Mince Pie Buster

After spending the best part of the Christmas break sitting indoors eating pastry-based products John and Al thought a calorie-burning ride might be in order. The boys however didn't want too much of a shock to their systems so opted for a circuit of the comparatively gentle regular route from Al's place.

John arrived at around 2.30pm and looked like a boy with his new Christmas present as he unloaded his shiny new yet-to-be-used bike. It was strange kitting up in what remained of the watery winter sunlight, John seemed confused and realised that while he had packed his lamps, and taken the precaution of charging his lights, had rather bizarrely packed his battery charger rather than the battery. Al's spare lights were hastily taped to John's bike and without too much delay we were heading up Cam's hill.

Turning off the road onto the bridle path it soon became apparent that John's bike would not retain that just-off-the-show-room-floor look for very long. While we had chosen a mild, calm afternoon for our ride recent weather had been unsettled and left the ground pretty waterlogged. It also became immediately apparent that the seasonal festive diet had taken it's toll on our form - we struggled to maintain any kind of respectable pace and limbs began complaining much earlier than usual.

Jon's not-so-shiny new bike

In any event we reached our regular stop, the White Lion, Soberton ready for a stop. The pub was surprisingly busy as Al fought his way to the bar to order a pint of Pink Elephant from the Hampshire Brewery for himself and a Nuptu'ale from the Oakleaf Brewery for John. We enjoyed our beer outside with the band of ostracised smokers.

A toast to absent friends
White Lion, Soberton

Beers downed it was time to turn as usual for the disused railway line. This typically provides a speedy 20 minute burn but the boggy conditions put pay to this and we struggled on towards Kingsmead. By the time we reached the familiar railway embankment we were in no mood for a challenge (although we did put in a half-hearted attempt at the climb before wheeling our bikes up the muddy incline). Lights were engaged as we headed for the climb through the Forest of Bere.

We had originally planned on a 'one pinter' but the exertion (and the welcoming Christmas lights) made the Traveler's Rest too tempting to resist. We both plumped for a pint of Charles Wells Bombardier in the newly refurbished public bar before the short ride back to Hambledon. Once at home we were reunited with our women-folk and enjoyed Ecclefechan tarts with double cream and and a wee dram of Ardbeg for an early toast to a happy New Year.

Route Map (click to enlarge):

(Posted by: Al)