With the rain stopped and the ice melted, it was dry and time for us to hit the open road for the last time in 2009. Although a few others threatened to join us, it was yet again a group of four - Steve, Simon(fresh from the ski slopes of New England), Chris and Albert. Pete was a late withdrawal due to a bad back.
Chris was carrying two new bits of kit; a Garmin Edge GPS and a helmet cam to film the action!
Our route took us towards Kingslclere in search of the tough ascents up to Hannington again. Chris sprinted for the Sydmonton sign but no one else bothered. Then it was time for the first hill, he pushed on but failed to consolidate his lead over the top and on the descent which enabled Steve to grab an easy "win" of the Kingsclere sign.
The short sharp pull up out of Kingsclere took it's toll on the group with Simon pulling away but on the next ascent up to Hannington itself the group stayed together. Roads that had been snow covered the previous Sunday were now clear and the twisting, undulating lanes towards Overton were fun with Chris "taking" the village sign. A dangerous one this, no time to celebrate before joining the main road again.
After Overton, a couple of signs followed with a three-up sprint for Laverstoke taken by Simon. We then avoided the main road to Whitchurch and skirted to the north on quiet lanes to head over to the Bourne valley. Albert was now showing signs of his missed breakfast, lagging slightly behind but then forced the pace as we descended into the valley. The roads were still quiet and we made our way at a good pace through St Mary Bourne and up to Hurstbourne Tarrant. Simon dominated the sign competition with all of us choosing to sprint in the small ring. Who knows why? Chris had an early go for what he thought was the Stoke sign only to find it read "Thank you for driving slowly" clearly not meant for him!
We regrouped at Hurstbourne Tarrant and while waiting, Steve raised his saddle to create a more aerodynamic racing position. Off we set again climbing at a good pace on dryish roads towards Vernham Dean. Just before the village we turned right to head for Linkenholt and towards home. Despite his clear lack of energy, Albert continued to decline Simon's offer of a energy gel and soldiered on, pushing a big gear.
After the climb to Linkenholt(no sign contested just a groan in unison from the group!) we dropped down to the Coombe valley where Simon and Steve waited while Chris "motivated" Albert to catch them for the last chance of a gel.
The gel finally accepted and consumed we made our way up the tough climb to Faccombe. A suggested stop at the Jack Russell pub for a pint was clearly declined as Chris and Albert didn't see any bikes outside. Then the route took us back over the Wayrfarers ridge with a fast descent to East End. It was here that Chris realised the camera had only been working intermittently and then pointing down at the road. The only shots were of Steve raising saddle and brief glimpses of Simon and Albert. Not really the action anyone expected but the quality is a promise of things to come and with sound too!
Steve and Simon had pushed on and Chris with Albert made steady progress home to greet Pete in his drive, already looking forward to Sunday and our first group ride of 2010.
Good ride - 45.3 miles and just over 3000ft of ascent.
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