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)

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)

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)

To Exton and Beyond

The ride started well - Tee had popped down to Lotts to get some cake for the pre-ride afternoon tea to be advised that 1/2 a cake was cheaper than 3 slices - with all other riders crying off this week, it was left to Billy-Bob and Al to polish off the home made coffee & walnut cake on their own. Crippled by travel logistics and the early morning childcare routine Billy-Bob had not managed to pack his bike in the car that morning so, suitably loaded with carbohydrate, the fearless duo once again took the tandem out of it's pyjamas [I kid you not - click here, Ed.].

There had been heavy showers all day but the weather was finally clearing to leave a fresh, sunny evening. We pondered the itinerary for a while before deciding to take the well-worn route to Dundridge, dropping down to the Shoe Inn in Exton. We pushed off reasonably smoothly, although it took the pair a little while to both 'clip in'; Billy-Bob had found the shoes that were compatible with the Crank Brothers pedals fitted to the tandem. After only a few hundred meters we ground to a halt on the step ascent of Cams Hill. In the space of a couple of weeks Billy-Bob had forgotten one of the golden rules of tandeming - that both riders must agree on which foot to 'land' on when the bikes comes to a halt. Tee and Al favour the 'left foot down' rule and Al had done his best to instill the novice with this mantra. Billy-Bobs innate 'right foot down' approach was compounded by the fact that Al had already unclipped on the left, a rapid unclipping of the other foot was required to avert what would have been their first, and particularly embarrassing, off. Al had plenty of opportunity to once again provide a tutorial on the basics as they pushed the tandem up the remainder of the hill.

Mounting the tandem once again the pair enjoyed a pleasant ride which wound it's way through the country lanes of Soberton and Swanmore, and on up towards Dundridge. The ride was spiced up in places by sharp roller-coaster like dips which Billy-Bob skillfully guided the bike through. We were also treated to the sight of a juvenile fox on it's evening beat. Eventually Billy-Bob coaxed the tandem down the steep descent into Dundridge and pulled to smooth halt outside TCA favorite, The Hampshire Bowman. After considering their large selection of gravity-flow cask ales racked up behind the bar in their protective jackets we both plumped for a pint of Bowman's Swift One, enjoying what was left of the late evening sun as it dipped below the hedgeline.

Our very own Hampshire Bowman
enjoys a pint outside the eponymous pub

The beer was as superb as ever but sadly finished all too quickly. Even so, in the short time taken to sink our pints, several other people had arrived and taken up seats at the front of the pub. We fielded a couple of intelligent tandem queries from a chap who obviously had experience with this form of transport: The pressure was on to make our departure as smooth as our arrival since we knew our technique would be scrutinised. There was no need to worry - we are becoming familiar with the phenomenon that a pint or two seems to take the edge off the nerves and improves our coordination during the execution of such technicalities. We were on our way without a fuss, up Shepard's Down towards Sheep Pond Lane; our usual road route would have taken us down towards Soberton at this junction. We consulted the map, having a brief chat about how best to reach Exton; should we tackle Beacon Hill or drop down using the main road to Meonstoke and pick up the A32 for a few hundred meters? We had had our fill of climbing so we sat back and enjoyed the exhilarating descent to Meonstoke, touching 40mph on the steepest section, on our way to Exton.

Billy-Bob, Al and their fine steed
take a break in the Shoe's Garden

Exton is a delightful village and at it's centre is the picturesque Shoe Inn. The large beer garden is across the road from the pub and a crystal clear brook runs swiftly past the bottom of the garden. One might spot a kingfisher or grey wagtail in the overhanging vegetation and watch the trout lazing amongst the weeds in the stream while sipping a pint of real ale. Sadly the Wadworths beers, while perfectly acceptable, are never up to much and the pub has an air of 'prospective gastropub' to it rather than 'honest country boozer'. On this occasion there was an overwhelming smell of fish in the bar as we ordered our pints and we rapidly beat our retreat to the garden, which we had all to ourselves.

Pints out of the way it was time to pick our way back to Hambledon and the dinner that awaited. The tried and tested route follows the back roads through Meonstoke and Soberton returning via Cams Hill. Al was keen though to explore the untested direct route to the north of Meonstoke. While this was relatively pleasant for a couple of miles the road turned into a killer hill which took a concerted effort on the part of the two riders to reach the top without stopping. To make up for the exertion there followed a long descent back into the village which required very little effort... Al practiced his directorial skills.

On their return Tee prepared a delicious chilli while Al forced Billy-Bob to write up last week's ride. Dessert of clotted cream ice cream with home made strawberry coulis produced from home grown Hambledon strawberries was prepared by Al as Tee distracted Billy-Bob from his scribing commitments. Sadly there was only the latest series of Big Brother on the TV to entertain us but Billy-Bob still only managed a couple of paragraphs.

Route Map (Click to enlarge):

(Posted by: Al)

Hampshire Bowman Welcomes Prodigal Cyclist

On Thursday 6th April 2006 the week's posting (our first) read as follows "...determined not to let the TCA die we resolved to make a special effort to keep the faith, and commit our pursuits to a blog". This week's ride is testament to the success of this original commitment: Eighteen months after one of our founder members left to pursue career opportunities in New Zealand, the TCA stands as strong as ever, welcoming Billy-Bob back to the fold once more while on holiday in the UK.

Mr and Mrs Billy-Bob and almost-4-month-old Eli-Bob arrived in Hambledon nice and early in anticipation of the ride, closely followed by Jon. Mrs Billy-Bob was in attendance in the capacity of midwife while Tee supervised Eli-Bob's training regime (although too young to join in on this occasion a rigerous exercise program on the activity mat was devised to develop the appropriate muscle groups). Billy-Bob seemed to approve of the relatively new custom of pre-ride tea and cakes, although six pieces of millionaire's shortbread between five was always going to cause trouble!

Billy-Bob reluctantly offers Jon some pre-ride carbohydrate

Refreshments consumed we then set about the task of cobbling together spare gear to equip Billy-Bob for the ride ahead. His original unfeasibly large cycling shoes were found in the shed, cobwebs were dusted off Tee's helmet, Jon lent some lights and Al prepared his trusty spare bike for his friend's longer legs. Billy-Bob had made space amongst the baby gear for his cycling-specific outfit and the UK associates were impressed with the natty new antipodean apparel that their companion had acquired since they last met.

Just like the good ol' days!
(Left to Right: Paul, Al and Jon)

After weeks of variable and unpredictable weather Billy-Bob had obviously contrived to bring along conditions more reminiscent of his stop-over in Hong Kong than those to which we have become accustomed in Hampshire. It was a truly glorious evening as we set off up Cams Hill for a gentle cross-country bimble; we were bound for old TCA favorite - The Hampshire Bowman - in Dundridge. Simultaneously John H was preparing to leave in a novel two-pronged TCA strategy: Earlier that afternoon John H had called from Heathrow airport on his return from a business trip, explaining that it was unlikely he would be able to kit up and arrive in Hambledon in time for the start of the ride. A contingency plan was therefore adopted which would see John heading for Dundridge by bike from Fareham.

Back in Hambledon it felt just like old times as the three old friends meandered down the country lanes catching up on events. Billy-Bob remarked that he often missed the rural English country-side typified by the meon valley (above) as they pedaled towards their rendezvous. No records would be set this evening as the riders adopted a pace which is best described as 'sociable'. By chance their pace and subsequent timing were perfect as the three pulled into the familiar car park only seconds after John.

The usual bewildering array of real ale, served traditionally from insulated gravity-flow casks behind the bar, greeted the delegation. We all plumped for Elderado from Bowman Ales in Hampshire, initially thinking that is might be brewed at the Pub. However, further investgation reveals that this is produced by a independent brewer based in nearby Droxford with a history that may be of interest to local beer-aficionados. Elderado was judged by all to be an excellent pint and perhaps reminded the riders that the TCA should really try and fit this exceptional pit-stop into the itinerary more often - the only disappointment was that we were not able to sample anything from the superb menu generally on offer here!

A toast to absent friends - Hampshire Bowman, Dundridge
(Left to right: Billy-Bob; Jon; John; Al)

Having introduced our newest Associate (John) to the most established (Billy-Bob) we sat and enjoyed our beers in the evening sun. A traveling band of morris dancers were also at the pub lending even more to the traditional English feel of the evening - they just do not make pubs like this any more! Beers seemed to slip down even easier than usual and it was soon time to re-mount: Easyrider John started up his thunderous machine with minimum disruption to the morris dancers and disappeared in a cloud of dust: Given that John was on a motorbike directions to the White Lion, Soberton were provided in advance and the three pedal cyclists followed behind.

John won the 'shiniest bike' award

Predictably John arrived at Soberton some time before the cyclists despite the fact that the section of the route from the Hampshire Bowman to the White Lion is largely downhill. Thankfully the ride was relatively uneventful although Al narrowly avoided a collision with an oncoming car speeding down the winding lane out of Dundridge. Rather disappointingly the TCA's usual White Lion tipple, Palmers 200 was 'off' therefore - by default - pints of the pub's rather uninteresting eponymous beer were ordered. Once again the group split after finishing their drinks - John took his bike back to Hambledon using more established roads while the three cyclist headed up over the hill, lights ablaze, on a more direct routing home.

On our return to Hambledon the Billy-Bobs were insistent that we accompany the established TCA favorite dish of chilli con care with their gift to the TCA - a DVD of 'Kiwi Kitchen', cult New Zealand cookery show hosted by Richard Till: "...seeking out both the expert and the amateur as they cook their favourite New Zealand food in their own Kiwi Kitchens... dishes that have refused to die with their decade". In episode one we watched as "Richard heads off to Haast to catch and cook whitebait with an 80 year old woman who hasn't missed a whitebaiting season in the last 74 years". This show really has to be seen to be believed but suffice is to say there has rarely been more hilarity during the traditional post-ride entertainment slot. On-line recipes include tips such as the secret "...for a good roast is all in the killing of the animal. If you are about to kill your sheep, you already know more about it than me. Good luck".

Perhaps Billy-Bob sums up best what the evening was all about: It had been a long time coming but it is quite strange and somewhat reassuring that it is the simple things in life that one misses being away from the fray for a bit. The reunion ride to one of my favourite all time pubs was like putting on a familiar pair of old slippers ( extra large) and smoking jacket. The pre-ride rituals of greeting my good mates after their working day for a bit of sociable banter had been supplemented by a welcome new tradition of novelty cake consumption, I took the largest piece for myself. it was just like ye good olde days.

Kitting up before the off, pre-ride faffage, riding down narrow country lanes edged by historic field patterns and rather expensive character houses . All this just on ones doorstep was a fresh reminder of what is unique about this part of the world. The ride was at a leisurely pace which allowed ample time to admire the verdent rolling Hampshire countryside. I listened fondly to the plotting of future TCA events and of course savoured the taste of a pint of warm real ale amid the surroundings of classic English eccentricity and tradition.

So there you have it, a long anticipated ride that did not disappoint and it was comforting how easy it was to just pick up where we left off. It's funny really, what we do is not a complicated thing, but it surprising how few people share the ethos that it is just good to get out of an evening for ride in the company of good friends. Long may it continue!

Route Map (click to enlarge):
Elevation Profile:

(Posted by: Al & Billy-Bob)

Veteran's Night

The celebratory TCA Burn's Night ride was accompanied by veteran cyclist Maalie whose cycling claim-to-fame was ownership in youth of a Claude Butler upon which he roamed the Essex countryside fishing and birdwatching. He arrived down from Cumbria to be greeted by the TCA co-founder, Worzel, at Headquarters in good time to meet the participating members, Matt and Jon as they arrived from work.

In deference to the veteran, a modest 14-mile road-route was selected taking us to the Hampshire Bowman in Dundridge, the home run via the White Lion, Soberton. By 6.30 pm the night was clear, calm and frosty and expectations for a pleasant ride were high. So began the extended ritual of kitting up , involving special skin-tight vests, extra thick socks, adjusting the straps of plastic helmets and the donning of fluorescent over-jackets. Matt's pink netting garment would have done justice to a lap-dancer's parlour. The follicularly challenged veteran questioned the slots in the helmets which would expose strips of his naked scalp to the freezing night air (indicated in picture below), but felt it was not the thing to point out that he anticipated strangulation by the tightness of the throat strap...

At length, with lights checked, chains oiled and toe-clips adjusted, the quartet set off into the night to explore the frosty (-4C) byways of Hampshire, with the veteran swerving wildly as he attempted to slot feet into toe clips on the move. As it happened, the ride started with the steepest hill of the course and, seeing the tail lights of the three spring chicken sprinting off up into the dark, the veteran was still trying to work out whether he should twist the handle bar grip forwards or backwards to change down through the gears. His leg muscles rapidly became metabolically anaerobic, and build-up of lactic acid obliged him to dismount and push the bike up the hill.

Thereafter, out of the consideration for the veteran, the pace was reduced and then began a most pleasant ride over the ridge-tops towards the Plough, Ursor major (a constellation, not a pub) in which, at this time of year, the pan-handle is oriented vertically down. All seemed to be going well until the vereran hit a rut and swerved violently. Applying both brakes to avoid crashing into Worzel's rear wheel, he slowed to a halt and, unable to release feet from the toe-clips quickly enough, he sort of toppled over and ended up on the tarmac. But no damage was done and the veteran was reassured that falling off the bike was in fact the initiation rite for formal membership of the TCA; Job done then.

With Jon hanging back to escort the veteran, a breathless conversation about their respective recent trips to Australia ensued. They conspired to form a splinter group and peel off at the nearest pub to continue their reminiscing in warmth and comfort, but this notion was stifled by the ride director who asserted that a scheduled stop at the Bowman was only just beyond the horizon. At length that pub was reached where welcome rest, warmth and refreshment [Stonehenge 'Spires' Ale, Ed.] of choice were enjoyed by all but Matt, who suffered in silence with an orange juice due to a New Year abstinence bet.

A toast to absent members, The Hampshire Bowman
(Left to right: Jon, Maalie, Matt, Worzel)

All too soon, the ride director ordered "Drink up" and it was back on with the helmets (frozen head syndrome alleviated by the loan of a thermal under-helmet skullcap; below, left) and flourescent jackets and out to confront the frosty night. The veteran noticed that the water in the bowl put out for dogs by the front door had frozen over... There followed an easy, largely down-hill cruise to the White Lion at Soberton where, knowing the back of the ride was broken, the stop was more relaxed. The veteran was hugely impressed by Matt's recall of historical football scores and Jon's knowledge of Australian birds.

The remaining couple of miles back to Headquarters, guided by Orion's Faithful Dog Sirius, passed with out incident, except for one last steepish hill where the veteran decided to invoke the ancient family motto Discretion is the better part of Fowler pushing the bike up the hill. In no time at all the quartet was welcomed by Strudles at H.Q. who soon had a suacepan of spaghetti bolognese bubbling on the stove.

Route Map:


(Posted by: Maalie)

4. Vote tandem! Dinner in Dundridge

Ride: May 4th 2006, Hambledon to the Hampshire Bowman
Present: Al; Trudy

Spurred on by another 'warmest day of the year so far' we resurrected our ancient custom and practice of taking the tandem across the road to the village hall to register our votes in the local council elections.

Leaving Hambledon at about 20:00 we then took the route via Soberton Heath taking Cott Street to Hill Grove, then wending our way up hill through Upper Swanmore to Dundridge and the Hampshire Bowman (SU577184). It was a beautiful evening, anout 20C with fine blue skies.

We arrived well in time for dinner, Tee enjoying traditional Fish & Chips while Al had gammon steak, egg, chips and peas. There's always a great selection of ale at the Bowman, making the choice very difficult, but Tee favored the local 'Liberation' from Southwick's Suthwyk Ales brewery. Al was more partial to the Cheriton 'Best Bitter' (and was sad to overhear locals talking of closure at the renowned microbrewery tied to the Flower Pots pub, later confirmed in the Hampshire chronicle), maybe the last pint?

The ride home via Soberton includes the excellent down hill section on Sheep Pond lane before crossing the A32 then turning Right into Station Road. We were back in Hambledon by 22:45 and ready for bed, certainly feeling that we were a little out of shape after such a long time out of the saddle(s!).

(Posted by: Al)