This week's news & reports....

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RIDE REPORT
Test Valley Explorer 31/05/09

18 cyclists, including several new faces met at Clapham Jct for the
09:22 to Andover. The weather was dry, with blue sky and sunshine and
it was already getting warm. There was a little confusion as to where
the main ticket office is for those who don’t know Clapham Junction
station.

The outward journey was fine even though the train was fairly full the
train conductor was very helpful telling us that there were only space
for 3 bicycles on each unit of 3 coaches.

Because of the late start time of the ride, we decided to forego a
morning stop as we left Andover Station at approximately 10:30. We
cycled south west to join the circular route at Little Ann and rode in
a clockwise direction around Andover. Very quickly we had lost count
of the number of thatched cottages we had seen in the lovely Hampshire
villages in this area south west of Andover. We were also amazed at
the number of pubs in the area, We cycled through 20 villages on this
ride. On the majority of the ride we were no more than 3 or 4 miles
away from Andover which offers the option to shorten the ride very
easily.

The terrain was varied with some hills but only one of significant
gradient. We stopped at 13:00 for lunch at the Bourne Valley Inn just
outside St Mary Bourne. Unfortunately, the food did not live up to the
lovely setting with the Secluded Garden where you could eat out under
umbrellas and an open garden next to the River Test. Just south of St
Mary Bourne, we could see the watercress beds and high above, a bridge
which bore the railway line between Andover and Basingstoke. We were
now riding along the B3048 which, besides the road leading out of
Andover and some we crossed, was the busiest on the circular route. We
were pleasantly surprised that there was hardly any traffic on this
road and motorists were very courteous on the whole route. Living in
such pleasant surroundings probably manifest itself in the motorists
being in no hurry. No obvious venue was seen for a mid afternoon break
and we were also trying to catch the 16:46 train from Andover so we
pressed on.

We were all back at Andover Station for the 16:46 train. We boarded
the train but it seemed to be waiting for something. Horror of horrors
our train had in it’s charge the “Conductress from Hell” we were told
in no uncertain terms that there wasn’t enough space for most of us
with our bicycles because they we obstructing doors. It seems she
would exert her authority to the letter of the rules as she strode
down the train and insisted we get off the train. Only 5 of our group
were allowed to remain on the train as it departed a little late. The
rest of our group waited for the next train at 17:43 and were a little
worried when the station display stated the next train was only 3
coaches long. When the train arrived it was a very long train and very
full but we all got on and the train staff were happy even though we
were causing obstructions.

38 miles in just over 6 hours. No pix yet.

Report by Laurence

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NOTE: This is the first time that train staff have ever enforced the
ludicrous cycle restrictions on one of our rides. Whilst we run this
risk on virtually every train-assisted ride we do, it is normally the
platform staff who get agitated whereas the train staff just want to
get you on and get the train moving. Both CTC and LCC are working hard
to ensure that future transport is fully integrated with the needs of
the cyclist. (Mark)

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FREEWHEEL 2009

Registration has now opened for the annual Freewheel event which will
take place on 20th September. There's no need whatsoever to bother
registering but it does help the organisers with numbers so I have
just signed up and we'll go there on our PHC ride. Expect the event to
be similar to last year with a circuit of closed roads around Central
London.

http://www.london.gov.uk/freewheel/signup/

I maintain that this is too little and not often enough but of course
it's worth supporting. I'd like to see Central London closed to motor
traffic every summer Sunday from 7am to 2pm. It happens abroad and
there's not a single reason why it couldn't happen here. Jon Snow goes
further in this blog entry:

http://tinyurl.com/snowblog-phc

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BIKE FOR SALE

I'm trying to keep the list traffic low so I'm adding this email that
came in on Friday to the weekly update:

Ridgeback Electron, hybrid, hub gears and drum brakes – so low
maintenance and reliable. Regularly serviced and replaced chain and
cassette. Great for commuting and tracks/paths. £200. Angela 07768
461549.

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OIL IN THE SURREY HILLS

Leith Hill is the centre of the remote Surrey Hills mountain bike
activity. The sandy soil of Abinger forest produces acres of pines in
a truly spectacular setting. But now the villagers of Coldharbour have
more to worry about than mountain bikers straying off the designated
tracks - Europa Oil wants to drill for black stuff, right on their
doorstep. A website that explains all has been set up here:

http://www.thevirtualvillage.com/oilwell.cfm

But.... before anyone objects as a matter of principal, do consider
the fact that both Oxted and Brockham already have active oil wells so
this isn't particularly unusual. However, the proposed rig looks
hideous and Coldharbour Lane is not the ideal place to drive a HGV.
And, from a NIMBY point of view, I think that area is lovely to cycle
around and I don't fancy having it spoilt by an oil well lit up 24
hours a day with a flashing aircraft strobe on top.

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THE FORUM

Have a look at the forum if you want to see details of other rides
taking place. There's a steady usage which is good to see. Some good
threads with plenty of info on there!

http://www.southlondoncyclists.org.uk

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NEXT WEEK

It's the Wandle Valley Festival on Saturday and we'll be exploring
every inch of it. This isn't a ride for those who want to keep
pedalling, instead it's a constantly stopping ride that will visit as
many of the attractions along the way as possible. We'll be calling in
to the Orienteering club's stall in Beddington Park, the event in
Wandle Park, the reception in Morden Hall etc etc. If you've ever
struggled to find your way along this brilliant route, you need to be
on this ride. We'll be demonstrating the 'official' route and
alternatives to avoid barriers as well as giving you some soundbite
history of the area. 9:30 from outside Pollards Hill library.

Sunday's ride leaves Carshalton's Westcroft Leisure Centre at 9:30 for
an explore of the lanes around Warlingham. You'll see the restored
Shirley Postmill on the way out and there are some great views along
the lanes. Lunch at the Hare and Hounds pub.

Mark
PHC Co-ordinator
07711 688189

http://www.pollardshillcyclists.org.uk
http://www.southlondoncyclists.org.uk