fortunately John's 'rear end trouble' has cleared up by this week but he is still unable to make it for a ride with the TCA as he’s in Brecon catching up with some old friends from his days as an air steward. With no one else to consider I make an impromptu decision to make Tuesday TCA night, since the weather was perfect: In contrast to last week it was nearly 20°C, warm, windless and sunny. I leave a little earlier than usual as I had my favorite regular route in mind - The Old Winchester Hill and Beacon Hill Summit Circuit.

In the murk of last week I didn't make the slight diversion to the top of Old Winchester Hill after traversing the ridge. This week though I made the short trip down the track to take in the view from the trig point (above, left). This is one of my favorite places and being alone on the summit brings a smile to my face as I remember good times: Butterfly spotting with my father; the legendary Bowman cook-off; bonfire night with Tee and the many walks I've done with an assortment of people in an assortment of weather that take in this ancient and special site. Still, I can’t hang around this ride generally takes about three hours and I am conscious that I might make it round before dark if I keep pressing on.

The descent into West Meon is an exhilarating ride down a single-track road into a chocolate-box village of thatched roofs with a couple of country pubs. It is however on a nusy road and experience has taught me that the pubs are not as good as they look. Rather than take the busy main road I make a short detour staying on country lanes before starting the gradual ascent of Beacon Hill from Warnford. As I climb the hill past a couple of impressive Aberdeen Angus bulls the sun slips behind the hill, the light fades and the temperature starts to dip.

I put my feet up after the long climb (right), check in with home by ‘phone and eat an energy bar. Although climbing is obviously more tiring it’s important not to be too worn out before a long descent – standing on the pedals and concentrating on the line can be strenuous. The ride from Beacon Hill all the way to Soberton is about 3.5 miles at top-speed and re-fueled I hit the road again and enjoy the chilly drop.

Back to Sheep Pond Lane then, and the familiar return via Soberton. Whistling past the pubs I am tired and hungry after nearly two and a half hours in the saddle. Tee had prepared mock chicken risotto on my return; I wolfed it down even before getting changed. After the routine shower and change I have a satisfying glass of wine, after all TCA night just wouldn't be the same without a tipple.

Route Map (click to enlarge):

Elevation Profile:

Speed Profile:

(Posted by: Al)