1888

Sunday January 1

After passing through that most happy year 1887, I now by the blessing of God enter this under very favourable circumstances. The weather is still frosty but not quite so bright as last week. Frances and I had a run on the tandem round Binfield before service, which we both enjoyed. To Chapel and heard Mr Cave very indifferently preach from ‘Day by Day’. The Lord’s Supper after service and then a church meeting when Mr Brant was re-elected deacon and Mrs Fletcher (who has only been in the town a few months) and Mr Moorcock were also elected. Mr Watts retired. Had turkey for dinner. At 3 o’clock, Henry and I took a run on the tandem to the Flats and thence to Elvetham which looked particularly pretty this afternoon, then on to Crondall and Farnham.

It was more winterly looking today and several very pretty wintery views did we have, and appreciate. It was 5 o’clock when we reached Farnham so that we just had it light all the way there. Called round at the British Workman for tea, but they were not open but recommended us to a place that was, where we refreshed ourselves with a jovial cup and a homely slice. While at tea, I placed the lamp before the fire to thaw the oil, for the day was very cold although we felt it not. We both remarked, while at tea, we should be nearly perished with the cold on again starting off, but we were both wrong, for the fire and tea put us in such a glow that we were splendidly warm all the way home.

Of course, leaving Farnham, we had a lot of uphill and that kept up the circulation and heat. We reached the top of the hills easier than usual, and then had a most comfortable, enjoyable and happy ride right the way home.

We thought a good deal of this run and were very proud of it, for the like of this we have never done before. Here, on the very first day of the year doing a run of near upon 40 miles after 3 o’clock and enjoying it too. Riding until the sun set, then in the semi darkness until the moon rose, and then on New Year’s Day. Why, it will be a subject to talk about for years to come. Truly, the New Year has opened grandly. The roads were good, of course, a great deal of gravel about, but that we got through now with the tandem, and we came home fresher than when we started. Hooray! for 1888.

6 + 36 = 42 miles

Monday January 2

A break up of the frost and wet set in towards the evening. I had a day’s writing and got all the bills done. I cannot help remarking what a particularly fortunate week we had for Xmas as regards the weather. Never such a one known. We have had frosty Christmases before, but then they have been spoilt by snow, or rough weather. Mr Dawton sent a cheque for £10.0.0 to settle up his account.

Tuesday January 3

I put the little warehouse in order and fixed the shelf to fit the cannisters from Websters. Have been troubled with a slight tooth ache. The weather has again cleared up and been a fine sunny day with a west wind. This evening, I got the wheels of Henry’s bicycle ready for painting.

Wednesday January 4

Sent off the wheel of the tandem (the chain wheel) and the foot rest to Hillman & Co.

Thursday January 5

Went the journey and had a very good day out. The weather was quite balmy and mild.

Friday January 6

We had no hogs today.

Saturday January 7

Had a letter from Hillman & Co. thanking me for the testimonial and informing me they should avail themselves of it.

Have been a little out of sorts, but better towards evening. The journey takings were good this week. £76.0.0. A very nice balmy kind of day.

Sunday January 8

Mr Bayliss and I went for a walk today to Easthampstead. We started about 10 o’clock and went via Lock’s farm and had a very pleasant turn round and conversation as we went.

The tree near Easthampstead Church, where Henry and I rested last year and heard the organ, we found was partly broken down and the tree full of decay caused by workings of the insects. From here, right through the firs, it was very interesting, and pretty spite of its being the beginning of January. I think a fir plantation, with its under cover of bracken, is almost as beautiful in winter as in the summer. However, be that as may, it certainly shows up to a great advantage in the winter, by contrast to the rest of the country.

Instead of going home by Col. Peel’s, we kept on through the firs to the Crooked Billet and home by Sangley’s. I observe that the cottage beyond Sangley’s where one of our servants used to live, is pulled down. Got home late so Mr Bayliss came to dinner at the Post Office. The walk made me rather tired and stiff.

Tuesday January 10

Frances’ birthday. She had a party of little folks to tea and supper which passed off pleasantly. The new chain wheel etc came back from Coventry, so I was at work all the evening, putting the tandem together.

Wednesday January 11

Went to Reading by the 6 o’clock train to see the pantomime of ‘Sinbad the Sailor’. By going in at the side doors (sixpence extra), I got a middle seat in the front row of the pit. It was a really good performance and worth a visit. The transformation scene was very good. Came home by the 11 o’clock special.

Thursday January 12

Did the journey. It was an exceedingly foggy day and very dirty nevertheless I enjoyed it better than many a fine one.

Sitting down to a good meat tea, I took up ‘The Cyclist’ to read, and the first thing in it as usual was Hillman’s advertisement, and that consisted of a block of the Premier tandem above which was printed in large letters the testimonial I sent them on the 4th, so that they soon made use of it, and in a very conspicuous manner.

Friday January 13

Had a very nice day in the shop, it was quite comfortable and jolly for the weather outside is anything but inviting, being intensely dirty and dull.

Saturday January 14

The weather during the week has been very foggy and dirty. The fog has not made its appearance today, but still it is very dark and dull and oh so dirty.

Sunday January 15

Went to Chapel morning and evening. Marked out the morning text – the first psalm, although Mr Cave did not read it. To Geo Woods to tea.

Monday January 16

A dry but very cold day. I partially cleared out the top warehouse during the morning, and in the afternoon did the booking.

Tuesday January 17

A very nice dry frosty morning, so I was going to get Henry to go for a run on the tandem, but Mr Kemp came in just after 10 o’clock to see if he would go for a walk over the Hog’s Back to Seale, Puttenham and Compton, to which he readily assented and at once started and caught the 10.25 to Ash. Not feeling disposed to let the day go by unimproved, I sounded Tom upon the point and he was willing for an afternoon out. We started a little after 3 and directed our course to Eversley, Yateley, Blackwater, Camberley and Bagshot and home by Bracknell. We found the roads quite as good as we expected, perhaps better and we had a nice little turn round on this wintry afternoon. We had a difficulty to get the lamp to go because the oil was not fluid enough. I have nothing particular to note on the journey, excepting that Bagshot clock was stopped at half past 3. After business, I had another turn at the cyclometer, and this time I got it right for I tested it between the milestones after 9 o’clock.

22 miles

Wednesday January 18

Another nice frosty day, so I inwardly wished to have another spin this afternoon. We finished off the Eversley orders before dinner and I cleaned up the machine. The easterly wind increased as the day went on, but in spite of this Henry and I, at a little before 3 o’clock, mounted our respective saddles and again directed our course over the oft frequented course to Eversley Cross, and thence along the Heckfield road until we came to the turning to Mattingley, we turned and soon came to that village famed for its Green whereon the wild camomile grows so abundantly. We did not stop to gather any because there were none to gather, but passed on to Hook and Odiham. Before reaching Odiham, we came across Gambling Boys travellers with whom I had a short conversation.

We called on Mrs Figgins at the Angel Hotel and ordered a tea and a jolly tea we had too before a jolly fire and in a nice clean room, and from a jolly big tea pot with a jolly lot in it. We did not hurry over it, but sat enjoying ourselves, one each side of the glowing fire and the gas cheerfully burning.

We sat while the last of the daylight faded away and night came on and then made a start for home via Winchfield and Hartley Row. We, of course, paid the bill which was 1/8 the two, and not dear at that considering how nice and clean and comfortably it was spread. I am very glad we stopped here for tea because it refreshed us, and we had a splendid night ride home, and bowled along at a respectable pace. There were no stars and the little piece of new moon was not visible. The wind howled around us and altogether it looked very wintry. It was strange how little the wind retarded our progress. I called in at Mr Ives and got his order and money so as to save a little time tomorrow. The run in the afternoon was very pretty. I am glad we went for it was a nice turn round and did us good. The distance was 30 miles 600 yards. What a different day from the 1st of January 1881, the great snow storm day. The roads were very much better than we could have expected them after the very muddy state they were in on Sunday.

32 miles

Thursday January 19

I did the journey and very comfortably too. I had a good load but the roads were nice and hard, so that the horse rattled along well.

Friday January 20

Six hogs from Sam Webb at 8/6. Bad sale for the meat. Sent Mr Dew the flags. The weather changed this afternoon, the frost giving place to a thaw and a slight rain. Again, Mr Kemp did the Compton walk, this time with Mrs Kemp. I should think a few more times, and then he would know the route sufficiently to take a chartered guide’s place.

Saturday January 21

We had a very slack day and evening.

Sunday January 22

Instead of going to Chapel, I took a walk to Chapel Green to take another sketch of the place, but the morning was too cold, for after staying about half an hour, I got so cold I had to move on and leave my sketch for another time. Went to tea at Geo Woods’ to see how he got on with the photography.

Monday January 23

Was a beautiful day, bright, warm and sunny. The roads were far too muddy to think about a ride. I finished my last Monday’s job in putting the loft tidy. I made quite a clean and satisfactory job of it. I also cleaned out the loft over the tea room. After shop, I cleaned the tandem. Quite a cleaning up today.

Tuesday January 24

Miss Rowe is very ill and Mr Rowe and Selina have been sent for. They came and slept at the shop. Mr Rowe looks uncommonly well.

Friday January 27

Miss Rowe died this morning.

Sunday January 29

Henry and I had an early cup of tea and at quarter to 4, went off on the tandem for a ride. We intended only going to Hurst, but found it so easy going and the afternoon so very pleasant, that we went right on to Marlow. From Burchett’s Green to Marlow was very magnificent. The day was exceedingly cold, the road white and hard, and the afternoon sun shone clear and bright and set in a most gorgeous style, and we were in a good position to see it to advantage as we gazed across the valley of the Thames.

We stayed only a few minutes on Marlow Bridge but those few minutes will be remembered, for we saw the river illuminated with the setting sun in such a manner as is seldom seen in the winter, and then the ride back to Burchett’s green with the light out on the western horizon, and Quarry Wood on the left almost indistinct in the gloaming and the darkness. We had to exercise some little courage and self denial to turn out this afternoon in the piercing cold, but this piece from Burchett’s Green to Marlow and back well repaid us and was worth going many miles to see.

From Burchett’s Green home, we were a little done up about the legs, so that I abandoned the idea of going to London tomorrow by road as I had arranged with Tom to do, and arranged with him to go by train instead.

28 miles

Monday January 30

At length, the day for the Stanley Show has come round and Mr Bayliss, Tom and I go up today to see it. For this purpose, I got up a little earlier and took the 8.16 to Bracknell and got out there and took three tickets to Wokingham and three tickets to Waterloo and back at 4/6 each, and then found Tom and Bayliss who came up by the 9.8. It was a splendid morning, the country looking very wintry under a white covering of frost. The day was clear but very cold and crisp.

From Waterloo, we at once made our way by foot to the Aquarium where we paid a bob each and entered the Stanley Cycle Show, and examined the ground floor display of machines which occupied our time up to half past 2, when we left for the Hengler’s Circus. Outside, we had a bun each and a drink at the fountain, so that we wasted no time over dinner and got to the circus before 3 o’clock, and saw the poorest performance it was ever my lot to witness anywhere, the main part being a weak attempt at a pantomime called ‘Red Riding Hood’.

We were very sorry to have wasted our time here, and were thankful to get out and have a walk to the Strand where we had tea at the Shaftesbury, and a good one too. I finished my tea first and left Tom and Mr Bayliss there while I went a second time to the Show, and did the Sallway and Stevens Hall and also collected the prospectuses from the several stands.

The Show is the largest that has been held as yet, the chief attraction this year being the tandem Safety which are just come out. Most of the firms have something in that line. Some adapt the plan of placing the weight between the two wheels, while others favour the method of one wheel carrying both men, which is the right plan will take the season to decide. With the exception of the tandem Safety, there seemed to be nothing new, nor any alteration in design, except must have come down to a 36ʺ driving wheel and large steering one. The Premier is not altered in any way. Looking through the list, I found my testimonial amongst the ‘few selected’. I left the Show satisfied that my tandem is good for this season and that there is no cause to look out for a customer yet.

We met at the station after Tom and Bayliss narrowly escaping a gas explosion, and came home by the last train.

1888

Wednesday February 1

After dinner, I went down to Tom’s to make a bracket for the lamp, but did not make a success of it.

Thursday February 2

Went the journey and enjoyed it although it was a very cold day indeed.

Friday February 3

Five hogs from Sam Webb. Heard of Mr John Butler’s death who died on Monday last.

Saturday February 4

By 9 o’clock in the evening, I had got all the booking done and ready for stocktaking on Monday.

Sunday February 5

Instead of going to Chapel, I went to Chapel Green to take a sketch of it but again failed because of the cold. To Chapel and L.S. in the evening. Hilda went this morning. Both Mr Wm Martin and Mrs Hall died this afternoon.

Monday February 6

We commenced and finished stock taking so far as recording the goods with the exception of the bacon in the cellar. We got along very nicely and did not mind the job. It has been a very pleasant day, bright and warm, but with no temptation to go out because the roads are mud.

Tuesday February 7

A very good market.

Wednesday February 8

Bertha went to Reading and bought me a cheap pair of trousers, shirts etc. After 8, I made Geo Woods a zinc base for his photographic plates which occupied me til half past 10.

Thursday February 9

Mr Bayliss did the journey because I had to call upon Mr Watts, which I did this morning, with the usual results. Made a drawer for the Eversley till after shop.

Saturday February 11

I did the journey and although it was such a nasty day, I got on very well and somewhat enjoyed the job.

Sunday February 12

To Chapel morning and evening and to Aunt Micklem’s to tea.

Tuesday February 13

I put the cellar tidy, and cleaned out all the empty boxes, and altogether made a good job of it.

Thursday February 16

I went the journey. It was a piercingly cold day and the ground covered with snow. I got on first class.

Saturday February 18

Frances, who has been very much out of sorts with a cough for the last week or more and not been allowed to go to school, seems a little better. While I was resting after dinner, I heard a queer sound out in the street and looking out, I saw a pony down and a lady shot out of the trap. She had a cut upon her temple, but otherwise seemed unhurt. We have had snow every day this week.

Wednesday February 22

I went to London by the excursion train. Left here at 2.11 and returned from London 12 o’clock. 2/6 return. As soon as I got to London, I made for Paternoster Row and called in at Dunn’s, the bookseller, and bought Hood’s Works in two volumes for 17/6. Then off to the Shaftesbury for tea and to Drury Lane and saw ‘Puss in Boots’. I there saw Kaufmann on his bicycle do some marvellous tricks. It was a good pantomime and the part that pleased me most was the donkey.

Thursday February 23

Did the journey and it was an intensely cold day, but I managed to keep tolerably warm and comfortable and did the journey better than I expected. Mrs H. Vass’ house was burnt down on Tuesday.

1888

Thursday March 1

Yesterday, I took to Wixenford a pound of coffee on the bicycle. Coming home, it snowed considerably. Not having ridden the bicycle for a long time, it went uncommonly hard and slow. Today, as I started off for the journey, the ground was covered with snow and I had a heavy snow storm up to Willet’s. We have had snow every day since 13 February, but never enough to interfere with traffic about here. Some part and not far away, It has blocked the railway. I did the journey very well today. Mr Neville died yesterday at the hospital. It is exactly five and half miles to our old place at Eversley.

12 miles – B

Sunday March 4

To Chapel this morning and worked out the text. Lord’s Supper. Before service, I took a run on the bicycle to Bracknell, Easthampstead and Col. Peel’s and so home, and enjoyed it. An early tea, and then Henry and I on the tandem to Eversley, Blackwater, Sandhurst and home by the barracks. It went too hard to enjoy the ride and made my legs ache horribly. I was told the chapter Mr Cave read and I, at once, guessed the text.

10 miles – B; 18 miles – T

Monday March 5

Mr Ryder came in to supper and stayed until 1 o’clock.

Wednesday March 7

I finished the foot rests for the tandem and to my satisfaction. Mr Phillip’s tandem came yesterday and he had a run on it in the afternoon with Kemp to Finchampstead. I intended going out today but it was so very windy and overcast that I abandoned the idea, and kept at the foot rests.

Thursday March 8

Had a wet and windy day for the journey.

Sunday March 11

Terrifically windy all day. To Chapel morning and evening and marked out the texts at both services. The morning service was good the text being ‘In a glass darkly’.

Monday March 12

After dinner, I commenced laying a new floor in the shop on our side of the counter. Went a short run on the bicycle before tea to Binfield and found the roads very heavy.

7 miles – B

Tuesday March 13

Finished the shop floor and made a good job of it.

Wednesday March 14

After dinner, I went out on Mr Phillips’ tandem with him to Bracknell and back. I could not form any ideas of the go of the machine for the roads were so very heavy. We had a glass of ale at the Hind Head, Bracknell, at least I did, for Mr Phillips had two or three to keep down the glass of wine he had before starting. I was very much out of sorts before I went but came home a great deal better.

8 miles

Thursday March 15

I had a very nice bright warm day for the journey and quite enjoyed the ride but alas! Alas!!

Friday March 16

Was a wretchedly cold, bleak, North Easterly day, enough to freeze the marrow in one’s bones. We got on well with the orders and had not an altogether unpleasant day.

Saturday March 17

Was still colder and horribly wintry.

Sunday March 18

A very near relation to the two previous days. To Chapel in the morning and marked out the text. After dinner, I went across to the shop and Bayliss and I had an early cup of tea and then faced the weather by going out on the tandem. We certainly had the best part of the last three days for the sun came out quite pleasant like, although the fierce north east wind kept up into continuous gale. We directed to the old, old way of Eversley and Hartley Row to the Barley Mow at Pilcot, and thence by Crookham and home by Fleet and Eversley Street. We had really a very enjoyable ride in spite of the intensely cold wind. The roads were good, nay excellent, and the sky interesting. Of course, there was nothing of Spring or new leaves or flowers to be seen still we enjoyed the bare country and were merry and in good spirits. We saw many pretty little sights and congratulated ourselves on coming out and seeing these things instead of moping over the fire at home. It certainly justified our effort to turn out, but once out we were well repaid for our apparent self denial. The least enjoyable part was home from Eversley, for from there Mr Bayliss’ legs began to ache. We had some cocoatina when we reached home.

26 miles

Monday March 19

A continuation of the three previous days, only fiercer still. Although there was a perfect NE hurricane on all day, yet Mr Phillips and I did a journey to Ascot and back on his tandem, which he enjoyed immensely. We had a liquer up at the Grand Hotel and then a look round the stabling there. Went to the missionary service this evening and heard Mr Schobergh, an African from Jamaica, very poorly.

14 miles

Tuesday March 20

Heavy snow again.

Thursday March 22

Up at 6. Called Mr Bayliss and had a cup of coffee and then off to Bracknell and Warfield, home by Binfield and Warren House on the tandem. A very nice little ride. We were only just in time, for at 8 o’clock, down came the rain again. This is the first morning run of the year. I went the journey and did it very well indeed.

10 miles

Sunday March 25

A nasty cold wet day. To Chapel twice and marked out the texts.

Monday March 26

A miserable wet day for the journey. Mr, Mrs and Miss Cave came to tea. This I did not know of, and as Mr Bayliss was out on the journey and Henry papering the school room, I did not go home to tea, neither did I go home early. However, we had supper together and an hour’s talk after. Bertha was very poorly and had to go to bed. Mr Cave left a little after 11 and had to get home through the snow which lay thick, and still fell.

Wednesday March 28

I did the Thursday journey today because of Good Friday being this week.

Friday (Good) (bad) 30 March

Was fine until ten o’clock and then soaking wet all the rest of the day and night. I would not give 1h per day for these kind of days. I did a few odd jobs not worth mentioning.

1888

Sunday April 1

Was a very good day and improved as it went on. I went to Chapel this morning. At half past 3, Bayliss came and I had a cup of tea and at a quarter past 4 on the tandem to Yateley, Blackwater and Frimley. We went up to the old windmill and had a look in there and then back by Farnborough and Hawley and home at half past 8. It was a very nice little ride and the roads were as good as we could expect after all this wet weather.

25 miles

Monday April 2 – Bank Holiday

Had breakfast at my usual time, 8 o’clock, then over to the shop and cleaned up the tandem. I had arranged with Mr Phillips to go a run in company with him and his brother Charles on their tandem and Bayliss and I on ours. 10 o’clock was the advertised time so that all my time between breakfast and that was fully occupied in getting the necessary little things ready. The weather was tolerably good but did not look holding out fine all day. It must have been half past 10 before we were off, the two Mr Phillips leading the way. I was afraid we should not see Eversley because the clouds looked very threatening and we had a slight fall of rain before the White House. However, it cleared off and came out tolerably bright and pleasant for the rest of the journey to Guildford. We went via Hawley, Farnborough and Ash.

A nice little liquer up at the Angler’s Rest put new life into the party. While we were in there having our lunch, we had a controversy upon Darwin and the tendency of his teaching.

From Ash it was very nice going to Guildford and I recited several pieces of Hood just to keep the game alive. It was half past 2 when we got to Guildford and had put up our machines at the Angel, so the first thing to be done was to get a dinner. I made for the welcome Coffee House, but Mr Phillips did not like the look of the place when he entered, so he adjourned to the Angel Hotel and had a chop there. I must say the dinner at our place was very bad and badly served up. However, I was not out for dinner but a day’s enjoyment, so I did not let the poorness of the meal upset me at all. I had arranged to meet Mr Phillips at the Angel at 5 o’clock. This at first staggered him because he had arranged to be at home to dinner at 6 o’clock, but as I explained to him, it would be impossible for him to do so unless he travelled by rail, and that he would not think of doing, so he telegraphed home not to wait for him. After our dinner which was a very poor one, Bayliss and I made our way to Compton. On the way there, the aspect of the weather was very threatening and before we reached the village, the rain came on and looked like a wet evening. We found a very hospitable shelter from the stormy blast at the Coffee House of Mr Hawkins. I took off my coat, and while it was drying at the fire, I sat in the chimney corner and had a pleasant rest. We had a light tea, and the rain having ceased, we made a move towards Guildford again, this time over the Hog’s Back.

We pushed up the steep ascent, and while going up, very much admired the beautiful scenery which broke upon us like a panorama, and although there was one even light, and that somewhat hazy, yet it looked very grand and lovely with its undulating hills and broken scenery. On reaching the Hog’s Back, another scene broke upon us, and of an entirely different character. The country was flat and dark, and the sky instead of being of one uniform appearance, was most varied. Behind, on the left, it was bright and light, while immediately in front in the left was intense blackness. The whole scene put me very much in mind of a picture of the crucifixion we used to have at the shop. These heavy black clouds looked as if they were done up in rolls like flannel.

The road is a nice decline right down to Guildford and we rushed along at a great pace, while we almost fancied we were rushing into Hades. We were a few minutes beyond our time, but just in time to see Mr Phillips come out of the Angel. We waited until 6 o’clock to see if the rain was coming on, and as it did not, we made a start for home in a kind of drizzle.

We came back via the Ridges and got on uncommonly well until we reached the sand hill when we had a deal of pushing, and the rain came in for the evening. All hills have an end and so had this, only it was such a long way off, but we reached even that by persevering and plenty of pushing.

We had a nice little refreshment at Frimley and then came home via the R.M.C. and Crowthorne. The roads got worse and worse as we proceeded until we had to work quite hard to get down the hill from the White Horse to the stream. We reached home at half past 10, Mr Phillips and his brother very tired and Bayliss and I quite fresh. We had scarcely any work to do all the way home for Mr Phillips’ pace was so slow that it required but little exertion on our part to keep up with him. I enjoyed the day quite as well as I expected to, but I cannot put it down as a first class holiday. The weather was never quite good enough.

50 miles

Wednesday April 4

The first early closing day of the year. I gave the tandem a brush down, for it was in a very muddy state from Monday’s run. We arranged with Mr Phillips for a run after 4, but were very nearly done out of it by a snow storm which came up a little after 4 o’clock, but as it did not last long and passed over, we sallied forth, Mr Phillips and Bayliss on the Psycho and Henry and I on the Premier.

We made our way to Hartley Row and while the others called in at a pub for a drink, I called upon Uncle Alfred, but he was out having gone to Wokingham. I stayed a few minutes and then all off again to Winchfield Union and Elvetham by Eversley Cross and home. It was a very enjoyable run and would have been more so only I had a cold and for Phillips’ machine went heavy. The roads were not good anywhere, and in places, very bad. Henry and I found our machine go very well indeed, especially considering the state of the roads. I was very glad we were able to have a run because it makes a good opening to the season of early closing.

25 miles

Thursday April 5

I did the journey and was glad to get it over for I had a nasty cold upon me. The roads were in first class order. Mr Phillips wanted Henry to go with him on his tandem to meet his brother who was come down from London on the single tricycle, but Henry could not get away so sent Mr Bayliss and those two went as far as Egham and met Mr M. Phillips. The machine went very hard and they had enough of it by the time they got back.

Friday April 6

After 10, Frances and I went on the tandem a very nice little run round Bill Hill, Binfield and home by the London road.

Saturday April 7

I got up a little before 6, called Bayliss, had breakfast and off for a nice little run on the tandem to Binfield, Bracknell and Easthampstead. We very much enjoyed it and it certainly was pleasant in spite of there being nothing out yet.

12 miles

Sunday April 8

Was a very cold bleak day. About 1 o’clock a heavy snow storm broke over us. We have had snow nearly every day since the beginning of the year, but seldom laying enough to interfere with traffic, at least not here, though close at hand it has done so several times. Although the roads were in first class condition, we did not go out because of the cold wind. I went to Geo Woods to tea and saw his views of Selborne. I guessed both morning and evening texts although I was not there in the evening.

Monday April 9

Was up early and called Bayliss and we two had a most enjoyable run to Sonning. The morning was bright and warm which is more than be said of the day.

Henry and I tried Mr Phillips machine over to Wixenford and back and quite enough of it by the time we reached home. It goes very heavy and stiff. Mr Phillips is disgusted with it.

The British School ‘soiree’ was on today. I did not go to it.

27 miles

Tuesday April 10

Up again and this time Mr Bayliss and I had a first rate little run round Waltham and home by Hurst. I suggested a stay rod to Mr Phillips’ machine and Tom commenced putting one, which I think will improve the go of the machine. After 4 o’clock, Henry and I had a most enjoyable run round the old run of Sherborne and Bramley. We went via Barkham and Swallowfield. Passing by Sir C Russell’s ground, we saw quite a lot of primroses out. This is the only place we have seen any as yet. The weather was somewhat dull, but the roads were good and we enjoyed this run very much and did it comfortably. The machine went extraordinarily well. Of course, we had a rest and a liquer up at the Shepherd.

15 + 42 = 57 miles

Wednesday April 11

There was rain last night and early this morning but the roads were all right by the middle of the day. Henry and I went to Marlow and back and enjoyed our little run. The weather was more cheerful than yesterday but then was rather too strong a gale to make it first class going, but as I say we enjoyed it very well.

28 miles

Thursday April 12

I took James Sale with me round the journey. I went to the [illegible word] in the Hall in the evening and liked the performance well.

Friday April 13

At 3 o’clock I went in the Psycho tandem with Mr Phillips to Stanlake and back and found the stay rod Tom put a great improvement to the go of the machine. The weather today has been a little more cheerful and bright.

9 miles

Sunday April 15

A very nice morning and looked like a good day. I went to Chapel in the morning and marked out the text. Came across to the shop directly after service and arranged with Henry for a run either to Selborne or Compton and to start at half past 2, but, alas, all our arrangements were upset by the weather, for just before 2 it commenced to rain and set in a regular wet day.

Wednesday April 18

It has been raining since Sunday and still raining. No chance of going out so I cleaned the regulator and bought it off Geo Woods for £5.15.0.

Sunday April 22

It promised every way last night for a fine day today but it lied and turned out a darned wet, cold and miserable day. I had tea at Mrs Micklem’s.

Monday April 23

Had my usual present from Mrs Saddler. I was going to London today on the tandem with Bayliss, but the cold, wet, wintry weather would not allow of it.

Tuesday April 24

Very cold and wet again.

Wednesday April 25

A dull, cold, windy NE wind day. We had no idea of a run until after dinner. The clouds broke away and the sun peeped through and invited us out so we thanked him and accepted the invitation and at 5 o’clock, Henry and I on the tandem and Bayliss on his new Safety, sallied forth with the wind to Eversley, Yateley, Hawley, Cove and Fleet.

We stayed for a few minutes at Fleet Pond and watched the swallows flying over the water. It was a very pretty run over here and very much we enjoyed the view of the country as we saw it this evening, lit up by the sun which has been almost a stranger to us for a long time. This sunshine made the going round by the lanes from Hawley to Fleet very pretty and interesting. From Fleet we bowled along to Crookham and Crondall, and instead of turning back and to the left for Odiham, we tried the way straight on and to the right, but somehow, we made a mistake and missed our turning, for we got landed out into a wild kind of country lane and Henry had to ask of some cottagers who resided some way off from the road, the way, and from them he got the desired information. The wind now was exceedingly rough, strong and very cold from the NE.

We were not bound for time and so we quite enjoyed the little incident of being lost, and then instead by passing down a narrow and steep lane and by a farm yard, finding ourselves on Dogmersfield Common, and not long after comfortably doing a glass of ale and biscuits in Mrs Figgins’ parlour. There we sat warming our wind shattered bodies by the cosy little fire while we had a pleasant chat with Mrs F who related the thrilling, and we were almost beginning to fear, the tragic account of the unknown and mysterious visitor who selected that house and there carried out the romance by which she lost her maiden name and gave her whole self and belongings to wear a new one.

But if we continued sitting by Mrs Figgins’ fire, we knew we should not get to Wokingham like that, so we left comfort and again did battle with the wind and so reached home having had a remarkably nice easy run round. This run has come quite a surprise to us.

36 miles

Thursday April 26

James Sale went with me the journey, and a decidedly cold journey it was too.

Friday April 27

Frances and I went to the White House with some goods on the tandem after tea, and after closing, Mr Bayliss and I had a run to Bracknell, Easthampstead, Binfield and home by the Warren House.

14 miles

Sunday April 29

The day began rough and soon came on to rain, but not enough to wet the roads, for the wind blew them dry directly. As the day wore on, it was still rougher but no rain. I came over at 3 to see if Henry was on the feel for a run, but the howling of the wind and the gloom of the clouds was too much for him, and he declined a turn out. We sat by the fire for half an hour and then the wind seemed to drop a little and the sun peeped out and made him alter his mind and go. At almost 5 o’clock, we started off in quite bright, but still very windy weather and made our way against the wind to Barkham and Arborfield, and passing on to Swallowfield. We were stopped on the way by the sight of at least 200 moles hung up on one tree just five miles from here. We had a minute on Swallowfield bridge, and a pipe, and then on over the Loddon to the Three Mile Cross and to the left to Beech Hill and away by the lanes to Bramley, and Sherfield. The greater part of the way from Swallowfield to Sherfield was over new ground to us, and very pleasant it was too. We stayed not at Sherfield, but literally rushed home, for we came along at an amazing pace all the way. The roads are perfect. Here again, another run dropped in quite unexpected, for the day gave no promise whatever of letting us have a run at all, and then just at 4 o’clock, it changed and from rough tempestuous gloom, came out sunny and cheerful with quite a SW wind on.

30 miles

Monday April 30

By far the best day of the year, in fact the only, to say, comfortable and spring like day, so Bayliss and I took the opportunity of using it for a journey to London.

I sent Davis with the goods to Eversley, and I also mended the foot rest which I broke off the tandem yesterday. Went to see Geo Woods to ascertain about the looking glass for the clock and found it had arrived. I intended leaving at 1 o’clock, and had my dinner, a cold one, and got all ready and as we went by Mr Phillips, the hooter went off. As we had a long night before us, we determined to take matters easy and not hurry anywhere. The weather was gloriously fine, and what wind there was, was in our favour, the roads were perfection and we, ourselves in good condition, so that altogether we had a splendid run all the way up to Hounslow without a stop except once for oil. We went along at a rare pace from Staines to Hounslow, and when we reached the latter place, the 22 miles occupied exactly two hours.

We tried to put the tandem up at a pub but none would take it in, because of the late hour we should be in for it, so we took it to the station and left it there while we took the 3.55 to Waterloo. We noticed how much earlier the trees in the orchards we passed were. They were just breaking out in blossom and looked very pretty. The return ticket was 1/6. We had tea at the Shaftesbury and then off to the Lyceum and waited from a quarter to 6 until half past 7 at the pit door, so of course we got a good seat and saw ‘Faust’ which is on for a few nights only. It was very close in the theatre and what with that and the waiting outside, made our heads ache a little. Coming out at a quarter past 11, we journeyed steadily on to Waterloo buying two 3d worth of fried fish and some bread which we ate in the train on our way back to Hounslow. I gave the porter sixpence for taking care of the tandem and rather astonished him when I told him we were just off to Wokingham and amused him as I whistled like an engine as we started off. We left Hounslow at 12.40 and had a very good run, reaching home at 3.15.

As I said, the weather was all that could be desired on the journey up and it was very gratifying to think that we had selected the very best day of the year for our journey. The country is just beginning to look a bit pretty, and what with the sight of it and the anticipation of a pleasant evening and a night run home, made us feel uncommonly cheerful and happy. We had a good tea at the Shaftesbury and horrible long waiting at the Lyceum gate. The night was cloudy and threatened for rain and before Egham was passed, we had a little, and by Virginia Water, it came faster and quite thick from Bracknell, but with it all, it was not enough to wet us much. I got home very comfortably and not over tired, and had a good rest until 8 o’clock.

It did not seem much like night riding, for it was not dark at all. The moon rose at about 12 o’clock, about half full and obscured by clouds. By Bedfont, we heard the nightingale, at Bracknell, the cuckoo, and when we got home, the larks were singing and day just beginning to break.

45 miles

1888

Wednesday May 2

A dull wet day. I was not sorry for it because I wanted to finish off the regulator which I did and to my satisfaction and also Hilda’s.

Thursday May 3

Did the journey midst a violent gale which barracked me a great deal.

Friday May 4

The last of the pigs for the season. A beautiful day, but of course, Friday. I went on the bicycle for a few miles after dinner.

4 miles

Sunday May 6

The day began dull but I felt sure of its improving as the morning wore on for the glass is so very high, but alas, instead of getting better, it did the other thing, and during service, we had quite a rain. If the weather had been suitable, Henry and I were going to Selborne after dinner, but we had no chance of doing that for the afternoon was gloomy and dull in the extreme and looked like more wet. About 5 o’clock, it came over a little clearer, or rather more luminous, and then Henry and I took a run to Sonning and home by Sandford Mill and Warren House. We enjoyed the run very much. The evening was very close and we felt a bit faint like and not up to doing much work. Mr Bayliss was out all day with Mr Wells for a run.

18 miles

Monday May 7

The day commenced somewhat dull but by 10 o’clock it began to improve and gave signs of being a nice bright day, so Henry and I made up our minds for a run this afternoon either to Compton, or if the weather was good enough, to Selborne. Before 12 o’clock, we decided for Selborne for it came out a lovely day, bright and warm. We got the multum packed with a can of tea and eatables etc and were all ready and off by 3 minutes past 2. To make very quick time or to beat up our previous record, we knew to be out of the question, because there was a strong SW wind on, and that of course was against us on the journey down. We had an enjoyable though somewhat working journey down.

It was decidedly warm going up the Golden Pot Hill, and I had to take in a glass of ale to carry me on until tea time. I was glad I did for we had a decidedly stiff run from Alton, right to Selborne, and besides being against [illegible word] from Alton, the clouds came up and obscured the sun, so that we missed his enlivening rays on the Hanger as we drew into the village and we almost feared lest it should be blowing up for rain, but by the time we had put up the machine and walked down to the Lythe and selected a spot for tea, the sun broke out again and the clouds dispersed and we had an uninterrupted spell of beautiful sunshine until he firmly set.

We picked upon a spot down by the stream under a bank that sheltered us from the wind, and yet was in the full sunshine, which was most grateful and comforting. The tea took a very short time to warm up and very pleasant it was sipping the cheerful cup and tucking into the bread and butter and ham paste while the birds sang round us beautifully and well. The air was balmy and warm and the weather beautifully bright and we in a pretty spot, and so it was no wonder that we enjoyed ourselves well. We sat here a full hour, for we needed a rest because it was quite stiff enough work coming down for the wind was strong and dead against us.

We had nothing to complain of in the way of roads, they were A1 throughout. Well, after basking in the sun for an hour, we made a move towards the zig zag, and ascended it by the circuitous route and so got a good view of the country this side. The prospect from the other side of the hill was very beautiful and the light was about right for it. The walk down from the Hanger through the beech trees was very fine – so peaceful and soothing was the sight of the little valley below. After doing the well head and having a good drink, which lasted me all the way home (with a supplement at Alton fountain) we left Selborne and had a splendid run home with what little wind there was at our back. The Golden Pot hill we ascended very pleasantly. From the G.P. to the Odiham hill, we travelled along quicker than ever we remember to have done before on the road. We moved round these lanes at an alarming rate, and did just enjoy that run of three miles. We took matters easy up the Odiham hill but made a quick run home and landed ourselves in a little after ten, having had a very nice outing. It was the only day this year that would have done for Selborne and we had it. It took one hour and three quarters to go down and the same amount of time for the return journey.

53 miles

Tuesday May 8

Henry and I went on Mr Phillips’ tandem to try it to Hare Hatch and back. There by the Bath road home by Ruscombe. It was pleasant out, saw the first swift of the season. Heard the nightingale by the G.W Rail.

16 miles

Wednesday May 9

I dressed the provision window with soda and brushes etc. At 5 o’clock, Henry and I on the tandem, and Bayliss on his Safety, started off for the Hog’s Back, Mr Wells having started about 20 minutes before so as to get well on the road without hurrying. From the start, we put on the pace and had a rattling good run through Yateley, Hawley, and caught Wells just as he was taking the wrong road by going over the canal instead of down to Ash Vale. The sun shone nice and bright and the wind behind us and good roads underneath us, and very pretty scenery all round, especially all by Hawley and Farnborough. After catching Mr Wells up, we stayed a few minutes, but the cold wind very soon urged us on and away. We went at a very fair pace to Wanborough, which after leaving and beginning the ascent, Mr Wells made a mistake and went into the ditch under his bicycle. It did not hurt him. We had a rough road upon to the Flats, and when we got there, no view or scarcely any for the wind being in the NE, it came up thick and obscured the sun, and gave the country a somewhat smokey appearance. As Henry and I wanted to have a quick run down to Farnham, we told the others not to hurry to keep up but we would wait for them at Farnham, so putting on the pace, we did the five miles to Farnham at a quick spin and stopping at the Coffee House in the Borough, we waited nine minutes before the others appeared, and instead of coming on to us, they turned up at the Castle, and before we could call them back, got out of hearing and so we saw or heard no more of them. We went on and had tea, or rather coffee, eggs and bread and butter at 3 o’clock. Refreshed, we mounted and made for home. We took it very quietly and easily all the way to the public house that stands almost at the top of the long hill. Once there, we mounted and came away quick all the way home. It was a splendid run home to us both. We expected to come across the two lost ones at every fresh turn of the road but we arrived home without a sight of them, they having made a mistake in the road and came home via Hartley Row, getting home three quarters of an hour after us – 10.45. I came home nearly as fresh as when I went out and quite as quickly. It certainly was a jolly run home.

42 miles

Round Hurst before breakfast

8 miles

Thursday May 10

Took James Sale with me round the journey, and seeing a prospect of getting done early, I suggested going to Reading on the tandem to see H.M.S. Pinafore which is on at the theatre for three nights. Well, we worked away well and got home, had our dinner and tea, did the booking and off by 6 o’clock and our machine housed by a quarter to 7 at the Boar’s Head. We had a good seat, enjoyed the opera and came away pleased. A splendid starlight ride of 45 minutes brought us home, thoroughly satisfied with our day’s performance. There was a nice little performance of Uncle Samuel put up in the stage before Pinafore.

14 miles

Friday May 11

I had a nice little run round Hurst after dinner on the bicycle. Henry and Carrie essayed to take a turn over to Swindall’s in the evening, but had an accident beyond the Frog and broke a spoke in the front wheel and had to walk back.

8 miles

Saturday May 12

Up and called Mr Bayliss, had some coffee, and then off on our bicycle to Hurst, Twyford, Sonning, Sandford, Elvetham and home. We did not get off or make a stop, except to light a pipe at Bill Hill, all the way round. It was very beautiful out and very much we enjoyed it. We heard several nightingales and cuckoos. Tom mended the wheel of the tandem. I followed Mrs Walden to the grave this afternoon.

16 miles

Sunday May 13

Gave promise of a nice fine day, and so Mr Bayliss and I began it well by taking a run before service. We directed our course by Wiltshire Farm, Warren House and Binfield to Cabbage Hill up which we pushed and were rewarded with a glorious view from the top. The sun shone brightly and warm and showed up the new green leaves of the trees, and the distant hills. Down Cabbage Hill and away by Moss End, up Hawthorne Hill to Winkfield and Bracknell. We were rather pushed for time, and a stiff breeze against us made it a little warm for the last five miles. We did not use the tandem, but Bayliss on his Safety and I on the bicycle. I enjoyed the run very much indeed, and so did he. I had a wash down and a change of clothes and then off to Chapel. Came home and had a dinner and a rest, an early tea with Henry and at quarter past 4, was on the tandem with him and making our way to Basingstoke via Eversley Street, Heckfield and Sherfield, and reached the Market Place at Basingstoke on 1 hour 42 minutes, and with a strong west wind against us all the time. We had a glass of ginger beer and a quarter of an hour’s rest and then off by Hackwood and Herriard to Alton. From Basingstoke the wind dropped down, and what little there was, was on our right.

This was a most delightful run from Basingstoke to Alton, the weather was perfection, and we were there just at the right time of day to catch the beauty of the scenery. As the sun shone from our right and lit up the beautiful parks on the left, we saw the new fresh green leaves of the trees to perfection, and I do not think I ever enjoyed pushing the machine as I did up the long hill by Herriard Park. It was nice and hot and I took off my coat and hung it on the machine and enjoyed the balmy breeze from under the shade of those grand trees. From Herriard, down to Alton will live in our memories as long as they retain that which is beautiful. We have seen it before under exceptionally favourable circumstances, but never quite up to what it was tonight. We saw a hare and a very fine one too, go up one of those high hills at a terrific pace. It was quite a sight to see him take that hill, but the prettiest thing in that way was a field on the right, one of those just skirting the escarpment of the wooded heights. This field was really full of young rabbits like a piece of cheese under a microscope and very interesting it was to watch them gambol about as we quickly passed by. Yes, there is no mistake but that we enjoyed this part, as well as all the journey tonight.

At Alton, we had tea at the old Coffee House, and a chat to the new landlord who is a bit of a photographer. With tea refreshed, we made light of Golden Pot hill and did a terrific pace to South Warnborough, and a very respectable one all the way home. What a lovely view we had of Odiham from the chalk pit hill. The mist was just enveloping the old town, and the square church loomed up mystically and indistinctly in the half dark light. It was a beautiful run home, and after hearing the cuckoo, the thrush, the blackbird and many others, we wound up with the nightingale. Today has been a grand day every way and I finish up fresh and well after doing 70 miles.

18 miles – B; 52 miles – T: 70 miles

Monday May 14

Another nice day. Frances and I, after tea, went round the by-lanes of Hurst on the tandem, and very pretty it was too. The weather was, perhaps, a little too sultry to feel invigorating, but the beauty of the country over balanced the ill effect of lethargy.

8 miles

Tuesday May 15

I set out the grocer’s window with sugar etc.

Wednesday May 16

A dull and threatening for rain day, so I set to and did some shop decorating and after 4, went round Barkham only, for the wind was strong and the evening very oppressive. Came home and cleaned up the bicycle well.

5 miles

Thursday May 17

Bayliss did the journey and a thoroughly wet day he had, as wet a one as we have had this year. It will do a world of good. I had a long day at the shop decoration and a comfortable one too. It was quite nice to see the rain come down while I was in the dry.

Saturday May 19

I did the journey so as to let Bayliss off for his journey on the Safety to Aylesbury. A beautiful day I had and quite enjoyed my run round. We had a very good evening. Things look promising for a fine Whitsun and I feel uncommonly well and ready for it.

Sunday May 20

A splendid morning, so I got up a little earlier than normal for a Sunday and had breakfast by 8 o’clock. At a little past 9 I bestrode the bicycle and wended my way to Binfield, Moss End, Hawthorne Hill, Winkfield, by the Tally Ho and the Squirrel, Winkfield Church, Cabbage Hill and Warren House, home, and a most glorious run it was too, and very happy I was basking in the sunshine. Oh, the pretty flowers and dear little birds. Went to Chapel and worked out the text. Came across to see if Henry was going for a run after dinner, but he would rather save his energy for tomorrow so I went by myself on the bicycle. I left at 5 o’clock and bowled along merrily to Marlow without a stop, sat half an hour on the bridge watching the river traffic and then came home the same way as I went, with the exception of avoiding Matthew’s Green by going by the Warren House. It was such a beautiful run over to Marlow that I did not like to venture on a fresh way back lest it not be so good. There was quite a breeze on which helped me over to Marlow, and strange to say, seemed to do the same for me on the return journey. The bicycle went uncommonly easy both this morning and evening. I got home at 8 o’clock, so had it nice and light all the way. This looks promising for tomorrow, and we go to bed feeling sure of a fine Monday.

21 + 29 = 50 miles – B

Monday May 21 – Whit Monday

I turned out at 6 o’clock and found a most glorious day awaiting me. Came across to the shop and did the Eversley orders and cleaned the tandem. While I was cleaning it, a spoke broke on the front wheel.

Had breakfast at a quarter to 8, for we, Tom, Henry, Phillips, Geo Woods and I are timed to leave at 8.30 for Selborne, and should have left at that time only Tom had to put a spoke in my tandem and that delayed us, so that it was 9.30 before we finally made a start, Mr Phillips on his single, Geo Woods and Tom on Mr Phillips’ tandem, and Henry and I on ours, and a very merry, if somewhat slow run we had over there. The weather was nice and bright though not devoid of clouds, and it was delightfully warm – the others said it was hot. George took off his coat and rode in his white shirt sleeves, and as he rode along he looked more like a full blown bishop than a cyclist. It may have been more comfortable to him to ride without a coat, but it hardly added to the dignity and respectability of our appearance, in fact it gave it quite a plebeian aspect and entirely robbed Mr Phillips of the glory which would otherwise have been his from his faultless get up in cycle touring costume. Also, Mr Woods’ behaviour in passing through the village and towns, did not do the turn out justice. It put one more in mind of Bob Sawyer than a bishop and dignitary of the Church, but in spite of these setbacks, we had a very jolly run down.

South Warnborough looked very pretty and we were all struck with its appearance this bright morning. At Alton, we had a little refreshment at the Shaftesbury. Called upon Mr Carpenter and came across Mr Richards and his daughter, who used to keep the shop now occupied by Mr Perkins. Again, the sun favoured us by shining upon the Hanger as we came down the straight into Selborne, and very fine it looked too.

We put up at the Queen’s Arms, bought some ginger beer and a quart of ale, then off through the churchyard to the Lythe and at the spot where we had tea the other day, we sat down and now had dinner, and very much we enjoyed it. George soon finished his and went fishing in the little stream. In this wise, he took off his shoes and socks, and with his hand tried to catch a miller’s thumb, but ripped the nail off his own finger instead. He then borrowed a knife and said he would stab it, but we laughed him to scorn, until he, in triumph, brought him out on the point of the knife, firmly caught at the first endeavour.

After basking in the warm sunshine for an hour, we rose and proceeded down to the river and back by the beech wood to the village and up the Hanger by, to me, a new way. There was a cricket match on between Selborne and Liphook in the park at the back of White House, so we went on and saw a little of the game and also had a good view of the grounds of Friend White’s. I wish I had stopped here and rested and seen the cricket instead of going up the Hanger, for I have been up there a good many times.

We had a lay down for a short time on the top of the Hanger and then descended to the Well Head. Mr Phillips made a slip coming down and sadly plastered his behind with the putty like clay of the zig zag to where we called in at the house of one of George’s friends to take him a photo. Mr Phillips endeavoured to remove the mud from his behind by dragging himself dog like on his posterior along our friend’s lawn. This more amused us than removed the offending mud.

Had tea at the hotel, indifferently served, for which they charged us 1/9 each, which was dear. It must have been past 6 o’clock when we made tracks for home, and as soon as we reached the tip of the hill leading out of Selborne, we could see very heavy and dark clouds on our right and it had the appearance of a coming storm, so we put along, and by the time we reached Alton, we could see we should have it directly, so we waited under the railway arches and very soon it blew up and for half an hour we were kept waiting there. There was not much rain where we were but a nasty cold wind then blew every way while waiting. Mr Wells came along on his Safety on his way up from Petersfield. We hailed him and he took shelter with us. As soon as the storm passed, the sun came out bright and warm again and we had no more rain or appearance of it, but we had the effect of what had fallen, for it quite spoilt the road all the way to Odiham, and with the exception of Henry and me, they all had had enough by the time the old town was reached. We called in on Mr T. Biles and had some tea and bread and butter, and thus refreshed merrily made our way home, having had a very pleasant turn out and I think we all enjoyed it. The only drawback was the storm because it spoilt the best part of the road home. The rest of the time was splendid weather and we all felt merry and well. Davis and James went to Farnham.

52 miles

Tuesday May 22

Mr Bayliss came back. I cleaned up and got the tandem in order for another run.

Wednesday May 23

Up and had a very pleasant run round Bill Hill, Hurst to Twyford and home by the Dog and Duck on the bicycle. A ten miler I very much enjoyed. The day was bright with a strong NE wind blowing which I feared would stop our run after 4. However, it did not, for after tea, a little after 5 o’clock, Henry and I got into the saddles and made our way to Eversley, not knowing wither we were bound. At the Cross, we turned for Yateley and made our way to Guildford by Farnborough, Ash etc., and although there was a fierce wind against us, and the road in some places not good, we reached Guildford without a dismount in a little over two hours, very pleasant running. We put the tandem up at the Angel and had tea at the Coffee House, and then off to Farnham over the Hog’s Back. On the railway bridge, we met Mrs Cocksedge and had a talk with her, then a push for a few yards up the hill, and away at a quick pace for Farnham, doing the 10 miles between there and Guildford in 50 minutes.

The sun was setting on our right, and the moon well up at our left, and a beautiful sight we had all along the ridge, which is in first class order. We passed through Farnham and took matters very easily to the top of the hill on which we had a liquer up at the Public House and a good look round at the beautiful effect the moon gave the scenery. How very mystic and charming the village on the left in the hollow looked. The valley was filed with darkness and into it the moon shone and just showed up the houses leaving the rest in gloom and semi darkness. We had a grand ride all the way home and seldom enjoyed a moonlight ride more, and we came home as fresh as when we started, doing the 50 miles not only with ease, but comfort also.

We started off not knowing where we were going or whether we should go many miles because of the wind, and thus to do 50 miles after 5 o’clock, and without any undue exertion, was a feat we should not thought of attempting since years ago. We got home at 11 o’clock, having travelled at the rate of 10 miles the hour throughout.

10 miles – B; 50 miles – T: 60 miles

Thursday May 24

When I went across for ‘The Cyclist’, I saw James Sale and asked him to come the journey with me. He did, and a very nice day we had and got home at quarter past 5. Had tea, and then he and I on the tandem, worked our way to Wargrave and took a boat and had an hour on the river, and the home to supper before dark. This made quite a nice little turn out, and saved a fine day from being lost. When I started on the journey this morning, I had no idea of doing such a thing, or should have hurried round quicker.

14 miles – T

Friday May 25

The morning was dull and cold so I did not turn out early as I anticipated. However, the day turned out beautifully bright and warm, and very much I enjoyed it. After dinner, I went on the bicycle by Bill Hill and Stanlake to Twyford and home by Baldock’s and the Dog and Duck, a run of just 10 miles, and very, very pleasant it was too.

Talk about lovely, leafy Liphook. I think it is lovely, leafy Hurst. Yes, it certainly did look exceedingly beautiful, so rich and heavy in foliage, and the meadows not green with grass but yellow with buttercups, and then the chestnut trees with their tropical leaves and towers of blossom gave a delightful colour and shade. The lilac, too, is now very pretty. This run took me an hour, but it was an hour well spent. I felt so much better for it and made the afternoon work so easy.

We were late shutting up and it was past 9 o’clock, when Henry and I on the tandem and Bayliss on his Safety, started for a moonlight run over the same course as I went this afternoon. We kept company to Hurst, but the pace being rather too warm for Mr B, he turned back by Billingbear. We went along very easily and quick, and enjoyed our after supper ride, for it was a grand evening.

10 miles – B; 10 miles – T

Saturday May 26

Another nice bright warm day, but like some of the other days of this week, it began cold and dull and somewhat windy, or I should have gone for a morning run. However, I had one after dinner round St Sebastian on the bicycle and one at night on the tandem because the grout for Wixenford was left behind and I had to take over a little for them to go on with, so I obtained the help of James Sale and he and I had a capital run. We left here about 10 and got back a little after 11 going via the Street and home by the Cross.

James worked uncommonly well and very merrily, and we bowled along enjoying the night ride amazingly, and also our pipes. The moon rose very red, but no doubt this was because Professor Holendfeld who has taken Roberts the horse, shot it this evening. It was rather pleasant with the run this evening because it made up a good total for the week of 214 miles.

5 miles – B; 13 miles – T: 18 miles

Sunday May 27

Another glorious day and it began well. Bayliss and I, on bicycles, had a delightful ride before service. We went to Moss End and turned to the left to Waltham and by the lanes to the street and home by Billingbear. The many pretty sights we saw round were all surpassed by a most magnificent display of bluebells in the woods near Waltham. It looked like a fine Turkey carpet of Prussian blue. We got home just in time for service. I marked out the text ‘Unite my heart to fear your name’, from which we had a very good discourse. I went to sleep all the afternoon, and at a little before 4, I came across to see if Henry was game for a ride. We had tea and left by 5 o’clock taking our course by Bennings to Waltham and Shottesbrook, which was most lovely this afternoon and we certainly did appreciate it, being in very good fettle and happy. Well we soon passed on and got to Maidenhead in the hour. We stopped at the lock a short time and watched the boats go through and then on to Cookham bridge where we had a somewhat longer linger by the stream here, and it would be superfluous to say it looked grand and beautiful. A somewhat clear run brought us to Marlow and straight through to the Public House at the foot of the long hill there. We did a liquer up and a rest. Pushing up the steep hill, we mounted again and ran at a quick rate to Henley and straight through to Sonning. We overtook, and I think rather put to a bicyclist on the road to Henley. The sun was just setting over the hill on the right between Marlow and Henley and very pretty it looked too. It is a capital round from Henley to Sonning, but of course further than the Wargrave way. Again, from Sonning we went along very quickly to Twyford where we did another liquer up and a rest, enjoying the summer like evening. After leaving Twyford, many minutes did not elapse before we were again at home, having had a very nice, pretty, though not the easiest, run of 42 miles. We must have done the pace tolerably fast for the 42 miles, including stoppages only occupied a little over four hours. George drove Fernie this morning from Twyford and back again this evening.

15 miles – B; 42 miles – T: 57 miles

Tuesday May 29

Jamie Sale and I went on the tandem to Frimley and took a boat for an hour on the canal. We left here a little before 6. The evening was wet, windy and cold, and I was not quite up to the mark, and altogether I did not enjoy the outing. The day was very much brighter or I should not have arranged to go at all.

24 miles – T

Wednesday May 30

Was dull and windy and so I did not go for a ride. Was cleaning up the cellar all day, and spent the evening at the Works putting in spokes to the tandem and bicycle.

Thursday May 31

Bayliss did the journey. I repaired the shelves in the cellar, and otherwise cleaned up. After we had closed, Frances and I on the tandem took a very pleasant run round Hurst. It was nearly 9 o’clock before we started, but that did not detract from the pleasure because the days now are so beautifully long and the nights like summer.

8 miles – T

1888

Friday June 1

And nearly the first day of summer. We got on very forward with the orders and I took advantage of it to have a run round on the bicycle after dinner. I went to Hurst via Bill Hill and home by Haines Hill and Billingbear. I enjoyed it exceedingly. The country looked lovely in its rich profusion of flowers and foliage and the high summer sun shining down with grateful warmth. It was so delightful that I got Henry to have a run with me after shop. We had a bit of supper, and a little after 9 o’clock we rode off to Hurst via Bill Hill, on to Stanlake, Ruscombe and Knowl Hill. We did not go up the hill but only as far as the May hedge extends, and there turned back. We could smell, but not see, the May. We came home through Twyford. This was a very beautiful summer night run, and we bowled along at a grand pace and enjoyed every yard of the way. It is very pleasant being able to get round and see the country like this after a day’s work.

8 miles – B; 16 miles – T: 24 miles

Saturday June 2

Was up and for a run round Bracknell and Easthampstead and home by the White Horse before breakfast. Very pretty and enjoyable. I did the journey and took James Sale with me. It was a glorious warm day.

10 miles – B

Sunday June 3

I went a very nice ride before service this morning and enjoyed it more than I can express. I left about half past 9 and made my way to Waltham Church via Haines Hill. The weather was delightful, bright and beautifully warm, with a balmy wind from the SW. The air was loaded with the perfume of the May and Lilac and the whole country is covered with flowers and leaves, and looks most gorgeously beautiful.

I could have lingered round by Waltham Church, but time forbad, for I had to make my way back against the wind. I came home by the kennels and the Green Man, changed my clothes and off in time for service. I marked out the text ‘I will run in the way of thy commandments when thou shall enlarge my heart’. Came home, had a good dinner and a rest then over to the shop to get tea ready, for Henry and I are going for a run this evening to Frensham Pond. Well we had tea and ready to start by quarter past 4. The weather was beautifully bright and warm, but the wind was alarmingly strong and blew the trees about in a most ominous manner, so that we feared it would seriously interfere with our going, but it turned out to be of very little hindrance, and it had the advantage of keeping us from feeling the heat too much. We went by Fleet and up Beacon Hill and had a most magnificent run down into Farnham. Here, we very much admired the view. On through Farnham over hilly roads but good right to Frensham Pond. We passed a very pretty spot where the road crosses the Tilford stream whose water made a verdant valley in the midst of the heather waste.

As we ran down to Frensham Pond, we saw down by the hotel, quite a converse of people and had to slacken the pace to pass through them safely. We learned the cause of this gathering of the crowd to be caused by there being a club or fair to be held there on the morrow. We added to their numbers for a quarter of an hour or so, while we moistened ourselves with some of the best ale I have tasted for many a day. I was thirsty, but all the same for that, the ale was decidedly good.

We had not time to take a boat on the lake, although there were several out, and to be had. We were now at Frensham Pond, but the question was which way to go home, to the left by Thursley and Godalming, or to the right by Headley and Selborne. The decision was given for the latter, and soon after the decision was put in to action, and one might have seen us pedalling along over miles of lanes of extremely undulating character, but of tolerably good surface.

These lanes are somewhat narrow and either dug or worn down much below the fields and ground on either side, so that on both sides we had high earth banks well covered with all manner of creeping plants and pretty flowers, amongst the latter of which the large campion was very prolific and exceedingly large and fine. They presented a grand display and yielded us very much enjoyment and pleasure, filling us with admiration.

We had some difficulty in finding our way in the labyrinth but after an hour or so spent exploring new country, we dropped in to Selborne parallel with the Long Lythe. We stayed not at the usual place but put on the speed and very soon found ourselves doing a cup of coffee and a plate of ham at Alton. It had gone a quarter past 9 ere we left Alton and merrily made our way to Odiham doing the Golden Pot hill as a very little thing, and clearing the air with a rush and a whirl to this side of South Warnborough.

A small distance of the two hills we pushed, and then dropped down to Mrs Figgins just as she was closing and drank off a pint between us, and moistened with that, we came at a very fast rate right to Star Hill, pushed up, and then as usual were very speedily home, and found our friends anxiously awaiting our arrival for it was just half past 11, and they had got quite nervous because we were an hour behind our usual time.

It was an exceedingly pleasant evening’s run, the weather was cheerful, bright and warm, and the wind, which completely dropped as night came on, did not trouble us at all. The roads were in very first class condition, excepting a few patches of stones along the lanes leading from Farnham to Selborne. We went over a bit of, to me, new country, and most of it very pretty, especially Hanger. We, neither of us, felt tired any part of the way, and felt as comfortable coming home by the White House as when we passed in the afternoon. The cyclometer gave it as 59 miles and I think it must be very nearly correct, so I think this is the longest distance we have done after tea. Our expenses were 11d each.

14 miles – B; 58 miles – T: 72 miles

Monday June 4

Was booking all day. Over hauled Mr Headley’s machine for him.

Tuesday June 5

Cleaned up the cellar.

Wednesday June 6

Whitewashed the cellar and put the warehouse and loft tidy. We had rain last night and a very dull day today so that the roads were not dry by 4 o’clock. About 6 o’clock, Carrie and I, on the tandem, took a run to Waltham and had a pleasant ride, for the evening came out nice and bright.

14 miles – T

Thursday June 7

Jamie and I did the journey. Afterwards, I on the tandem to the White House with a parcel for Wixenford.

12 miles – T

Friday June 8

A nice wet day.

Saturday June 9

A very nice day. I went round Bill Hill and the Warren House after dinner, and very pretty it was too. Yesterday’s rain has put the roads in excellent order. About tea time, we had another good rain.

4 miles – B

Sunday June 10

Went round the intricacies of Hurst before service, a lovely run on a nice Sunday morning. The roads have dried up and are in perfect condition. I very much enjoyed the little run. Went to Chapel and heard a very poor sermon. Arranged with Henry for a run to Compton and Ripley, and cleaned and oiled the tandem well. Went home and had a good dinner and a short rest and sleep, made a jug of tea, and called Henry, and all things ready and off at 7 minutes past 3, on our way to Broadmoor in most glorious weather, bright, warm and with a nice westerly breeze blowing which was in our favour. On by Crowthorne, the R.M. College, Frimley, Ash Vale and to the canal in just the hour, over Ash station (1 hour 6 minutes) and up the Hog’s Back, dismounting for the first time at the hill leading up. While I was pushing up, Henry caught a little bird, a willow wren, which had got entangled in some briars. We had a grand run along the Back, both sides showing up well. It was nice and sunny, yet not devoid of clouds, and there was a rich blueness about the atmosphere which made the hills on the sunny side very pretty. We dropped down in to Compton at 4.55, having been 1 hour 48 minutes coming over, and the distance all 22 miles. From Ash, we did not hurry at all, or we should have done it very much quicker. Our old friends, Mr and Mrs Hawkins came out to welcome us. Mrs Hawkins said she quite expected us, for she had been dreaming about us that very morning. We had a nice comfortable tea in the library – tea, bread and butter, cake, milk and all for 1/2. We did not hurry over tea, but while the repast was on, I looked through the Leisure Hour at the illustration of the story of ‘Roland Lee’ and that carried me back a long time ago. After doing a pipe in the Harrow and a good long rest, we again made for the Hog’s Back at a little after 6 o’clock. We did not intend leaving before 6 o’clock, but making such a quick run over, we had a much longer rest than we anticipated, so that we left Compton quite as fresh as we left Wokingham, and felt quite ready for a good long ride.

It was in the prime of summertime and balmy, calm and cool as we quietly wended our way up the eminence, riding part and walking the rest while we gathered the wild flowers along the high banks, or through the openings, feasting our eyes on the lovely prospect beyond. Down the Back into Guildford, was a grand run, legs up, the sun behind lighting up the town in front, and making all glorious.

We stopped not at Guildford, but pushed up the High Street and then away to Ripley, one of the best roads I have ever been upon, or at least one of the best. Once we drew up to gather some of the very fine Campions, otherwise we did not even slacken our pace, but came in to Ripley and drew up at the famous ‘Anchor’ red hot like an express train. We sauntered about and heard a very pretty hymn played and sung at the church there, then had a glass of ale each and ran down the village which is somewhat pretty, especially the Green and the entrance over the little stream. We stayed a few minutes on the bridge admiring the house on the left with a little lake and nice lawn in front, then turned back for a mile and to the right to Woking over some excellent road and level. It was also very pretty, and many nice little places we passed, especially one house, an old Elizabethan structure. Also round by the Wey, which we crossed was very lovely.

Woking was far below my expectations being a poor and very shabby looking place, with no paving or kerbs.

We spent a few minutes at the church and then came away via the station to Chobham and through to Bagshot without a stop. A glass of ale and biscuits again put us all right and as fresh as ever. We made our way home via Blackwater and Eversley, drawing up at the shop as a quarter after 10 struck, having enjoyed the run all round immensely. I felt in first class condition all day long and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. I never saw the roads better than they are today. They are good everywhere, wherever they are good, and the weather, too, was good, the country lovely with flowers and summer clothing, and the way we took was one of the many pretty ways by which we are surrounded. From Guildford to Ripley, and thence to Woking station was over new ground to us.

In a run of this length, there is going to be an incident of the road, Today’s was the successful overthrow of a large dog which ran out at us. The front wheel took him in the ribs and rolled him over splendidly. This happened between Ripley and Woking.

10 miles – B; 60 miles – T: 70 miles

Monday June 11

After we had closed, I took Miss Baker on the tandem to Bracknell and home by Easthampstead. Mr Bayliss accompanied us on his Safety.

10 miles – T

Wednesday June 13

A very nice bright day, but we did not make the most of it, for we went with Mr Phillips and G. Woods (tandem) and Mr Heelas (Safety), and they were lamentably slow. However, we had a pleasant evening and enjoyed ourselves very well. We went by Elvetham and Dogmersfield Lodge, where George called on the keeper about some eggs, but he not being at home, we had quite a nice run round the lanes in search of another keeper. These lanes I have seen from the canal and for a long time I have had a desire to go down them, so having the wish realised, compensated for want of speed and distance. We had a grand sight of the rhododendrons round Dogmersfield. The evening was much too cold to stand about, or to go on the canal. We put on the pace through Hartley Row, and I broke two spokes in the front wheel through hitting a large stone.

24 miles

Thursday June 14

I took Fred Kent, who is down for a week, round the journey with me. We had a cold day. When I came home, I had my tea and cashed up, then took a lovely ride on the bicycle round Ruscombe and Waltham. It was a very pretty splendid evening and very much I enjoyed the spin.

It was Gold Cup Day at Ascot, and I saw, as I have seen before, the children at all the corners, on the lookout for the return of the traps and carriages, and all the way round I could hear them shouting and hooraying.

16 miles – B

Friday June 15

Was a regular wet day. I was pleased to see it for it is wanted and will do a great deal of good.

Saturday June 16

I went for a little run after dinner round Toutley. Bertha, Frances and Hilda went off to Margate by the 12.4 GWR and 3.10 LC&DR. A nice day for their journey being dry and cloudy. Took a parcel to Mr Webster in the evening. Had a very good evening in the shop.

10 miles – B

Sunday June 17

Before service, I, on the bicycle, went round Bracknell and Easthampstead, home by Col. Peel’s, just a nice little ride which I enjoyed. The morning was dull and as the day wore on, it became worse and worse with a thick mass of clouds and a cold NE wind made it like winter. Henry and I went after tea and should have enjoyed it immensely if it had been any way warm and a little sun to light up the scenery. We left about 5 o’clock and made for Bagshot, and then on to Sunningdale and Egham, thence to the left by Runnymede to Windsor and on to Eton, Slough, Maidenhead, Bray, White Waltham and Shottesbrook. With the exception of the rise up and drop out of Windsor, it was quite level from Egham to Billingbear Lodge.

We came across Mr Timberlake at Maidenhead. He has been laid up with a bad leg, the result of a bicycle accident, and according to what he said, more especially doctors’ blunders and cuttings. He was very wrath against Morris of Reading and the Maidenhead doctor.

At Salt Hill, we had a liquer up opposite Tom’s old school. We must have moved along at a quick pace for we were only 4¾ hours doing the 45 miles and out of that we stopped fully ¾ hour.

10 miles – B; 45 miles – T: 55 miles

Monday June 18

The second Emperor of Germany was buried today, and most of the shops had shutters up for him. I on the tandem to Dogmersfield after tea.

24 miles – T

Tuesday June 19

Mr Phillips asked me to go to Dogmersfield with him, so we went on my machine. We called upon the keeper Geo Woods went to see, and were pottering about there a long time and then home by Winchfield. It was a dreadfully cold evening and think we both caught cold. 25 miles

Wednesday June 20

Another very cold day and wet with it. I never knew such cold days in June as we have had lately. They are presently, horrible. A party among whom was numbered Bayliss, went to Maidenhead and on the river, in spite of the continual rain and cold inhospitable northern blasts. I cleaned up the tandem, and mended the little cart. I don’t think I can remember such a wintry day this side of April.

Thursday June 21

Another wet day though not so cold.

Sunday June 24

Very heavy rain all night but cleared off soon after breakfast, and came over very close and sultry. Henry has had a cold and did not feel up to going out today, so Mr Bayliss and I, on the tandem, did a ride although the roads were not quite dry. It was after tea that we went to Twyford and Sonning and had a pipe on the bridge while we watched the boats on the river. As soon as the pipes were out, we were off and away for Henley via Shiplake. It was while going by Shiplake that we saw a large rat jump out of the hedge and run halfway across the road, and very soon back again. We stayed not at Henley, save to have a half pint, but came on straight for home. I did not altogether care for the journey, the weather was heavy and my head ached a little. The country looked very pretty, but wanted the sun on it to show it up. At Chapel in the morning, I worked out the text.

24 miles

Wednesday June 26

Like so many of the other days this month, wet and miserable. Could do nothing and go nowhere. We have had only one good Wednesday as yet this year. It is very lamentable that the year should be thus washed away, and we are drifting through it without any summer.

Friday June 29

Mr Phillips came in about his machine and I went down to see it at his place, and suggested loosing the bearings which he had done, and then in the evening we had a run on it, round Eversley, Yateley, Blackwater and Crowthorne, and it went immensely easily and well, not at all like its previous obstinate performance. It came on to rain before we reached home and we got somewhat wet, nevertheless we thoroughly enjoyed the run because of the easy going of the tandem.

16 miles

Saturday June 30

It looks more like clearing up and settling down for fine. We were to have gone to camp today but the weather yesterday was unsettled, and it was hardly convenient for Tom or Kemp either, nor is Henry at all the thing yet, and it was with some difficulty I persuaded him to accompany me to Portsmouth tomorrow on the tandem. The evening came over bleakly cold, and we were very thankful we were under something warmer than a tent. I got nothing ready for the morning but the machine. Today is the last of the month of June, and very pleased I am to get through it, for it has been a wretched month for weather, very cold and wet.

1888

Sunday July 1

Turned out at ½ past 4, and found the morning as good as any this year, which is saying very little for it, for we have not had one good morning, really good, all the year. I made my way to the shop, and on the gas stove, I cooked the rashers and boiled the kettle, then called Henry and we had a good breakfast. Packed a change of clothes on to the tandem, and at 6.30, we left Wokingham for Portsmouth.

The weather was somewhat dull, but as the morning advanced, the weather greatly improved and developed into a splendid day. We directed our course Elvetham, Blackwater, Frimley and Ash where we were detained by a luggage train for some minutes. Now, on to the Hog’s Back then into Puttenham all in the bright sunshine, and very, very pretty it was too, and cheerful dropping down into Compton. We were not long reaching Compton, not long than one hour and 40 minutes. We called in at our old friend Mr Hawkins, who had only just risen and was preparing breakfast. Mrs Hawkins was out. We had a pleasant meal in this little room with the sun shining in at the window. We were here just one hour, and at 9.10 we made a start for Godalming, and broke a spoke just before entering that town, and fearing lest we might lose another, we pushed the tandem over the paved street.

Mounting again, we had a nice run to the foot of Hindhead hill, and for the matter of that, a very nice ride up the long hill which we successfully rode up, and as the weather was now bright and hot, we were a little warm by the time we reached the Public House at the top of the hill, and although it was the Sabbath, we thought it no sin to take a pint in. Thus refreshed and cheered by the grateful cup, we bowled down the long hill to Liphook in a most delightful manner. I think we both very much enjoyed this lovely run down. I did especially. I had been looking forward to it for a long time, and I was in a happy and comfortable mood, and all things conspired to make it especially delightful. It was a beautiful Sunday morning, and that lent an enchantment to the ride, and then the pleasurable thought of a good run before us and rest at the end by the sea shore sent the blood thrilling through our veins as we sailed away at a great pace to ‘lovely, leafy Liphook’.

But so fast did we go that Liphook was left behind and we surmounted the hill between there and Petersfield, and once again descending at a terrific pace into the latter place, but even here, we did not stop, but right through and did not draw up until we dismounted to push up Butser Hill. While I pulled with a string, Henry pushed and we soon reached the top and very comfortably too, and then had a magnificent run to Horndean. When we came this piece last year, the road was so cut up with the dry weather that it was unrideable, but how different now, for instead of being a loose mass of stone and sand, it was like a pavement, and travelling at a quick pace over it, filled us with very pleasant feelings. It has a scenery of its own, and much we appreciated it. From Horndean to Portsmouth, I did not much like. The road was good but hilly. I would rather go the further way round by Havant, for that is level all the way, and pretty too.

It was just after ½ past 1 when we drew up at the Victoria Pier and left our machine there, having travelled a little over 60 miles in the six hours. Seven hours passed since we were at Wokingham, but one was spent at Compton. This I call very good pace because the road is decidedly hilly from Godalming right to Portsmouth. We put up at a little eating house just opposite the pier, and after a wash and a change of clothes, and a dinner, we walked down to Southsea and laid down on the beach, and although the sun was shining, we found the wind too cold to be comfortable and soon moved our quarters further up the parade and availed ourselves of the friendly shelters of the seawall. While dozing here, we were serenaded by a blind man who rasped out some gospel songs expecting the passers by to pay him for the job.

A longish walk round the town brought us to our tea. Henry made up his mind to go to Church and I intended taking a sixpenny trip round the Fleet, but was just too late for the six o’clock boat, and should have to wait an hour for the next, and as the sky was now overcast and very gloomy and the wind rough and somewhat cold, I altered my mind and went to Wesleyan Chapel instead and put the sixpence in the collection. It was a very thin congregation and a rather learned sermon, so that I can’t say I was inspired with the service. As soon as I was out, I met Henry from Church and then we started off to the Pier and heard a military band play some sacred music amongst which the ‘Te Deum’, Handel’s ‘Worthy is the Lamb’, and ‘Glory to God’. While listening to the strains of music, Frank Micklem came up accompanied by his little dog (Mr W. Cave). It was the little animal that scented us out and called his master’s attention to the fact of our being there. We had a long talk, and he informed us that Mr and Mrs Chambers, and also some of Mr Phillip’s men were down there. As soon as we had left the pier, we made our way to our eating house for supper, and because we ordered only one plate of ham beside the tea and coffee, the old bummer would not serve us, so we marched out. I then tried the Sailors’ Home, but again I was done because they serve not on a Sunday except to the Services. Henry went back to the place we put up at, and I got a nice ham and coffee supper next door. As the evening advanced, the aspect of the weather grew worse. The wind blew like rain and the clouds had every appearance of a coming wet night or next day, so we went to our beds, for we each had a separate room, with very little hope of a fine ride home. I made the distance over here 21 to Compton, 24 to Petersfield and 19 to Portsmouth.

62 miles

Monday July 2

I woke about 5 and saw the beginning of a wet day, so turned over and went to sleep til Henry called me some time after 8 o’clock. We had a really good breakfast of rashers and eggs, and this with our two rooms cost 3/3 which I thought remarkably low. We waited some time to see if the rain would clear off, and at 10 o’clock it came down faster than before with all the promise of a wet day, so we determined to face it and ride home in the wet, especially as there was a strong wind in our favour. It was ½ past ten when we mounted our machines, and got finally on our way for home. While crossing over on the floating bridge, we saw a little steamer run aground in the harbour. I made a mistake I saying ½ past 10 as it was only 20 minutes past when we left Gosport. We bowled along at a rattling good pace, and soon overtook two dog carts, and in passing one we had a little difficulty, for the horse was very feisty and nearly ran into us.

Away we went through the never ceasing rain, and soon left Fareham behind, and it was many miles from Portsmouth ere we drew up, and then only to light our pipes. In spite of the heavy rain and rough wind, we enjoyed ourselves amazingly and were quite cheerful and happy, and being determined to take things as they came. We saw some very pleasing sights and magnificent views. The villages as we passed through them had their peculiar charm. We saw them under a different aspect from what we are accustomed to, and although they would have looked much better on a bright day, yet now we enjoyed and appreciated them as we passed by and through them in this heavy wet.

One view, across the valley and the stream, with the hills beyond and the villages at their base, was most picturesque and charming. I think it must have been Droxford where we had a drink and so admired the pretty stream. Both the hill before and Filmore Hill, we pushed up, and chattered away as we plodded on, and then we had quite a nice ride down to Alton, with only a stop at the pump at East Tisted for a hasty drink, for the weather was too rough and furious to stay more than an instant. It was much better going along. We drew up at Alton and had some cake and two cups of coffee each, and stayed, I should think, about 20 minutes and then off, very much refreshed by those two cups, and we had a very nice ride all the rest of the way home, which we reached at 4.10 having been 5½ hours doing the 52 miles which I consider very excellent time taking into consideration the somewhat heavy state of the roads, and the extra friction of the machine caused by the wet and grit getting into the bearings and chain.

We had a warm bath and dry clothes and came out quite fresh and not done up in the least, and none the worse for our wet ride, and that it was wet is true, for it ceased not to rain one moment of the way home. It was one of the wettest days we ever saw. I am very glad we were both able to so thoroughly enjoy the run home, because, instead of making the outing a failure, it only stamped it as a remarkable and unique one.

There were two excursions from Wokingham today of two trains each to Brighton and Eastbourne. All the folks from the shop went to Brighton. They could not have had worse weather. The whole amount of our expenses out was 11 shillings, so we had a cheap time out. The part I did not enjoy was while I was at Portsmouth, but the ride there and back, I certainly did enjoy. Some parts of the road home have not recovered from its break up of last year, but are terrible yet.

52 miles

Tuesday July 3

Turned out to be a very good day and would have done well for the ride up from Gosport, but

Wednesday July 4

was a wretched, wet and miserable kind of a day. I cleaned the tricycle all over. After its journey of last Monday, it wanted it. I took every bearing to pieces.

Thursday July 5

Went the journey and had the wettest day I ever had for the journey – thunder, lightning and a deluge of rain. I took no harm from it and got through my work very well.

Friday July 6

A soaking wet day.

Sunday July 8

Had a pretty ride round Hurst and Billingbear before the morning service. The roads were extraordinarily good and the weather, bright, so that I enjoyed the little spin very much. Had tea at the shop so as to be ready to go for a run with Henry. We did not hurry for it was past ½ past 4 before we made a start. We directed our course to Finchampstead not knowing wither we were going, and from Finchampstead on through Eversley, Yateley and Hawley. Here we held a consultation as to which way to go, whether to Farnham or Guildford. We decided for the latter and made our way to Ash, and then soon up on to the Hog’s Back, and a splendid run brought us to Guildford. We came along at a terrific pace the last two miles. The view on either side of the Back was very beautiful this evening, and especially on the right which today had a splendid charm for us seeing we had been over so much of it last Sunday on our way to Portsmouth. We stopped not, but passed on through Guildford, and had a quick run to within a mile of Ripley where we had another long consultation as to the way we should take, which ended in our going on through Ripley til we came to the Hut where we had a pint of ale and then a pipe while resting on one of the seats in front of the hotel and overlooking a large sheet of water, quite a little lake, and somewhat pretty too. We stayed as long as time would permit and then forward nearly to Cobham, where we turned to the left and made our way to Weybridge, Addlestone, Chertsey, Thorpe, Virginia Water and so home by Ascot. The roads were good all the way round and we had an enjoyable ride and a long one seeing we started so late. The country from Ripley to Weybridge was new to both of us, and from Weybridge to Virginia Water to Henry. I have been over that piece on the bicycle some two years ago when I walked from Woking to New Haw Lock, along the banks of the Basingstoke Canal.

It was as we were going along from Weybridge Station to the river that we saw three disciples, sons of Isaac, making their way for the train. They looked like veteran fishers, none of your young sparks who, today, take up with the line and tomorrow all for cricket or some other amusement. These looked as though they had been at it all their lives, and meant to angle so long as there was a stream to drop a line in. Another strange sight we saw along here was hay making on a Sunday. I could not reprove them for I should have done the same if I had had any about.

We found the roads excellent throughout, and felt no inconvenience from the wind. We stopped five minutes on the Hog’s Back and viewed the country over Thursley way, then we had another five minutes before Ripley making up our minds which way to go and a ¼ of an hour at the Hut hotel and ten minutes at the Rose and Crown at Thorpe. We were 5¾ hours away from Wokingham and, taking out the something more than ½ hour stoppages named above, leaves 5¼ hours for 57 miles or just 11 miles the hour throughout, and nowhere did we hurry or put ourselves upon time. The weather was neither bright nor cloudy but sometimes one and sometimes the other.

65 miles

Monday July 9

Mr Phillips wanted me to go to Marlow with him, so arranged to do so after ten. The day began very well but came over very dull and heavy so that I feared we should not be able to go. However, Mr Phillips was ready to start at 6 o’clock and I could not very well back out, so we made a start to see what time we could do the bridge in. We had a strong wind in our favour, and very good roads so that we got over there in 58½ minutes. Very good time, but we ought to have done it quicker. We had a pint at the George and Dragon and Mr Phillips some more at the Crown, and then we came home via Twyford in something like 1¾ hours.

28 miles

Tuesday July 10

After 7 o’clock, Carrie and I started off in the tandem to meet a party who had driven over to Littlewick anniversary. We went along at a rattling pace, and better than last night with Mr P. We met the party at Knowl Hill and came home behind them and recited nearly all the way. It was quite a cold evening, and the party were all wrapped up as though it were winter. We, Carrie and I very much enjoyed our little spin of 16 miles.

Wednesday July 11

Like all the rest of the Wednesdays, a miserable wet day. I cleaned up the bicycle in the evening.

Friday July 13

The weather is bright and the glass is high, so we are preparing for camp. Mr Kemp and Philip Sale are doing a turn round Frensham etc today.

Saturday July 14

I got the journey off early, and the shop all tidy before breakfast. Henry was busy collecting the provisions and getting all the things together for our camping out at Hook Common, and by ¼ past 2, we had everything packed in the cart, and Tom driving off with Kemp following on the tricycle. It was a beautiful morning and they left in bright and sunny weather.

We were to follow on at 9 or 10 o’clock, but about 5 o’clock heavy clouds came up and it looked like a storm coming on, and I feared we should have a wet ride over. However, a little before 8, it looked somewhat better, and so Henry and I made up our minds to leave while the weather held good and not to wait and chance a wet ride just for the sake of being in business one hour more.

We had nothing to get ready, and so at a few minutes past 8, we drove off on the tandem, and had a pleasant ride over, and also a quick one, because it only took just over the hour to get to the Dorchester Arms, and a few minutes more found us at the camp. Tom and Kemp had got over all right and had made good progress with the work. The tent was up and all things landed, the pony and trap put up and the beds nearly ready. They appeared very happy and comfortable, and said they had a very pleasant ride over.

We sat down to a bread and cheese supper. After supper, while the others were clearing away, I fixed the trestles for the table top together, for we were determined to have a table this time, having felt the want of it very much on the two former occasions when we have camped out, and a very great convenience we found the table this time, in fact we could hardly have got on without it this time. By the time I had finished the little job of carpentering, it was time to go to Hook station to meet Mr Rednall who was timed to leave Wokingham at 10 o’clock and to be driven over by Benham, so Henry and I started off, leaving the tent in charge of Tom and Kemp. We got to the White Hart just as Benham drove up. To our surprise and pleasure, there was not only Rednall, but Geo Woods also. George stayed the night at the Hotel and Rednall came on to the camp with us.

It was now upon 1 o’clock by the time we were in bed and the lights out, and we lay awake for some time, long enough to hear the rain come on, and then we all, with the exception of Mr Kemp, fell asleep. Henry would have kept watch with Mr Kemp, but for some potent draught that Mr Jelley sent over by Mr Rednall for him. I woke about 3 o’clock and heard, what I thought, a song thrush, singing away more vigorously than I ever remember to have heard one. He seemed to shout his song out, and quite overpowered the other birds of which there were several. Afterwards, I learned this was the ‘Storm Cock’, which, had I known then, I certainly should not have listened to with such gratification, more especially as his warning was by no means a false alarm, as the coming day disclosed.

13 miles

Sunday July 15

We woke up finally about 7 o’clock, but did not turn out until past 8 o’clock, for it had been raining all night, and was still raining. Kemp turned out about 7, and Geo Woods very soon after made his appearance. They said the rain was only the pride of the morning, and as it rained before 7, it would be fine before 11, but these prophesies satisfied me not, for I saw no hope of its coming out a fine day, and my fears were more than realised, for it rained the whole day long more or less, and with it a cold NE wind.

Tom made his way to Odiham Chapel, morning and evening. Geo Woods and Rednall took a walk to Greywell before dinner, but the rest of us stayed at home in the tent. I went to sleep nearly all day, and all of us did do in the afternoon, for we had the beds laid down, and wrapped ourselves up nice and warm and so whiled away the time until tea. Rednall was particularly merry all the evening and seemed to enjoy himself very much, in spite of the weather. He and Geo Woods left at 9 o’clock to catch Benham who was to meet them at the White Hart and drive them home. George brightened up as the time of his departure drew near, and very glad he was that he had not to spend the night with us. Rednall on the other hand, would like to have stayed, but could not, because of the business tomorrow. The weather was shockingly bad that (as I afterwards learnt), there were only ten persons at Finchampstead Church, and twelve at Eversley. At Wokingham, the congregation was so thin that a collection which was to have been made in the evening was deferred for a week on account of the small number of persons present.

Well, considering what a day it was, we got through it uncommonly well, each one keeping up his spirits well. If we could not go out, we could stop in the tent and feed, and feed well, too. Just before 10, when the rain was at its heaviest, we were alarmed by the water coming in all round the tent, about a foot up the canvas. It did not last for long like that, and then we tightened the ropes, and pulled the tent straight and that cured the defect, and we had no more rain come through all the time. After George and Rednall were gone, we had a good supper, and then off to bed and lay awake some time, listening to the water dropping off the trees on to the tent, and sometimes on to the kitchen utensils outside. Thus endured the first day of camp life this year.

Monday July 16

It rained nearly all night and when I looked out at 7 o’clock this morning, the weather looked intensely wretched. However, Mr Kemp, who was outside doing his morning wash, would have it that the weather was improving, and although I did not believe him while I remained in the tent, as soon as I was outside, I felt the truth of his observation. After a good wash down all over, I felt ready for breakfast, and a good breakfast we had too. Hot and cold bacon, strong coffee and other condiments. By the time we had finished, the aspect of the weather was cheering, the sun came out, and all things another aspect wore. We left the tent in charge of a boy, and all of us went a walk to Greywell and round to the Mill and home by the canal and Wanborough. It was a walk we all enjoyed very much, especially round by the Mill where we had a chat with the miller while sitting on the rails and listening to the paddle wheel. After tea, we walked to Odiham and back and had a look round the old town. Had supper, and so called the day.

Tuesday July 17

After 7 o’clock it came out bright and hot, and we had breakfast outside the tent. Tom went into the woods to catch butterflies. Kemp kept guard and Henry and I took a ride on the tandem to Greywell and sauntered along the lake by the Mill. It was very hot and very pleasant.

After dinner, we were going on the canal, but just as we were about to start, the rain came on and so stopped us. We had an early tea, and, no we didn’t, for Henry, Tom and Kemp took a walk, and left me to guard the tent, but they had no sooner gone than Phillips and Geo Woods drove up on the tandem, and were just in time to stop the walking party, so we got out the tea, and all sat down to a grand meal, as Phillips brought over some cheese, lettuce, radishes, cucumber etc. Geo Woods took our photograph while we were at the table, and then on came the rain and lasted about an hour.

As soon as it was over and away went Geo Woods and Phillips on the tandem for home, and we took a walk round Newnham and up the Basingstoke road, home. Had supper and a long discourse from Mr Kemp.

Wednesday July 18

Being a nice morning, we had breakfast outside the tent, and took our time at it for it was a very nice morning, and pleasant sitting there with the hill before us. Henry, Tom and I walked to Odiham by the canal and took a boat for a couple of hours, and very much enjoyed it. When we got back, Kemp had got the dinner ready, and we were ready for that, and so made a good meal. Had an early tea. Packed up the encampment and started off for home before 6 o’clock, and soon after 7, was in the Market Place.

I have hurried through these daily accounts because I thought it best to tell the whole story from the end, and so now I propose to review the whole campaign and compare it with last year’s.

We had been put off so many times this year on account of the bad weather that when we made the preparations on Friday and Saturday, I had not that confidence in the weather to make me at all easy as to whether we should start or not, and so a considerable amount of the pleasure was denied me. Then, when we did start, we had to do so an hour earlier than we wanted to because of the threatening aspect of the weather, and that somewhat spoiled my ride over. But when I got to the camp and found Tom and Kemp had made such good progress, and were in such excellent spirits, it was very pleasant. Also, I was pleased to see Geo Woods turn up with Mr Rednall. His arrival (to me) was quite unexpected and consequently, the more welcome. Sunday was the coldest and wettest day I ever experienced in July, and would have been intensely miserable but for the excellent spirit they all kept up and especially that of Mr Rednall. I must say, considering the day, we all displayed the spirit of Mark Tapley, and so turned a villainously bad day into quite a merry one. Monday was a very good day and we spent it, and enjoyed it, in a quiet sort of way. They all seemed to very much enjoy the walk round Greywell. The weather was bright with occasional showers, very little, only once causing us to hoist the umbrella, and then only for a few minutes. Tuesday would have been better weather to me had I not, when I was at Odiham, looked in to the paper, and read the forecast, which spoke of rain later on.

It was very hot and bright during the morning, and very much I enjoyed the walk round the lake. It was there we saw the Heron, and a very good sight of him we had too, as he flew all down the lake. It was so hot that I had to go down a sheltered lane to take off my flannel drawers, which I, by mistake, had put on this morning. Even the fish seemed glad of the shelter of the large leaves of the lilies and other marine foliage which lay on the face of the clear water.

I very much wanted to go on the canal in the afternoon, but I feared the weather would change before the day was out because the morning was too bright and hot, and my fears were only too well grounded, for no sooner had we done dinner than the sky became overcast and stormy looking, and then just as we were off, rain came on.

Still, there was one compensation in all evils, and had we gone to the canal, we might have missed Geo Woods and Phillips and not had the pretty little photo of the camp, and the merry time of their company, for it was a very merry time when we all sat down to that grand tea. George was only just in time to take a photograph for even while he was at it, the rain commenced. Poor George, all the time he was here, it rained and only while he was there, excepting the nights.

Our walk round in the evening was very pleasant. When we went on Wednesday for a couple of hours on the canal, we could hear the thunder round about, but we had an excellent day and all our meals out of doors, and when we broke up, it seemed as though we were going just as the weather was getting right for us. Little did we know that terrific storms had deluged the country just round, even as near as Hartley Row, and although the weather was not so good this time as it might have been, yet it was by far the best we have had in July. We could not have picked out another so good a few days as the days we had.

Henry and Kemp seemed to like the camp better than last year, but I cannot say so for myself. Still, I enjoyed it very much, and I am sure the others did, and many little incidents will remain in my memory, and I hope cheer me in the dull days of winter. We had excellent provisions and not a thing was forgotten. Tom and Kemp said that things were got to such a luxurious pitch that a committee must be held before any more additions are made, lest it becomes no longer camping out, but falsely luxurious retirement.

Although to me it was not last year’s camp, yet we all voted it a very great success, and truly everything did go off well and satisfactory so far as we had power to make it. Henry felt it a great blessing being able to go to sleep so well. Mr Kemp made himself most agreeable all the time and his behaviour was most gratifying to all.

22 miles

Thursday July 19

I had a very wet day for the journey, and was caught in a heavy thunderstorm while at Taylor’s by Meon Green. Today would not have done for camp.

Saturday July 21

Bertha and company came home from Margate. Hilda has fallen away a great deal.

Sunday July 22

Henry and I went out on the tandem after tea, but neither of us felt like work, so we only went as far as Frimley, and put the machine up, and took a walk down the canal as far as the Ninth Lock a very pleasant walk. Had a glass of ale at the Inn, and then off for home via Yateley, but before we got to Hawley, down came the rain, a very heavy storm. The rain was nice and warm and we quite enjoyed the ride, although we got wet through, the machine went well, and it was quite comfortable and jolly in the rain, like a warm shower bath.

23 miles

Wednesday July 25

Of course was a wet and cold day, like all the other Wednesdays we have had. I took the tandem to pieces in the evening.

Friday July 27

I tried Tom’s new machine. Ran it over to Finchampstead and down East Court hill and worked it back right up to the church gate.

8 miles

Saturday July 28

Henry went to camp this afternoon. We got on very nicely.

Sunday July 29

Bayliss, on his Safety, and I on the bicycle, left here in glorious weather at 2 o’clock for Guildford going via Frimley and the Ridges. I very much enjoyed this run, especially from Blackwater to Warplesdon Common, but at the Cricketer’s Arms, we had to wait a little time because of rain, but not coming on fast enough to wet us, we soon moved on to Guildford and had tea at the Welcome C.T. While there, the rain came on thick. After tea, while the rain held off a few minutes, we took a little walk by the river. As we left Guildford for Ripley, the rain came on in earnest for the night, and we had a regular soaking before we headed home. Nevertheless, we very much enjoyed the run. We went not quite to Ripley, but turned off, and came home by Woking, Chobham and Bagshot. We should much have preferred it to have been fine and bright, but as it was, we certainly were very pleased with our outing and enjoyed it much.

Monday and Tuesday July 30 and 31

Was all wet. This month has been, according to meteorological observation, the wettest ever recorded.

1888

Wednesday August 1

A worse day than ever. Wet all day long and very cold.

Thursday August 2

Bayliss did the journey. A very nice kind of day. Henry came home this afternoon, the camp being broken up because of the tremendously wet and cold weather. I went a ride with Mr Phillips round Eversley, over the Flats to Blackwater and home in the evening. His machine went very badly indeed, and almost made me ill.

20 miles

Friday August 3

This evening, Mr Phillips and I went the same run, only on my machine this time and with very different results.

20 miles

Sunday August 5

A very bright though somewhat windy day. Mr Bayliss started for Portsmouth on his Safety this morning. I had a very pleasant run on the bicycle to Swallowfield and home by the Monument, after tea. Henry did not go out because he was going to Wantage etc. tomorrow, and he is reserving his strength for that journey. There is every indication of a good day for Bank Holiday. The glass is high and still going up and the weather has improved as the day has advanced. If ever I felt sure of a fine tomorrow, it is today.

20 miles – B

Monday August 6 – Bank Holiday

After a somewhat restless night, I turned out at 6 o’clock and came across to the shop and got breakfast for myself and Henry. The morning was cold and somewhat dull looking, but every minute, I expected it to clear off bright and warm, especially as the glass, which is high, was still on the rise. By 8 o’clock, I had the tandem packed, and Henry and I were just walking down the road to mount the machine, when a few spits of rain came and we thought it best to wait and see what that meant, and well we did, for it meant the beginning of a nasty dull rain which lasted until ½ past 10. So, instead of going all round Berkshire, as we had marked out our run for today, we set to work, and Henry did the booking, and I cleaned and washed down the shop.

As soon as the rain stopped, Mr Phillips and George, on the tandem, and Tom on his new machine, called for us to go to Selborne, but we declined as the weather looked too much like rain again, but promised to follow on later, weather permitting. So, after dinner at about 2 o’clock, we made a start for Selborne.

The appearance of the weather was anything but inviting, and by the time Finchampstead was reached, a fine mist fell, thick, gradually drew thicker and thicker until it developed at night to a soaking rain. Seeing there was no chance of the weather clearing off, we kept on and made up our minds to enjoy ourselves, and very much we did, and I was very pleased we did not let the weather turn us back. It certainly did look madness to go forward into it, as viewed from some of the eminences, especially from the top of Odiham downs did it look most uninviting. We had tea at Alton because we were not sure of meeting the party at Selborne just at the right time, but if we had hurried on, and not had tea at Alton, we should have been just in time to sit down with our friends at the Queens Arms. As it was, we met them just coming out of Selborne and we straight away turned round and accompanied them home. They were something like five hours coming over, but they made much faster back.

George and Phillips rattled along at a grand pace to Alton, so much that I feared they would do themselves up for the long hill to the Golden Pot, but they went up uncommonly well without a stoppage, and down the other side right away to South Warnborough. They piled on the pace all they knew how and gave us plenty to do to keep up. We came along there 18 miles the hour. Tom, on his new machine, also kept up well. This was a splendid run and very much we liked it. It was something exciting the manner we came along.

Had tea at Odiham and a liquer up at Hartley Row, and home a little after 9 o’clock. As I say, I very, very much enjoyed the run, and so pleased I did not let the rain keep me at home. It has been a very cruel day for a holiday, could not be very much worse and sad it was to see the poor people drabbling about in the drizzle and wet. It commenced raining at 8 o’clock and continued until ½ past 10, and on again at 3 for the rest of the day and night. As I did a good stroke of work in the morning, and had such an enjoyable run after, the day to me was all very well.

50 miles

Wednesday August 8

At length the day has arrived when it is just possible to go on the canal, so Henry, I and Bayliss arranged to go at 4 o’clock. Saw Philip Sale and got him to come also, and because of his limited pace, he started ½ hour before us. I prevailed upon Tom to accompany us on his new machine. I packed on the tandem the provisions and utensils for tea on the water. We had a tea here before we started, and in very pleasant weather, we had an enjoyable run over to Odiham and found Philip waiting for us on the bridge.

It was not long before we were embarked and I sculling the party along the canal which looked very charming in the bright sunshine. The water is full up this year and gives the canal a much broader appearance. We drew up under the shade of a tree and had tea while sitting in the boat. We had an excellent repast and all enjoyed and appreciated the tea and provisions. After tea, we moved on by easy stages, sometimes rowing and sometimes towing the boat until we came to the bridge where the canal widens, and then we turned round and made for Odiham again.

Just before we did so, Mr Heelas and Mr Wells overtook us, they having left Wokingham a little after 5 o’clock, and hearing we were on the canal came to meet us. As they got through the water a little quicker than us, Phillips got into their boat so as to be able to leave Odiham a little before us and so get well on the roads. We had a good long time on the water, for it was nearly 9 o’clock before we were off, and then a very sociable and pleasant ride home we had in company. The turn out today has been quite a success, a nice ride and a splendid time on the water, a jolly tea, and a club run home.

26 miles

Thursday August 9

A very hot and clear day, the only one we have had as yet. I did the journey and took Frances with me. Came over sleepy during the afternoon.

Friday August 10

Mr Phillips and I had a run in the evening to Sandhurst and home by Crowthorne. I called at Pigg’s to see about oats.

12 miles – T

Sunday August 12

I had a nice little run before service round Hurst, but that was all, for the day turned out very dull and windy and rain in the evening. Mr Bayliss went to Wallingford with Mr Wells.

10 miles

Monday August 13

I intended going a long ride round Berkshire today only the weather was not good enough, so I cleaned and set out the shop window and did a little shop arranging. Towards the evening, the day improved and I arranged with Henry to go the Berkshire run tomorrow if fine.

Tuesday August 14

After the best night we have had this year, the best morning, by far, succeeded it, in fact it was the only really good morning we have had since April. I turned out a little before 6 o’clock, and came over to the shop, and set the gas stove at work, called Henry, and got things ready for our journey, had a good breakfast and plenty of time to get ready for the run by ½ past 7.

In glorious weather and excellent spirits, we left Wokingham at 7.40 and made quick time and easy journey to Reading, through which we passed quietly, and then on to Pangbourne and Streatley. How much we enjoyed that run I must say. It was simply delightful, the roads were good, the weather perfection, the scenery some of the cream of the Thames Valley, and we in just the mood to enjoy and mop it in, for we not only had the pleasure of this splendid run but the anticipation of a jolly day out, exploring unknown regions. It is not always that we can get every essential at once for a day’s enjoyment like we had it here.

At Pangbourne, Henry called upon a cobbler to put a few brads in his boot to keep it from slipping on the pedals. He told us he was over 70 years old and was born in the house he now sat in, though he has not lived there all his life. After leaving him, and before reaching Streatley, we had to stop two or three times to admire the scenery, and well enough we might, too. Passing through Streatley we took the Wantage road as far as the first fork was come to, and then as there was no hand post, we of course, took the wrong way, which after a mile or so, led us into the downs, and gave us only a grass track. Fortunately, there was a man to be found and he directed us back, and back we went, and took the other road which was right, and led us to Blewbury where we had a liquer up, the only chance we had between here and the Bull at Streatley. At the pub, we fell into conversation with a man who gave us a lot of local information, and about the cattle being drove along there before the railway was made, and the torture the calves endured packed in the carts for so long a time. We rode round the town, and much enjoyed the few minutes we had there. While Henry was looking round the church, I just made a rough sketch of the porch. Passing on, we came to Upton station where we inquired the way, then on leaving Hagbourne on our right it was close at hand but we did not drop into it but passed on to Hendred which place we doubled back to and ran all round the town, a place very much like Blewbury. After working up the hill to Lockinge, we had a splendid run down into Wantage like an express coming into Swindon. We had a bread and cheese dinner with ale and ginger beer, then a walk round the town and then off again by Challow, down into and round about Childrey, through Sparsholt and so to Kingston Lisle. Here we had a bottle of ginger beer and a blow at the ‘Blowing Stone’.

Now on to the White Horse Hill up which we pushed the tandem and from which we had a very extensive view. We left the main road at the foot of the hill, and had very good ride to the top, but from here it was nothing but a track for some miles almost to Lambourn. An old man at Kingston Lisle, who directed us this way said the road degenerated into a grass track, and he thought that perhaps we might not be able to ride the machine all the way. If he had ever ridden a tricycle, he would not have entertained any doubt as to whether we should have to push or not. We had an excellent tea, and cheap too – 1/- each, and here we fell in with a person who knew Wokingham and enquired after several of the inhabitants. Leaving Lambourn, we had a glorious run by the banks of the Lambourn for five or six miles, and then the road became more hilly and very dusty to Newbury. We refreshed ourselves with a pint at Newbury and then away to Reading and so home which we reached at ½ past 9.

The weather was grand, by far the best day we have had this year. It was bright and sunny all the day long and yet not too hot. The run to Streatley was perfection. From there the character of the scenery was extremely different. Scarcely anywhere was there any hedge by the road until we reached Lambourn, but between the corn fields and the road in many places, was quite a garden of wild flowers which looked very pretty indeed. The quality of the road is middling and very undulating. I remember no level pieces at all. There are no houses along the side of the road between the villages, and I don’t think there was one roadside Public House between Streatley and Lambourn. The villages or towns we passed are every primitive and much behind the age. They looked very pretty and quiet on this lovely day, but how they are in winter is quite another matter. We saw not one carriage all this stretch, not even at Wantage, and scarcely any gentlemen’s seats. We thoroughly enjoyed our day’s run, and many little incidents connected with it will live pleasantly in our memory.

I was disappointed with the White Horse, in fact I could make nothing of it. Perhaps we were too near to see it. The view from the hilltop I very much enjoyed, and wasn’t it a wild journey across the downs to Lambourn. Nothing went wrong all day, and very little we spent, too. Many times did we congratulate ourselves upon having the day of the year, for this, a new journey to us. I don’t suppose we shall ever be round here again, and if we are we shall not enjoy ourselves more than we did today. Leaving Newbury, we both felt somewhat tired, but it passed off and a very nice run home we had.

90 miles – T

Wednesday August 15

I set out the provision window. At ½ past 4, Mr Phillips and I took a run on his tandem. I rode behind and enjoyed the position very much. We went by Eversley, Heckfield and Mortimer to Burghfield, Reading, Twyford, Hurst and the Warren House, home, a run of 38 miles. We had tea at Mortimer and a glass of ginger beer at Reading. The roads were good, but the weather was indifferent, cloudy and dull and somewhat windy and exceedingly cold. We had a job to keep ourselves anyhow warm. This was by far the best run I have had with Mr Phillips, and very much both he and I enjoyed it. We travelled along at a very good pace, and in spite of my long journey yesterday, I came home fresher than I went out.

38 miles – T

Thursday August 16

Mr Jelley went with me the journey, and a very cold ride we had. He was glad to get home to the fire and thaw himself before he had his dinner.

Sunday August 19

A very nice morning, one that gave promise of a bright hot day, but it was all promise and no fulfilment, for the afternoon and evening were winterly cold. I, before service, went on the bicycle to Ruscombe, Twyford, Sandford and Hurst – 14 miles – and then off to Chapel and heard a bit of twaddle from a stranger.

At 20 to 5, Kelly and I left on the tandem for Basingstoke, and thence by Hackwood and Herriard to Alton and home by the old way of Odiham. The journey home was better than the one out, for going out we faced the wind and it was intensely cold, so cold we could not stop with comfort, but coming home, we were more comfortable and had a very nice run. I heard the Salvation Band at Basingstoke and a very nice band it was too.

51 T + 14 = 65 miles

Wednesday August 22

Henry and Millie did the Compton round. Bayliss is off for a few days. I went on the bicycle to Guildford by way of Ash and the Hog’s Back, and home by Ash and Farnborough, 28 miles either way. It was a lovely run out and home. The road, perfection, and the view for the H.B., the best I have ever seen. It was moonlight coming home.

46 miles – B

Thursday August 23

I took Bertha and Hilda the journey today.

Saturday August 25

Did the journey by 3.15.

Sunday August 26

On my way for a run this morning, I called in at Geo Woods to see the Marlboro’ Club tricycle he bought for £6.0.0. Was kept there an hour, which made it 10.20 before I was off on my way to Burchett’s Green. With a strong SW wind, I had an easy run over via Ruscombe and home by Littlewick and Waltham. I did not hurry home for the wind was very strong, and if I had hurried, I should not have made any time against the wind, so I took it very quietly and got home just at 1 o’clock. It was a very good morning, but I failed to fully appreciate it because I had a slight headache. James and Mr Jelley came home by the 3.30, and a few minutes after, I went over to see if Henry was disposed for a run, and as he was, I stayed to tea and then off we went at ½ past 4 to Twyford and on to Sonning, and from there to Henley, Marlow and B.Green and so home. We were in doubt as to whether we should go or not, for it rained a little during the afternoon, and when we started it looked very threatening. However, it cleared off and came out a most glorious evening, and with the sun at our backs, we were favoured with a grand ride from Sonning to Marlow. It was so beautiful that we stopped several times to admire the beautiful scenery. Very seldom have we caught it at a prettier time than tonight. Generally we go the other way round and then the sun is in our face and so we cannot see the country so well, but this evening, going the other way, we had it to perfection. We were neither up to working pitch, and both found it a little dead from Hurst, home.

22 miles – B; 35 miles – T: 57 miles

Monday August 27

An excursion to Portsmouth and round the island for 6/-, so Tom, Henry, Philip Sale, Kemp etc. availed themselves of the opportunity and had a very good day for their trip.

Wednesday August 29

Was, of course, a cold wet day. I took the tandem to pieces.

Thursday August 30

Mr Jelley came with me round the journey. Directly I got home, I called upon Mr Phillips to see if he was open for a run. He was, so I had tea, and at 6 was off with him on his machine to Eversley and Blackwater. Just before reaching the Royal Oak, Sandhurst, a chaise ran so close by us as to just catch the nut of the axle, but did no harm. Last Tuesday evening, there was a severe tempest of wind, cold and dark, like a winter storm.

18 miles

1888

Saturday September 1

A very nice kind of day. I had a pleasant little run on the bicycle after dinner round Hurst and home by Haines Hill.

8 miles – B

Sunday September 2

Was another of those horrible days of which we have had so many this year. It was wet, windy and cold so that there was no chance of a ride.

Tuesday September 4

At about 11 o’clock, Henry and I, on Mr Phillips machine, started off for a run to Kingsclere. The day was bright and warm, but a stiff breeze from the SW was all against us on the outward journey. From Mortimer we took the left road instead of passing by the coffee house, and at the first Public House we came to, we drew up and had our lunch, a very pleasant meal, outside the House in the sunshine and sheltered from the wind. We stayed for as long as time would allow and then off again to Pamber and thence by Baughurst to Wolverton, both little villages, and then we came to Kingsclere where we had a cup of coffee each. From here the road was on an incline for a long way, but having attained the height, we were well up and had a fine view round and also a good run down to Sydmonton and Burghclere, and here we struck the main road and soon by the foot of and part of the way up Beacon Hill, and so to Litchfield and Whitchurch. We had an excellent tea at Whitchurch and then a fine run home before the wind via Basingstoke and Hartley Row. We went to see the region round the North Hampshire Downs and we saw them and were pleased with them. The weather was nice and bright and warm up to Kingsclere, but from there it wore a very threatening aspect, and while we were at tea at Whitchurch, at a nice little place on Bell Street, it actually did rain a little, but gave over by the time we had done tea, and came not on again until we reached home. We very much enjoyed our run round, and especially the piece between Whitchurch and Basingstoke.

64 miles

Wednesday September 5

Bayliss and I took a run after 4 o’clock on our bicycles to Easthampstead, Crowthorne, Blackwater, Frimley, Farnborough and home by Yateley and Finchampstead.

24 miles

Thursday September 6

I missed the jackdaw this morning, and he has not put in an appearance. I suppose he has flown away. Mr Jelley went with me the journey.

Friday September 7

Mr Jelley left today.

Saturday September 8

Miss Evans paid me £4.10.0 due on the 11th.

Sunday September 9

To Chapel this morning and heard Mr Cave preach from Luke 17 C 17&18 v, which two verses I marked out as his text as soon as he gave out the second reading which was the 17th chapter. Henry and I had a very pleasant run after tea to Hawley and Fleet. We stopped some time at the pond, and then on to Crondall where we had a liquer up, and then home through Odiham. The machine has just been done up, new rubbers and spokes, and new bearings, and it went very much better for the overhaul. Especially did it glide along from Winchfield to Star Hill. Although not a long run, it was a very pleasant one this evening.

34 miles

Monday September 10

The weather looking very settled, Henry and I made up our minds to go to Romsey tomorrow. I went to bed with a very bad cold tonight which did look very promising for a run tomorrow. However, I had my feet in hot water and mustard and a glass of grog to sleep upon.

Tuesday September 11

Henry went up to see Mr Wescott about hogs, but as he was out, could not do anything. I called upon Mr Williamson and arranged to take two large ones from Tangley. This carried the morning along to near upon 11 o’clock, so we had a bread and cheese lunch, packed our luggage up, and left at ½ past 11. A pleasant run brought us to Reading, and a nasty heavy drag of 17 miles landed us at Newbury. At the Coffee House opposite the baths, we had a very good dinner, which did me good, for I felt quite out of form before. My cold troubled me and my throat so sore, but after dinner, I was much better and improved as the day went on. From Newbury, it was a continuous application of power right to the top of Sidown Hill, past Highclere. We ran down into Highclere and to the park, but could not get to see the castle which was a mile off. From the top of Sidown Hill, we had a good run down to Hurstbourne Tarrant, a very pretty little village situated in the valley and almost surrounded by the hills. We could, had time allowed, stayed here a long time but we had to hurry on and leave this secluded spot to its own quietude. We now had another long hill to push up, and then a fine and long run down to Andover. We had, and we were ready for it, an excellent tea at the Catherine Wheel Coffee House.

Wanting to get to Romsey via Stockbridge, we asked a young man the best way, and as he informed us, the main road was over the hills and very loose, while the lower road by the stream was good and level. We had little difficulty in deciding which way to take, and very thankful because we followed his advice, for from Andover, we had a most lovely evening ride. The road, river and rail all running side by side right to Stockbridge. It was grandly beautiful all along here and very, very much we enjoyed it, especially as we were well primed up with a really good tea. Stockbridge pleased us very much, the main street being a fine and very broad street with an imposing hotel on the right, with a pillared porch extending right across the broad front bay.

From Stockbridge, too, it was very beautiful and many bridges were crossed over before we reached Romsey. The sun set about five miles before we reached that place, but it was not dark because of the new moon. We put up at the British Workman next to the Cross Keys, where we did very well. We had an hour or hour and half walk round about the place, and then to supper and bed. Of the day, I may say the latter part was by far the best.

60 miles

Wednesday September 12

A splendid morning and we turned out at 7 o’clock. Henry took a walk to the Church before breakfast, and while I was packing the luggage and the rashers were cooking. We had a very good breakfast, then called upon the sexton who showed us over the church. At a ¼ past 9, we left for Botley but missed our way and got very near to Southampton. At Botley we had a drink. It was not a large place by any means. Another four or five miles brought us to Bishop’s Waltham. We ran round to see the ruins and then off for Corhampton, and a blessed long pull up it was too before we reached the top of the hill leading down to that village. From Corhampton, the machine went very hard in consequence of the balls in the bearings heating. At West Meon, we had a bread and cheese dinner, and an interesting talk with the landlord who related his adventure with two cyclists who did him down. Here again, we listened and followed the advice respecting the way to Petersfield, and glad we were we did so, for we had a pretty and easy run to that place via East Meon. At Petersfield, I attempted to put the bearings right, but they went wrong again long before we got to Farnham. We had a cup of tea at the Coffee House. A pretty and very pleasant ride brought us to Liss, and on anything but that to Farnham, where we had another feed at the Coffee House and a very good run home as far as Eversley where the machine went very wrong again. We had splendid weather for the trip. Yesterday was bright and warm but the wind rather punished us to Highclere. But there it dropped and the rest of the way was simply perfection, and so also was today, for it has been by far the best day we have had this year – bright, cloudless, hot and calm, a perfect day for the wheels. The roads were in excellent condition, so that we being happy, enjoyed ourselves immensely.

Long, long shall we remember with delight the lovely ride from Andover to Romsey on that beautiful evening. I cannot attempt to describe it, it would take too many pages to hurriedly run over its many points. The escarpment of the hills on the left, the rail and the river just by our side on the right and the pretty little places we passed through. Then again, the walk in the evening by the little mills in Romsey and the moonlight on the water. The beautiful views and the many streams we saw on the perfect day following, oh it was food for reflection and will last the winter through. Like the dormouse, we have laid within ourselves a supply for the long winter months when the only rides we can get is to go those journeys in imagination.

We were very charmed with the view of Butser Hill as we saw it on the way to Liss. The only drawback to making it a perfect outing was the failure of the new bearing.

63 miles

Thursday September 13

Bayliss did the journey. Two Mr Greys from Trowbridge came by yesterday. I went with one for a ride round Easthampstead, Blackwater and Yateley on our bicycles after dinner.

18 miles – B

Saturday September 15

I did the journey and enjoyed it.

Sunday September 16

Went to Chapel in the morning and marked out the text. At ½ past 2, Henry and I on the tandem went over to Compton and had an excellent tea at Mr Hawkins. Mr Hawkins being out, Mrs H entertained us well until his return. The bearings of the machine broke down coming home and delayed us some two hours. We came home via Farnham. I cannot say I enjoyed the run home. The machine troubled me.

44 miles

Tuesday September 18

I found yesterday that the frame of the machine was broken, and Tom kindly mended it for me today.

Wednesday September 19

New Mill anniversary to which Henry went.

Bayliss and I on the tandem did a night work. We went to Guildford in 2½ hours via the Hog’s Back and got back by Normandy in four hours. I never had such hard work on a machine before. It was the failure of the bearings again. It nearly made me ill that journey home and I hope never to be let in for another such a go. If the thing had gone well, it would have been a grand run home, for it was full moon and bright and clear.

44 miles

Friday September 23

After tea, Philip and I, on his machine, had a run over the Flats.

Sunday September 23

The day was very dull and misty with the wind in the NE so Henry would not go out. I went on the bicycle to Marlow and had a most enjoyable ride by myself. When I got to the Bath road, the mist cleared off and the sun came out bright so that I had a grand run to Marlow and back to Hurst when the sun went down and the mist came up strong. However, I made through it safely as far as Cornishes where I dismounted and walked the rest of the way home.

28 miles

Monday September 24

Carrie and I, on the tandem, went to Yateley to call upon Mr White.

13 miles

Wednesday September 26

Being the last day of early closing and not a bad kind of day, I left here at 4 o’clock on the bicycle for a run to Marlow and had a very nice journey over there. The afternoon was the best part of the day, bright and sunny and the country looked very pretty and most charming all along from Burchett’s Green to the river. Henry went to drill, and as I had no one to go with me, I was half inclined to stay at home, but I was very pleased I summoned up courage to face the run by myself on the bicycle, for I really enjoyed it and had a happy time with myself.

28 miles

Thursday September 27

Did the journey and passed Mr Nethercliffe hay making.

Saturday September 29

I had a little journey with the pony with goods to East Heath. Took Hilda with me, much to her liking. Very heavy rain all this evening.

Sunday September 30

Got up this morning and found the road splendidly washed and nearly dry with a NW wind on. Heard Mr Scorey to my liking. Henry, having a cold, could not go out, so by myself on the bicycle, I had a very nice afternoon run. I left here at ¼ past 2 and made my way by Eversley and Heckfield to Basingstoke, thence by Hartley Row, home at ¼ past 6. This was also a most enjoyable and pretty run. The weather was bright and sunny, and although there was a strong NW wind on, it inconvenienced me but little. The roads were perfection, dry but not in the least dusty, so that I came home as calm as I went out. I had polished up the bicycle this morning, so that I had a nice clean machine and much was it admired as the sun shone upon it to flash the light. I have not had such an afternoon run for a long time. I felt well, and was able to appreciate the beautiful country which was at its best this afternoon.

35 miles – B

1888

Monday October 1

Woke up and found a beautiful day awaiting me, so cast my mind about for a run, and as Henry was not up to a go out, I called upon Tom, and strange to relate, he was willing. Did what I had to do, and got the machine ready, and at ½ past 10, we made a start for Guildford via Ash and the Hog’s Back. The roads were perfect and so was the weather, bright, sunny and calm, and a very enjoyable run we had to Guildford. Tom much admired the Hog’s Back, it being his first visit to it. We had a good dinner at the Temperance Hotel by the fire station. After that, we took a walk by the river as far as the parting of the tunnels, and a lovely walk we had too, and very much Tom liked it. We left Guildford at 3 o’clock and over good roads made our way to Ripley and through by the Hut where we did a sit down by the lake, and then on to Weybridge, Chertsey and Virginia Water, Bagshot and home. Tom worked very well, but not being used to long runs, fell off a little towards the end. Nevertheless, we had a splendid day out and I think he was pleased with his run and enjoyed it much. I had the rear seat and so had a good opportunity of looking round. Today was one of the best days of the year for travelling, good dry roads and not the least dust.

Tuesday October 2

Would not have done for a run, cold, and dull.

Wednesday October 3

I took Frances and Miss Baker by the excursion to London. We went off by the 2.11 and home by the 12 pm. Went to the National Gallery, had tea and off to Drury Lane and saw ‘The Armada’ about which there has been a great deal of talk but I thought very little of it.

Saturday October 6

A man was run over by the 6.4 GWR at the crossing by the junction.

Sunday October 7

A nice bright day. I took over some change to Lady Glass which Bayliss forgot to leave yesterday. I left here at ½ past 10 and had a nice morning ride. From Lady Glass, I went up to the Flats and away to Darby Green and home by Yateley at a ¼ to 1. Had dinner and a rest and at ½ past 2, Henry and I on the tandem went to Farnham, Alton, Odiham and home by ½ past 8. A good day and a good run. It was exceedingly pleasant to Farnham and very good to Alton, but I was somewhat disappointed in that piece of road. I was under the impression it was level all the way but I found it somewhat undulating. We had tea at the Shaftsbury, and then a very enjoyable run home, for we took it quietly because of the darkness and so landed home quite fresh like. It was a very pretty afternoon, and what wind there was, was with us, and that dropped down by the time we turned for home. Although the evening was dark, it was cheerful, also with stars.

22 miles – B; 49 miles – T: 71 miles

Monday October 8

This afternoon, I took Mr Jelley on the tandem to Burchett’s Green and home by Waltham, quite a nice ride. The road and weather was perfect.

22 miles

Tuesday October 9

I took out the brooms and brushes from the provision window and set it out again with cheese and candles. Had a very pretty ride this afternoon on the bicycle to the Flats and home by Blackwater and Easthampstead. It was a pretty afternoon and the view over Yateley and York Town was very charming and as pretty and fairy like as I have ever seen it. Altogether I was much pleased with my ride.

20 miles

Wednesday October 10

We now close all the year around 4 o’clock. I partook of an early tea, and then wheeled myself over to Guildford. It was a beautiful afternoon and evening, and so I had a delightful and very happy ride there. I went via Crowthorne, Blackwater, Frimley and the Ridges. I took matters quietly and easy and used up just two hours before I landed at the Coffee House. There I had a light refreshment and then proceeded on my way for the Hog’s Back. It was 6 o’clock when I left the town, and the moon at first quarter. I pushed half way up the hill and rode the rest. At the top, I nearly had an accident by coming across a deep patch of gravel before I could dismount. Mounting again, I went cautiously for two or three miles before I came across any more gravel, and then I had to walk the rest of the way to Ash, as the patches of stones were so frequent. No train leaving Ash for two hours, I pushed on to the canal and then rode nearly to Farnborough where the fog necessitated a dismount and no more riding until I got to Blackwater and then I rode home by the 9.40 to Wokingham.

Although I had to do so much walking, I very much enjoyed myself and was very happy. Guildford looked mystically beautiful in the feeble moonlight and surrounded by the hills which loomed up in the semi darkness like the sails of a ship.

Henry was not well enough to come for a ride and there was a soiree on at the British School. I am getting quite used to my own company. It seems like old times, especially this evening as I was passing the old way to Guildford.

36 miles

Saturday October 13

Henry has been laid with the neuralgia all the week and quite laid up today. I had plenty, but not too much, to do and got on nicely in the shop.

Sunday October 14

Up early for Sunday because it was such a fine morning. Cleaned up the bicycle and at 10 o’clock, was off on my way to Marlow, and a most glorious ride I had there too. The sun shone bright and warm and not a cloud to be seen, and as he shone through the trees where the autumn has touched the leaves with yellow, it cast a golden light up in the rich brown carpet of leaves, and made quite a fairy picture.

I passed on through Marlow without a stop and away to Henley. The slight wind was a little troublesome to within two miles of Henley when it was decidedly in my favour. It was a grand ride all the way round and very much I enjoyed it, for I felt well, strong and happy. It was a perfect morning. Had a good dinner and a rest, a cup of coffee, and then Bayliss and I, on the tandem, left here at ¼ to 4 on our way round the same course as I went this morning. We made very good time over to Marlow so as to be in time for the sun over Quarry Wood, and we were just in time for it. We stopped ten minutes on the bridge, admiring the beautiful scenery before and behind us.

What a beautiful ride it was too, to Henley, as the sun went down and the moon rose, and the mists hung here and there, the day declined and night prevailed. The hills and woods rose on our right, and the valley with its grand river below on the left. The evening bells sounded clearer and clearer as we lessened the distance every turn of the wheel until they were overpowered by the roar of the stags as they marched down the slope of the hill from the woods above, and disturbed the rooks in their early nest. I came home very pleased with my two journeys this day to Marlow.

62 miles

Monday October 15

Was such a splendid day that I prevailed upon Tom to go a run this afternoon with me on the tandem. We left at ¼ to 3 so as to get a good light on the Marlow stretch. It was very jolly going over to Marlow this bright afternoon, and when we got there we enjoyed ourselves with a cup of tea, warm and strong. Then, one of the prettiest evenings and moonlight run home imaginable through Henley, Sonning, Twyford and Hurst. The machine went easy all the way round and we both enjoyed the run to the utmost.

The chalk pit just before leaving the main road to Sonning, presented a fine aspect as the moon shone full upon its white surface and lit it up just as though it were done so by powerful torchlights. It struck us both as very peculiar and effective. Then again, Sonning, too, looked very pretty and mystical in the moonlight especially when we saw it through the tracery of the trees. Tom brought home some red leaves and a bunch of old man’s beard, which he tied on behind the tricycle. Such a run as we had today is worth a lot of money, and very pleasant will be the recollection of it in years to come.

35 miles

Tuesday October 16

John came by the 6 L&SWR.

Wednesday October 17

John and Tom went this morning for a ride on the tandem round Eversley, the Flats and Yateley and enjoyed their run. After dinner, Henry and John went a walk round Barkham and called upon Mr Delamore. At 10 past 4, I left for Basingstoke upon Tom’s new machine with the 42ʺ wheels on. I had a splendid run, the sunlight held out to the Monument and then the moon took up the lighting and, being nearly full, lit up the country well. At Basingstoke, I had a cup of coffee, and then away through Hook to Blackwater, Yateley, Eversley and home. It was a splendid evening and night, and the mist and fog which hung heavy in places looked very grand and pretty. The machine went slow but very easy and comfortable, and very much I enjoyed the time out. I got home just before 10, not in the least tired.

40 miles

Thursday October 18

John, wanting another ride on the tandem, I sent Bayliss the journey, and I took John round Hurst and the Warren House. He went back by the 12.4. I was going for a moonlight ride on Tom’s machine, but it broke coming up into the town and so I had to turn back.

8 miles

Saturday October 20

I did the journey. It has been a splendid day and much I wished that tomorrow might be as good.

Sunday October 21

I more than had my wish fulfilled as to the weather. When I got up, it was nice and bright and calm, and as I had got the bicycle ready last night, I had nothing to hinder me from going a ride, except my breakfast. At ½ past 9, I made a start for Odiham. The weather had not changed and came over in a very thick fog which gave promise of soon clearing off again. It was very delightful riding through the mist and kind of exciting because I had to keep a vigilant look out because I could see only such a little distance ahead. I made a call at Mrs Spratley’s to see if I had left the money she paid me yesterday for I was just that amount short in my cash, but I had not left it there. I now had a good sharp run to Eversley like an express dashing through the fog which lay dense by the stream. A gentle application of power brought me to the summit of the hill leading to the Flats. Here the fog cleared off and I saw it no more.

All along that splendid road to Elvetham was very charming, very indeed. The colouring of the autumn tints was perfect and as pretty as I remember to have seen it, but of all the grand and beautiful sights in nature, the one that awaited me a little further on was, I think, the best of all. It was along that piece of road at Elvetham by the ginger beer shop. The trees formed an avenue all down the road and were just far enough touched with autumn to let the light well through the many coloured leaves and as the sun, which was directly above the centre of the avenue, shone through the division of the trees, the rays formed shafts of light on the slight mist that still remained and the whole formed a beautiful temple of nature whose walls were the forest and perfectly adorned with stained windows of autumn coloured leaves, and these massive columns of transparent light, which stood at regular intervals on either side, formed a holy channel of purity and light, and as I looked down here and remembered that it was Sunday morning, I felt myself in God’s own temple.

I dismounted at the end and looked back, and quite another picture presented itself to me, a pretty piece of forest scenery. Another delightful piece was between the canal bridges. There again in the woods, the light formed solid shafts all over the place and seemed to prop the trees up. Round by Pilcot and up by the Church was something to think upon. I stopped not at Odiham but passed on to Greywell and as I stooped down to drink from the clear running stream there, the sun shone quite bright and warm and the flies were busy buzzing about on the sunny wall. I did not dismount after Greywell until I reached home at ½ past 1. I did not get off to push the bicycle anywhere the whole journey round, which included Star Hill and East Court.

This was, and will be a memorable ride. Of all the many miles I have had, I never had a better than this. I was well and happy and strong and the day such a one sees only once a year. The fog very dense starting off, and to Eversley, then swiftly moving off to a pretty mist, until at noon, it was clear and bright. The roads were good, yea excellent, and the crisp leaves crackled under the wheel as I rode over them.

Arriving home, called upon Henry to see if he intended going out this afternoon, but he not feeling disposed to, I did not pressure him. After a good dinner and a rest, and a cup of tea, I sallied forth on the bicycle to Burchett’s Green and back, and again was favoured with a very pretty time. I got home at 6 and had another tea, and then put the tandem in order ready for Henry and me to go to Selborne tomorrow.

52 miles – B

Monday October 22

Up a little earlier and over to the shop soon after or by 8 o’clock. The morning was very foggy and we were afraid it would not do for Selborne, but by ½ past 9, it cleared off and came out sunny, and then we were soon off and wending our way to Eversley and Heckfield. Henry took the old lady’s ½ lb tea. At Basingstoke, we had a pint of ale between us and then away to Hackwood and Herriard and Alton. It is superfluous to say that it was very pretty all along here. After pushing up the hill by Herriard, looking down the road was very fine. The hedges and trees were a grand mixture of all colours between light green and rich dark brown, and the road was well covered with red brown leaves. We passed through Alton and reached Selborne at 1.40. Put the machine up at the Queen’s Arms, walked to the White Hart and had a bread and cheese lunch and then down the Long Lythe. Had tea at the Queen’s Arms and then away for home, and a very nice ride it was too. I felt much fresher and ready for the ride than I did any other part of the day. We arrived home at ½ past 7, both well satisfied and pleased with our autumn run to Selborne.

60 miles

Wednesday October 24

After 4, I went on the bicycle to Moss End and round the lanes to Billingbear and home by the Warren House. A little too dark coming home, but very pretty until the light failed.

15 miles – B

Sunday October 28

There being a sharp wind on, I did not rise very early because I thought a ride out of the question. However, by the time I had finished breakfast, it appeared to drop considerably, enough for me to make an attempt on the bicycle. I had cleaned and got the machine ready last night, so I only had to feed the magpie and then was all ready, and as the clock struck 10, I entered the saddle and made my way to Finchampstead, Eversley and up to the Flats and away to Elvetham, Dogmersfield, Pilcot and nearly to Odiham. There I turned to the right down a good road which led to the canal and over a common with only a grass track until the Winchfield road. Instead of going the usual course, I took the old road to Hartley Row and so home. I was very pleased with this run and enjoyed it all the way round. There was a strong wind on from the South which would have made it very hard work on the journey out, only I took matters quietly, and let the machine go its own pace, and did not hurry anywhere and so enjoyed, if a slow, a very pretty and interesting ride to Odiham.

I was over a great deal of this course last Sunday when I had that extraordinarily pretty ride through the fog and mist, and saw the wonderful effects of light. Today had its beauty, the weather being fine, clear and most of the time, sunny. The autumn had made wonderful progress during the past week. The larch fir had now changed colour, and today wore a dress of golden yellow, and most of the trees have largely shed their leaves, which the wind has carried and placed in many odd positions. As I was riding along that pretty road by Elvetham school, the leaves there were arranged like a crowd at a London procession. Each little shelf and ledge of the rising bank on either side was covered with a group of newly fallen leaves, as though they had claimed that vantage ground to see the immense crowd of fallen leaves which lined, and covered the road from side to side, hustle and surge, and wend their way, before the pushing wind, each seeming to have one common object, and destination, in view.

That large weeping ash in front of the school was very grand in its autumn dress, and was worth a journey of miles to see. Very strange was the behaviour of the leaves in the park under the influence of the unseen power which swept parts quite clear, as fast as they fell, and collected them into heaps here and there where the winds met. Altogether, it was a delightful autumn morning ride and very moving interesting little sights I saw and the wind made quite a change from the still rides I have had lately, and though it slowed the pace out, I being in no hurry caused me no inconvenience, and then I had the full benefit of it coming home when it was much stronger, for as the day advanced, the wind increased and this evening is strong and wet. I went 28 miles and took 3½ hours over the job. Mr Bayliss started at 8 o’clock this morning for Aylesbury for a few days.

28 miles – B

Monday October 29

Henry and Millie went to London by the excursion and a soaking wet day they had too. I am very glad I went for a run yesterday morning, for it was the last day of dry autumn, for the wet came on after dinner and now today is a shocking wet one.

Tuesday October 30

I went the journey and had a tremendously wet time of it.

1888

Saturday November 3

A nice busy day with the Fair people. It was a terribly wet day yesterday for the first day of the Fair, but a very good one today. I did not go down because of the deep mud one had to wade through.

Sunday November 4

At 10 o’clock, I mounted the bicycle and made my way to Eversley, Elvetham, Dogmersfield, Pilcot, Crookham, Fleet and home at 1.20. The road to Finchampstead was muddy, but all the rest tolerably clean. Of course, it did not suit high speed, so I took matters very quietly and so had a most enjoyable ride round and saw the country in its ragged autumn dress. The morning was nice and bright and cheerful, the evening stormy and wet.

24 miles – B

Monday November 5

Bertha and I took advantage of a late train from Reading to see ‘The Mikado’ at the Royal Theatre. We went down by the o’clock train and got in good time to secure a capital seat in the pit. I liked the opera much, right from the overture to the final drop of the curtain. Mr Henry Lytton as the Lord High Executioner performed his part inimitably, and in his song ‘Oh bother the flowers that bloom in the Spring’ was recalled four times. Also, Yum Yum, in the song to the sun and moon, was sweetly pretty and encored twice. As I say, the piece throughout was good, and sustained the interest all the time.

Wednesday November 7

George Sale and I, on the tandem, and Bayliss on his Safety, went to Reading to see ‘The Mikado’. We had an early and very nice run down in the dark. Put the machines up at the Boar’s Head and were in good time to secure a comfortable seat. I enjoyed the performance and songs more tonight than ever on Monday. We arrived home at ¼ to 12 after having had a good ride home against a strong wind. We most thoroughly enjoyed the ride and the performance at the theatre.

15 miles – T

Thursday November 8

This being the long round and as I also had to call at Mr T. Cordery for two hogs, I got off in good time, worked hard and stopped nowhere beyond what was absolutely necessary. I got home by ¼ past 4.

Had dinner, and did the booking, and at ¼ past 6, George Sale and I on the tandem, made our way to Reading to see ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ at the theatre. The evening was very dark and windy and threatened for rain. We reached the Boar’s Head in safety and good time. The same company as performed in ‘The Mikado’ now represented ‘The Pirates’ but the piece is a very weak and poor production and gave the actors no room to reveal their powers. There was no plot, no story and no good songs and choruses, so that compared with what I heard at the beginning of the week, this was very poor and disappointing.

It was over early and we were home at Wokingham by a little after 11 o’clock. Although the wind was very high and against us on the homeward journey, yet we got along very comfortably and in very good time. I was somewhat tired but not too tired to sleep well. I have had rather late hours this week, for on Tuesday evening, Mr Ryder came up and stayed til past 12, and then George and I walked part of the way home with him, which made it 1 o’clock before I got to bed.

15 miles

Friday November 9

Seven hogs and a wet day and a heavy load of orders. However, I felt well and equal to the occasion and so enjoyed the day very well and got through my work by 9 o’clock. Mr T. B. Martin was elected Mayor today.

Saturday November 10

23 years ago today since the death of father.

I took a ham to North Court on the tandem with Geo Sale in the evening.

8 miles

Sunday November 11

I could not go for a run today because during the early part of the morning and last night, a considerable lot of rain fell, and a drizzle more or less all day, and besides this, the Corporation of Wokingham followed the new Mayor, Mr Martin, to Chapel led by the band and the Fire Brigade. They all attended service at the Baptist Chapel except Mr Prescott who objected to go upon conscientious principles. Mr Cave gave us an appropriate service, and all passed off well, except that the congregation left the building before the council and band. Mr Prescott’s action in staying away has given way to a strong feeling against him in some quarters.

Monday November 12

A wet day. I arranged the little warehouse.

Wednesday November 14

Although there is a sun, riding was out of the question for the weather was damp and the roads muddy. After 4, I went down to Tom’s and turned some rivets for the chain of the tandem. I had a slight attack of neuralgia in the head, which interfered with my day’s enjoyment.

Thursday November 15

My neuralgia made the journey hang heavy upon me today. However, by the time I got home, I was better.

Saturday November 17

Got the cart off early and had a slack day and night.

Sunday November 18

A wet day. I went to Chapel morning and evening and heard two very weak sermons from Mr Cave.

Monday November 19

Dressed the provision window.

Tuesday November 20

Dressed the grocery window so that both look nice and clean now.

Saturday November 24

The weather this week has been fine and dry, but no chance of a run because there has been an incessant gale blowing from the West.

1888

Sunday December 2

I had a very enjoyable little run this morning. I went to Eversley and over the Flats to Elvetham and by the schools to the left and so home again. The roads to Warren Lodge were muddy, but all the rest of the way, tolerably clean and good going. I was almost afraid to make a start because the morning looked dull and uninviting, but about ½ past 10, the sun came out, and I followed his example, and I had a very happy little journey.

The heavy rains we have had have filled the ditches and made them little brooks and the streams into rivers. I stayed a moment on Eversley bridge to watch the landrails which were careering over the lake of water the swollen stream had made. Such a quantity of these birds I never saw together before, and as they sported about in the bright sunshine, their white wings glistening, they looked very pretty, and they were also merry too, for they kept up a continual chatter or whistle.

The run down to Elvetham was very grand. That pretty valley was well lit up with the sun, and as I descended into it, it filled me with admiration. There was the farm and the winding stream at the bottom, the park and mansion on the right and the well worked country on the left. It is a view that has often pleased me. It is not devoid of buildings and life, and yet so very quiet, and this Sunday morning, particularly calm and serene. On my way home, I passed a gentleman walking in his shirt sleeves, with his coat under his arm as though it was summer. I ran home much quicker than I came out because of the wind. From the Flats home, I did not dismount or stop. It was a good job I went this morning, for the afternoon turned out dull and wet.

20 miles – B

Saturday December 15

George Pigg was buried today. What a lot of our friends have died during the last two weeks – Mr Dallimore, Mrs Smith, Mr Coxon ([illegible word] traveller), Mr Finn, young Mr Barford, and others.

Sunday December 16

Since about the 6th of the month, Bertha has been laid up with an internal complaint, and has gradually got worse until she is now very bad indeed. After dinner, I took a run on the bicycle. The surroundings looked anything but inviting. I had, and have had, for the last week a bad headache. The weather was foggy and the roads muddy, but in spite of this I had an enjoyable two hours out. I went to the Royal Oak, Yateley and back. As I say, I enjoyed the run, the very winteriness of the afternoon had a charm for me, and as I warmed up to my work, the headache passed off.

14 miles – B

Monday December 17

Henry went to London today to buy butter and cheese. After dinner, I went over the same ground as yesterday on the bicycle and again was very pleased with the run. Today was even more foggy than yesterday and I felt quite a delight bowling along into the unknown. Yesterday I worked up East Court hill, but today I walked up and amused the children from school as we marched up together.

14 miles – B

Saturday December 22

We were very busy all day and right up til nearly 11 o’clock this evening. We have had a lot to do this week but have got through the work very well indeed. I got out all the Xmas boxes for the journey today, and glad I was to get the job over.

Sunday December 23

Again, in spite of the weather and roads I went a very nice run indeed. It was to Elvetham, round about and home. The roads were muddy but what of that? I was in no hurry, and so the consequence was I enjoyed the little spin. the weather was showery, very warm and with bright intervals very like a summer day. Many pretty sights I saw. The trees especially pleased me. They looked so bold and massive. Went to Chapel in the evening and marked out the text (Matt 1.26) before Mr Cave gave it out, although he did not read that portion of scripture.

20 miles – B

Monday December 24

We were tolerably busy all day, and should have been more so at night but for the rain which came down very heavy indeed all the after part of the day. I never remember so mild a time for Xmas. Today is quite sultry, and I have felt hot in my shirt sleeves.

Tuesday December 25

Spent the whole of the day putting up a column in the office. The day, like yesterday, was exceedingly wet after dinner. Quite a deluge of rain. We spent a very quiet Xmas with Bertha in bed.

Wednesday December 26

Did not turn out very soon this morning. Had a splendid little run to Eversley and back before dinner. It was like a summer morning, bright and warm, and yesterday’s rain has washed the roads somewhat clean. I very much enjoyed the outing and was well pleased that I came. The hounds met at New Mill and I saw several off to see them. Henry was gardening all the morning. It certainly is very remarkable weather, so exceedingly mid and warm. Many flowers are out. Went to Chapel for the morning service and marked out the text (Matt 1.20) although Mr Cave did not read from that Gospel. Here I am making a little mistake for I am recording what happened last Sunday, in the last paragraph.

Sunday December 30

To Chapel morning and evening and marked out the text each service, that in the morning being Job 37c21v, and in the evening Psalm 90 12v.

Monday December 31

Yesterday was a calm, bright day, today exceedingly foggy. On very dirty roads and in a very dense fog, I rode the bicycle to Bannister’s and back after dinner, and enjoyed the run tolerably well. This run winds up my cycling for the year, and I find I have accomplished a greater number of miles this year since I began to ride, by 110 miles, the total distance being 3514, and in doing this I have not had the slightest accident or mishap, but on the other hand, I have had a very large number of extraordinarily happy and memorable rides.

I began the year with a remarkably pleasing ride, and rode right up to the last day, and between these two rides, I have been favoured with an abundance of much above the average rides. I did think of enumerating the best of them, but it would be rather a long job, and as I have them fully recorded in the previous volume, under the proper dates, I think it hardly worthwhile to repeat them here.

The weather during the greater part of the year has been cold, windy and wet, and generally unseasonable, yet in spite of this, I have had perhaps the happiest year of my life, and if I am spared through the coming year, I shall be well satisfied if I am given as enjoyable and happy year as the one I have just passed through. My own health and that of my wife and children has been remarkably good, with an almost entire absence of sickness, with the exception of during the month, Bertha has been confined to her bed by reason of an internal injury, which has been very painful to her.

Total number of cycle runs for each year:

1877      2,513
1879      1,381
1880      3,280
1881      1,674
1882      3,404
1883      1,050
1884      2,490
1885      1,332
1886      1,432
1887      2,793
1888      3,514
             ——–
             24,863 miles