Man Saves Dog

Just Jon and Al this week as John (travel) and Billy-Bob (Committee) were ruled out. Thankfully it was a cooler than previous evenings after a very warm week. Mugs of tea and chocolate cup cakes dispatched the boys were on the road for a bimble around Hambledon's #1 route.

The pair had not got a minute down the main road when a large, chocolate Labrador jumped out in front of Jon! Jon hung on to the hound and managed to read the contact details on it's collar. Al shot back home to call the owner who confessed that it was not the first time the dog had escaped.

Having reunited the dog and owner the boys were off up Cam's Hill and on around the familar route. Conditions were perfect and the trail had dried out nicely in the warm weather. The boys were soon pulling into the car park of the White Lion. Al and Jon were excited to see a NEW offering from local brewer Bowman's on tap - South Island Spice. The beers hardly touched the sides and the TCA immediately voted it a hit.

The White Lion

Back on bikes and Jon lead the sprint down the disused railway line, narrowly avoiding a family party out walking a Shetland Pony! Sadly he left nothing in reserve for the Railway Embankment Challenge, failing on two attempts before leading Al over the road to the Forest of Bere. A slight diversion toward the end of the ascent to the car park led the riders rather surrealy through a deserted kid's adventure playground.

The Forest of Bere

The boys have by now got used to the heavily rutted descent but a fleeting glimpse of a honey buzzard made the expereince a little less frustrating this week. They were soon at the Traveler's Rest outdoor bar sipping pints of Bowman's Swift One.

Shadows lengthen as the
evening progresses

A quick ring home to make sure the oven was pre-heated, a short ride down the homeward country lane and gormet pizza awaited. Lights not required - it was still light as the riders pulled into the drive at 21:20. Ken Loach's The Wind that Shakes the Barley was the evening's entertainment which was rated highly by both riders.

(Posted by: Al)