A great turn out on Sunday despite it being quite a chilly morning.
We had 18 riders set out from Hursley for a largely uneventful ride to West Meon where things got a bit more exciting. Firstly we were (rightly!) confronted by a – should we say – ‘senior’ local resident for riding the wrong way up a short one-way street. Having blagged our way past her the local young bouncer (only about 70 years old) then had a go at us! He didn’t seem to appreciate that our whole group had missed the one-way sign (to the best of my knowledge anyway). Eventually we arrived at the café only to receive a mini ticking off for not letting them know a large group would be dropping in. Oh my! Anyway we had a pleasant stop in the sunshine and eventually we all got coffees and cakes. West Meon is a lovely village and the cafe is excellent; if we just do everything by the book next time I’m sure they’ll let us past the barricades.
🙂
Excitement over for the day 11 returned to Hursley by the most direct route and 7 proceeded via the South Downs undulations to Alton. However, Pete’s derailleur decided to jump into his spoke and rip the hanger off! He was last seen awaiting rescue by Pippa near Alton Abbey. Perhaps you’re still there Pete and have joined the chanting Abbotts?! A lesson relearned for the Home-to-Rome ride – everyone should take a spare derailleur hanger since they are unique to each bike. The ride was quite tough at times but well done everyone!
It’s the Isle of Wight Randonnee next Sunday 1 May and the Hampshire Hilly Hundred the following weekend. Plenty of opportunities to get some miles (and hills!) in your legs. Enjoy! 🙂
Mike