Billy-Bob Wipe Out

It was a dark and stormy night and Billy-Bob and Al briefly contemplated a night in front of the telly. In a bizarre episode of history repeating itself Jimmy spotted the holes in Billy-Bob's socks and insisted on replacing them with a pair of Dad's. [If there are any friends/relations of Billy-Bob or Jon reading please take note - Christmas is round the corner and they could both do with socks, Ed.] A cup of tea and a mince pie later they had shaken off their lethargy and started to get ready.

Jon arrived a little later than usual but was fully geared up and ready to go. Soon all three were ready, Billy-Bob sporting a brand new cycling jacket, bikes were fettled and they set off up Cams Hill bound for Dundridge. Thankfully the rain had eased and the sky was clear and star-lit. The ride up to the Hampshire Bowman was uneventful and Jon had soon procured three pints of lovely beer. The Boys sat at their usual table and discussed the rather depressing topic of work.

Jon gets the beers in at the
Hampshire Bowman

Leaving the TCA favorite watering hole the trio descended Sheep Pond Lane and were soon back in the pub in front of the fire at the White Lion supping Bowman's Wallop's Wood. All too soon the ale was finished and the Boys started the short trip back over the hill to Hambledon.

Hats off by the fire

With 500 yards to go Jon and Billy-Bob accelerated towards the vicious descent of Cams Hill. Al followed and got a spectacular and nearly all-to-close view of Billy-Bob wiping out on the slick road as he applied the brakes too hastily and the rear of the bike slid from under him. While Billy-Bob was clearly in pain he seemed most vexed about the holes in the sleeve of his new jacket.

Eventually the riders were home and enjoyed pasta with meat sauce and Billy-Bob and Al enjoyed a bottle of chianti... for medicinal purposes of course.

(Posted by: Al)

Guy Fawkes Night

The evening started in usual fashion with tea and cakes... but these were not just any old cakes these were hand-baked Welsh cakes which had been freshly made in the afternoon by Maalie. The evening then took a bizarre twist when Jimmy took exception to the holes in Jon's socks. He insisted on climbing the stairs and digging a pair of his Dad's out to furnish 'Other Jon' with a new set.... and supervised the donning of said socks.

Jimmy supervises Jon's sock change

Tonight the TCA had the honour of entertaining regular visiting rider Maalie who would be on Al's spare bike - Jon donated his old lights while John and Al relished the rare opportunity to give their road bikes an airing - this would be a road ride to TCA favorite 'The Hampshire Bowman' at Dundridge.

Unused to his son's spare bike and insistent on chatting to Jon about his recent birding exploits Maalie lagged behind. Still, the TCA is always keen to accommodate visitors of any ability and regrouped at intervals throughout the ride. As the ride wended is way across the A31 and up hill towards Soberton the two Jo(h)ns became inpatient and pulled ahead and Maalie and Al enjoyed a chat.

It was with some surprise therefore that Maalie and Al found they had reached the pub first. Both plumped for a pint of Bowman's Nutz and settled down to continue there discussion. Some minutes later the back markers caught up and ordered their beers too. The the route was dissected until the point where the digression was made was uncovered, by which time beers were supped and it was time to move on.

Next stop Soberton, after the descent of Sheep Pond Lane of course. More Bowman's beers and an impromptu appearance by The Sloppy Porridge Maker. He was quickly forgiven for turning up in his 4x4 when he bought another round of Bowman's! All too soon it was time to head straight over the hill and back to base.

Dinner consisted of spag. bol. and home made apple pie (courtesy of Maalie again).

Freshly Baked, by Maalie

(Posted by: Al)

Two-Way Split

The ride from Hambledon would have an unusual twist this evening. While Jon and Al were up for the customary off-road route John felt that he needed more time in the saddle of his road bike ahead of the impending duathlon. The mountain bikers stuck with shorts for the evening while John felt that the weather justified long trousers; it was one of those mild-for-the-time-of-year evenings but the chill of autumn was in the air too.

Having polished off their tea and cakes the mountain-bike pair and John headed in opposite directions bound for the White Lion. Al suffered a puncture on the first major descent which cost some time but, having taken a longer, hillier circuit John had beaten them to the White Lion by some margin. Showing usual form on an unusual evening John realised he also had a puncture as they drank beers outside the pub.

John was secretly quite pleased as it gave him the opportunity to demonstrate his new compressed air inflation device. Initially this proved quite a startling operation as gas escaped with fearsome velocity seemingly at random. Once John had regained his composure everyone marveled at the speed with which he had pumped his tyre back up.

John wrestles with his tyre
outside the White Lion

Once again a longer loop was devised for John as the off-road pair made for the disused railway line as usual. John and Al both remarked at the excellent condition of the track - dry, compact and fast - they fairly whistled down the path like an express train. Up through the Forest of Bere as usual and down towards the pub.

Once again John was waiting and the three enjoyed a beer outside before taking the country lane back to Hambledon together.

A Toast to Absent Friends:
The Traveler's Rest, Newtown

(Posted by: Al)

Typical English Summer Ride

With John away at a Harley rally and Billy-Bob suffering from a mystery illness it was left to Jon to join Al under leaden skys with the rain coming down like stair rods. All the plans for an exotic new route were shredded - we decided to keep things simple and do the regular Hambledon route.

For the first time in ages waterproofs were dug out and attention paid to lighting arrangements. It was not long before the pair were slogging up Cams Hill through the torrents of water cascading down the lane. The rain would not ease all evening.

The tracks were muddy and surface water submerged the bridle paths in places. The first muddy descent towards Soberton was trecherous, and problems were compounded by the usual trail beng quite overgrown in places. Jon sustaied an injury to his arm after a close encounter with a branch and both would be stung on the legs repeatedly as the ride continued.

Jon negotiates an obstacle

The TCA have become acustomed to the odd looks and 'witty' comments from punters int he pubs they frequent on such evenings, and this evening was no exception. The handful of punters seemed aghast as Jon and Al trapsed, dripping and covered in mud from head to toe, into the public bar. The landord did not seem phased - he had seen us riding much more adverse conditions. As instructed by Billy-Bob Al ordered a pint of Bowman's elderado while Jon went for the Palmers 200, the old pint of choice.

Toast to Absent Friends
White Lion, Soberton

Beers downed the pair struck out for the railway embankments and attacked it with their usual gusto. The railway gets very, very muddy in places and tonight is was a proper quagmire. But the time the pair got to the embankment challenge they looked as if they had been dragged from the depths of the Black Lagoon. In days of yore Al and Billy-Bob felt that the litmus test for a ride was whether the expereince was 'Better than sitting at home watching Eastenders', this certainly got the thumbs up, so far anyway.

Jon struggles up the embankment

Up and over the Forest of Bere in the rain felt like jungle warfare with the descent being very slippery under tyre. They were however soon back on the road wherepon they invented a new technical element - the Travellers Coasting Challenge. Riders lined up at the top of the hill preceding the descent to the travellers and, without pedalling coasted as far as they were able to the pub. The difference was marginal but it did have the pair hypothesising over the next weeks' tactics.

Summer time fun

A canopy had appeared over the outside bar at the Travellers and they both enjoyed a pint of Bwman's Wallops Wood as the rain cascaded off their temporary shelter. Pints downed it was on with the lights and home for a curry at Al and Tee's place, with Lemon meringue pie for pudding.

(Posted by: Al)

Back to the Old Routine

Jon and John arrived at Al's to tackle Hambledon's #1 route. It was comparatively mild compared to previous evenings and JP and JH appeared to have too many layers on for a summer ride. Recent rain had left the trail quite muddy and overgrown too in places!

Bowman's Elderado was the tipple of choice at the White Lion, Soberton. John got a little left behind on the old railway and Al was the olny cyclist who managed the embankment challenge. More Bowman's (and a pint of the black stuff for JH) before the ride home.

Tee's Chilli (extra hot this week) was order of the day over which various share-trading strategies were discussed.

(Posted by: Al)

Summer Slackers

With John complaining as usual about low energy levels and whining that he had to get home on time, Al rapidly planned a shortened route. in was a glorious summer evening - a cloudless sky and temperatures well into the mid-twenties centigrade. Climbing out of Hambledon along the eastern side of the valley it was not long before they were at the Bat and Ball. We enjoyed pints of Seafarers Ale then picked a mainly off-road route back down the valley for a cheeky pint in the Vine before dinner back at Al's.

Summer in Hambledon

(Posted by: Al)

Hambledon Extension

Just John and Al this week but, after a custard tart and a cup of tea with Tee and Jimmy, they managed to make an early start - hitting the road at 6pm sharp. Al had suggested an extension to the usual Hambledon route. The pair headed off as if to tackle Old Winchester Hill, to the North of the village. Having climbed Chidden Down the route turned east for Salt Hill and the ferocious descent off Wether Down into the Meon valley, following the South Downs Way.

Chidden Down

We approached Old Winchester hill from the North with a sharp ascent back out of the valley. It was a glorious evening and the boys stopped to enjoy the views from the summit before the descent towards Exton. John had pack the wrong shoes and could not 'clip in' to his cleats - the effects really started to tell as Al pulled away on the bumpy terrain.

The TCA Surveys it's Domain
from the summmit of Old Winchester Hill

We toyed with the idea of taking in the Shoe Inn at Exton but recent trips there had been disappointing therefore we turned south on the disused railway line bound for Soberton. We pulled into the pub at 7.30pm and both opted for the latest offering from the Bowman brewery - Elderado: With a hint of elderflower it was perfect for a summer's evening.

John on 'Gate Duty'

It was back on bikes to pick up the remains of the regular route from Hambledon - down the railway line towards the Forest of Bere and on for a stop at The Traveler's Rest in Newtown. Once again the outdoor bar was open for business and the boys sat outside with pints of Bowman's Wallop's Wood.

A Toast to Absent Friends -
The Traveler's Rest

As we left the Travelers' John suggested a bike swap for the short journey home by country lane. While their bikes might look very similar both were surprised by contrast in rides they offered. Pulling into Hambledon once more the pair had covered 22 miles all in and back before it got dark around 9.30pm for a Lloyd Grossman turkey curry. Al wondered why this route had never occurred to him before - a classic in the making.

Route Map (click to enlarge):

Route Profile (click to enlarge):

(Posted by: Al)

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)

Duathlon

John and Em arrived in Hambledon for the evening - John and Al fettled road bikes but, rather bizarrely, donned running gear for the evening: This was the first official training session in preparation for Octobers duathlon.

The evening kicked off with five-mile run around the standard circuit which Al has run countless times in preparation for his recent marathon. The pair managed a time of 42:31 Al finishing strongly despite ongoing marathon-lag.

A quite change of shorts for Al, shoes for both and it was a hop onto the road bikes for the punt to Dundridge. John had a Guinness while Al plumped for real Perry. John was in his element as he and three 'Harley' riders turned up and discussed modifications to their motorcycles. Al politely stifled a yawn.

The final leg back to base was uneventful but John steadily pulled away from Al who's legs were struggling with this new discipline. Spag Bol and trifle were waiting for us, and the boys toasted the start of this new multi-sport foray with an Ardbeg.

John & Al recover from their excersions

(Posted by: Al)

Four Once More

There was nothing remarkable about this evening's ride - Hambledon Route 1 on a balmy May evening, bluebells everywhere. A race across the meadow, a puncture for Billy-Bob, a stop at the White Lion, a zip down the disused railway line. Railway embankment challenge, Forest of Bere descent, a stop in the Traveler's beer garden (Bank's Mild for some) and home for a curry.

However, this was the first time since September 2008 (not including ceremonial rides - Boy's Weekend and Christmas) that all four had been on a ride together. Sadly no cameras were taken to record the event for posterity!

(Posted by: Al)

Railway Embankment Desecration

John turned up with Steve in tow for a relatively routine ride around our "Hambledon 1" route. The weather was benign and the trail unchallenging, but it did at least give Steve a taste of a 'normal' night out with the TCA.

Beer stops were made at the White Lion and the Traveler's Rest as usual which was unremarkable. However, two of our favourate features lay in ruins: The railway embankment challenge had been destroyed by some landscaping and the infamous descent through the Forest of Bere had been churned up by forestry works.

We arrived home to a TCA curry.

(Posted by : Al)

Christmas Ride 2008

With Maalie arriving at dawn and John, Mrs John, and Billy-Bob turning up at Al and Tee's straight after work it was an early start for the most anticipated ride of the year. Tea and shop-bought buns would not suffice on such an auspicious occasion and it was out with the (almost as eagerly anticipated) bottles of Santa's Sleigh Stopper which Al had brewed especially for the event. Maalie had baked a veritably array of cakes to accompany the beer including 'sub-prime' Welsh cakes, mince pies and snickerdoodles. As each guest arrived Al issued the wager that he had cooked something for dinner that all assembled would have heard of but yet never have consumed. Cue a variety of ridiculous suggestions ranging from partridge to rook pie!

Jon arrived shortly afterwards and refused to rush his beer and cake as the others fettled equipment enthusiastically. Billy-Bob and Al felt that the festive occasion merited use of the tandem (and also helmet fairy lights) while John had bedecked his bicycle in truly spectacular fashion - with a fully-functional Christmas tree, baubles and fairy lights! Jon had also gone to town on the tinsel and fairy lights in customary fashion, although it was like waiting for Christmas (as usual) for him to make the final adjustments to his running gear.

With Maalie complaining as usual that he wasn't sufficiently 'warmed up', and the tandem boys making an early dismount, we struggled up Cam's Hill. However, there followed an easy coast to the Horse and Jockey where 5 pints of Hardys & Hansen's Rocking Rudolph Ale were ordered. Jon and Maalie soon got stuck in to 'bird talk', while Billy-Bob and Al turned to their usual comparative critique of nappies and puke; John was feeling a little bit out in the cold.

Birders at the Bar

The Horse & Jockey had spared no
expense on this year's Christmas Tree

There was a mile or so of re-traced steps as the boys headed for the Traveler's Rest and another 5 pints of beer at a long table in the comfy bar. The bottles of 'Triple S' (as Al's home brew had affectionately become known), the cold air and exercise were starting to lubricate the conversation by now.. although Maalie and Jon were still sat in the corner discussing their various twitches.

The Drinks Start to Kick in
at the Traveler's Rest

Having once again made hearty toasts to Absent Friends, and wishing the punters and staff a hearty Merry Christmas, the TCA made for the door. We had a relatively long stretch to the next watering hole therefore a full check was made to fairy lights and baubles before the off.

Deck the bikes with bells and baubles
fa-la-la laaa, la-la-la laaaaaaa...

The White Lion was uncharacteristically quiet - in fact the landlord confessed he was in two minds whether to keep the place open. There was a solitary pair of middle-aged women enjoying a quiet drink. Having all ordered various pints of the obligatory Bowman's ale Maalie set about chatting up the ladies in the bar on the pretense of explaining the culinary riddle set by the host. Needless to say the pair left almost immediately!

Finishing their beers the group slogged up the hill from Soberton before enjoying the leisurely and somewhat merry ride to Hambledon. They were soon back at base enjoying more Triple S beer, a turkey curry and, for the finale, a genuine figgy pudding.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
(Left to right: John, Jon, Al, Maalie, Billy-Bob)

(Posted by: Al)

Guy Fawkes Circuit

With the smell of cordite from the previous night's Guy Fawkes fireworks displays hardly cleared from the night sky, three intrepid TCA explorers Al, Jon and Maalie set of on a regular circuit that took in Droxford and Soberton. Maalie had arrived from Cumbria with his Giant Escape in the back of his X-trail. However, being dosed up to the hilt with antibiotics, he was concerned that he would not be worthy to join the team on account of his enforced abstinence form alcohol. However, the Director offered a dispensation provided that he paid for the chocolate walnut cake required for the pre-ride cake-eating rituals.

Above: Al quarters the cake in anticipation of
the pre-ride cake ritual

Below: Jon tucks into a slice of chocolate walnut cake
before kitting up for the ride

The ride invariably starts off with a near-vertical sprint up the side of the valley because the TCA headquarters lies in a valley. Maalie immediately observed the tail lights of Al and John disappear rapidly up the hill round the corner and out of sight as his bike boasts only seven gear levels (compared to the 132 or so of the others),. Once on the ridge track,it was most pleasant cycling along narrow country lanes with autumn trees already half denuded, windless and an overcast sky keeping conditions mild. Tawny Owls were hooting in surrounding woods and the odd owl and fox were seen by the leaders. Maalie, being on "away ground", was more concerned with avoiding patches of fallen leaves and tricky bends on steep descents that threatened hazards of deep puddles and loose gravel.

All too soon the Hampshire Bowman in Droxford was reached; the first stop for a toast to absent friends.

Al, Maalie and Jon make the toast to absent friends

Back in the saddle it was just a short ride to the next watering hole at the White Lion at Soberton where the sign on the door was an invitation that could not be resisted (even if it was only pineapple juice for Maalie).

While Maalie stayed outside to capture some piccies Jon and Al made for the bar as usual and, somewhat on autopilot, ordered three pints of Bowman's Wallop's Wood. Reluctantly Jon and Al shared the third pint having been reminded of Maalie's course of antibiotics.

TCA cyclists dismount to accept the invitation on
the door of the White Lion at Soberton

After the initial stepp slog from the White Lion it was more or less downhill to TCA Headquarters in Hambledon where a superb chilli con carne was awaiting in the oven.

On this occasion we did not feel the need to
partake of the services offered next door to the White Lion

(Posted by: Maalie)

The First Ride of Winter

With Jon on his holidays and Billy-Bob still nursing the new nipper it was left to Al and John to keep the flame burning on a night when both riders would probably have rather been huddled round a fire. Clear nights and northerly winds had seen the temperatures plummet in the last few days - the temperature would dip below 3 degrees centigrade before the night was out. Winter riding had arrived!

So, armed with thermal base layers, under helmet head wear, winter gloves, thick socks and long trousers, the pair set off on TCA favorite - Hambledon Route #1. Thankfully Al was in better form than the previous week and just about hung onto John's back wheel as he briskly made the ascent of Cams Hill.

While it was a cold night the still, dry conditions made the perfect riding environment and Al relished the first descent even more than usual. By the time he had followed the track and reached the road he had quick a lead on John. When he had caught up John complained that he was not feeling quite as confident as usual on the descent and wasn't firing on all cylinders. This became apparent - the tables were turned from the week before - as John lagged behind as Al raced ahead, glad to be back on form.

We were soon at the bar in the White Lion and ordered two pints of Bowman's Swift One. Parting with tradition (and perhaps common sense on such a cold evening) John suggested that we drink our beer outside rather than beside the raging fire in the bar. Anyone who has been cycling to the pub on a very cold night might be familiar with the discomfort one can experience for the first few minutes back in the saddle as physiology struggles to adapt to the new environment (which is possibly exacerbated by a pint of beer). John's theory was that this might be eased if we did not acclimatise to room temperature before recommencing the ride.

The practice can confidently be consigned to the bike shed floor however - both riders still felt the nausea and shivering as they remounted and headed down the disused railway. Make the most of the fire if you see one!

It was not just the bikes that were
out in the cold tonight

Al once again shot off into the distance as John struggled to find his form. While the railway line was not the quagmire it sometimes can be the fallen leaves and mud certainly signaled the start of tougher riding conditions. Al wondered how many more successful first attempts he would make as he struggled to the top of the Railway Embankment Challenge. John made a token attempt before deciding to push on for the Forest of Bere.

Up and over as usual with no drama despite the heavily sanded section and the air were soon in the Traveler's Rest. Thinking on from their recent experience John and Al quickly took off their waterproofs and sat back in the warmth of the bar over another pint of Swift One.

Back out into the col and the usual nauseating feeling as they started for home. They eventually warmed up on the gradual ascent along the country lane back to Hambledon. There they were greeted by Beef in Old Thumper stew with mash and homemade bread and pints of Hobgoblin, the winter chills soon evaporated.

Route Map (click to enlarge):

(Posted by: Al)

New Gaff

After week of unseasonably warm weather we gathered at Al & Tee's new house on a dry, clear, still evening. It was a full house too as first John, then Billy-Bob then Jon arrived and tucked into a selection of cakes as Al bathed Jimmy.

There was a little faffing as usual, Al's aging light system being the main culprit; but we were soon on the road. It should perhaps be pointed out at this point that Al & Tee had not moved far - just across the road, within the same post code in fact. So, although the kitting-up routine was a little unfamiliar they were soon slogging up Cams Hill on the trusty Hambledon #1 route.

Pausing briefly for an altercation, with some 4x4 driving yokel who insisted we were breaking the bylaws, as we turned off the road for the first time (they had a point; technically the farm track we use to short-cut a particularly boggy part of the bridle path is a footpath), we were soon on the King's Way and into the woods.

Jon and Billy-Bob emerge
from the woods

The conditions were perfect and the trail was bone dry, unusual at any time of year and the boys enjoyed being back in the saddle again with a full compliment of riders. The bubble was burst though at the foot of the first descent as John, in an all to unfamiliar stance, bent over his upturned bike - yet another puncture.

The King of the Punctures
gets to work

With so much practice John had his bike up-and-running in record time and we were on our way once more. A short section of road before Paul declared a 'runway challenge' (the once mandatory sprint across the fields towards Soberton). Al got a good start and held on as Jon, John and finally the beaten challenger crossed the imaginary line drawn from the hedge at the bottom of the field.

Picking up the rad once more we made for the White Lion to recover from our exertions.

A toast to absent friends
The White Horse, Soberton

With perfect trail conditions the disused railway line was lightening fast and the boys soon arrived at the infamous railway bridge. Al scaled the embankment first, Jon had one unsuccessful attempt and Billy-Bob and Jon thrashed around in the undergrowth for a while before submitting.

Billy-Bob and Al lagged behind during the ascent of the Forest of Bere - a fallen tree at the beginning of their chosen route held them back. All assembled in the car park at the summit before tackling the descent towards the Traveler's.

The frequent spills on this section have taught us to be wary of tail condition halfway down the descent, and tonight we discovered that a batch of fresh dry sand had been used to patch up the path. All did well to hang on as their bikes snaked through the powdery surface.

It was darts night at the Traveller which confined the TCA to the luxury of the lounge bar where all except Billy-Bob enjoyed a pint of fff's Alton's Pride, recently named Champion Beer of Britain for 2008.

We were soon on the way home again for a meal which Al had invested considerable effort in, to make sure the first formal dinner at his new home was a success. Cawl with home-baked poppy seed rolls followed by crumble (made with Hambledon apples) and cream. Echoing days of yore Billy-Bob and John stayed over therefore some after-hours drinking may have taken place.

Route Map (click to enlarge):

(Posted by: Al)

Recovery Ride

Billy-Bob was still suffering fromt he ill-effects of the Chichester Challenge but was still keen to test his worn limbs. Al had no excused but fancied a more gentle outing after the rigours of another busy week at work.

The pair left hambledon to the north and bimbled towards their usual watering hole the White Lion. On the trip we discussed the ongoing Olympics and particularly the achievements of Nicole Cooke who won the women's road race earlier in the week. O considerably higher work-rate than this evening's for sure.

Nicole Cooke: Hard as Nails

We chatted with the familiar locals before retiring to the seats overlooking the village green. We then had a choice to make of which would be our second pub - after some deliberation we decided on the Horse & Jockey which provided the least strenuous approach. Having arrived at the 'Tack Room' bar the riders sank into a pair of armchairs to enjoy another leisurely pint. We watched the re-runs of the latest events in Beijing on the TV in the pub.

Billy-Bob: Soft as Putty

Back to Hambledon then for the only olympian feat of the evening - eating a mountain of home made cottage pie made by Tee.

(Posted by: Al)

Bedtime Bimble

Jimmy was restless; it was that problematic grumpy hour before bed-time. His only outing of the day had been to Debenhams in Southsea on a clothes-shopping trip with Mum, with a quick stop for some groceries at Waitrose. Illness, injury, weather and teething has so far put pay to any trial of his new Co-Pilot 'Limo' bike seat but he needed some fresh air - tonight was the night!

Threatening clouds hung in the air as Al fitted the new seat to the somewhat sacreligious rack he had recently fitted to his trusty Giant Cold Rock specifically for this purpose. Mum prepared the passenger for his first cycling trip with jeans, a warm coat and shoes. His Met Elfo helmet was fastened as best it could be, still a fraction too small even on the smallest setting, under his chin before he was strapped into the seat.

Jimmy seems a little unsure of
this new mode of transportation

Soon the boys were off on their first foray - at least there was no screaming yet. Dad's riding style was a little more concilliatory than usual as he spotted cars that were likely to pull out with no warning. The pair headed north out of the village, towards the hallowed cricket ground where a spot-check was made. Everything seemed fine and the pair made off again rapidly to escape the attention of a wasp who seemed to have aken a liking to Jimmy's helmet.

On then following the road bound for Soberton and Droxford, cutting back towards the village by a quiet country lane, throught the church yard and picking up the main road throught he village, past the pub and home: And all with only the slightest bit on whinging on the final ascent into Hambledon.

The boys arrive home safely
after their short exploration

With that, in true TCA fashion, it was straight into the bath then supper (7oz of Aptimil 3) and off to bed. The bike seat was deemed a success.

Route Map (click to enlarge):

(Posted by: Al)

Two Lions (and a Vine)

The name of the game for this week was a gentle spin to keep the legs limbered up before the onslaught of the weekend's Chichester Challenge. With Jon and John out of action it was decided that the tandem would again be the weapon of choice for a relaxing summertime cycle. What's more Al had suggested the prospect of a new TCA pub, so this was an adventure of sorts - a pub exploration. It was the warmest day of the year so far therefore nothing particularly strenuous was at the forefront of either rider's mind.

This ride would take us in a southerly direction following the quiet country lanes towards Southwick, a villiage occupied entirely by tenants of the Southwick Estate, with no private ownership, which overall gives the place a rather 'Wicker Man' feel to it. The off-road bug did go to the rider's heads at one stage, but they thought better of a short-cut through Creech Woods after the well-maintained track turned into a ill-defined, heavily rutted wooodland path after a few hundred yards.

Two reasonable pints of Bateman's Combined Harvest were enjoyed at the Golden Lion, Southwick, whose beer garden is orientated perfectly to completely miss any of the remaining sunshine on a glorious evening. We were soon back on bikes and, after a lucky trip around the Southwick Brewery building adjacent to the pub (or was it Billy-Bob's dodgy steering?) we were off again, through Newtown and on to the Bold Forester.

A Toast to Absent Friends at the
Golden Lion, Southwick

The tandem made steady progress despite the easy pace and (after keeping their heads down for an injection of pace past Billy-Bob's boss's house) soon delivered the riders to a pub only visited occasionally by the TCA. However, it was Fish & Chip Van night at the 'Forester, which had attracted a horde of self-indulgent biking types, clogging the carpark with their chrome-coated monstrosities, choking the air with the exhaust fumes and shattering the tranquil summer evening with the roar of their engines. This was clearly not for the TCA so we set the controls for the the heart of Soberton.

The Bold Forester on Fish & Chip night

Having parked up outside the pub, paid our respects to the locals and ordered our beers we sat on the benches outside the pub enjoying the last few rays of the setting summer sun as it sank over the village green. The church bells chimed gently on practice night to add to the idyll. Some delightful local children asked insightful and educated questions about our contraption before being whisked off in their parents quiet, economical Lexus. We finished our drinks satisfied with that our local knowledge had spared us the monosyllabic conversations we would have had to endure at our scheduled stop.

Al gives a sunset seminar on the
vagaries of tandem technology to
local children at the White Lion, Soberton

We turned for home but decided on a more unorthodox route to Hambledon, turning North from Soberton as opposed to retracing our step, or a straight up-and-over option. The main advantage of this choice was that our ride would now take us straight past the door of local pub the Vine in Hambledon. Temptation was too much to resist on such a balmy evening.

En Route to the Vine, Hambledon

The short hop home followed and supper of ...not just any curry, this is M&S chicken jalfrazi! We were ready for the Chichester challenge.

Route Map (click to enlarge):

(Posted by: Al)

Enjoying the Great British Summer

It had been wet all day: Not the 'scattered showers with sunny intervals' forecast by the BBC but proper, heavy, persistent rain. All day! John even phoned to confirm that the evening's ride from Hambledon was still on, or whether there should be a modification of the route due to the inclement weather. We would however press on and the sky had even started to brighten as ride time approached.

Billy-Bob was enjoying a cozy night in on account of his wedding anniversary so it was left to Jon, Al and John to screw some enjoyment out of this grotty summer's day. Tea and cake lightened the mood and all were in good spirits as they set of for Exton, a route requested by John.

After a short road-ride through Hambledon the trio turned off to follow a bridle path through crops. Soon bikes were clogged with mud, Al suffering in particular due to his adoption of his rigid bike with v-brakes, the mud clinging stubbornly to the brake blocks. The mud had also seized the rear derailiers and bikes were washed down in the deep puddles formed on the road to Chidden.

As we turned off the road to follow the track towards the South Downs and Old Winchester Hill there followed a bizarre mix-up which would keep Al perplexed for days. A week into his two-week holiday excess, and a lunchtime glass of wine for the worse, Al lagged behind as the ascent started. Leaving the wooded section however, with a view ahead up the valley of at least 1/4 of a mile, he could not believe how out of shape he had become - there was no sign of the leading couple. He only realised something was amiss as he reached the ridge, expecting to find the other two waiting impatiently; there was no sign of life but the rain started as he inverted his bike to investigate his jammed jockey wheels.

Jon surveys the gloom from the
summit of Old Winchester Hill

It was five minutes or so before Jon and then John appeared over the horizon and explained that, with Wrong John in the lead, the turning into the woods had been overlooked. With the rain falling steadily the reunited riders made off along the ridge road towards Old Winchester Hill.

The usual debate surfaced at the summit as the correct route by bike is not obviously apparent. John and Jon favoured a nettle-infested overgrown track while Al took the rather more rebellious route straight over the top. Regrouping briefly there was then a long, steep grassy descent to the foot of the hill which soon strung the three out again.

The next section of the ride follows a tributary of the river Meon. Literally, as the river bed is an easier ride than the narrow, winding, muddy, root-infested footpath on the bank. This section is the reason why John had requested this ride as it forms his favorite part of our regular route. The recent rainfall had swollen the stream somewhat but it was still just about navigable.

John tackles the Meon River

The route emerges at Exton and the Shoe Inn was reached just as Al realised he had a puncture in his rear wheel. A pint of Wadworth Horizon was enjoyed in the rain as Al struggled with his slippery tyre. Jon remarked at the contrast in the prevailing conditions and those afforded to the Billy-Bob's wedding one scorching Saturday three years ago.

Al fixes his bike
while John looks on

We planned to tackle the rest of the route by road but in the end decided to use the faithfully disused railway line to get to Soberton. This may however have been ill advised - it was like a quagmire. Al and Jon led the way, plastering themselves in crud and emerged looking like creatures from the proverbial Black Lagoon. John took it a little more slowly and consequently was almost recognisable when the three reached the White Lion! We all enjoyed a pint of Hallelujah from Alton's Triple fff brewery as the rain finally eased off.

A rather soggy toast to absent friends
at The White Lion

The White Lion is a highly prized pit-stop on a ride like this on account that it is one of the few pubs on the route with easy access to a hose. Although primarily intended for watering the pub window boxes it adequately doubles as a bike wash. Jon and John paid particular attention to their new forks (left). While they have both recently fitted RockShox REBA forks, there is some debate regarding the comparative merits of the 'Team' model opted for by John and the 'Race' version used by Jon. The 100g handicap sacrificed by Jon would seem to easily be accounted for by John's liberal abuse of business dinners! Both however are highly satisfied with their choice.

All that was left was for the three to tackle the short trip by road up-and-over from Soberton to Hambledon Awaiting our arrival was the Beef in Black Sheep Ale that Al had spent the day constructing, and a delicious apple and blackberry crumble made by Tee in the confines of the warm, dry house while the lads were out: A warming casserole and comforting pudding ideal for a summer's evening in the saddle!

Route Map (click to enlarge):

Elevation Profile:

(Posted by: Al)