1887

Saturday January 1

The New Year comes in very wintry. The pond is covered with snow and has been since Xmas Day. On Thursday, we had to do the journey in parts, and yesterday we sent half of today’s goods round, so as to shorten today’s journey. However, we got over the difficulty well.

Sunday January 2

Had a good sermon this morning. I guessed the text – ‘Forgetting the things that are behind and pressing forward’. We also had a good sermon in the evening.

Tuesday January 11

I put the cellar tidy and straight.

Wednesday January 12

Had a day in the little warehouse mending the rice bins and putting new hinges to them. I also put the place in order.

Sunday January 16

Had a good sermon this morning – ‘Bear one another’s burdens’. Had a winter afternoon’s walk round Bennings. It looked exceedingly winterly, the ground white with a fine coating of rime. The trees black and the atmosphere thick and heavy and looking full of snow.

Monday January 17

Was a cold bright day. I trimmed up the broken trees at the office and had a nice morning in the garden. Mr and Mrs Cave and daughter came to tea and supper and a very pleasant time we had, and I think all enjoyed themselves. They had just come in from skating and so were ready for a tea.

Tuesday January 18

A very thick, foggy day, but a thaw and very thankful for it however it comes, for we are heartily tired of seeing the snow and ice lay about the streets and roads. Here, it has been ever since long before Xmas, an eyesore, an impediment to locomotion, and a torment to the feet. It has crippled my stagnated trade, and I hope with its departure will go its ills and the blessing of sunshine return apace.

Thursday January 20

As the boys come back to Wixenford tomorrow, I went the journey today and saw Miss Bartlett.

Friday January 21

A young Mr Cox, brother to Norman Cox, was run over by the 7.15 down SER and had both legs cut off. He was taken to the hospital and died on Sunday. It is supposed he attempted to do away with himself.

I was taken bad in my stomach this evening.

Saturday January 22

Was unable to get up. George Sale did a part of the journey, Mr Bayliss, the rest.

Sunday January 23

In bed all day and learnt ‘The Death of King Conor Mac Nessa’.

Monday January 24

Was better, but only able to be over at the shop a few hours.

Tuesday January 25

Was about all day today but not quite the thing. We have Market every week now.

Wednesday January 26

Went to a lecture in the Town Hall this evening, avowedly on the Cathedrals and Church of England but really much of a church defence lecture. It was illustrated by dissolving views. The lecture and all was very poor.

Friday January 28

Five hogs, and cleaned out of meat.

Saturday January 29

Very slack all day and night.

Sunday January 30

To Chapel morning and evening. Marked out the text at both services, the morning being from Job ‘In my flesh shall I see God’. That in the evening ‘Remember Lot’s wife’. Had tea at Geo Woods’.

Monday January 31

Went up to see the Stanley Show which was held at the Aquarium, Westminster. I went as far as Bracknell by the 8.16. Got out and took a walk round towards Bullbrook and back to the station. Took two 3rd returns to Waterloo, one for me and one for Tom who came up by the 9.10. Had a nice ride up, and as we were to meet John at Holborn Viaduct Station at half past 12, we strolled about. I went to Singer’s for some parts of the bicycle, but they did not keep them there, but we got tickets to the show at half price from there. Called in at St Paul’s and had a look round. How very much the old iron railways are rusted away where they join the earth. After doing St Paul’s we went to Holborn and met John, then off to Fleet Street and had a good dinner at Read’s opposite Bennett’s. After dinner to the Show. The Aquarium makes a capital place for it, and it was a very fine show, nearly all the tricycles being in the new pattern, and side handles quite dropped out.

I went up to see if I could see a tandem that would suit me. There was only two there of any account – the Humber and the Premier. The latter I liked rather the better of the two. John left at half past 3 and we about an hour after. Had tea outside (the price being too high in) and home by the train into Wokingham at 8. Was very well satisfied with my run up, but am afraid it will land me a tandem.

1887

Tuesday February 1

Mr Sale came into the Post Office again.

Saturday February 5

A beautiful warm and bright day, the first we have had for many, many weeks.

Sunday February 6

Anther nice day, but cool. Henry and I took a very nice walk round Easthampstead this morning. We started about 10 o’clock and got home at half past 1. We went by Waterloo and Lock Farm to Easthampstead Church, by the square pond, down the Nine Mile Ride, by Col. Peel’s home.

The wreck of trees was very great all round Easthampstead. I never saw anything like it. It was cruel and made my heart ache to see the vast devastation. There could not have been such a storm during the memory of man, or we should see traces of it, these will remain for many, many years to come.

We quite enjoyed our tour and came home with an appetite which we appeased at our several tables. Went to Chapel in the evening. Lord’s Supper.

Tuesday February 8

I ordered, through Tom, a tandem off Hillman, Herbert and Cooper. So, I mean to have some miles this year.

Wednesday February 9

Henry went with Kemp for a tour today, By train to Ash and then by foot to Tongham and over the Hog’s Back to Seale, Puttenham, Shackleford and Compton and back to Ash, home. They had a good time. I went to the annual meeting of members and communicants at the lecture room. Very good tea and a very good meeting, but spoiled it at the end by a little scene between Mr Martin and Mr Cave.

Sunday February 13

To Chapel morning and evening. Guessed the text at the morning service, but not the evening. It was ‘Thy word is a lamp to my path and a light to my feet’. A good sermon. I took Mr Bayliss for a walk before service round Waterloo and across the London Road to Bean Oak and across the fields to the Church. Had tea at Aunt’s.

Tuesday February 15

I set out the window. We had a good market.

Wednesday February 16

Went for a run this afternoon on Tom’s omnicycle to Finchampstead and Eversley, on to the Flats and then as far as the turning to Yateley, down the road and home. I have not had any riding for four months, and this made my legs ache intolerably.

There is very little sign of Spring. A few cat tails on the willows and in some sheltered hedge banks, a few new leaves have made their appearance. On Feb 6, I saw a daisy and a piece of furze in bloom, but no other flowers as yet. Having lost the pillars that hold the clematis, I made some new ones in an improved plan, and finished them today. Henry and cleaned and put together the Salvo.

Friday February 18

A complete change in the weather. Today is wet and mild. All the rest of the month has been dry and very cold with wind N.E.

Mr Briny of Binfield was committed for trial for attempted arson, he having placed a lighted candle in a suspicious place for the night.

Sunday February 20

A walk round Bennings before Chapel and a nice little walk it was. The birds were on very merry and nice it was to hear them again. Came home and went to Chapel. Marked out the text ‘Thy way oh Lord is in the sea, and thy paths in the great waters and thy footsteps are not known. Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron’. Heard a good sermon. Called upon Tom after dinner and we went for a walk. I again marked out the evening text ‘Last of all he sent his son also’.

Monday February 21

Put the bicycle together. It has had an uncommonly long rest ever since the middle of October last and now the weather will not allow of riding it.

Saturday February 26

Today has been a splendid day for weather, and yesterday was very good. The roads look like a run tomorrow.

Sunday February 27

Up a little earlier than usual for a Sunday. The morning was a bit foggy at first but by the time I had breakfast, it had cleared off and was nice, bright and calm, so I drew my bicycle out and at a quarter to 10, I mounted and went for a run round Easthampstead, going by Star Lane and Waterloo and home by Hines Green. It was very, very pleasant out, the sun shining bright and warm, the birds singing and all looking cheerful and happy. I got round quicker and easier than I expected. Was home just in time for Chapel and heard a very good sermon from ‘The Thorn in the Flesh’. I guessed the text before Mr Cave read it. Had dinner and a short nap and at 3, a cup of tea. Came across to see if Henry was going for a run. He was, so got him a cup of tea and then at a quarter to 4 (a time that was dark two months ago), we mounted our machines for Hartford Flats, Blackwater and Yateley. We found the roads in excellent condition with the exception of here and there, a patch of gravel.

The weather couldn’t be better, that looked and felt like the middle of April, but the country didn’t. There is nothing out yet – no daisies or primroses, or any other form of leaf, and we were glad of this because it gave us the opportunity of going round before nature and seeing her apparently just in the same state as she was two months ago. This is very nice to get round before she has commenced her Spring dress. It seems like getting up early when she has a lot to do and making a good start before breakfast.

We thoroughly enjoyed the run every inch, and were furnished with a warm and bright afternoon and a lovely sunset in our face coming home. We also very much admired the views round, especially of Blackwater and York Town in the distance. We got home at a quarter past 6 and then after a cup of tea, I went to Chapel and marked out the text within a verse. The morning run was 8 miles 6 and half furlongs and the afternoon 19.3 furlongs.

28 miles – B

Monday February 28

Was a nice day. Foggy up till 12 o’clock and then it came out very bright and warm and calm.

1887

Tuesday March 1

A day very much like yesterday. There was a good market and exceedingly well attended. Last week, everything was sold, except one fat hog. After dinner, I went a run on the bicycle. Left here at quarter past 3 and went to Pilcot via Hartley Row and round to Dogmersfield Park, and home by the railway bridge near Fleet.

It was a very pleasant afternoon out and I felt well and enjoyed it amazingly. At Dogmersfield, I took a walk along the canal bank for a short distance and although there is no flowers or foliage out yet, the canal looked lovely and I was enraptured with it so much so that I felt constrained to go down on my knees and thank the Giver of all good for allowing me once again to see this lovely spot and for giving me the hope of spending some more happy moments here this year.

It was a pretty sight, standing where I did just opposite Dogmersfield Park and looking round the old bridge up the canal and the sun shining upon the waters through the leafless trees. The canal is full up and presents a nice sheet of water, with tidy edges, to the eye. Reluctantly drawing myself away from the scene that carried me back to so many happy hours spent here last year. I mounted my bicycle and came away home all the better for this enjoyable spin. The only indication of Spring upon the earth that I can see is in the shallow roadside ponds. There the new grass is springing up apace. At Pilcot, I saw the hop poles being painted ready to drive into the ground. This is the nearest hop field, or garden, that there is to Wokingham. The roads are in first class order, of course several patches of gravel, but not more than a hundred, where it is imperative to push the bicycle. The snow storm of January seems to have made very little havoc this way, the worst place being along the road where Henry, Jamie and I took shelter from the thunderstorm nearly two years ago. The distance from the Market Place was – Barley Mow 11 miles and right round.

B 24-2

Wednesday March 2

Tom has made some iron railings to go round the lead flat, and finished fixing them today. Geo Woods and Kemp are gone on their machines to a sale at Odiham. It is a splendid day for them, better than yesterday. At 20 to 4, I started for a run to Ruscombe and round by Waltham Church, the kennels, and Hurst, home. A very nice little ride and on a very pretty afternoon and sunset.

15 miles

Thursday March 3

I went the journey and had a very good day.

Friday March 4

Sent Geo Sale as far as North Court with a load of goods so as to lighten Saturday’s load.

While I was at dinner, the tandem came, so I went down to Tom’s Works to see it. He brought it up about 4 o’clock and had a little run on it, but the day was densely foggy and almost dangerous for locomotion, so I did not try it. I was almost glad the day was unsuited for going, for I was very busy with the orders. The machine appears a very splendid tandem.

The gross price was £32.0.0, ball pedals for £2.0.0, luggage carrier 10/-, bell 3/6.
                                                  = £35.6.0
With discount of 25%          = £8.16.6
                                                  = £26.9.6
Discount for cash 2.5%        = £0.13.3
                                                  = £25.16.3

I gave Tom the cheque for that amount and hope I haven’t done wrong. We had eight hogs and a very good sale for meat.

Saturday March 5

Sent off a good load and had a somewhat busier day than usual.

Sunday March 6

Went by myself on the tandem as far as Finchampstead Church and back before service, then to the Chapel and L.S.

At half past 3, Henry and I tried the tandem as far as the Works and got up there and we went along swimmingly until we had just left Warren Lodge, when travelling by the side of the road to avoid the gravel, I somehow or other steered the machine right into the ditch. We came off unharmed but the tandem suffered in the front forks and in them alone. This put an end to our ride further, so turned round and came home and left the machine at the Works. Rather a calamitous start.

Monday March 7

Went down to Tom’s Works directly after breakfast and began putting the wreck to rights. There was no damage done to the machine. Not even a scratch, save that the front fork was doubled up and the wheel was a little out, and this did not take long to put right, so that by the afternoon, the machine was ready to go out upon.

Sent Geo Sale with West Court forage. Tom and I took a ride on the tandem.

6 miles

Tuesday March 8

After dinner, Geo Sale and I went round Toutley and the Warren House on the tandem. There was a good market.

5 miles

Wednesday March 9

Was up at 6 o’clock. Called George, had a cup of coffee and at a quarter to 7, we made off on the tandem to Hurst via Bill Hill, on to Twyford and round home by ‘The Elephant and Castle’ and ‘Pheasant’. This was a very enjoyable little run to both. As the day was calmish, Henry and I made up our minds to again try the machine, so had dinner at 12 and off at a quarter past 1. We walked as far as the SER line and then up and off to Finchampstead, Eversley Street, Wixenford, the Monument, Mortimer, Round Oak, Sherborne, Bramley, Sherfield, and home. It took six hours and this was not bad, for we did not hurry and had a long stop at Mortimer for tea, and also went very quiet over the gravel, of which there was a considerable quantity, though not any more than I expected. It was a very pleasant run, and we liked it much, the machine answering quite up to our expectation and gave us satisfaction all the way. I found no difficulty in steering it today. The weather was not bright or very dull. There was quite a wind blowing, but it troubled nor hindered us much. The country is still quite bare, not a flower out yet along the banks and only a few in a very few gardens. Aldermaston Soke looked, as usual, very pretty. We pushed up a part of the Monument hill, Aldermaston Soke rise, Hatch Gate hill and East Court Hill. The run was quite a success.

11 miles, 42 miles; T – 53 miles

Thursday March 10

A very nice calm day. Saw Mr Watts about my monies and he paid me £2.0.0. Took Bertha on the tandem round Hurst after tea.

7 miles – T

Friday March 11

Up a little earlier than usual and took Frances on the tandem to Bill Hill and the Warren House, which very much pleased her.

4 miles – T

Saturday March 12

Mr Bayliss, having business at Aylesbury, I sent Geo Sale the round today, and he did it very satisfactorily.

Sunday March 13

Yesterday was a very cold, and in the early part, wet day but looking out of the window this morning, a bright frosty morning showed itself. Had a little run before service round Ravenswood and pub just to see how the roads were. After dinner, Henry and I went to Compton to tea. We left here at 20 past 2 on the tandem and made quick time to Ash via Yateley and Hawley, but from Ash, we had to take it steadily for there was gravel nearly all the way to Compton from Ash. We got just in time to sit down with Mr and Mrs Hawkins to a comfortable tea after which we moved off and walked across the Common to Puttenham and up on to the Hog’s Back and then rode home through Wanborough and Normandy and came along at a rattling pace quite as quickly as I could see. We pushed up East Court Hill but that was more for a change of action than anything else.

Although the roads nowhere were perfect, in many places we never had so easy a journey. There really wasn’t enough work to keep us warm. The machine takes the uphills so well. It was a very nice day and night out and we were very much pleased with the journey and enjoyed it well.

50 miles – T

Monday March 14

A very nice, bright calm day. Bayliss, being at Aylesbury, Geo Sale did the journey. After tea I took Bertha on the tandem to Stanlake and Twyford and home via Hurst and the Pheasant. Worked up all the hills and got along at a very good pace, although the roads were very indifferent. Bertha was pleased with the run.

Tuesday March 15

Looking out of the window this morning at 6 o’clock found the ground covered with snow so I could not have a run. The snow came on again about 8 o’clock and kept on all day, so that by the evening when it left off we had got one of the heaviest snows I have ever seen. There was no wind, so it laid evenly all over the place. It was not quite as deep as the storm in January last, but nearly so. It very much interfered with the Market. Mr Ryder brought Bertha some pears and flowers and stayed the evening.

Thursday March 17

Bostock and Wombwell’s Menagerie came today, a very large collection. There was only just room enough for them in the Market Place. Frances and I went after 8 o’clock. The performance with the lions was exceptionally good, the performer going into several dens and last of all into a den of six lions one of which very much objected to the intimidation.

The ground was very wet and cold, for the snow was not cleared off soon enough.

Sunday March 20

A missionary, Mr I. Allen, preached at the Chapel this morning but I did not go, but went for a walk round Barkham and Bearswood instead. I cared very little for the walk, for the weather was dull and the country looked most winterly and covered up with snow. The road in places certainly was clear, but everything else covered, and it looked very much like some more coming. Went to Geo Woods’ to tea and Chapel in the evening and worked out Mr Cave’s text.

Monday March 21

Very cold and winterly, but improved towards the end of the day. Bertha and I went to the missionary meeting in the evening and heard Mr I. Allen give a very excellent address upon the Maharashtrian population of India and his work amongst them. I have seldom heard a better speech and was sorry I did not hear him on Sunday.

Tuesday March 22

The word got round to the gov. and so all the snow was cleared off today. The morning was fine but wet in the afternoon and very stormy at night. There was a large Market, well attended.

Wednesday March 23

A very nice day with a balmy strong SW wind. I put a floor to the tricycle house and whitened the wall and made a very nice job of the place.

Thursday March 24

Yesterday, having dried up the roads, I got up a little earlier than usual, called Frances, had a cup of coffee and something to eat, and then off at 7 o’clock on the tandem round Hurst, a very pretty and enjoyable ride to both. Rain came in, and very heavy too after dinner.

Friday March 25

Nine hogs and a rather slow sale. Rain came on in the evening.

Saturday March 26

A nice dry day and the roads were getting into good condition, when down came the rain again in the evening so that…

Sunday March 27

…was utterly unrideable. I did a little in the garden and then to Chapel and marked out the texts. Cleaned the bicycle in the afternoon and to Chapel in the evening.

Monday March 28

Up at half past 6 and off at quarter to 7 with Frances round Binfield and Bracknell, a pleasant little run. Made a shed in the warehouse for the omnicycle and the Salvo. After tea, Bertha and I went to Bracknell and home by Easthampstead. A very lovely day.

18 miles

Tuesday March 29

Up at half past 5 and called Geo Sale, had some coffee and off for a run on the tandem at quarter past 6. We went by Ruscombe to Burchett’s Green and home by Twyford and Stanlake. It was a glorious morning, bright, sunny and not cold with only a light breeze. We called in at the Bird in Hand and had a liquer up, a pint of ale between the two. I saw that the workmen were at Burchett’s Green doing up the inside, and I dare say, not before it was wanted.

Having to go to Eversley to see Mr Christie, I took the opportunity of taking Geo Woods on the tandem. So, at quarter past 5 we mounted and bowled off smooth until just past Radical Cottage, when his foot slipped off the pedal and was caught between the pedal and the shaft, bending the treadle and hurting George’s ankle or instep. After a rest while the pain dispersed, we again made our way and got home without any further mishap.

We went by the Cross to Christie’s, then to the White Hart and back to Yateley and Sandhurst by Well Coll and Crooked Billet and home. George was very delighted with the go of the machine, and it certainly did bowl along well. John came down by the 7.5 GWR to stay over tomorrow.

36 miles – T

Wednesday March 30

John was engaged all the morning with Mr Watts and his cottages. After dinner, he and I went on the tandem to Hartley Row and called upon Uncle Porter and stayed there to tea, and spent a pleasant hour or two there. Leaving Mr Porter’s a little after 6, we went on to Weatherall’s and round those pretty lanes to that lovely spot, Dogmersfield and Pilcot. John took a short walk down the canal bank and seemed pleased with it. Leaving Pilcot, we came on to Fleet and up on to and along the Flats to Blackwater and home through Yateley and Eversley Cross, and up into the Market Place just as the clock was striking 9. I had a rasher for supper and off to bed by a little after 10 o’clock. Mr Ryder and his son called in to take Edith home, she having been to the service at the Lecture Room. John liked his run round and we had very good weather, rather dull but no wind. This was the longest run he has had for many years and he came home quite fresh and well within himself.

30 miles – T

Thursday March 31

John went back this morning pleased with his run down here. He was very fortunate having two such fine days, for today came on wet and cold.

1887

Friday April 1

The most wretched day of the year. Cold, wet, windy, bleak and altogether uncomfortable.

Sunday April 3

Was dull in the morning but the afternoon came out clear and hot. Had the new fork come down yesterday and this morning I fitted it on the tandem. Went to Chapel and marked out the text. Had tea at 4 o’clock, and then Henry and I off on the tandem to Hartley Row. We got quite hot going over, but calling in at Uncle Alfred’s and having a cup of tea cooled us down so we did not get over hot any more. After leaving Uncle’s, we went on to Weatherall and Dogmersfield, round to Fleet and across the Flats, home. It was a very nice evening, the first we have had that has been anything but piercingly cold. The roads were not quite dry enough, still the tandem went well. We saw a few primroses in the bank leading round to the Barley Mow. These were the second lot I have see this year.

26 miles

Monday April 4

Sent West Court’s forage. At half past 2, Mr Cave and I left here on the tandem and made our way to Hurst and Twyford and on to Sonning where we rested a little while and then made our way home by Woodley, Sandford Mill and Hurst. Mr Cave was very pleased, I think, with his ride.

16 miles

Tuesday April 5

Up to the milestone twice to regulate the cyclometer.

4 miles

Wednesday April 6

Very cold, windy, dull day and the first of the early closing too. To go for a journey was out of the question so I mended up the tricycle house and after dinner, Henry and I went three times to the milestone and back to regulate the cyclometer.

6 miles

Thursday April 7

Intensely bleak, rough and cold. Had to cut the hog up in the shop, could not stand the weather outside although there was no rain. Frances and I went for a six mile ride after 9 o’clock and we enjoyed it.

6 miles

Friday April 8 – Good Friday

The morning opened cold, but soon cleared off and came out warm. I did a little to the tricycle house during the morning. Had dinner early and at half past 2, a cup of tea, and at 3, Henry and I started off on the tandem for Guildford. There was a fierce wind, nearly a hurricane, blowing from the NE which would have put riding put of the question on bicycles, but having the tandem, we determined to try it.

We went via Bagshot, and going up the Penick hill, we had the full force of the wind in our faces, and spite of that, we bowled along comfortably enough. We had a very nice run through Worplesdon to Guildford and enjoyed it very much indeed. Put up at the Angel and had tea at the Coffee House, where there was a quantity of cyclists staying. After tea, we had a very pleasant walk round. The wind made it too cold to stop about much, so at 6 o’clock we made a start for home by the old way of Ash and Yateley. We came along at a grand pace and had a very pretty ride home. We voted the day a grand success. Before dinner, I and Frances went to the milestone and back. Hilda has been very poorly, but a little better today. Did not see a primrose out anywhere along the journey.

46 miles – T

Sunday April 10

Before service, Frances and I went to the third milestone and back. The morning was very cold, windy and dull, but cleared off after dinner and came out bright and less windy. After an early tea, Frances and I at quarter to 5, mounted the tandem and did a run to B. Green and back, and enjoyed the journey. She worked uncommonly well and lasted out to the end. This made with the morning run, 26 miles.

Monday April 11 – Bank Holiday

Turned out about the usual time for the morning was too dull and windy to offer any hope of a nice day. Went across to the shop about 9 o’clock and cleaned up the tandem. The weather appearing to clear off, Henry and I made up our minds for a run, so got ready, and ready to start by quarter to 11. Davis and James went to Guildford by the 12.20, and the rest of the shop folks by the trap to the ridges. By the time we were ready to start, which was, as I say, a quarter to 11, the clouds had all cleared off and the sun shone brightly, while the wind blew strong from the NE. There was a tremendous lot of people between here and Finchampstead, for the Volunteers were just off for a sham fight near the ridges, and the hounds met at the Greyhound, so that to the Chapel, we were a little hindered by the extraordinary traffic, but clearing the Royal Oak, we bowled along grandly on our way to Basingstoke. Henry called in at Longbridge Mill to see if Mr Sam Webb had any hogs. He bought ten to come in this week which pleased us for we had no reserve for this week. From here, we bowled along in high spirits and at a grand rate so that it was not long before we dropped down in to Basingstoke through which we went without a stop passing a club of cyclists starting on towards London, while we turned up the Hackwood Road and passed into a village two miles from Basingstoke, where at a Public House, we had dinner of some sandwiches which we brought with us and a quart of their best ale. Thus refreshed, we passed on the foot of the long hill up which we pushed the steep part and then had a lovely run down the long decline to Preston Candover.

We stopped a short time at Upton Candover and under the shade of the hills, basked in the sunshine while we heard, but felt not, the wind roaring overhead. This was a supremely happy time as we rested here and gazed in the pretty little village in the dell. On again through lovely Preston Candover and a minute at the yew avenue, and then away to Lord Ashburton’s place, and quietly up the long ascent to the Juniper Common, where we lay down (like, but not with the same feeling as Elijah) and basked ourselves under a juniper tree for a quarter of an hour, and then rushed into Old Alresford and admired the old village where the banks were lined with the celandine wild flowers.

A minute at Alresford and then on through the town where a club was on, and worked right up to the top of a very long hill towards Alton, with the exception of some very rough gravel, and then soon down to Chawton and Alton. Had a very nice tea at the old coffee house in an upper room by ourselves, and then, just as we were coming out, we came across Mrs Carpenter, late of the Hotel at Selborne, they having left and taken a tobacconist business at Alton, so we went round to their shop and bought a couple of cigars and then off for Golden Pot which we were not long in reaching. From there, we made a very grand pace to and through South Warnborough and on and through Odiham to Winchfield bridge where we lit up the lamps and in a few minutes were at Star Hill and not long after that, home at half past 8 having had one of our best days out everything going well and satisfactory.

The road, except in where it was newly gravelled, was in perfect order especially that piece from the Monument to Basingstoke and from there to Alresford was also superb. In fact, there was very little but that was good. The weather was delightful, for although there was a strong wind on, the sun made it nice and hot and very cheerful. We found very little inconvenience from the wind, it blew a hurricane right in our trail going from Alresford to Alton, but having plenty of power, we forged against it well. We very much enjoyed the day right throughout, being pleased with everything, and not over working ourselves anywhere, so that we came home fresh. We put it down as one of the best holidays we have had.

64 miles – T

Tuesday April 12

Was also a very nice day. Market not quite as good as usual.

Wednesday April 13

The second day of early closing and a most wretched day imaginable, bleakly cold, dull and furiously windy. I and Frances went 10 miles in the evening to test the cyclometer.

10 miles – T

Thursday April 14

I went the journey and a most intensely cold day it was too. Gave me a cold in the face.

Friday April 15

Ten hogs from Sam Webb and a very good sale.

Sunday April 17

Came out a very nice, bright and calm day. Frances and I went to Binfield before service, then to Chapel and worked out the text. ‘Having loved his own, he loved them to the end’. Had an early dinner and also tea, and exactly at 4 o’clock, Henry and I on the tandem, left for Marlow, going the old way excepting from the top of Stanlake Hill, we turned around to Twyford and up the Bath road to avoid the rough piece by Ruscombe. We went along in grand style and reached Marlow without a stop in 1 hour 3 minutes. We sat on the bridge for a quarter of an hour and admired the woods and the scenery. Quarry Wood looked very, very pretty although there was not a leaf out. A quarter of an hour was quite long enough to let us know the air was too cold to hang about, so we made our way towards Henley and had a very beautiful ride there and enjoyed the beauty. A glass of ale at Henley and then home by half past 7, having had a very pleasant and enjoyable trip around.

38 miles – T

Monday April 18

Was a glorious day and the first warm day this year. Henry and Kemp went to Bullsdown, Sherfield to see some hogs but did not buy them. After shop hours, Bayliss and I went on the tandem to Bracknell and back.

8 miles – T

Tuesday April 19

Was another, and even better day, than yesterday, but could not get out for a run until the evening because of the journey and Henry was engaged taking stock at Mr Webster’s. In the evening, Frances and I had a delightful saunter round Hurst and Billingbear. The evening was calm, warm and bright with a lovely sunset. The buds are just ready to break out, and if we get a warm rain, they will jump out at us. Frances very much enjoyed her little run.

8 miles – T

Wednesday April 20

Up at half past 5 and called Frances, and by 6 we were in the saddle for a morning ride. I intended going to Blackwater Lake and back, and for this purpose, I directed our course by Holme Green and the new road to Well College, but by the time we had passed through the grounds, it was nigh upon 7 o’clock, so I turned back by the Iron Duke and went up to Broadmoor expecting to get a good view from there, but was disappointed, for what with the new buildings and the trees being grown up so since I was here ten years ago, we could not get a glimpse of the view I then had, so we took it carefully down the hill and home by Col Peel’s before 8 o’clock. It was a very nice morning and I should have enjoyed it more if I had been a little better. I didn’t seem quite up to the mark. Henry has been across at Mr Webster’s all day taking stock and getting the goods ready to come over which took us all the afternoon and evening to cart over, so that although it was a wonderfully good day for a run, we could not go. I was not very sorry, for I felt anything but up to cycling today. At 7 o’clock, Mr Bayliss and I had a ten mile ride round, and that I did not enjoy very much.

20 miles – T

Thursday April 21

Went with Mr Webster his round which took him all day and a miserable day it was to me for I was out of sorts, and the journey was not up to my expectation. Went to bed early with a bad headache.

Friday April 22

Was busy with the orders all day, and work went unpleasant for I had a very bad cold on me.

Saturday April 23

Was reminded that it was my birthday by good Mrs Saddler sending me a silk handkerchief.

Sunday April 24

Got up still very much out of sorts and feeling dull and heavy with my cold. It rained and I was glad to see it for I felt not well enough for a ride, and the wet will do the roads a world of good, for we have not had any all the month and the roads are fit quite loose and stony.

Tuesday April 26

Up at 6 and off at half past taking Frances with me. Feeling that the sheltered roads might still be damp and heavy, we took the London road which was very good. Going by Buckhurst, we saw, fly across the road in easy gun shot, two wild ducks. We went as far as the 7th milestone and then turned back, and at the same time, the clouds came over and the wind rose very strong right against our return which made it somewhat hard work getting home, which we reached at half past 8. Mr Bayliss went the journey with Dick and got back to dinner at 1 o’clock. No sooner had Dick got in the stable, then he lay down with the gripes so that we had to call in the veterinary surgeon and he gave him a draught but still he lays very bad and likely to die. I went with Mr Webster the Binfield round and a poor one it is too. Took goods to Mr Scorey and also to Mrs Steptone. I came home from Bracknell by train, Mr Webster having to call at Easthampstead for his wife and children, they having gone there to see a steeplechase. The horse that was winning fell and broke his neck. A very wet afternoon and also very rough and windy.

14 miles – T

1887

Sunday May 1

A very cold day with a strong E wind blowing. It was tolerably bright up to 4 o’clock and then it came over cloudy and intensely cold with a stronger wind. Henry and I went on the tandem after 4 o’clock to the Well. Coll. and R. M. College to York Town and Bagshot on to Sunningdale and Virginia Water, through the Park to Winkfield and home by Bracknell. The wind which was very strong was dead against us to Virginia Water, nonetheless we did that part of the journey the easiest and quickest, for the roads there were so much better than through the Park and Winkfield. We had a glass of ale at the Rising Sun and a pleasant chat with a respectable young man about the roads and by Andover and Salisbury. I expected the roads to be good through the Park, but they were the reverse of that having been gravelled and not worked so much.

While we were at the Rising Sun, a man brought in a pile of logs to put on the fire which looked quite cheerful for the evening has very much the appearance and feeling of a December afternoon. Very cold, dull and the road white ready for snow and all the trees bare and leafless. Yes, we remarked several times how like a winter afternoon. We enjoyed the run as much as it was possible to under such chilling circumstances and taking into account a very bad cold I have in my chest.

Wednesday May 4

Cold and wet all day long. I made a latch for the yard gates after tea. A miserable day.

Thursday May 5

A 6 mile run after hours.

6 miles

Sunday May 8

A nice warm summer day, the first of the year. Frances and I went round Hurst before service. It was very delightful out, but I could not enjoy it to the full because I was not quite up to the mark. Went to Chapel and marked out the text ‘Knowing this that he which hath begun a good work in you will continue it to the day of Jesus Christ’. Henry went with Millie to Jenkins’ last night, so I looked up Geo Woods for a run. Had tea at his place and off for Marlow at 6.20. Had a rest on the bridge and then away for Henley and home. The country looked very pretty, the leaves are just coming out, and the pear and plum blossom looks very pretty. George very much enjoyed the run round. I liked it very well, but was not well enough to thoroughly enjoy it, and the roads were far from good, being so very cordy and rough. Between Wargrave and Twyford, they were good and we put the machine along there at a good pace. We got home about quarter to 9.

8 + 33 = 41 miles

Monday May 9

Henry and I took a run after tea about 6 o’clock to Eversley, when I called upon Mrs Barker about her account, then on to Yateley and Blackwater, and home by Crowthorne, a very nice little run. It was a very pretty evening, and a glorious sunset.

19 miles

Tuesday May 10

Up at 6 and took Frances round Binfield on the tandem.

8 miles

Wednesday May 11

We did not go out yesterday because we felt certain of another good day today, but alas, we were really disappointed for today is cold, windy and wet.

Thursday May 12

George and I went round Binfield after hours.

6 miles

Saturday May 14

Dick was taken ill during the night and Philip Sale called Henry up at 3 o’clock and they were up with him all the morning. Had Mr Sale’s horse for the journey.

Sunday May 15

Quite a nice day and I went on the bicycle for a few miles before service and then went to Chapel and marked out the text ‘And they had knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus’. Being such a nice bright day, Henry and I essayed to go to Selborne, so I had dinner at the shop and then made a can of tea and cut some bread and butter and packed the ‘multum’ and got all ready to start by half past 3, and a minute or so later, we were on the tandem and off for the abode of White.

The wind was NE which just suited us going down. We reckoned to get down in three hours if we pushed along, but we far eclipsed our most sanguine expectation by landing ourselves in Selborne under the two hours and a quarter. We were on Odiham bridge (12.5) under the hour.

It was a lovely run down, and very much we liked it for the pace was great and yet we did not distress ourselves anywhere. The hedgerows are now well adorned with wild flowers, and the violets were in great perfume and presented a lovely picture in the bright sun. Well after a beautiful two hours run, we put the machine up at the Queen’s Arms and made at once for the Long Lythe and camped down by the stream and warmed up on tea and had a first rate meal while the birds were singing their best to entertain us, especially a black cap, the best by far we ever heard, for besides his note being particularly clear and sound, it was so very sustained and prolonged. After tea, we indulged in a pipe, and reclined against a fallen tree, and while the church bells were going, enjoyed a supremely lovely time.

There we sat til 6 o’clock and then made for the zig zag, and were well pleased with the ascent, for the day was clearer than we before have had over here and so got a more extended view going up. A walk round the top of the Hanger and down a new way to us, by the most villainous road I ever set eyes on. We left Selborne at 7 precisely and came straight away to Odiham before we had a refresher. A splendid run, too, it was. Here we went through North Warnborough much to the delight of the yokels assembled there. We arrived home at quarter past 10 very pleased and well satisfied with our afternoon out. The roads were in excellent condition all the way save to the Nine Mile Ride. The day was splendid but the wind a little cool coming home.

59.5 miles

Monday May 16

Tom and I went round Binfield after hours, shop.

8 miles – T

Tuesday May 17

Frances and I went round Easthampstead after tea. A very pleasant evening. Much warmer than it has been.

10 miles – T

Wednesday May 18

Had some goods to take over to Godwins at Binfield. George Sale and I took them over on the tandem. We had three H&P tins full of goods and got them over well. We had quite a shower of rain, but dried off by the time we got home. I set out the window when we came back. The day looked anything but a likely day for a run, and we did not think of going until after dinner when the sky cleared off and looked more promising. It was past 5 o’clock before we left and made our way to Crookham and Crondall and on to Farnham. It came out a very pretty evening and I enjoyed the time out very, very much. The sun was bright and the wind, slight. We worked the tandem all the way over to Farnham and pushed very little home. I must put this down as a very pleasant and enjoyable run to both.

48 miles

Thursday May 19

Sent Mr Bayliss with the pony where there was goods to deliver, and the rest of the journey, Geo Sale and I did on the tandem.

16 miles

Friday May 20

Wet set in yesterday evening and we had a most rough night. This morning, it was so intensely cold that we had to cut the pigs up in the shop because of the bitter wind and cold. This is the last week of killing.

Sunday May 22

A rough, cold, wet day.

Monday May 23

Frances and I went round Hurst before breakfast, a very nice little run. Mr Cave called in this morning and I promised to take him for a run after dinner, so at half past 2, he and I mounted the tandem and made for the Well. College grounds by the Crooked Billet and then through the R.M. College to Blackwater and up the Flats and down to Eversley and home by Finchampstead. A very nice run, marred only by Mr Cave hurting his ankle. At 7 o’clock, I took Carrie round Hurst to the R. road and thence to the Three Tuns to meet Miss Baker. All three were very pleasant.

43 miles

Wednesday May 25

Was a very dull, cold day like nearly every other of this year. However, in spite of the threatening appearance of the weather, Henry and I had a nice run after tea to Heckfield, and thence to Mattingley, Hook and Odiham where we liquered up and then over by Dogmersfield to Fleet and home, and we enjoyed the evening although it was very cold indeed.

38 miles

Sunday May 29

Still the same dull weather. Henry has a cold and so could not go for a run, so Geo Sale and I went after tea taking our way to the Monument and out to Mortimer, Burghfield and Reading. A very pleasant run.

30 miles

Monday May 30 – Whit Monday

Began raining at 8 o’clock and kept on, more or less, all the afternoon when it ceased, but still dull heavy weather. As bicycling was out of the question, I went booking all the morning and at work at Tom’s at the new etna the rest of the day and evening.

Tuesday May 31

After tea, Henry and I went on the tandem, in our new suits, to Mortimer, Burghfield and Reading. The weather was tolerably cheerful when we started but came over lamentably dull and piercingly cold by the time we got to Mortimer, so that we had a cold, very wind (N.E.) ride to Burghfield. I was glad to get home and wrap myself up in two extra flannel shirts and sit by the fire.

1887

Wednesday June 1

Tom and I went the Marlow and Henley run. We left here at quarter to 5 and gently ran to Marlow in 70 minutes. We sat on the bridge for some time but the weather was dull and cheerless and we could not get a glimpse of the sun. At Henley, we had tea at the Coffee House, where we came across a young man who knew Tom, he having bought a machine to Tom’s Works for Rev. McBinnie. Came home through Hurst. Tom very much enjoyed his ride and so did I for the country is looking very grand and beautiful. This was Tom’s first journey this run, never having been the piece from Marlow to Henley before. He was charmed with the views. We came home fresh enough, by quarter to 9.

32 miles

Sunday June 5

A nice warm, bright morning, so Frances and I had breakfast and then off for a run round Hurst, Ruscombe and Waltham. The roads were a little heavy from Friday’s rain and Frances was very weak so that it went very hard and slow, and I got too late for Chapel. Had tea at Geo Woods’ and then he and I on the tandem to Newnham via Hook. George called at Mr Brown’s, the Keepers, and got some eggs which he blew. We came home via Rotherwick. I did not enjoy the run much.

44 miles

Tuesday June 7

About 7 o’clock, Henry and I went to Sonning and had a walk by the river and round the village. It was rather too cold to thoroughly enjoy it.

14 miles

Wednesday June 8

At half past 3, the rain came down and continued to for an hour and a half, so the evening was wasted.

Thursday June 9

George Sale and I did a part of the journey on the tandem. Tom and I went on the canal this evening and had a very nice time of it. We left it here about 5 o’clock and got to Odiham in 1 hour 5 minutes against a strong wind. We had tea on the water and enjoyed ourselves very much.

40 miles

Sunday June 12

A very beautiful bright warm day, but could not enjoy it to the utmost as I did not feel up to concert pitch. After tea, Henry and I went to Marlow. We had half an hour at Bisham Church sitting down by the river, a little stay on the bridge and on to Cookham where we saw a lively sight, and very pleasant it was to see the people in the boats on the water, especially the ladies and their dresses. I could have spent hours at this spot, but had to pass on to Maidenhead where, at the Lock, while watching the boats, my pipe burnt a hole in my new coat. There were a great many at this lock. We came home by Bray and Holyport at 9 o’clock.

34 miles

Monday June 13

Took Mabel round Binfield and Billingbear in the evening on the tandem.

10 miles – T

Tuesday June 14

Tom and I went to Odiham and on the canal. We left here at half past 5, and were hindered on the road by the machine squeaking. We had canoes and paddled ourselves along a short way up the stream and then had tea, which went down good. After tea, we paddled up the canal a little way and then turned back and got off by half past 9. Came home via Pilcot and Hartley Row, a very much further way. We enjoyed ourselves much.

29 miles – T

Wednesday June 15

Was a gloriously fine and hot day, and just the kind of day to a tea for the water, so Henry and I determined to go over, and to this end, we got all ready and had tea and off by 4.25 for Odiham, and in about another hour and a quarter, we were on the water in canoes and paddling up the canal until we came to one of many pretty bridges. Here we landed and made tea, and sat down on the bank and enjoyed ourselves amazingly. We did not hurry over our tea, and while sitting there, a heron flew over and we had a good view of it. We again took to our little boats and had one of the best times we have ever had on the water. We passed several young chaps bathing in the canal and they were able easily to walk across. We went as far as the bridge where the canal opens out wide and then turned for home, and gathered some flags to take home. We allowed ourselves plenty of time and thus thoroughly enjoyed every inch of the way. We could not have had better weather in any way. It was hot, calm, sunny and soft and the water clean and smooth. The birds were singing all the time, and many of them and I don’t know when we two have enjoyed a half day more. Even the ride home was delightful. Today atones for all the bad days we have had.

25 miles

Sunday June 19

Was up a bit earlier to clean the tandem and put it in order for the evening. Went to Chapel in the morning and heard Mr Scorey. He preached a [illegible word] sermon. After tea, Henry and I went a wandering on the tandem. First to Billingbear and Shurlock Street on to Waltham, where at the old church we whiled away a pleasant half hour and did a smoke in the churchyard. It was a very pretty run over and the rest in the shade of the church was very refreshing. After the rest, we passed on round Shottesbrook Park and down the lane to the left, which after innumerable turnings, brought us out at Knowl Hill, where I had a glass of ginger beer, We now took the road leading between the two hills, Ashley and Bowsey. It was very pretty all along here and we had eyes and taste to see and appreciate it. Well this of course led into Henley, and on the bridge, we sat for a long time watching the boats and steamers, then after that a pretty run home by the old road so far as Bill Hill where we turned down to the Warren House and home by Mays. We could not help enjoying ourselves for the weather was delightfully hot and the country, pretty.

27 miles – T

Monday June 20

Everyone getting ready for tomorrow. Mr Bayliss and I went round Hurst after hours.

8 miles – T

Tuesday June 21

All people early astir. I had no engagements for the day. From the top of the house, I had a pretty view of the people and clubs etc. assembling to parade to the church. While they were in, I did up the orders for tomorrow. Then went round and viewed each stall and a very pretty sight it was too. Booths were erected along the street from Mr Bennett’s to the beginning of Peach Street, and again from the Wheatsheaf to Spencer’s Corner and from Spencer’s Corner to Ifoulds the grocers. These were set out with a double row of tables and every one beautifully decorated with flowers and evergreens etc.

The whole town was handsomely dressed in banners and flags, and trees planted all down both sides of Broad Street. There were several triumphal arches and one at each entrance to the town. A hot dinner to twelve hundred people was provided in a most excellent style, and with admirable promptness, not a joint or dish behind time, nor ten minutes before time. Various hot joints with potatoes and carrots, and then hot plum pudding. At 3 o’clock, all adjourned to Langborough where there was sport which kept them there until half past 8, when they all came back to see the town light up and a very, very pretty sight it was. At 10 o’clock, I went on top of the house to see the beacon fires which were lit up all over the Kingdom. Soon the Flats were full of visitors and we had a pleasant time up there until half past 11 when I went home. The day all round was a grand success and not one word of complaint or dissatisfaction have I heard from anyone whatever.

Wednesday June 22

By request of the Mayor, all shops closed at 12 o’clock, and the school children assembled at 2 o’clock and 1400 of them had tea and then games after. Henry went with the Volunteers to Windsor. Mr Bayliss and I to Odiham on the tandem and had a very pleasant time on the canal. It was a beautiful day, and all things looked pretty so that we could not help enjoying ourselves. We gathered some water lilies and brought them home. Of course, we had tea by the water and should have enjoyed it better if there had been less gnats about. Instead of coming home the same way as we went, we took the way of Pilcot, and Winchfield Union, Elvetham and Hartley Row.

30 miles

Thursday June 23

While Bayliss went round the Barracks with goods, George Sale and I, on the tandem, did the Eversley journey, then after tea, we went to Reading on it to see the piece at the theatre ‘With the Colours, or the Black Seal’. It was a wretchedly bad piece without one redeeming feature. By far the best part of it was the curtain – a view of Windsor Castle. We got home about 12 o’clock.

28 miles

Sunday June 26

I cleaned the machine. It was too dull and cold for a ride.

Monday June 27

Finished cleaning and overhauling the tandem and made a good job of it.

Tuesday June 28

Henry and I went to Wargrave after tea and had a row on the water to Henley and back. Being a very calm, close evening, we enjoyed ourselves very much on the river. This is Henley Regatta week, but we did not see anything of it, only some empty boats going down as we were coming back. We kept this side of Henley Lock. Saw some swans fly overhead and away to Henley, a pretty sight. Had a glass of ale and then a quick run home, and a pleasant one too. It was a very good time out, only we could not get a small enough boat, but not being in any hurry and having no specified place to go, it mattered very little the size of the craft.

14 miles

Wednesday June 29

At half past 4, Henry and I left for Odiham on the tandem, and called upon a young man at Mr Fitch’s and then at Uncle’s, but did not stay, but on to Odiham and two canoes and paddled up the canal to Dogmersfield, and there had tea on the bank. After tea, we went a little further up and then back. The last part I enjoyed the best. I never felt so nervous on the canal as tonight. Had a very pleasant ride home.

25 miles

Thursday June 30

Did the journey and made myself very bad.

1887

Friday July 1

Was very bad all day with my head.

Sunday July 3

Went round Hurst before service on the bicycle, then to Chapel and L.S. Had a rest all the afternoon, and in the evening with Mr Bayliss round Twyford and Sandford Mill.

28 miles

Monday July 4

Up and out by a quarter past 3 and to Easthampstead to see the sunrise which it did at 4 o’clock. Then I came home and to bed at 5 o’clock. Up again to see the excursion off to Brighton. All the shop children, Tom, Louisa, Mary and Margaret went. Mr Bayliss and I went to the Heath Pool and had a bathe. We went by the 7 up S.E.R. and walked back. I swam from the island to the landing stage. Quite enjoyed it.

8 miles – B

Wednesday July 6

Henry went to camp today at Aldershot. Having to call at Dr Swindale’s, I arranged with Miss Baker to go on the tandem, so at a little past 5 o’clock, we drove off and called on the doctor who paid me his book £16.9.0 and kept me there for about 20 minutes and Miss Baker outside. From Binfield, we passed on to the forest, round to Bill Hill and Hurst, Twyford and Sonning. Here I put the machine up for a little time and we took a walk to the French Horn and had a glass of lemonade, then to the Lock and up through the churchyard and village and then home on the machine via Woodley and Sandford Mill. The road home was very deep in dust and loose stones.

18 miles

Thursday July 7

Frank Micklem took a party to Littlewick anniversary of whom Bertha made one. The brake engaged would not take the full number of passengers, so Tom and Frances went on the tandem. They had a very pleasant time and all seemed to enjoy the turn out. I went to meet them coming home but was just too late to see them, or rather too early, for while I was looking for them by the kennels, they drove by Dr Nicholas’ corner, and so got in front of me. A very hot day.

8 miles

Friday July 8

Had a busy but very enjoyable day, Bayliss and I getting on with the orders.

Saturday July 9

Up at 6 o’clock and got the journey all ready, and Bayliss off by 10 o’clock. There was just enough to keep me going all day up to 11 at night.

Sunday July 10

I did not go out on the machine today. There was a little rain about tea time but not enough to wet the roads. Frances and I went for a walk in the evening round the Dog and Duck.

Tuesday July 12, Wednesday July 13

Mr Bayliss went today for his holidays. He rode his Safety to Aylesbury via Marlow and Wycombe. At 3 o’clock, all the shop folks save Carrie, drove off in the chaise to Wargrave, and at quarter past 4, Henry, on Tom’s machine and Carrie and I on the tandem, made tracks for the same place, and after a very pleasant run, put up at the White Hart, and at once, we all proceeded to the river, where on a good, large boat, Henry and I rowed the company to Henley and round the island, and back to Wargrave. It was a beautiful evening and I think we all enjoyed the turn out very much. Henry drove the pony back and Miss Baker rode his tricycle. It was past 9 before we were off the river and past 11 by the time we reached home.

15 miles – T

Thursday July 14

George and I did the journey on the tandem, a very nice day out.

14 miles

Saturday July 16

I did the journey taking Mabel with me. It was a nice ride.

Sunday July 17

Henry and I went on the tandem to Knowl Hill and thence to Henley and home by Wargrave, a very nice ride. We called in at Wargrave and got Miss Baker’s umbrella.

25 miles

Wednesday July 20

We did not go out anywhere today for the roads are in such deplorable condition through the long drought that riding is quite out of the question until we have had some rain.

Sunday July 24

Went to Chapel in the morning and worked out the text. We lost both squirrels during the night. We found the cage door open this morning and the squirrels gone. I tried a run on the bicycle this evening but the roads were far too loose to do anything, so I merely went as far as Hurst and laid down under the trees for an hour and then came home.

8 miles – B

Wednesday July 27

Frances and I went a little run on the tandem round Easthampstead. Yesterday Carrie and I went to Wixenford on it. Mr Bayliss came back from his holiday.

20 miles – T

Thursday July 28

Henry, Tom, Kemp and I arranged to go to Hook Common for a camp out on Monday.

Friday July 29

Was a busy but enjoyable day, for Henry was busy all day preparing the things to take to camp. Instead of starting as we did last year and as we first proposed to do this on a Monday morning, we have arranged to send Tom with the pony and trap and all the chattels on Saturday, Mr Kemp to accompany him on the little omnicycle, and Henry and I to follow, leaving here at 9 o’clock.

We had a little difficulty in persuading Tom into the arrangement, but succeeded at last. It has rained nearly all day and cleared up towards evening, so we have very little fear of wet tomorrow. We got through the Eversley orders very early and had a nice busy evening in the shop.

Saturday July 30

Got George Sale to do the journey with Wheeler’s horse, so that left Mr Bayliss at home, and he and I attended to the shop while Henry did all the packing up and arranging for the camp. There was a great deal to do and he certainly did it well for besides having to provide for himself, Tom, Kemp and I, we expected Geo Woods to join us on Monday and there was him to look after. So well did he work at it that he got all ready and everything packed including the whole of the provisions for the whole of the time by 2 o’clock, and a few minutes after Tom and Kemp drove off in state. There was only one thing that he forgot, and that was the teapot, so I packed that into the multum and got the tandem all in order during the afternoon with a good supply of bread packed on the luggage carrier, for we could not send that by the trap because it was not baked in time for them to take.

We had a tolerably good evening, a little bit of supper just before 9, and at 10 minutes past, we were in our saddles and off to Odiham, leaving everything straight and comfortable at home. We started off amid an admiring crowd of spectators, and had a most charming and lovely ride to our encampment. It was moonlight with very fine cloud effect, and yesterday’s rain had somewhat improved the condition of the roads and made riding quite comfortable now. I don’t remember such a pleasant night ride as this, for everything worked together to make it so. We were going out for a holiday, the evening was exceptionally pretty and no wind, the roads passably good and ourselves in excellent health and spirits. We went along at a fair pace, without hurrying, until we got to Star Hill when we put on the pace a little, and nearing the stream by the Halfway House, we overtook some cyclists and left them behind as though they were standing still, so that they exclaimed ‘There goes the Dover Express’.

We called in at Mrs Champion at the Dorchester Arms to see if Tom had left any message for us, but he had not, so we concluded he had secured the old spot for the encampment. We had a pint of ale and a piece of cake and Henry asked after the pony, and then we bowled off to the encampment where we found they had erected the tent and were busy sewing up the beds. It took them exactly five hours to get over, while we did it in just three hours and a half. Well they soon finished their job, and then we got out supper, which consisted of bread and cheese and cocoatina.

A short walk round and then we laid down our beds and put things right for the night. As I said, we had a most lovely ride over here and one of the pretty pieces was at Eversley Bridge. Just as we were nearing it, the moon shone between a rent in the clouds and fell upon the white bridge and made it sparkle in the light, which gave it a most pleasing effect. And then, going down Star Hill, Hartley Row looked very pretty, all lit up. Altogether, it was a particularly happy ride over.

It must have been nearly, or quite 12 o’clock before we were into bed, and there we lay as still as mice until half past 1, when Henry, in a quiet voice, asked Kemp if he were asleep, and he answered in a most wide awake manner, which plainly showed he was speaking the truth that he had not had a wink yet. Finding these two, like myself, had not been to sleep, I put Henry’s question to Tom, and he replied in a lively manner that he, also, was only laying still so as not to disturb the rest. All being, alike, wide awake with no prospect of going to sleep, we struck up a conversation, and then Mr Kemp gave us a lecture on Frederick the Great, interspersed with reflections of his own.

Well, there we all lay til past 4 o’clock, thoroughly enjoying ourselves and watching the moon traverse over the tent, and the night depart and the day dawn and harking to the various sounds of birds and animals, and also of the trains which ran incessantly all night long. Tom and I enjoyed the rumbling of the trains, but Henry said he might do so if he were a share holder in the L&SWR, but having no pecuniary interest in that company, he would much prefer the nights without them. We slept from 4 to 6. And then Mr Kemp got up and went for a walk to Newnham. We turned out at 7 o’clock…

Sunday July 31

…and found it a charming morning, the sun shining brightly and warm. We prepared our breakfast under the oak trees, with a view of Odiham Church in front, and the blue hills afar, which looked particularly grand and pretty in the morning mist. As we sat at breakfast regaling ourselves with rashers and tea, we had an excellent opportunity of seeing Odiham Church under various lights, sometimes clear and near at hand and then enveloped in mist and a long way off. We had just finished and were reading, when Philip Sale dropped upon us, he having driven over and put his horse up at the Dorchester Arms. He had a very pleasant ride over and we were very pleased to see him. By the time breakfast was cleared away and our boots cleaned and ourselves tidied up, it was time to make tracks for Odiham Church. Mr Kemp stayed at home while the rest of us walked to church. It was a very nice walk and pleasant conversation we had going along. The service commenced at a quarter to 11. We reckoned for 11, so we were a little late. It was the ordinary kind service, with a very good sermon.

We took a walk around the church and town and then home to dinner and a grand dinner it was too. Cold shoulder of lamb, mint sauce, splendid young potatoes, green peas and stewed fruit and ripe gooseberries. This necessitated a lay down for the afternoon, when we were visited by a lot of gypsy children, whom I amused much to Mr Kemp’s alarm.

We had an early tea, and then Tom went off to Odiham Chapel while Henry, Philip, Kemp and I took a walk. We left the tent in charge of a boy from one of the cottages on the Green. We made our way to Greywell, and that Sunday evening had a long to be remembered walk. Henry, Kemp and Philip kept up their conversation, while I, now and then, dropped in for a few remnants. They talked of birds and flowers, of books and literature, and a hundred other things. At Greywell, we turned off to the mouth of the tunnel and had a look at the clear water of the canal there, and then by a path to the church and on to the mill. This was all along by the side of the Whitewater, a magnificent stream which takes its rise in a little lake just the other side of the mill, where there must be some very large springs for the water flowed in a very large volume over the falls and made a large running river of clear water.

From the church to the mill is by the water meadows and they were so fresh and green as it is possible to imagine them to be in spite of the long drought we are having. The ground down there was soft like sponge and gave way like rubber under our tread. Here we gathered some beautiful wild flowers, and among them wild orchid, a splendidly scented flower. We saw the mothers and dabchicks, ducks, swans and cygnets and many other interesting objects.

I could not help remarking how the natural formation gave rise to the names of the places. There was the clear white stream with its own name – the Whitewater – just as the stream which rises in the Chobham Black Hills gets its name – the Blackwater. Then the district and village which lays in the valley where the springs make a lake of nine acres and supply the stream with a perpetual flow of water with a grey, chalky bottom, has a significant name of Greywell. This is quite a unique stream for it begins all at once from the pond head and flows a rapid and strong volume of water, larger than our brook at its best. Next after doing this little piece well, we walked back through the village where I took a hasty sketch of a large farm and to the tunnel again and up the canal where we came across Mr Milford, the proprietor of the timber yard on the banks of the canal and he entertained us with a little history of the place until we came to Warnborough Castle where we parted company.

He said the Whitewater was a splendid stream for trout, and that he had caught some very fine fish there, and that the canal abounded with fish of very respectable size. He pointed out a meadow where in the 1860s, the all England eleven played a cricket match. He told how a gentleman got a up a subscription to rebuild the broken in tunnel of the canal and did it just before he went to Spain, where he was arrested and brought home on a serious charge of forgery. That the name of Butter Wood was previously Battle or Batter Woods from that being the place where the invading army battered down Warnborough Castle. He showed us a meadow which he rented off the Canal Company, where at one time the barges were repaired, but the canal having passed hands three times, he had not paid any rent since 1857, so that it was now his property.

From the Castle, we took a straight course to our tent, and so ended one of the best of walks I have had for many a long time. Henry and I went on the tandem for our ale and then came home for a first class supper of ham, cheese and warm plum pudding, after which we took a walk round and heard the Caprimulgus (the Goat Sucker) a name which I joked Kemp about a great deal.

While talking after dinner, Mr Kemp was saying how, when Thackeray met Mr Holloway, the pill man, he could not find it in his heart to take to such a man and the only thing he could think to say was that he hoped he might live longer than his patients. I suggested a better tract would have been – May you ever remain a pillar to society – which rather tickled Philip. It must have been past 11 before we merrily lay down to rest.

1887

Monday August 1

We were aroused a little after 6 by Caprimulgus who had got up first and was washing, calling out ‘Falsely luxurious, will not man awake’. Well we did awake and got up and had an early breakfast and then Philip left us. He would like to have stayed the day, but had arranged to be at home and so could not. He more than enjoyed his visit and was very pleasing company all the time. We also were grateful to him for his company. He took home like Joshua and called a good report of the land. We should very much have liked him to have stayed because we were going on the canal in the evening.

While Kemp minded the tent, Tom went in to the woods and Henry and I on the tandem to Greywell. He walked down to the church and took a sketch of it while I seated myself on the bank just in front of the farm yard I took a hasty sketch of yesterday. Today, I did a more carefully executed drawing of the place and quite surprised myself. I had never attempted anything of the kind before and was surprised at the respectable sketch I made.

Being very pleased with my morning’s work, I went home to dinner with pleasant feelings. We had dinner tolerably early and then a lay down. Made a cup of tea at half past 3, and then all off to the canal and on the water by 4 o’clock. I forgot to say that soon after breakfast, Henry and I went on the tandem to Odiham to order the boat, and a good job we did for we were only just in time for the last boat. It being Bank Holiday, and a deal on at Odiham, there was an unusual run for the boats. I called in at Gotelees for a paper, but was too early for them, they do not arrive until 10 o’clock. I rowed the boat as far as the second bridge and then Henry towed us to the Barley Mow, where I got some water for tea and then I took the line to Dogmersfield Park where we encamped and made tea. There were a great many on the water and some that had never been on before I should think by the way they managed the boats. There was one boat of five came along at a grand pace, being towed by a powerful quick trotting horse. It cut through the water in style and left quite a heavy wave behind it. We went to the drawbridge and then came back. It was an exceedingly pleasant evening on the water, the day was just suited for it, bright, clear and very hot. We got home to our tent a little before 9 and had a good supper and then a walk round to hear the caprimulgus, after which we turned in and went to bed with the moon playing at magic lantern in the tent. We expected Geo Woods over today but he did not turn up.

12 miles – T

Tuesday August 2

We did not get up quite so early this morning, so that it was near upon 9 o’clock before we had done breakfast. Henry, Tom and Kemp took a walk to Newnham, while I went to Greywell to finish my sketch of the farm yard, and to attempt one of the old church, but it was too hot for the latter, there being no shade for me. When I came back to dinner, I found that Geo Woods had just arrived boiling hot. Again, we had a good dinner and a rest, then I made a cup of tea for Henry and me, and exactly at 4 o’clock we started off for Selborne, and although the roads were very bad most parts of the way, we thoroughly enjoyed the ride, for it was so very pretty and so very hot. We had tea at Alton and a quick run into Selborne for the road here was very good. Again, we had a lovely drop into Selborne, with very fine sun effect on the Hanger. We put the machine up and took a walk round the Lythe which was very pleasant and pretty and then off home via Greywell and the pond head. This is very much the best way. We worked the tandem all the way there and back, which was very good considering the state of the roads. We were both very pleased with this run and came home to a good supper and then a sit round the tent and a very merry conversation we had before we turned in to rest. Tom and I and Kemp went to sleep but Henry and Geo Woods did not have two hours sleep all night.

26 miles – T

Wednesday August 3

I got up to see the sunrise which it did about half past 4 or quarter to 5. The geese came to see us this morning. After breakfast, Geo Woods proposed going through the tunnel, but could not persuade Henry or Kemp into the plan, so they offered to stay at home while Geo, Tom and I went. To this we agreed and made our way to Odiham for the boat. We had the large one with some very short sculls for the tunnel. We had a slow and tedious job to get the boat along the canal, for the water is so thickly covered with green stuff the tunnel side of Odiham. And then there was another obstacle in the shape of an old swing bridge which we then moved after infinite straining and several attempts. After the swing bridge, we got along swimmingly to the tunnel. We now got out the short sticks and lit up the candle and entered the tunnel. It struck very cold at first and was so dark that we had difficulty steering the boat anywhere in the middle. It took 25 minutes to go through. It was very beautiful coming out into the hot sunlight, so effective and pretty.

We saw a couple of lads on the bank and offered to take them through, which offer they accepted. I now gave up at the sculls and Geo Woods took us back, while I sat at the bows of the boat on a board and with a pole, kept her in the centre of the tunnel. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip through and were very pleased with the fine effect of the openings with the bright sun shining in. The water appears to be of uniform depth of 4 feet all through. We towed the boat back easier than we came up for two barges had been along to clear the water a little of the thick green covering. Between North Warnborough and Odiham, Geo Woods and I had a little bathe which was very pleasant. I had a swim across several times. We, unfortunately had no towels, only a handkerchief each. However, we managed to dry ourselves very well with that and by sitting in the sun. A lot of boys who had just been bathing there towed us to Odiham. When we got back, Henry and Kemp had done dinner, so we had to make up a scratch meal. We were uncommonly well satisfied with our morning’s performance and shall never forget it. We had tea at 4 o’clock and then packed up and left by half past 5, Tom driving and Kemp following on his tricycle. Geo Woods made straight for home. Henry and I took our way by Newnham, Rotherwick, Mattingley, Heckfield and so home at 8 o’clock. We had a very nice ride home. The road from Newnham to Heckfield was in magnificent order and we moved along very sharp. Why can’t all the roads be like it? Now I have hurried through this summary of our camp out and have left out much I should have liked to have noted down but time forbids. However, I must gather up a few points, and the first thing I would like to say is what a grand idea it was coming on Saturday instead of Monday, why, by the time Monday morning had come, it seemed as though we had had a week out already, and then it gave us time, so that we were not unduly hurried to do this or that. Made us indifferent whether we went to sleep or not, knowing we had more nights than one. Again, Henry and I came over to a tent all ready, instead of wasting half a day on Monday in getting it over and erecting it. If we had put the excursion off to Monday, we should have been in a fidget all day Saturday and Sunday and very likely got no sleep Sunday night and so started off early Monday paged out to begin with, whereas now Saturday was a most happy day with the prospect of a novel side at night, and the prospect was more fully realised.

I shall not soon forget the joyous start off by moonlight in the presence of our friends, and then the night sounds going over, little incidents along the road and lastly the caprimulgus at work getting the beds ready. That wonderful night we had when we all lay wide awake and perfectly still for over an hour and then broke out into a lively talk, and Henry and I had a smoke and listened to Kemp’s lecture on Frederick the Great. We each said it was the happiest and most enjoyable night we had ever spent. We rose up in the morning as fresh, or fresher than as if we had had a night’s sleep and did not feel the least weary or tired all the day. What a continual rumble of trains there was all night long, and the neighing of the pony on the common which Henry called the braying of the wild ass. Henry got so used to laying awake that he could tell the time by the different times the several kinds of birds and animals began their noise.

Philip’s visit was quite a feature of this camp out and it gave us, as well as him, a great deal of pleasure. Then Geo Woods dropping in later on gave further variety to our outing and added to our enjoyment. He was excellent company, but rather upset poor Kemp and gave him the boil by taking the reins of the government into his own hands by proposing the tunnel journey. This Kemp spoke his mind upon, and protested upon principle against a visitor usurping the governor’s authority, by taking, as I say, the reins of government into his hands. Besides this, there were several passages of arms between them, which Geo Woods enjoyed, and Kemp took seriously, and did not appear to so enjoy.

I never enjoyed myself straight off like I did this time. I thoroughly enjoyed every hour from the time I started, I may say from Saturday morning to the time we drove into the Market Place Wednesday evening. Although not a minute being heavy yet by Sunday night, I felt as though I had been out a week, and I told Kemp if I kept on living such long and happy days, I should want to go to prison for a time just for a change and relaxation from enjoyment. We had nothing to mar our pleasure, all went as merry as a marriage bell.

Why, the weather was made for us, bright fine sunshine and hot days, some all clear, others with very beautiful cloud effect and deep blue Italian sky beyond. Beautiful moonlight nights ending with a full moon, and all with no fear whatever of wet. We could not possibly have had better weather. Then Henry had got all the arrangements so complete and good.

We had good meals and a great variety. Sunday, we had rashers for breakfast, lamb, green peas, young potatoes and mint sauce, with a course of fruit for dinner, cocoatina, ale, cheese and meat for supper. Another day, rashers and egg or cold ham for breakfast with tea and coffee. Meat pie and vegetables for dinner, with a dessert of peaches. Marndale for tea, cake. Salmon, lobster potted meat, mustard, pepper, salt, thus everything we could possibly want was there.

Then we always went out tidy for we had change of clothes and clean collars, cuffs and always cleaned our boots of a morning and combed and brushed our hair properly, for we had a looking glass. Henry shaved. For cooking we had, besides the paraffin stove, two dozen fire lighters and a little stand for the kettle. These we found very useful. We also had the etna and spirits. We had a good supply of water from the well at Mr White’s cottage. There was nothing whatever to mar our pleasure. We left home on Saturday with everything straight and nothing to worry or think about, and nothing unpleasant or agitating turned up while we were out. The strange part was that it should be so with each of us, for we were all alike, each one enjoyed ourselves all the time immensely. For although Henry got but little sleep, and Geo Woods, none, yet they cared not at all for that and were just as fresh in the morning as the rest of us. From our encampment, the country did not present the appearance of being burnt up with the continued drought, but all looked fresh and green, especially the common, while the fields of grass about Wokingham are brown and scorched up, this common looks green and luxuriant still. In Butter Wood, the ground is too damp to sit on. I have often heard the expression ‘We couldn’t have had the weather better if we had made it ourselves’, and if ever that was true, now was the time, for we couldn’t even suggest an improvement in it. The only regret we have about this outing is that we shall not be able to reasonably expect another such a complete turn out another time. It was an immensely easy turn out for me for I had nothing to do with the getting things ready or erecting the tent, nor did I have any of the serving to do. I was quite the gentleman.

217 miles

Thursday August 4

Mr Bayliss did the journey.

Saturday August 6

A very hot day. I did the journey and took Frances with me.

Sunday August 7

I did not go out, my feet being bad, so I stayed at home and did up the diary of our outing.

Wednesday August 10

Mr Bayliss, Mr Beasle, James Sale and I went to Wargrave for a pull on the water. Mr Bayliss rode his Safety, Mr Beasle his tricycle, while Jamie Sale and I mounted the tandem. We had a pleasant two hours on the water and a very nice little run home after.

14 miles – T

Sunday August 14

Went to Chapel in the morning and heard Mr Aldis preach from the 15 of Genesis 18 verse. ‘A smoking furnace and a burning lamp’. At a quarter past 3, James Sale and I went off on the tandem for Hook. I had prepared tea and packed it in the multum in parvo so as to have a cup on Hook Common in the old spot. We had a very nice ride over there in spite of the wretched road to Finchampstead. It took a little over an hour and a quarter to reach the common and we very soon had tea on the table and enjoyed ourselves under the old green wood tree. It was a glorious afternoon, calm and bright and warm. After tea, I called upon Mrs White to see if she had seen anything of Geo Woods’ knife. She produced her work box and there it was, so I brought it away. We now made our way to the canal and had a very nice time on the water. We found the water very low, lower than I have ever seen it before and I suppose this accounts for the large quantity of water moles we saw. We were very pleased with these little animals. They were so very tame. We were rather startled by a boat overtaking us. It made quite a swell in the water. We had a very pleasant two hours on the water and then a nice run home.

28 miles – T

Monday August 15

Being another nice fine day, I proposed going to Frimley on the canal after dinner to which Henry assented, so got the tea apparatus all ready, and at a quarter past 3, we drove off going by the Crooked Billet to Crowthorne, Blackwater and Frimley. After the Well Coll, the roads were very good and quite surprised us with their condition after the very long dry time. At the Bull, where we got the boat, we had a pint of ale and some biscuits in a quaint little old parlour. We went as far as the Frimley Lock and then turned back and on to the lake and round it, and then got the tea out and found we had left the bread and butter at home. This was a sad calamity for we were both rather hungry, so we had to content ourselves with a cup of tea. We had just three hours on the water, and then we had a very nice run home by the same way that we came. This was another pleasant turn out.

20 miles – T

Wednesday August 17

Bertha had got up a boat party for today to leave Wokingham by the 8.20 to Reading and thence by Mrs Talbot’s house boat to Streatley. The morning looked very threatening for rain, and by the time we had got to the station, down came the rain just as fast as it could and dampened the ardour of most of us. We were quite a large party numbering 50 or 60. Some were inclined to stay at home, but we were persuaded by the rest as they had got the tickets to go at least as far as Reading and if the rain did not give signs of going over, then to come back. All the way down to Reading it came down in grand style, but as we drew in to the station, it came over bright and by the time we were ready to leave the station, it ceased entirely and the sun was coming out amid blue sky, and by the time we had reached the boat at Caversham Bridge, it shone gloriously, warm and bright and all appearance of wet passed away. It was not long before we made a start, and had a glorious ride up the river. Everything looked so fresh and clean and the rain, which a few minutes ago caused us such alarm and almost turned us back was now a great blessing and we were all cheerful for it.

We had a very nice company and a very pleasant ride up the Thames to Streatley. It was a far prettier piece of the Thames than I expected. We had dinner as we were passing Pangbourne and it was very jolly all along here. We got to Streatley at 2 o’clock and then most of us up to the top of the hill where we saw the thunderstorms in various directions, but they did not reach us, only a little sprinkle which was not enough to wet the grass. We had tea on board at 4 o’clock and left Streatley at 5 and had a nice evening on the water. There was singing and recitation and various games going on all the time to Reading. I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and was pleased with the day’s outing.

The weather favoured us really marvellously for when we started early in the morning it looked absurd to go out in such a drenching rain, and cold too, and then for it to not only clear off, but the wind changed to S, and the sun shone gloriously bright and warm with a very pretty sky, and so it held until within a mile of Reading coming home, when it came on again to rain a little, until we got off the boat. Round about all over the country, there were very heavy and frequent storms accompanied with lightning and thunder which killed several. Both sides of us on the Thames were visited heavily. Oxford and Henley, we saw how dark it looked in those directions and in the midst of all this disturbance, we had a lovely day and could not have had a better in any way. This is about the second rain we have had for three months and greatly it has been appreciated both by man and beast and also nature.

Sunday August 21

Having had some rain during the latter part of last week which has put the roads in something more like going order, Henry and I made up our minds to venture out for a run on the tandem, so we had an early tea and left here about quarter past 4 and made our way to Mortimer, Sherborne St John, Bramley, home. We found the roads passably good and had a very pretty and enjoyable run round. Not having been out much lately for any length of run, it somewhat tired us tonight. We came again quickly from Sherborne to Bramley.

42 miles – T

Monday August 22

The roads being in good order and the weather looking settled, Henry and I proposed going to Portsmouth tomorrow on the tandem, so got all ready today for the journey.

Tuesday August 23

After a somewhat restless night, I turned out at 4 o’clock and got breakfast ready and called Henry. After a feed of rashers and eggs and coffee, we made a start by quarter to 6 going by Finchampstead and Yateley to Ash and Normandy and then on through Wanborough to Compton. It was a lovely morning, just such a one as we wanted and very much such a one as we wanted, and very much we enjoyed the early turn out and ride. We found the roads good and no wind, and by taking it easy, we did just the ten miles the hour, so that it was near upon 8 o’clock when we called upon our friend Mr Hawkins at the Coffee House, who at once got us a first class breakfast, and how we enjoyed it there in his little room looking towards the Hogs Back, and the sun just breaking out strong and dispersing the mist that had enveloped the early morning, none but ourselves knew. It was jolly is no mistake. Although the place was so enticing and inviting for a stay, we could not linger because of the journey before us so we paid the bill, 1/4 the two, and at 9 o’clock were in the saddles again and on our way to Godalming, a very pretty ride. We rode through the town, a thing I have never done before, and made our way for the Devil’s Punch Bowl. It was now very hot indeed and a drink at the stream a little this side of the ascent, was very refreshing. We steadily worked our way all the way up to the Gibbet, with one rest for a few minutes to think of the way up. Henry went up to the Gibbet and had a survey round while I rested and cooled down in the shade. We now had a very long descent and a splendid run down it was too, for several miles, legs up nearly quite or all the way to Liphook, and then had a little undulating road to within three miles of Petersfield, and then a steep downhill right into the town. We put up at the Coffee House, and while dinner was cooking, we took a walk round the place. We had a very good dinner, and cheap too.

It was 2 o’clock before we left Petersfield and not long after, began the ascent of Butser Hill, up which we walked. To avoid going over the top of the hill, the road is carved through a very deep cutting, by far the deepest I have ever seen in the road. Looking back, we had a very fine view. Having got to the top of the hill, we anticipated a good view down, but were sadly disappointed, for from here right away to Portsmouth, they have not had any rain for three months, and the roads are in a frightful condition. We had to push the machine miles, because of the looseness of the roads, and to make matters worse, we went through Havant instead of going direct to Cosham. However, we got to Portsmouth before 5, and seeing Mr Ellis standing at his shop door, we spoke to him, and put our machine up in his warehouse, and went ourselves to the Soldiers’ Institute opposite and put up and had tea, and then a walk by the sea at Southsea, and on the pier after.

The roads to Petersfield and to the top of Butser Hill were all that we could desire, and very much we enjoyed that part of the ride, but we certainly did not like the rest of the journey to Portsmouth and were glad to have a wash up and a feed. It has been a delightful day, calm and hot.

66 miles – T

Wednesday August 24

Another beautiful day, but very, very hot. After breakfast, we walked to Southsea and had a dip in the sea, and very nice it was too. I was astonished at the buoyancy of the water. After the bathe, we took the steam boat to Ryde and back, and had a very enjoyable time on the water. When we got back to Southsea, it was time to see about getting off for home, so we got out the machine and crossed over to Gosport and made for Fareham. It was very good going as far as the train lines went, but after that the road was deep in dust. At Fareham, we had a bread and cheese dinner, and then off to Alton. We found the road quite passable to West Meon, but from there to within six miles of Alton, they were scandalous, worse than I have ever seen any roads, but as we neared Alton, we came into the district where last week’s rain had been, and a vast difference it made too. We had a meat tea at Alton, and then a capital run to the top of the Golden Pot hill, but a very stony one to South Warnborough, and then a good one home. We very much enjoyed the two days out, and we would not let the bad road put us out of temper, but took things as they were. A wasp stung me on the poll as I was walking up Filmer hill. One of the happiest parts was from Fareham to West Meon and along by the beautiful stream. We had splendid weather and enjoyed it.

52 miles – T

Friday August 26

Got on well with the order and all called over and ready for tomorrow before 8 because Tom and I are going to Manchester.

Saturday August 27

Sent Mr Bayliss off before 9 with the new horse which we bought off Mr Arnott on Wednesday for £20. Tom and I went by the 11.20 to Reading to catch our excursion which left at 12.45. We had a splendid carriage and corner seats in the compartment next to the engine, so that we could look out well, and a very nice ride we had to Wellington, where we changed, our train going on to Liverpool. We had over an hour to wait so went up town and got a tea. It was an ordinary train from Wellington to Manchester, which place we reached about half past 8, so that by the time we had found out our lodgings and had supper and a walk round, it was time for bed. The weather has been splendid.

Sunday August 28

Had a good breakfast and then off for Mr Lance’s Chapel but could not find it so turned back and to the Cathedral and heard a learned sermon from the Dean of Exeter. Dinner at a Coffee House and a walk to Old Trafford, when a thunderstorm came on, and so we took a tram back, had tea, and rummaged up Mr Lance’s Chapel and heard a very poor sermon. A long walk after service and then home to bed.

Monday August 29

Took the 9 o’clock express to Liverpool (2/6 return) and went down the docks and over the Inman Line ship ‘City of Chicago’, then back to the city and had dinner, after that by the ferry to Birkenhead and a long ride in the tram, and by the tunnel to Liverpool, and long ride in the trams there to Princes Park and back. We took the 9 o’clock train back to Manchester. The weather suited us very well indeed. It rained a little while we were in the train going and while we were on the ship, otherwise it was fine and warm.

We were very pleased with Liverpool and astonished at the quantity of large handsome buildings.

Tuesday August 30

We went to the exhibition and a very fine one it is too. Went to the theatre and saw ‘The Harbour Lights’. It rained a little while we were at the theatre. It did not interfere at all with us.

Wednesday August 31

Took the tram to Openshaw and tried to get over Sir Joseph Whitworth’s Works but were unable to do so, so came back and took train to Patricroft to make an attempt to see Nasmyth Works. Called between 12 and 1 when the manager was out, so took a walk, and had dinner and then back to Nasmyth’s and this time were successful and was shown all over the place by a very intelligent young lad. It was 5 o’clock when we came out from the Works and we then took tram to Manchester, had tea and off again to the Exhibition and spent the evening there.

1887

Thursday September 1

Had breakfast at 8 o’clock and having settled our bill £1.12.0, made for the station and was just in time for the special to take us to Reading. We had a very nice ride and got to Reading by quarter past 3 and caught the 3.20 to Wokingham. We had very good weather, better than we expected, and enjoyed ourselves very much. The cost of the trip each was £3.0.0. It rained heavily the afternoon and evening.

Sunday September 4

Mr Cave preached again today, he having been away for some weeks. I attended both services, and marked out each text morning and evening.

Tuesday September 6

John came down to see about his houses and took the matter out of Mr Watts’ hands, and put it into the hands of Mr Geo Sale. Mrs Ryder came in the evening.

Wednesday September 7

As it came on wet after dinner, we could do nothing in the way of a run, so I cleaned up the workshop and cleaned and put together the bicycle and made it look very nice indeed.

Thursday September 8

I went the journey with the new horse, and after that again to Eversley to take some cheese to Wixenford, this time on the tandem with Jamie Sale and Mr Bayliss on the Safety. We had quite a nice ride.

12 miles – T

Friday September 9

Had another night ride, this time to Bracknell and back with Jamie on the tandem and Mr Bayliss following on the Safety.

Sunday September 11

Went to Chapel in the morning and marked out the text. Before service, Mr Bayliss and I had a run round on the bicycle for a few miles. Had tea at the shop and then Henry and I and Mr Bayliss went for a run to Marlow and back. We saw an innumerable quantity of starlings at Rushcombe, and watched their beautiful evolutions. It was as though they had a field day on. By the time we turned into the Bath road, it came on to rain, so we took shelter under the trees till it passed over, and then proceeded on again and had several times compelled to take shelter. Coming back, we had the wind against us, which very much interfered with Mr Bayliss’ going, but not with ours. In spite of the gloomy weather, we very much enjoyed the ride over and for the matter of that, the ride back again.

35 miles – T

Monday September 12

Being a nice fine day, I got Tom to go for a run after tea (which we had early). We went by Eversley, Heckfield and the Monument to Mortimer and then had tea again and then on to Reading and home. It was a capital ride over good roads and in nice weather and we did the journey round including stoppages, nine miles the hour. I think Tom enjoyed it well. If he didn’t, I did.

31 miles – T

Tuesday September 13

In the afternoon, I began putting a new roof to the cart shed at the office.

Wednesday September 14

Henry, having to attend a meeting at Finchampstead, I got Tom to go on the tandem with me to Basingstoke. We started before 4 and had a very indifferent ride over for the weather changed from a bright pretty morning to a cold, dull and windy afternoon, so that the ride to Basingstoke was positively hard and I was glad to get there and have a good tea at the Angel, which put new life into us so that we quite enjoyed the run home by Sherfield. The roads were particularly good.

Thursday September 15

Mr Bayliss had a wet day for the journey.

Saturday September 17

Mr Bayliss had arranged to go to Southampton with Mr Christie today, and so I undertook the journey, but the rain coming on Friday night and continuing this morning, he abandoned the job. However, I went the journey and liked it very well.

Sunday September 18

Was at Chapel this morning and marked the text early from Proverbs 4-18. We, Henry, Bayliss and I had a splendid little run after tea round Eversley, Yateley, Hawley, Frimley, the College and Crowthorne.

The roads were perfection and the machine bowled along like nothing. It was a very nice evening and this was one of those very particularly pleasant turns round. As we were turning into the Crowthorne road, a young lad on a tricycle coming down the hill to avoid running into us, ran direct into a brick wall, but did not hurt himself. Soon after, Mr Bayliss had a run into the ditch, and he escaped unhurt.

25 miles – T

Monday September 19

Got ready today for a run to Warwick tomorrow and Wednesday.

Tuesday September 20

Was up a little before 4, and while the kettle was boiling on the etna, and the rashers cooking on the gas stove, I ran across and called Henry and we sat down to a good and early breakfast. It was quite dark when I went across to call Henry, and at 5.25 when we made a start, it was scarcely light. It was a very pleasant starting off, and I felt nicely. The roads were very indifferent to Reading and from Reading to Streatley, quite bad. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the ride and made very good pace, especially as the wind was right against us being NNE, for we turned into Wallingford just as the watch had ticked off two hours viz 7.25 which was exactly 11 miles the hour. This was the first stop we made. We drew up at a public house but could not get service, the people not being about, so we tried another and found someone and had a pint of ale. We stayed not long at Wallingford but left at 7.46 and made our way over some very rough road to Oxford which we reached at 9.10, 35 miles from Wokingham.

Here we had breakfast at a Coffee Tavern, and after a walk round the city, we left at 10.30 for Banbury and had level road, but bumpy and hard to Deddington, where we had a liquer up, and five miles of undulating road brought us into Banbury at 1.45. At the Temperance Hotel, we had an excellent dinner, then a look round the city, and a very interesting old town it is too. There was only one thing there and that was the cross which I had heard so much about. Some of the streets put me in mind of old London. Although the place is so irregularly built, it presents a rather pretty appearance. There are several openings or squares about, some broad, very broad streets and some very narrow and old.

All the way from Oxford, 22 miles, we had the NE wind strong against us which made it very challenging, so we trained from here to Leamington, 4/10 the two and the machine. We rode up and down some of the streets at Leamington, and a very fine handsome town it is too, with a lot of large houses of a high class.

A pretty little ride of a mile or so brought us to Warwick where we put our tandem up and had a look round. We went over the old kind of almshouses which started just inside of West Gate. They interested us very much. West Gate consists of a gateway over the street supporting a high tower and there almshouses adjoin. The pavement is some 10 or 12 feet above the road way and the houses stand up well and have a good view of the country round. At the back is a courtyard and a gallery running round, one over the chapel connected with it. They were founded from a very early date by the Normans and dissolved by Henry VIII but the Earl of Leicester re-endowed them for a living for 12 respectable brethren with a clergyman, somewhat like Queen’s Hospital, only of a better class. We saw in here, a piece of needlework in a frame, done by Amy Robsart. We were very pleased with our visit to this old place.

We took train to Stratford on Avon. Had supper at the Coffee Palace, a very nice place indeed and cheap. After supper, we had a walk round the town to while away the time until 9 o’clock when we made for bed and had a good night’s rest.

60 miles

Wednesday September 21

Had breakfast and were out before 9 o’clock. Took a walk to the church by the river, a very large edifice, with plenty of windows. We now made for Shakespeare’s house and went over it for sixpence each. We now made for the station and soon got back to Warwick and by 10.55 were on our way to Wokingham. To Banbury, which was 23 miles was a very nice run over undulating road and very pretty scenery. It was not a road to make quick time upon, for beside the surface being lumpy and in some places, quite rough, the many hills would check the pace.

About six miles before reaching Banbury, we came upon a lovely village. It was situated upon the slopes of an immense basin and it laid close up to the left side of the main road, the village immediately on the left and the hills rising immediately on the right of the road, and the road ascending windingly and exceedingly steep up the hill in front, so that in one hundred yards we rose above the village one hundred feet, with the village close to our left, an almost perpendicular slope leading down to it. Another hundred yards in front stood the church towering far up above us. As we stood in the middle of this hill, there lay the village almost underneath us, and the people in the street looking like dwarves so far down were they. It was a place very much like Sonning with several irregular streets and well stocked with fine trees. Besides the pretty village, we had a grand panorama view of the large basin shaped valley extending many miles round. It was the finest view of its kind I have ever seen, and if we had seen nothing else on the journey, this would have been worth coming for. If it had been a bright day, I fear we should have had a job to get away from this place, but as it happened, today was very grey and dull, and we saw it not under its best aspect. What must it be when the sun shines?

From here, it was all downhill and good roads to Banbury, which we rode into at 1.15 having been 2 hours 20 minutes doing the 23 miles. We went to the same Coffee Hotel as yesterday and had a similar dinner and exceedingly good again was the mutton chop. At 2.55, we rode out of Banbury and made our way to Deddington at a slow pace, but as soon as we got clear of the hills round Deddington, we made some very fast running right away to Oxford doing the 15 miles straight off in about 1 hour so that we came into Oxford at 5.10, ready for tea, which we had at the same place as we had breakfast yesterday. Here I had a mutton chop but very different from the one in Banbury. This was so tough I could not eat it. I bought a pound of grapes which came in very acceptable further on the road. We left Oxford at 6 o’clock and had a very, very enjoyable ride home, the further I went, the fresher I got. Just before Dorchester, we lit up the lamps, and from here right the way home, we saw the reflection of reading lights. We came home through Henley, stopping at the pub just this side of the bridge for a glass of ale and a quarter hour rest. It was 9 when we sat down and a quarter past when we made a start for home. The ride home from Henley we enjoyed as much as any part of the journey. Although it was very dark we enjoyed all the more for it. There was something very jolly about that dark ride and we felt jolly and fresh. Well we got home at 10.40 which was not very quick time from Oxford, but when we started away, we determined not to hurry but take the evening run quickly, and we found the advantage of taking that course. We found the roads very much better on the return journey, they did not seem so bumpy. It was a very nice turn out and we enjoyed it well. There was a fire at home from yesterday and we saw it still burning when we came by this evening.

80 miles

Sunday September 24

Henry and I on the tandem took a run after tea. We went to Easthampstead, Bagshot and on nearly to Guildford, and back by Normandy and Ash. It was a very nice afternoon and evening and very much we enjoyed the run all round. It was a very pleasant run both going out and coming home. From Ash to Hawley we came along at a grand pace. While taking a glass of ale at our usual place at Hawley, Mr Bayliss came in, he having been out all day and taken quite a long run to Basingstoke, Alton and Farnham. We came along at a merry pace and at home quite fresh after our 40 miles run straight off.

40 miles

Monday September 25

Mr W Phillips and I went to Marlow and back after dinner. It was a bad day for being out, windy, grey and dull which turned into wet at Marlow. We had tea at the George and Dragon 1/3 each. Mr Phillips called upon Mr Bray for some money, but he did not get enough to make the machine go much heavier home. I perspired more over this run than on the journey to Warwick and back and the Guildford run of yesterday being combined.

28 miles

Tuesday September 26

Henry went with Mr Watts to Woodley to value Mr Benn’s business. I set out the window. Went 12 miles after shop to test the cyclometer.

12 miles

Wednesday September 27

Last day of early closing and good use we made of it too There was a tea meeting on at New Mill to which Henry went, so I got James Sale to go for a run with me. It was a splendid day and glorious morning. We started off at 4.30, Mr Bayliss accompanying us on his Safety.

We went through both the Wellington and Royal Military College grounds to Frimley, and this part of the country looked very lovely, but when we got to the ridges, the scenery there was most enchanting and fairy like. It mattered not which way we looked, either to the right over Aldershot Camp or the left over Brookwood, Woking etc., we had a glorious view. It was between half past 5 and half past 6 while we were going along the ridge and the sun was just setting and the moon well up, and as the mists rose over the valley, it presented a most perfect panoramic imitation of the sea. It was not moonlight, it was not daylight, but a mixture of the two, and the combination of light gave us such a sight as we never saw quite the like before, and I guess it will remain fixed upon our memory for a long time to come. We were each struck with this sight.

We found the sandy hill leading down from the ridges very much better than ever before for it has been improved with gravel and worked in tolerably well. Before striking the Guildford road, we came upon Tom Nutley, who is on for a baker at Normandy. We reached Guildford fresh and ready for tea which we had at the Coffee House near the bridge. We had an abundance of tea and two sausages each for the sum of 1/4½ or 5½ each. This renewed our strength. And after a walk round by the river, we started off like ghosts again and came home via Ash and Farnborough. It was a splendid night and we enjoyed it exceedingly. Mr Bayliss got a little done up before we got home but Jamie and I were as fresh as when we started. This is the last early closing day of the season and perhaps, if not the best, one of the best days we have had. Bertha set up a party for New Mill and had the brake from the Railway Hotel and was very pleased with the journey and company. I had a little run dinner time.

44 miles

1887

Sunday October 2

At Chapel this morning, I guessed the text as soon as Mr Cave gave out the second reading ‘There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God’. There was a procession of the various clubs, Fire Brigade and bands round the town and to the church this afternoon in aid of the hospital fund. At half past 2, Henry and I on the tandem made our way to Eversley, Fleet and Farnham, then to Elstead and round by Peper Harow to Shackleford and Compton, a run of 30 miles. It is a pretty way but somewhat slow on account of the hills. At Compton, we were made most welcome and regaled with a good tea and a very pleasant chat with Mr and Mrs Hawkins. We sat around the fire until nearly 7 o’clock and then made our way home by moonlight via Wanborough, Ash, Farnham. We had a very, very pleasant and sharp run home over good roads at 10 miles the hour. After mounting this side of the Hog’s Back, we did not make a stop until East Court hill except a moment on Farnham bridge. We very much enjoyed the run and it was a long one too, 52 miles. The day was not bright, but pleasantly grey.

52 miles

Monday October 3

Mr Cave called in this morning so I asked him to go for a run today and we arranged for half past 2 and went at quarter to 3 to Twyford, Ruscombe and Marlow. Had tea at the Coffee House and then turned for home. At the Bell and Bottle, the foot rest caught the wheel and spoilt the journey, for from there, I had to walk.

28 miles

Wednesday October 5

There had been an attempt made to keep the early closing up all the year round, but the powers cannot agree. Several of the other traders close. Mr Weeks was buried today and Henry, Tom and I attended the funeral. Many friends followed. Wombwell’s A1 Windsor Menagerie exhibited here today.

Thursday October 6

Had a nice little run today. On this wise, I sent down to James Sale to see if he would like a run to Marlow, and if so, to be ready at 4.30. To this he agreed and so I had tea at the shop and at a quarter to 5, we were off on the tandem towards Marlow. We went the old way and had a very pleasant run over there. The foliage has greatly changed since I was here on Monday last with Mr Cave. Then the leaves scarcely showed the autumn, now they were quite brown in many places. That little cottage by the stream at Bisham looked very pretty with the roof covered with the red leaves of the Virginia Creeper. We stayed not at Marlow but passed on to Henley and had a cup of drink at the British Workman. It was very dark after Henley. Quite a nice little turn round it made of.

32 miles

Saturday October 8

I went the journey. It was a lovely, fine, calm and bright day, but dulled off towards the after part and came on to rain before I got home.

Sunday October 9

I intended going to Marlow today if it were bright like yesterday, but the weather was too dull for that quantity. I went to Chapel and heard a young preacher very well. Had a rest after dinner and then over to the shop and Henry and I had tea and were ready for a run at quarter to 4, but just as we were about to start, it came on to rain in a very fine way, so we abandoned the intention, but as a quarter of an hour went by and no more rain, we determined to make a start in spite of the threatening aspect of the weather. It was a little past 4 when we mounted and made our way to the White House in a little rain, but from here, it cleared off and we had it fine all the way round. We went by Sparvell’s, over the Flats to Elvetham and Crookham, over to Crondall, up and down the village, thence to Odiham and home.

Although the weather was very dull and misty and without a glimpse of sunshine, yet we thoroughly enjoyed the ride and the scenery. There is a great quantity of foliage this year, and today showed it up well, massive and great. The ferns looked very pretty with the many shades from almost white to a pale yellow and so on to dark rich brown. As long as the light held out, we were ravished with grand sights and could not help remarking how greatly surprised we were with the run.

We made no stop anywhere except on the canal bridge at Crookham for a few minutes. We had a fine view effect coming down the hill towards Star Hill. We got home at 7.25 having been 44 miles at the rate 10 miles the hour. It was exceedingly dark coming home from Hartley Row.

44 miles

Tuesday October 11

Got Mr Bayliss off early with the journey so as to catch Mr Matthews and Mr Nutley who are leaving today. He was successful with both. The day being nice, bright and sunny, I arranged with James Sale for a run to Marlow. We left here at 4 o’clock (half an hour later than I intended) and had lovely weather to Knowl Hill, and there it suddenly changed for heavy black clouds came up and the wind turned very cold and all like being a heavy storm, so we hurried on to Burchett’s Green and it looked like coming down at once, so we put our machines up at the Public House and sat ourselves down in the comfortable little parlour before a good fire, and there we stayed a half hour, but the rain did not cease and the sky cleared off a little, so we made a start for home and left Marlow for another time. We did not escape the rain, for a gale at Hurst commenced and blew a rough storm all the way home so that we had to change our clothes as soon as we landed. The country looked very, very pretty going over, especially the red leaves.

20 miles

Wednesday October 12

A splendid bright day and looked like lasting out, so Henry and I made arrangements for Marlow to see the beech woods. Yesterday, a spoke broke and so I got that put in and also fixed the treadle bearing and got the machine in good going order. At 3 o’clock, we left in bright sunny weather, made our way over the old route to Burchett’s Green and Marlow in a little under one hour and ten minutes. We were favoured with splendid sunny weather all the way, and very fine and grand were the sights that we had of the woods, especially of Quarry Wood, from Marlow Bridge. We sat on the bridge basking ourselves in the sun which came down quite comforting and warm for a considerable time. Altogether, the view from here was perhaps better than we have ever before seen it. We had tea at the same place as where Mr Cave and I had it. Left Marlow at 6 o’clock and proceeded to Henley, a very pretty and remarkably easy and short seeming run. Staying not at Henley, but straight on for home which we reached safely and well, having done the journey at 10 miles the hour.

32 miles

Thursday October 13

While Mr Bayliss did a part of the journey, I did the rest.

Saturday October 15

I did the journey. It was intensely cold and tremendously windy. I lost two lamps coming home.

Sunday October 16

A very different day from yesterday, nothing like so cold and very little wind. Went to Chapel and marked out the text. Had dinner at the shop so as to be ready to start with Henry on the tandem at 2 o’clock. We were only five minutes behind in our starting and away we went for Hartley Row and Basingstoke which we reached without a dismount at 12 miles the hour. The Angel Coffee Tavern being closed, we could not get any tea, so at once made our way to Alton via Hackwood and Herriad. The sun shone bright and cheerful to Hackwood but from there it got somewhat obscured by heavy looking clouds so that we did not see the ‘Crossacks’ at their best, nevertheless it was grand. Coming upon some flints in the road suddenly, we broke two spokes in the front wheel. At Alton, we found our old Coffee House deserted and to let. Called at the Shaftesbury but found that closed so called at the side door and they let us in, and into a very nice place too. We sat down by the fire and had tea by gaslight. We made quite a long stay here, over an hour. At 6, we made for home via South Warnborough. We put the machine up at the Golden Pot hill at 10 miles the hour, and easily too. It was a delightful ride home, which we reached safely a little after 8 o’clock. We did the journey at 10 miles the hour.

52 miles

Tuesday October 18

Took Miss Baker on the tandem round Well Coll., R.M. Coll and over the Flats to Elvetham and home by Eversley.

22 miles

Wednesday October 19

I had made up my mind that if today was anything like a day, I would propose a good run. Well, when I got up it looked all right, and I felt better than I did yesterday, so I says to Henry ‘What say you to a run to Dorking’. ‘Just the very thing.’ We then got ready and by 10.20 were off. Although the sun was not visible, yet the weather was far from dull, for the clouds were thin and luminous.

We made straight for Bracknell and thence by Bagshot to Guildford, had a little refreshment at the Coffee House and then on to Shalford. From here the weather was glorious, the sun came out bright and the clouds vanished away so that we had the hills light up beautifully. From Shalford, we made our way round by Albury. We shall not easily forget the scenery from the bridge over the stream there. There was the richly luxurious valley and the high wooded hills rising up on the right and a bright autumn day showing up the many coloured leaves. From Albury through Gomshall to Dorking, the road is decidedly undulating. From Guildford right around to Dorking is grandly beautiful.

We stayed not at Dorking but passed on to Burford Bridge and at an Inn there had our lunch. We bought some bread, cheese and butter and with a quart of their best ale, we made a first class dinner and enjoyed it amazingly, for the cheese was good. Refreshed, we passed on to Leatherhead. It is grandly beautiful. I thought we should have to climb the range of hills that we saw extending from Guildford to Box Hill, but instead of that, the road follows a pretty little river and is almost level. We had a quarter hour at Leatherhead. Henry went in to the old church and heard the organ, much to his liking. I had a look round outside. We now had a splendid run to Cobham, up the Ripley Road to Esher and on to Hampton Court where we had tea, and then home by Staines, Bagshot and Yateley.

We can truly say that we enjoyed the run all the way round. From Wokingham to Guildford, although not sunny, it was very pleasant, and then from Guildford, the sun came out and the day was perfection lasting right out to a glorious sunset which we caught just at the right place viz along the river by Hampton. Then the night too was just perfection, bright, starlight and luminous, enough to make it easy steering. We were in first class spirits and all things passed off nicely. The scenery was such as we could not conceive to be better all the way from Guildford right up to Hampton, and we were fortunate enough to have the weather so gloriously fine all along this piece. Talk about going out to see the autumn tints, we saw things today, and make no mistake. The colouring of some of these Surrey Hills was grand beyond exception. I never before have been over such a long lot of interesting and lovely country.

The roads were splendid right from Guildford to Sunbury. From here to Guildford, we found the road as usual and did 10 miles the hour. From Guildford, we did not travel fast, the country was far too pretty to hurry by it. From Sunbury to Staines, the road is, as usual, villainous. Was hindered a good deal by gravel on the way from Virginia Water to Bagshot. We came along at a great pace from the Golden Farmer to East Court. We got home very comfortably at 20 past 9, not done up at all. As this run included so many places, I will just note them here. Binfield, Bracknell, Easthampstead, South Hill, Bagshot, Bisley Green, Brookwood, Worplesdon, Guildford, Shalford, Chilworth, Albury, Shere, Gomshall, Wotton, Dorking, Box Hill, Mickleham, Leatherhead, Stoke D’Abernon, Oxshott, Cobham, Esher, Thames Ditton, East Molesey, Hampton Court, Hampton, Sunbury, Staines, Egham, Virginia Water, Sunningdale, Bagshot, Camberley, York Town, Blackwater, Darby Green, Yateley, Eversley, Finchampstead, Wokingham.

This is the longest day run Henry and I have been, and I really think it was the most enjoyable. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves all the way round.

85 miles

Saturday October 22

Arranged with Henry to go with me to Trowbridge on the tandem tomorrow. I got the journey off easily and the day being particularly slack, I had ample time to get the machine in order and put a new leather to the brake.

Sunday October 23

Turned out at 5 to 4, got breakfast ready, called Henry and sat down and had a good breakfast and was sick directly after, but it made not the least difference to me, as I did not feel bilious before or after. At 20 past 5, we were in the saddles and with the lamp full on, for of course it was dark as night we made our way to Reading, and soon after, dispensed with the lamplight. To Newbury was very bad. The road got worse and worse, nasty loose sandy stuff and dead going. There was no view up to Newbury because of the thick mist which hung about. We had to work every inch of the way to Newbury, and got there in extraordinary good time (considering the state of the roads) of 11 miles the hour. We had two penny worth of milk from a milk cart we met, and then straight away for Hungerford over very much better roads. Here we had a pint of ale, and some of the bread and cheese which we brought with us, and first rate tackle it was too. This was really the first stop we made, for although we got off at Reading, it was only to push the machine over some newly laid granite, and then again at Newbury to get the milk. This made a run of 32 miles and working all the way.

Hungerford is a poor shabby old town, old and poor. Refreshed, we now passed on over some excellent road to Savernake where we entered the forest and on to Marlborough. It was very pretty, this eight miles to Marlborough. There is a drop down of three quarters of a mile into the town and from the top we had a splendid view of the town and the surrounding country. The sun broke out while we were in the forest, and made things look very cheerful, but it also brought up a wind which was against us, and increased as the day came on. From Marlborough, we struck the downs, and had nothing but that right on to Devizes. At Avebury, we passed the immense mound raised artificially by the Britons. It is a gigantic structure. We did not go round to see the Druid Stones.

Here we left the main Bath road and made for Devizes over some extraordinary good road, but as it was all uphill and open, and not a hedge of any sort to be seen for miles, and the wind dead against us, it made rather hard work. Right from Hungerford, with the exception of the drop down in to Hungerford, we seemed to have nothing but uphill. Two miles this side of Devizes, we sat down under the shelter of a hay rick and had some more bread and cheese, which went down as well as any meal I remember. It was just 10 o’clock when we were at Marlborough and exactly 12 at Devizes, which is only 14 miles for the two hours., but we had two stops out of it, one at Avebury and the other for lunch under the hay rick.

I forget to say, we were very pleased with Marlborough. It is a fine old town of considerable size. The main street is three times as broad as our Broad Street and the houses are very quaint. On one side, there are verandas supported by columns nearly the whole length of the street.

Devizes also is a large town and has a large fountain in the very broad street. From here to Trowbridge, the road got bumpy but still very good, and very much prettier than what we had been going over. We did the ten miles to Trowbridge in exactly the hour and drew up at the Post Office at a minute past 1 o’clock, having travelled a little over nine miles the hour throughout. Had a wash and a drink, and then Don took us for a walk round the place and gave, as guide, a descriptive lecture on the main places and objects. Had tea, and Mr and Mrs Grey being there, we had a talking evening, and then, tired, we went to bed and slept well.

66 miles

Monday October 24

We had a good night and both of us slept well, and heard nothing of the wind and rain in the early part of the morning and when we got up, could see nothing of the wet for a strong NNW wind had dried it completely up. We had a good breakfast and then wished our friends good-bye and were off exactly at 10 o’clock. We did not return the same way as we came but made for that piece of road which we have for a very long time past contemplated going over, namely from here to Salisbury. Everything looked well for a good run, for the wind which was very strong blew just that way and the day was delightfully fine and bright. We were soon at Westbury, a very pretty run of four miles.

A little before entering the town, the Downs began to rise on the left, and on one of the high green cliffs is cut out the figure of a horse. It is remarkably and symmetrically well done, and shows up bold and well. We also saw one on the Downs after leaving Marlborough yesterday. That was a trotting horse and also exceedingly well done. The one at Westbury is standing still.

We had a look round the church, which is a large one, with a square tower rising out of the middle. On over the excellent roads to Warminster, and a run up one of the streets and back. It appears to be a very fine and large town, and very clean. The road leading out is remarkably broad and handsome. We now struck the river Wylye and followed it all the way to Salisbury (32 miles). The road, right the way from Trowbridge to Salisbury, with the exception of say a mile or so, is simply perfection, broad, clean, hard, smooth and of easy gradient. We had a glorious time along here. The wind at our back, and the bright warm sun on the right, lighting up and showing up to perfection the mighty Downs on the left, for they extend all the way down from Westbury right to Salisbury, and the road runs at the foot of them, sometimes close up, and never more than a quarter of a mile of, raised a little above the river, so that we had an excellent view of it all the way as it flowed sometimes close to us and never more than half a mile away. On this bright day, it flowed and sparkled like silver beneath the life giving rays of the brilliant sun.

Except for the tinted foliage, we could scarce believe it was near the end of October. It was a regular July looking day. No haziness, but a very bright blue sky. We were fortunate in every way today and were thankful for it. I mention nothing about the many villages along the stream, we saw them all and passed through many, their names can be seen on the maps. Very many pretty pieces we came across along here. Cottages in little nooks, right under the cliffs. Sometimes a pretty bridge, or a gentleman’s seat. It must suffice to say, we begrudged every mile as it passed by, and were almost sorry to get to Salisbury which we entered as the clock struck 1, having done the 32 miles in just 3 hours, without the least hurry.

We had a cold dinner at the Star of Hope British Workman, a look round the Cathedral, and called upon Mr Baker, and then by the 3.3 train to Andover, so as to avoid the stony road there. We left Andover exactly at 4, and had a most delightfully pretty run to Basingstoke which we reached at 6. As we looked back over Whitchurch and saw the setting sun, large and red, we saw a sight not easily to be forgotten. Yes, Whitchurch looked pretty down in the valley, with its clear winding trout stream flowing along. Altogether, it is a very pretty run to Basingstoke and a delightful three mile slope into the town. We had tea at the Angel and then such a beautiful moonlight ride home. How merrily we spun along, feeling jolly and happy and glad. We got home at 8.30 having done the whole of the journey at about ten miles the hour and comfortably too.

General remarks: The first twelve miles of road yesterday was wet with night dew, all the rest dry. We worked every inch of the way from Reading to Newbury over nasty loose roads. From Newbury to Hungerford the road was very good and from there to Devizes, excellent especially after Marlborough, in fact, perfection. From Devizes to Trowbridge good, but little bumpy. From Trowbridge right home, perfection. We struck the Downs soon after Hungerford and battled with them all the way to Devizes, tackling and surmounting them. From Westbury, we encountered them to Salisbury. It was a most instructive geographical run and we have gained much knowledge of Wiltshire and its geography. We were favoured with a very good day on Sunday, and a long one too. It seemed very strange when we were at Marlborough for it to be only 10 o’clock and much further on to hear the bells going for church. On Monday we had an extraordinary and beautiful day, and both days felt well and strong. Nothing went wrong and we enjoyed the ride throughout. We got home in good time and were perfectly fresh and free from any distress. We did the whole journey at over nine miles the hour, and hurried nowhere. The tandem required no looking after, and never acted better.

68 miles

Tuesday October 25

A cold, bright, windy day. Felt no effect of the journey, but was ready for another now.

Wednesday October 26

A splendid calm, clear, bright and sunny day. Tom and I ran round Winkfield and Ascot before tea. Came across a mile of gravel at Winkfield. Rather early for it.

17 miles

Thursday October 27

I went the journey and had a cold wet day for the job. Coming home, the horse went down and cut her knees.

Saturday October 29

Had Mr Price’s horse for the journey. Came on wet in the evening and a strong gale during the night.

Sunday October 30

Went to Chapel twice. Could not go out on the tandem because the day was rough and stormy. I could not complain for we had a delightful October and good roads all the month.

We have had some extraordinary good runs this month, notably the journey round Dorking and the one to Trowbridge and Salisbury than which we have never had two better runs, and they will long be stamped upon our memories, and it will take a combination of favourable circumstances to enable us to eclipse them in their all round character, for they were journeys upon which everything pleased us and nothing turned up to cause us annoyance. It is very pleasant to have so good a month at this part of year for it will help us through the winter with its pleasant recollections. We have been over one hundred more miles in October than any other month of the year. For over 20 years past, I have had a strong desire to do the Bath road and it was only til the latter end of this month that I have at all realised that wish by journeying over the greater part of it on the way to Trowbridge. Still Bath remains for the future and I hope I may be spared to do the whole journey some day. For what I have received, I am truly thankful.

Monday October 31

My Bayliss to London by the excursion. Mr Garrett gave a lecture on astronomy to a crowded audience in the Hall this evening. It passed off very satisfactory.

1887

Sunday November 6

I took Jamie for a run this afternoon to Finchampstead, Eversley, Yateley, Crowthorne and home by Holme Green. The roads were fearfully heavy to Finchampstead, but from there all the way round to Wokingham again they were very good indeed.

12 miles

Monday November 14

I went to Trowbridge to bring Bertha home. She has been away just five weeks today. I went by the 9 o’clock train to Reading and thence to Bath by the 9.50 express. I intended to go all over Bath but the day was so cold, and at times, damp that I cut my exploration short. I went over and in one of the baths and in the Abbey. I also took a walk up to Lansdown and there obtained a good view of the city below and the country around.

By the time I got back into the city, it was time to have a feed which I had at West dining room, a short walk up the canal bank and then back to the station and by the 2.33 to Trowbridge. Had an early tea, a walk round the town and then to Mr Grey’s for supper where we entertained one another until past 12 o’clock.

Tuesday November 15

Spent the day wandering about Trowbridge. We came home by the 5.21 and got to Reading at 8.15. Went to Minnie’s and had a comfortable supper and home by the 9.55.

1887

Monday December 26

We have had only one day fit for cycling since we had our Trowbridge journey, and that day we could not get out, so I have had nothing to record in the way of travels for two months, a very long stop. It has been a wet two months and the roads dry only one, or at the most two days during the whole time.

A little more than a week ago, I took the tandem to pieces and packed up ready to go to Coventry for repairs, but did not send it, for the thought struck me, supposing by some miracle it should turn out good weather for tricycling at Christmas, I should then require the machine, so upon the unlikely hypothesis, I kept it, and fortunately I did, for although yesterday (Xmas Day) was unrideable, there being a little rain in the afternoon, today was grand.

So, directly after breakfast, I saw Henry and put the tandem together, and then he and I had a very pleasant run to Star Hill, along the Flats to Blackwater and home by Crowthorne to dinner at half past 1. It was a bright sunshiny day, but frosty all the time, and the roads were in capital order. I do not remember having a run on Christmas Day since John and I went to Burchett’s Green and back some 20 years ago. It was very cheerful out, and the little Xmas run gave us both a good deal of enjoyment.

As we were going along the private road leading to Stephens the Baker, we saw young Charlton by the side of the road, he having had a little drop too much, and fallen off the carriage. He was not hurt much. Just as I got home, Mr S. Kennett’s horse was brought home, having fallen down dead at Reading. There was a party at the shop, but none at the office. The weather was glorious, for although it froze, all day it was beautifully bright, and the night was clear moonlight. I enjoyed the day very much.

20 miles

Tuesday December 27

All businesses closed. The weather was better, perhaps, than yesterday and that is saying a great deal. So, directly after breakfast, I went across to see if Henry was up to another ride, and he was, so I packed some lunch in the M.I.P. and away we went for Basingstoke and had a first rate ride to Hartley Row, but from there the road got worse and worse until it was so rough and cordy, we turned back. This was at Hook hill and came to the Dorchester Arms, and turned off for Odiham. As soon as we left the Basingstoke road, the roads were first rate again. We put up at the Public House at the bottom of the Common and had a good lunch off some excellent cheddar cheese which we brought. We bought one pint of ale and were treated to another by a commercial traveller. Here we heard of the death of Mr Porter, the boat man who died this morning from a paralytic stroke. Refreshed by our lunch, we made another start, and were reminded of the sharp weather, as it took two miles to warm us up again, although the sun was shining brightly. We went through Odiham and by Dogmersfield Park nearly to Crondall, on to Crookham, which looked particularly beautiful on this bright winter afternoon, and a very happy ride we had home by Fleet Pond. Here the hum of the skating resounded much. It did not take us long from here to get home over some excellent road.

The two runs, yesterday and today will be long remembered. They were so unexpected, and so altogether novel, and excellent roads, and beautiful weather, such wintry scenery, so easy and with all so pleasing and happy. As we were passing along the Flats yesterday, we saw a coppice of withey as red as the reddest bricks. Had a good tea and a rest and then to the Drill Hall to see Mr Malden’s dissolving views for the school children. Came home and finished off the orders, and went to bed happy, and very delighted with my two days holiday.

32 miles

Wednesday December 28

Did the journey today instead of tomorrow. Got round very well indeed. Mr Bayliss came back at 6 o’clock.

Thursday December 29

Still the weather is magnificent. Frosty, clear and bright, so Henry and I took advantage of it and went a run this afternoon to Bagshot, via Bracknell and from Bagshot home by Blackwater, Yateley and Finchampstead. This was another first rate turn around for the roads have improved under the traffic and worn smoother. We did not dismount between a mile this side of Bagshot and East Court hill. From the Golden Farmer to Finchampstead was a splendid stretch, and we moved along at a respectable rate.

The sun was setting, and setting as he sometimes does in winter, most gloriously, and then the sky, after he had sunk below the horizon, was very superb in its ruddy tints. Here is another run at the end of the year such as we never before had at this season, and mightily pleased we were with it. Only fancy on a Thursday in the depth of winter on a day I at any other time should be almost frozen in the cart on the Eversley journey, bowling along in the pleasant style. Yes, it is something to record and very thankful am I for it.

22 miles

Friday December 30

No pigs, and not very busy, so I got all the orders done by 3 o’clock. Mr Bayliss went for a few minutes skating on Longmoor this afternoon. I went to Mr Malden’s lecture on Dickens illustrated by dissolving views at the Drill Hall. It was a1 and well attended. Altogether, a great success.

Saturday December 31

Last day of the year. We were very slack. I got on well with booking. Looking back upon 1887, I can pronounce it a very happy year. I have had some heavy losses, but have not let them trouble me much. I have had excellent health, and my family too. Bertha has also successfully got rid of her tumour and I have a great deal more to be thankful for, and to rejoice over than to grieve or trouble about. The tandem which I bought in the beginning of the year and concerning which I then wrote that ‘I hope I have not done wrong’, has more, very much more than fulfilled my most sanguine expectation. It has brought to Henry and me a year’s pleasure no one but for us two know how much, and it is my earnest prayer that God will grant us another year as happy as the one we have just passed through, and give us health, strength and means to yet again perambulate the country and see his beautiful works. His footstool – the earth – tapistried with flowers the work of His hands. The beautiful birds, angels that sing to Him and the nightly stars that sparkle round His far off throne. And soon I enter 1888 and fear no evil, for faith hears His words of encouragement.

And from the lilies as they grow
And from the tended ravens know
That we are safe indeed