1890

Wednesday January 1

The year begins well with a nice clear frosty day. It began much better than I did, for my cold is worse and rather interferes with my capability for work, but, although I did not feel anything like up to the mark all day, I made up my mind for a run on the bicycle after tea by moonlight, so I had tea at the shop, and at 5 o’clock, Mr Chappell and I, on our Safetys, made our way to Eversley Cross, thence to Warners and up Brickhouse hill and away to Elvetham and back to Eversley and so home. It was a very pleasant and enjoyable ride. The roads were A1, and it was not at all dark because of the new moon.

When we got to the stream at Eversley on our way home, there was quite a thick fog, which increased so rapidly that by the time we got to Mr Phillips, it was so dense we could not see the road, nor hedge, and we had to use the utmost caution, and from the White House, we really saw nothing. I got off before descending the hill under the SE Railway, for I positively could not make out where I was. When we got to the town, we could not see from one lamp to another.

We quite enjoyed this little adventure. Of course, we should not have liked it had any distance to have travelled through it. We got in just at 8 o’clock, feeling all the better for the run. Bertha and I took a walk to the Beeches and back, just to see how the fog looked.

18 miles

Thursday January 2

It rained heavily during the night, and I started off on the journey in a heavy rain which lasted to Relf’s. I got round the journey very well, but renewed my cold.

Sunday January 5

I did not get up til past 1 o’clock. Went to Geo Woods to tea and to Chapel in the evening.

Wednesday January 8

A very different day from yesterday, for then Henry and Kemp went by the 10.20 to Ash, and took a walk round Seale etc to Compton and Guildford, which they very much enjoyed, the weather being bright and summer like. Today, it rains and heavily too. John came down yesterday and is going back tomorrow. I had the evening with him and Tom at Mr Rainbow’s.

Thursday January 9

I did the whole of the journey. Felt cold, damp and miserable starting off but warmed up to my work as the day advanced.

Sunday January 12

A gloriously fine day, one to be remembered. I took a walk to Barkham and through Bearwood, round by the lake and home by Sandy Bottom. The day was warm and the sun shone bright and clear all day long, and it seemed like summer out.

Wednesday January 15

I went to London by the 9.8 (3/6) and straight away to the dentist Mr Morgan, where I waited over an hour and then saw his son, who pulled out four teeth for me. Then to dinner in the home opposite Bennett’s. After dinner with a bad headache, I went to the National Gallery to while away the time, and also to get shelter and rest. Was turned out of there at 4 o’clock and then I went to Charing Cross Station waiting room and sat down until 5, when I had some tea at my usual place next to Exeter Hall. After tea, to Drury Lane and got a tolerably good seat and saw the pantomime of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ which I did not like at all. Had a very bad headache until I got into the train for home.

Tuesday January 21

I took Frances to see the pantomime at Reading, ‘The Forty Thieves’. By going in at the entry doors, we obtained a good seat. We were very pleased with the piece. Unfortunately, we had to leave just as the transformation scene came on so as to catch the last up SER.

Sunday January 26

Mr Jelley came this evening.

Monday January 27

I took Bertha to the pantomime at Reading, which she liked very much. I was going to the Crystal Palace to the Stanley Show, but thought better of it this morning. Miss Kate Toole sang and acted well, and the whole performance was exceedingly good.

1890

Sunday February 9

It looked good enough for a run this morning, so I went for one. The wind being strong and NE, I thought it best to go out against it, and went to Hurst and Ruscombe Church, and found the roads tolerably good, but from there, all the rest of the way home, they were exceedingly bad so that I had to walk a great deal of the distance. I foolish like went from Ruscombe to Waltham and home round Billingbear Park. I might have known the road would be bad that way if any, however I had an hour and a half to get home from Waltham and managed to do so just in time. Had the roads been goable, it would have been a pretty run. I saw some snowdrops, crocuses, yellow jasmine, and japonica. Went to Chapel in the evening and heard a very poor sermon.

15 miles

Monday February 24

Mr Jelley came down yesterday and went back this morning by the first up GWR. There was cheap trains up today and I intended going by the 9.11 but was under the impression it was tomorrow and not today, but when I got across to the shop, I was told Mr Kemp and family were gone up by the excursion, and then I found out my mistake and at once got ready and went up by the 10.40 and made my way to Mr Morgan’s and was just fortunate in catching him at home. He took cast of my mouth and told me to call again in two hours time, which I did, and he then fitted the wax frame. If I had not to have called a second time at Mr Morgan’s, I should have gone to Christie’s but it was now too late for that, so I wandered about to see if I could find Lindley and Brigg’s place in Clerkenwell Road, but failed. I then went to the Shaftesbury to tea and to the Savoy, and saw ‘The Gondoliers’, with which I was very much disappointed.

1890

Monday March 3

My teeth being ready, I went to London for them. I walked to Bracknell to go by the 4/6 return. It was a splendid cold, bright frosty morning and I very much liked the walk. I stepped out sharp and did the distance from the Post Office to Bracknell station in just the hour. I did not feel anything of the walk to Bracknell, but when I got out at Waterloo, I was very cropply and had to call in to Charing Cross station to doctor up my poor feet. I then went to Mr Morgan’s and was kept waiting a long time. However, the teeth fitted well and that was the main thing. Had dinner, and then off to Lindley and Briggs and inspected the Whippet, back to Holborn Viaduct and bought Chappell a steering lock at Singer’s (5/-), and then off to Christie’s for the last time in my life. It was very tense all through. The teeth cost £4.4.0.

Friday March 7

Bostock’s Menagerie came today. As they would not let them into the town, they occupied the Church meadow and got a very poor attendance. It was a very good collection, all the animals and caravans being in excellent condition. I went, and after I came home, wrote a letter for Mr Christie.

Sunday March 9

Was going over to see Mrs Christie this morning on the Safety, but when I got to Finchampstead rectory, I met Mr Christie. I then went on to Crowthorne and called upon Mrs Brown, and home by Col Peel’s.

12 miles

Wednesday March 12

Has a run this evening to Finchampstead and Crowthorne and home by Col Peel’s. The roads were very good to Well College, but very heavy the rest of the way home.

12 miles

Wednesday March 26

A very good day and especially good evening. We took advantage of it, that is Chappell, Perrin and I, by going a capital little run to Eversley Cross, Hartley Row, up by the churches and away to the Barley Mow, and home by the Union and the Flats to Eversley etc. There was no wind, and the roads were like a board all the way round. We gathered a few primroses and saw a lot of daffodils. This turn round afforded each of us a good deal of pleasure and enjoyment. Mr Perrin has not been out (excepting once) on his machine before, so I thought this a very good beginning.

24 miles

Sunday March 30

Was a beautiful bright day. I had a run over to Ruscombe railway bridge in the morning, and laid down on the bank just the other side of the line, and quite enjoyed the sunshine.

After tea, Henry and I, on the tandem, went to Mattingley and home through Hartley Row. It was a capital ride, the weather and roads were perfection, and the machine never went better, this being the first time it has been out for many months. It quite repaid me for the attention I gave it during the winter by putting leather for the chair to sit down upon. It seemed like old times, to get on the tandem again, and I must say I was very agreeably surprised at the ease with which it went.

12 – Safety; 25 – Tandem = 37 miles

1890

Wednesday April 2

We thought Last Wednesday a good one but this was even better. Mr Perry, Chappell and I had another capital run. We wet by Ruscombe to Knowl Hill and the round by Warren Row, and down that nice hill onto the Wargrave road, then to Henley where we had a cup of cream and bread and butter, and home by Wargrave, Twyford and Hurst. It was grand going tonight, the roads are A1 and the weather fine and still. We were very merry coming home.

25 miles

I forgot to say, this being Good Friday week, I did the journey today, that is part of it. Mr Chappell did the Barracks etc, so that I got home by ½ past 2.

Friday April 4 – Good Friday

Mr and Mrs Kent, Fred and the boy came yesterday. Henry went for a walk with Geo Woods and Rednall. It was a magnificent morning, and so it was all day. I was just off for a run on the Safety, when Bertha asked me why I did not go with Mr Kent on the tandem. Well, I thought that a very good idea, and so did he, and so both being of one mind, we acted accordingly, and he got ready for a journey. It must have been about ½ past 11 when we made a start. I wanted, if we were able, to go to Compton because the wind favoured that direction, and there was a considerable quantity of that, but as it was calm first thing this morning, I reckoned upon its going down by the evening, and I was quite right there.

Well, first starting off, Fred being like a lump of bread, but by the time we got to Well College, he fell wonderfully well into the work and never once had a slip or any mishaps in any way, and worked uncommonly well, so that instead of having a day’s work, I had one of the most enjoyable days out imaginable. We went by the Crooked Billet, Well Coll to R.M.C. where we stopped for a few minutes for Fred to admire the latter and eat an orange. The water looked very pretty in the bright sunshine, and the wind (which I say was at our backs thank goodness) made the lake quite rough and wavy. Our next stop was at the Anglers’ Rest, where we had our dinner of tongue and bread, which we soaked in a quart of the best ale. As we sat there and smoked our cigarettes after dinner, we voted it a splendid meal.

Fred said he liked his and I know I did mine. When our cigarettes came to an end, then also did our rest, and it was not so very long after when we found ourselves on the Hog’s Back, laying down in the hot sun doing another smoke. As we lay there, we saw an enormous quantity of cyclists go by and nearly all to Farnham. It was so warm here that I was glad to get a little shelter under the leafless bough of a tree. Another move brought us through Puttenham to Compton. On the last hill down to Compton, Fred put his feet on the rests, and I ran him along quite as fast as he liked it. We left the tandem at the Coffee House, ordered tea for 4 o’clock, took a walk up the hill and sat under a tree for a while, then a leisurely saunter back to tea. We were quite ready for it, and most grateful and comforting it went down. Thoroughly refreshed and quite equal for the journey, we left the good old people at 5 o’clock and made our way up to the Hog’s Back. We had a glorious view over Hampshire and Surrey, which much pleased Fred. Just before mounting the tandem, I broke my belt. Fred was simply charmed with the run down to Guildford, and well he might be. We did not the let the machine rip down at random, but went steady and so had time to look around. At Guildford, we spent sixpence and laid in a stock of cigarettes. We came home via the Frimley ridges, and found the way much better than I expected. Had a liquer up at the boat house, and then away home through Blackwater and Eversley.

Fred said he never had a better day out, and if he enjoyed it, I certainly did. The roads were perfection and the weather could not have suited us better. It was a grand night out, being full moon, cloudless and calm. I need not have had any fear about taking Fred for so long a ride, for he finished up as fresh as when he went out, and worked very well indeed. It was worth going a long way to see how he enjoyed his lunch and ale at Ash, and more so his tea at Compton. I am very glad we went.

45 miles – T

Saturday April 5

Was even a better day than yesterday, but

Sunday April 6

was altogether a different sort. It rained about 8 o’clock and was dull and cloudy all the rest of the day. I took a walk round Barkham instead of going to Chapel. Rain came on heavy just as I got home. Had it been fine, I was going to take Fred Kemp to Windsor this afternoon.

Monday April 7 – Bank Holiday

And therefore wet. Henry went with the Volunteers to Sonning Hill. As the weather was too rough and wet to go out. I cleaned up the workshop and wasted the rest of the day.

Wednesday April 9

was worth 20 of such days as the above. Mr Chappell, Perry and I went a splendid run this evening to the Monument, back to Mattingley, Hook, Odiham, and round by Pilcot to Hartley Row and home, a run that we thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated. It was a splendid evening and we ought to have enjoyed it. The roads perfection.

33 miles

Sunday April 13

The day was fine but a cold wind blew. I enjoyed the day very much. In the morning I went to Easthampstead, down the Bagshot road to the Nine Mile Ride, up which I turned. Had a pleasant bask in the sun under the shelter of Swanley Park railings. Then round the pond again and back to N.M.R. and all down it to Finchampstead road and so home just at ½ past 1. A very nice run indeed. At ½ past 5, I made my way to Burchett’s Green via Ruscombe, and against the east wind. Turned round at Burchett’s Green and came home along the Bath road.

I had to screw up my courage to make a start this evening, for the day had come over very cold and the wind had increased. However, I did make a start, and very pleased I was I did, for although the air was thick so that there was no distant view, and the wind anything but warm, yet it had its charm out this evening, and I liked it. The birds were especially musical and I must have heard a great quantity of thrushes and blackbirds. I saw a hawk over the field between B.G. and the Bath road, saw him going and also when I came back.

18 + 20 = 38 miles

Tuesday April 15

Had an early tea, and then off to Yateley via North Court, Well Coll and Sandhurst to see Mr White about his account. I saw him, but got no money, only a promise to pay some in a month. From Mr White’s, I turned back and went to Blackwater over the left of Darby Green, thence to Bagshot and home by Bracknell. There was a very strong ESE wind blowing and it looked very much like rain. I very much enjoyed the run from Yateley all the way home. It was very pretty from there to Blackwater. In spite of the strong gale against me up Yorktown and Camberley, I got along very well. Between the Golden Farmer and Bagshot, I passed a large Bear. It came to rain before I got to Bracknell, and not wanting to get any wetter than I could help, I just did slip home from Bracknell with the wind at my back. I haven’t been so fast for many a day.

24 miles

Wednesday April 16

If I had not had my run yesterday, I should not have had one today as the weather is too rough and wet.

Sunday April 20

Went round Binfield before service. During the day, the wind got up very strong and cold, and I almost despaired of a run this evening. I had tea, and then at 5 o’clock I made a start going Marlow way because the wind blew that way, and I thought it just possible it might go down by the time I came back. As I went on the weather improved and I had a very nice and happy run to Marlow. Between Marlow and B. Green, I heard the cuckoo for the first time this season. I did not stay at Marlow but went on for Henley, and the wind which blew me over dropped a good deal so that I found no inconvenience from it all the way home. I was very glad I came this evening for I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Nature’s new spring clothing looks very charming, and round this way was very fresh and green.

5 + 33 = 38 miles

Wednesday April 23

Was a tolerably good day, but got worse and worse towards evening. I, Chappell and Perry did the Marlow and Henley run in very dull, cold and windy weather. From Henley, home, it rained heavily all the way and of course, we got wet through. It was a good run spoilt with the rain. I quite enjoyed travelling through the heavy and warm rain as far as Hurst, but from there the roads went heavy and I was thoroughly glad to get home.

33 miles

Sunday April 27

Had an early tea, and then by myself for a ride on the Safety. I was undecided which way to go, but after casting over in my mind, I decided for Basingstoke, and a very good decision it turned out. I went via Hartley Row and Hook and home by Sherfield. The weather was good and the roads perfect, and so no wonder I enjoyed myself this nice spring evening. The birds were very merry. The cuckoo I heard several times and I am nearly sure it was a nightingale I heard at the top of Heckfield hill on my way home. While having a glass at Sherfield, a man told me that, in America, they make coffins out of sawdust.

35 miles

Monday April 28

Had an early tea, and then was going to Alton, but when I reached the Flats, I altered my mind, for the wind was against me, and that got stronger as the evening came on, and the appearance of the sky was very threatening, so I ran along the Flats and home by Yateley. I had a job to struggle against the wind from Yateley to Eversley. I got home just in time to miss the rain.

19 miles

Wednesday April 30

Chappell and Perry left here at 5 past 3 for Alton and I followed after at 3.25. I tried to catch them up but failed by five minutes. It was the wrong way for pace, the wind being in the east, and tolerably strong. I got there in just two hours. Had tea at a confectioners in the main street. While waiting for the other two, I ran about Alton. We all had a very nice ride home together. I cannot say it was one of my best runs, the wind was in the wrong quarter.

45 miles

1890

Sunday May 4

I had a delightful run round Moss End, Hawthorn Hill, White Waltham and Hurst before dinner. It was a very good morning and improved as it went on. A little beyond Buck Farm, I crossed a delightfully pretty stream and was forced to wait a little and admire it. The stream is 10 or 12 feet below the surface of the ground and the banks are covered with trees that reach right across the stream. I was particularly pleased with this little piece and must come again to it. I was very glad I came this morning now. The weather did not look inviting when I started off but it came out glorious. After a good dinner and a rest, I had tea and started off for Basing, but when I got to the Flats, the appearance of the weather was very threatening and I did not deem it safe to get so far from home, so turned back to Eversley down Brickhouse Hill and over New Mill, up the Reading road to Arborfield, by the Mole to Sindlesham and home by the little mill. The gorse from the Flats to Brickhouse Hill is very grand.

36 miles

Monday May 5

I put the Safety in thorough order, packed it in a crate, and got it all ready to send off to John.

Tuesday May 6

I set myself out for work today to make up for yesterday, but alas, Tom upset my resolution by calling in this morning to inform me that the Whippet was waiting for me at Reading. I got along as quickly as I could with what work I had to do, and at 3.47 went to Reading by the GWR with the cheque in my pocket. Calling at Mr Stanners, I found him out, but the machine at home. Paid his young man the money, and was soon after, riding my new machine towards Wokingham. I was very pleased with my ride home, the bicycle going beyond my expectations.

7 miles

Wednesday May 7

Was a glorious day. Geo Woods, Henry, Rednall and I arranged an afternoon ride. I hurried on with the orders. Turned an extension for the handle bar, put the tandem in order and was all ready by time. It was a little before 5 when George and Henry, on the tandem, and I on the Whippet, started off for Marlow and Henley, Mr Rednall to follow on at 6 o’clock and meet at Henley bridge.

We could not have picked a better time for this run. It was a most glorious evening with a gordian cloud effect. I don’t think I have ever seen quite its equal. The clouds, the country and the light. The piece from Burchett’s Green to the Henley road was lovely and fairy like, and then all along the Marlow road we had a grand panorama. A Gordian world of cloudland above, most varied and beautiful, which let through the blue light upon the fresh green earth beneath and made such a picture all round as is very seldom my lot to behold. The roads were perfect and my Whippet seemed to go of itself. I was well and strong, had good company, and no wonder I enjoyed myself to overflowing.

At Henley, we called in at the Temperance Tavern and had coffee and bread and butter. We met Rednall at the Two Brewers and then had a quiet ride home. My wish is I may have some more runs like this. I was up at 6 o’clock this morning and Chappell and I on the tandem went to Bracknell and home by Easthampstead. I cannot say I thoroughly enjoyed the morning run but the evening well made up for it.

When I was out last Sunday, I heard the cuckoo bark like a dog. I was pushing my Safety up College hill and saw two cuckoos sporting about in the air. Presently they chased each other and barked. At first I mistook it for a dog, but they did it repeatedly while I was watching them.

9 + 33 = 42 miles

Sunday May 11

Rained all night, and a very heavy rain from 10 to 11 this morning which washed the roads beautifully clean, and by the afternoon were quite dry. Although they looked splendid for running, I did not go out on the cycle but took Bertha for a drive in the trap round Hurst and Haines Hill, which she enjoyed very much.

Tuesday May 13

Up at ¼ to 6, called Chappell, and had a cup of coffee and then a very nice run on the tandem to Hurst, Twyford, back by the Elephant and Castle, on to Sindlesham and home by Scott’s Tavern.

12 miles – T miles

Wednesday May 14

Chappell and I had a splendid run on the tandem this evening. We left here at 5 o’clock for Windsor going via Buckhurst, Binfield, Warfield, Winkfield and Queen Anne’s drive. The roads were good and the wind at our backs and a pretty bright sky above us, so we rattled along comfortably fast and enjoyably. We saw the Club at Windsor, but did not come home with them. Just before leaving Windsor, we had a good view of the Queen as she drove from the station to the Castle. She looked well and fat.

I did not enjoy the time at Windsor, the wind was so bleakly cold. Fortunately, by the time we left Windsor, which was 8.45, the wind had quite gone down. We did not hurry until we had got over the hill leading from Windsor, but from there, we just did put the pace on until we overtook the Club going up Leong’s Hill, when we eased up and kept with them to Windmill Hill, and then on again at a good pace right home. We both very much enjoyed the run both ways, so we ought for the country is beautiful now.

28 miles – T

Friday May 15

Henry and Geo Woods went on the tandem to North Warnborough to see about the camp ground this morning. At a ¼ past 5, Fred Kent and I went on the tandem to Windsor the same way as I went Wednesday. When we got to the Park, it looked like a heavy storm coming up behind, to avoid which we put on the pace right to Windsor, and so landed in the dry. The rain came on directly we put up. We went to the Coffee House until it gave over, then took a walk to Eton. We did not leave til past 8 o’clock. Although it rained on and off, all the way home, we did not get very wet and had quite a nice ride home. The hurrying to Windsor through the park rather spoilt the time out, for it made us very hot and moist indeed.

28 miles – T

Sunday May 18

I went for a nice run this morning. I did intend going round Waltham but the wind was the wrong way for the return journey, and it was somewhat strong, so I went to the Shoulder of Mutton, thence to Easthampstead and Bagshot, up to the Golden Farmer, down to Frimley and home by R. M. College and Well. College. Although there was a strong wind on, it was very lovely, for the sun shone bright and warm, the roads were A1 and the country lovely. I went on the Whippet and was very pleased with the go of the little beast. After tea, I started for Marlow and Henley, but when I got to Bill Hill, I remembered an important letter to Mr Rushton which I had to post, and I came back and did it, and then made another start just as the clock struck 6. It was not long before I was back at Bill Hill again. It was a grand run to Marlow with the wind at my back and beautiful, lovely country all round me. My first stop was for a glass of ale at the Public House at the foot of the hill leading out of Marlow, neither did I stop at Henley but came right away home.

It was beautiful out this evening and very, very much I enjoyed myself. The Whippet went splendidly and so easily. The grand luxuriance of the foliage this year is something to be remembered. Over everywhere and everything, nature has been most lavish and profligate. Yes, it was a splendid evening, and I was strong and well, and enjoyed it well and strong.

24 + 36 = 60 miles

Monday May 19

Henry and Millie went to Lambourn for a two days walking trip.

Wednesday May 21

Fred Kent and I, on the tandem, did the Marlow and Henley trip. It was very nice until we got to Twyford coming home and there Fred was a little tired. He thoroughly enjoyed the run.

33 miles

Thursday May 22

I sent Chappell the journey because I wanted to get forward for the camp out next week. I took a short run after shop to Sandhurst and back.

4 miles

Saturday May 24

Was a splendid fine day, just the sort we wanted for the camp job. I got the journey off early, and then packed the trap with all the camp requisites, and got it all ready for Tom to drive over by ½ past 12. He started off in good spirits, Kemp following on Tom’s new omnicycle. About an hour after that, Geo Woods went over on his own machine which I thought very kind of him, for he was not going to stay, but simply went to help get things ready for us. As we were not going on the same ground this year, but to the Castle at Warnborough, there was a little more to do to get the things on the spot, and several arrangements to make, so that George’s services were most acceptable, and took off a lot of anxiety. Chappell got home from the journey early. We were tolerably busy, and all things made it quite a jolly start off. We intended leaving at 9 o’clock but could not get away until ½ past 9. We met Geo Woods and Tom on their way home just at the cross roads on the Flats. They informed us that all things were straight and ready for us, and they seemed as though they had enjoyed their part. It was 11 o’clock before we landed and found Mr Kemp at the Castle. We had a little supper, and a talk and then went out to meet Philip Sale and Rednall who were to leave Wokingham at ½ past 10. We had it moonlight for our ride over, but now the moon had gone down and it was totally dark, and in the darkness, we somehow missed our friends, and when we came back, found they had just arrived by another road. They enjoyed their run over and the novelty of the situation. It was nigh upon 1 o’clock before lights were out. None of us went to sleep very soon excepting Henry. This was reversing the usual order of things. We heard the birds on strong before we went to sleep.

15 miles

Sunday May 25

We did not turn out until 8 or past, when we found a beautiful morning awaiting us. We had breakfast in the Castle grounds. Philip and Henry went to Odiham to service, and Kemp and Rednall for a walk. While they were gone, I put the tent in order, and made some cupboards for the cups and saucers and all the plates and provisions, and by the time the rest came home, the place was very nice and tidy, which pleased them all, I think. After dinner, we laid down and Philip read to us, and very pleasant it was laying there and listening to his readings. An early tea and then a most splendid walk. We had a lot of sightseers come to visit us this afternoon, there must have been at least 30 sitting down and watching us have tea which made it quite merry.

As I say we went for a nice walk after tea, but not where we intended. Mr Kemp was going to take us to Crondall and by a new cut across by Odiham Church, and we kept cutting off corners and doing short cuts until eventually we never got to Crondall. This very highly amused Philip, for at the first turn, he prophesised we should not get to Crondall. But if we didn’t get to Crondall, we went somewhere much better, for we went the prettiest walk imaginable which eventually led us through the wood that crosses the hill which we call Little Crooksberry. The walk through and down that wood and hill was beautiful beyond description.

It was a lane or road which seemed half private as here and there, we had to pass through a gate, and once through a farmyard and kind of orchard. It was a long lane and we knew not where it would lead us to. We expected to come on Crondall at every turn, but alas! The end of it was it led into the Crondall road two miles from that village, so we gave up the idea of going there and turned to the left and came out onto Daisy Green and the Odiham and Crondall road. Looking back up Little Crooksberry Hill was one of the prettiest pictures I have seen. We were all struck with its beauty. It was very delightful all along by Dogmersfield Park. The May was out in profusion, one tree especially that stood in the park looked like a silver fountain. Phillips was my companion nearly all the way round, and very much I enjoyed his company. He was highly appreciative of all the beautiful scenery, the flowers and the leaves and foliage, and although he did not reach Crondall, he had a splendid Sunday evening walk. It was a very pretty evening with beautiful cloud effect, very different from the hazy appearance of yesterday. We got back to camp in good time and had a pleasant chat after supper.

Monday May 26 (Whit Monday)

Phillips and I turned out first and had a wash all over by the beauty of the Whitewater River. There was a north easterly air stirring which hurried us in our ablutions, but as soon as it was over we were beautifully warm. Again we had our breakfast out of doors, after which Henry, Phillips, Rednall and myself took a walk to Greywell along the towing path.

At Greywell Mill, we laid down on the grating over the stream and basked in the delicious sun. We had a good long time here, and, no wonder, for it was very delightful, and the sun shone down most gratefully and warm. The man at the Mill showed us some spring holes in the marsh on the other side of the road which they say is unfathomable. He also said there are a great many snakes and adders in the moor. He showed us one adder he had killed a day or so ago.

When, after a leisure walk back, we arrived at our destination, we found the Castle invaded by our friends from Wokingham, namely two Mr Phillips, Geo Woods, Tom and Mr Heelas. They brought over provisions and Mr Phillips brought a melon. After dinner, Henry seemed quite knocked up with a cold, so he stayed in the tent. The rest went for a walk to Greywell, except Phillips, Heelas and I. We went to Odiham to get a boat, but they were all out, and no prospect of any being in, for being such a beautiful fine day and a holiday, there was a great demand for boats, much more than they could meet. Not being successful in getting a boat, we extended our walk along the canal, had a lay down and then a walk back to camp to tea. After tea, we had the melon, and lost the company. Phillips went back with them, and Mr Heelas stayed in his place. Phillips was a great acquisition to our party. He made himself most agreeable and entertaining, and I hope and think he thoroughly enjoyed his sojourn with us. A walk and supper ended the day.

Tuesday May 27

Mr Rednall and Heelas left before we were up, about 6 o’clock. Henry had a good night and was much better this morning. After a good breakfast, and putting things all straight after our company, Henry and I started off for a walk, Mr Kemp minding the camp. We went along the towing path to the tunnel, and intended going over that and come upon the canal the other side, but we took a wrong path in the wood, and came out into a road which copied the canal a little further down. We were glad of this as it gave us a little fresh piece of scenery. We now walked by the canal to the King’s Head near Old Basing, and then back.

Now I enjoyed this walk more than I ever enjoyed a walk before. The weather was perfect, for although there was a north easterly wind, we felt nothing of it, as the canal bank sheltered us nearly all the way there and back. The sun shone bright and warm and there were some beautiful clouds about. The canal this side of the tunnel is prettier than by Dogmersfield, and that is saying a great deal. It is simply out of the question my trying to describe the scenery, and the effects of the sunlight through the trees on the water, the tints, the reflections and the fairy like scenes are all far beyond me. I never felt better and was thoroughly up to appreciating it. Every step I enjoyed, even the one into the cow dung.

I found several bird nests, and missed many more I am certain. We saw the barges loading chalk and while Henry had a talk with the men, I mounted to the top of the cliff (for the canal here is in a deep cutting) and had a good view of the country around. Presently we passed some watercress beds, and a remarkable appearance they presented. There was a little clear stream of about two feet wide down the centre, just like a gravel path, for the bottom was gravel and the water clear as crystal.

In looking back upon this walk, I am afraid to attempt to describe it. It was so grandly beautiful, so charmingly pretty, so sociable, so happy and serene, with life and enjoyment in every step, and all of it in the midst of the most luxuriant scenery abounding in a prodigality of foliage, and then the May, too. What a quantity of it there was, its fragrance filled the air and its blossom like many silver fountains glistening in the sunlight. From out to home, I had not a weary step, and if anything did trouble me, it was that the others were not here to enjoy the luxury of nature with me. Henry and I have had some nice walks before, but this was the capper of all.

I did not go out again but had a quiet evening by myself at the tent. Henry and Kemp went out after tea. We did not miss or feel the want of our company. We three had a very pleasant evening under the canvas.

Wednesday May 28

Again we are favoured with fine bright weather. We hung about breakfast a long time and then had a quiet morning packing up the things. Geo Woods and Phillips came over, and George took the view of the encampment. After dinner, we all set to and got the goods packed in the trap, and Mr Kemp drove the pony home. He got home in excellent time and quite enjoyed his ride. Geo Woods and Phillips went home by Odiham to take a photo of the stocks there, with Mr Phillips in them. Henry and I had a very enjoyable run home on the tandem.

The camp this time was quite a success and I think we all thoroughly enjoyed it. We were certainly favoured with excellent weather. Every day was splendid. Mornings and nights were too cold to be out, so we went to bed early and got up late. The two great features to me were the walk Sunday evening and the one Tuesday morning. I did enjoy these two walks. In the same piece of ground that we were encamped on was some cows and a young bull. Although he was very quiet, I did not much relish his company.

15 miles – T

Thursday May 29

Did the journey and got done a little earlier than usual, so I took a pleasant little run round Bracknell and Easthampstead in the evening.

10 miles

Friday May 30

Was tolerably busy all day.

1890

Sunday June 1

Up early, had a good breakfast and off at ¼ past 6 on my way to Compton. I went via the Colleges, Frimley and Ash. Got to Compton at just the right time for a good breakfast, which I had with the good old people. It was a very pleasant setting here, so much so that I sat there until nearly 10 o’clock when I again went on my way through Godalming and Milford to Haslemere. The road was of good surface, but from Milford decidedly undulating. I had a sharp look round Haslemere, which is a very poor looking town, without any pavement or kerb. It was a very pretty ride from Compton to Haslemere, and the weather was just perfect. From Haslemere, I went on to the top of Hindhead, up a lovely road, beautifully shaded and of excellent surface. The view riding up here was very grand. In the valley on the left was a little stream which had two little lakes, and looking down on these through the shade of the trees out into the bright sunshine was very enchanting. I got up Hindhead easier and sooner than I expected, and then from there, after I had refreshed myself with a glass at the Huts, I had a delightful ride down, down, down to Milford and away through Godalming and Guildford and home over Frimley ridges, where I caught a young thrush and brought it home in my pocket.

I got home at ½ past 2, having had a delightful morning out and seen many pretty and beautiful sights. I do not innumerate them because the fact of going over that part of the country on a delightful Sunday morning is quite sufficient to suggest the mind many pretty pictures. In the evening, I had a run to Burchett’s Green and back, and then a walk out with Bertha which wound up a splendid day, and the first day of some, too.

90 miles

Wednesday June 4

Ada and her family went back to Stamford, and Bertha and Hilda with them. Being wet more or less all day, I could not go out on the bicycle, so stayed at home and cleaned up my Matchless.

Friday June 6

Got the orders done early and then had one of the best runs I have had for a long time. I left here at 7 o’clock and went to Eversley, up to the Flats and away to Elvetham to see the rhododendrons. From Elvetham to Hartley Row, thence to Winkfield Union and back to Elvetham and round about to get another good view of the rhododendrons and then over the railway and up to the Flats and away to Blackwater and home by Well Coll and Crooked Billet. Although there was quite a strong wind on, yet the Whippet went like nothing all the way for I am sure I did 12 miles the hour, so when I got home at 10 o’clock, I had been 35 miles, and with scarcely any effort. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, seemed like one dropped in.

35 miles

Sunday June 8

Was going to Old Basing and had got as far as the Wellington Hotel, when it came on to rain a little, so I turned off to the left, took shelter in a cart shed for an hour and then along a very pretty lane which eventually brought me out at the foot of the hill leading up to Heckfield. Came home through Bramshill Park, which is now looking very beautiful indeed. Geo Woods and Rednall went to Selborne on their tricycle. I went to Chapel in the evening.

26 miles

Tuesday June 10

Last night I took a dose of Henry’s sleeping mixture, which sent me off to sleep splendidly. I woke a little before 3 o’clock and got out at a ¼ past. Was not long dressing and getting over to the shop, and having got things ready last night, I soon got my breakfast ready. I felt uncommonly well, fresh and refreshed. I enjoyed my breakfast and felt quite ready for a good day’s run. It was a very nice morning, and everything but a falling glass was cheering and propitious. I left here at 4.10 intending if possible to go to Brighton and back in the day. Everything seemed favourable for the undertaking, except, as I say, the falling glass.

I took my course by the two colleges, Frimley and over the ridges to Guildford. Although I was only 1 hour 40 m getting to Guildford, there were many changes in the aspect of the weather. At first it was clear, then a thick fog, then clouds and a breeze and then the sun burst out in all his glory. Crossing Worplesdon Common, I passed two tramps, who cheered me by flourishing their hats in the air and hooraying me. Though I got to Guildford before my time, I did not stop but went on, had a drink at a stream a little way out, and away by Shalford and Bramley as jolly as a sandboy.

It certainly was delightful going along here early in the morning. What a delightful view I had directly I reached Sussex. I could see right across the county to the South Downs. Now the Whippet came in and took the lumpy Horsham road like a smooth Hampshire.

I got to Horsham five minutes before my time, although I started from home 10 minutes late. At Horsham, I was well served with tea at the Coffee House near the Town Hall. I took some sandwiches with me, so breakfast only cost 2d for the cup of tea. From Horsham, I had a stiff breeze against me all the way to Brighton, so that it was quite stiff work down Clayton Hill to keep going at 10 miles the hour. I had a glass of ale at Henfield.

I forgot what time I left Horsham but I got to Brighton at 10.35, so I must have travelled quite 10 miles the hour all the way. After putting my machine up at the Clarence Hotel stables, I telegraphed home, had my boots cleaned, went down to the beach, had a delightful dip in the ocean, and then a lay down until dinner time. Had dinner at a shoddy place in North Street. While I was laying on the beach, the wind was very strong and blowing for home, and I smiled as I pictured it at my back, but while at dinner, it dropped and began to rain, so says I to myself, here’s for home before the roads get wet.

Went round to the stables and got my machine out and left Brighton in the wet at 1.30. I never saw the beach at Brighton so slack as it was this morning. It may be because it was Brighton Races on, and also a cricket match Sussex v. Notts at Hove ground. Anyhow, as I say, it was very quiet. I was the only person in the sea.

I did intend leaving at 4 o’clock but the wet interfered with my arrangements and forced me to go at 1.30. It was a mere drizzle until I got to Henfield and then down it came thick and fast. It was very nice going until the rain set in thick and heavy, and spoilt the roads. However, being in for it, I made the best of a bad job and bowled along quite merry, and saw some pretty sights although it rained so much. At Horsham, I went to the same Coffee House as this morning and had two cups of nice hot tea and some more of my sandwiches, and was wonderfully refreshed by it, and started off again from Horsham quite pert and fresh. The road was shockingly heavy to Alfold Crossways and I was very glad to get there and leave the Sussex roads behind. Near Rudgwick, I called at a cottage for a glass of water. I could tell directly I was on the Surrey roads. The work seemed like nothing after the other roads. The rain had now left off and very pretty was the scenery all the way to Guildford. I saw the storm clouds go up the Surrey hills just as though they were on fire, that is as though the hills were all afire and the smoke rolling up in volumes. It was a very pretty and effective sight. I called in at the Guildford Temperance Hotel and had a plate of ham and a pot of very bad tea. I could not eat much and did not come for the drink, so did not stay long, but was soon on my way home.

I had some whisky at the Public on the top of the hill leading out of Guildford, and that did me good, and I quite enjoyed the ride to the ridges. At Frimley, I had another 3 pennyworth and then came quickly home, arriving here at 10.40. Had a hot bath and supper in bed, a glass of grog and off to sleep at once, having done the longest day’s run of my life, and had it not been for the wet journey home, I should hardly have felt it. As it was I did not strain my knee in the least. The Whippet answered splendidly throughout.

124 miles

Wednesday June 11

Was too wet to think about going out, so in the evening I began cleaning the Whippet after its soaking of yesterday.

Sunday June 15

I had a splendid run this morning. I left here about ½ past 9 and made my way to Basing via Hook and Newnham, and as it was a gloriously fine morning, I need hardly say I very much enjoyed the ride. I did not stop at Basing, but went on to Mapledurwell and round about and then to Greywell, and home by Hook and Hartley Row.

I felt very happy and well, the roads and weather were perfect, and the country so lovely. How thankful I was I could get round and see the beautiful sights, and that there were beautiful sights. Let anyone go this run on a like day, with their eyes open, and I pity them if they were not stirred to thankfulness. I felt very thankful and sang as I went along praise to my God.

Just after passing Up Nately church, a boy nearly ran into me. I had a great difficulty getting out of his way. After tea, I started off for Marlow and Henley, but when I got past Burchett’s Green, it looked like a storm coming up out Henley way, so I turned back and came home by Littlewick, Shottesbrook, Waltham and Hurst, and a very pretty ride it was too. Getting home a little too early, I went to Buckhurst and back until the people came out of service.

35 + 25 = 60 miles

Wednesday June 18

Geo Woods, Henry, Perry and Tom went today to Old Basing, Mapledurwell and Odiham for a day out on their cycles. It commenced raining this afternoon about ½ past 3, and I feared it would do me out of a run, but it cleared off, and at 5 o’clock, Mr Perry and Mr Wells and myself went off for a run round Waltham etc. We had to stop for shelter at Binfield for a few minutes, but otherwise we had a fine ride. We went to Moss End thence to Buck Farm and White Waltham and Waltham St Lawrence Church. Had ginger beer at the Bell, back to Littlewick and home by the Bath road and Hurst, It was a very pleasant ride although the weather was dull at times.

30 miles

Friday June 20

Was a beautiful day so I hurried on with the orders and got done in time to go for a run this evening. I went the Marlow and Henley ride. Left here at 6.45 and got home at 9.45, being exactly three hours gone, not ¼ of a minute out more or less. There was a considerable breeze on which was against me from Marlow to Henley. The flies and gnats were an intolerable nuisance all along the river and in fact going over to Marlow. I was rather pleased with my run.

32 miles

Sunday June 22

Was wet so I could not go for a ride. Mr Jelley came down to see us this evening and was going back by the last up GWR but missed the train.

Monday June 23

Drove Mr Jelley to Twyford to catch the 7.11 up GWR. Of course it was a wet morning. Mr Homes came to view Osborne House.

Tuesday June 24

After business, I went for a nice little ride to North Court, Well Coll, Crowthorne and home by Col. Peel’s.

10 miles

Wednesday June 25

I intended going for a good long ride tonight but I dallied about and made it 5 o’clock before I started, and then not knowing exactly where to go, I lost a lot of time in indecision and then made up my mind for a gentle stroll round Waltham. From there I went to Maidenhead and Ray Mill Lock and watched the boats go through the lock and enjoyed a smoke, then on to Cookham and away for Marlow, but when I got to the railway crossing, I made up my mind to go to Wycombe. This was 7 o’clock. I followed the road nearest to the railway and had a lovely ride right into Wycombe. I pushed up the hill out of Wycombe towards Marlow, but this I need not have done, for there were twenty or thirty boys ready to push me up for the sum of one penny. What a grand view I had from the top of this hill, and what a grand ride home. When I was at Cookham, I reckoned to get home at 9.45, and as I dismounted at our gateway, the clock chimed ¼ to 10. I very much enjoyed the run and did it wonderful easily. Although at one time I was afraid of a storm coming up, I had splendid weather. I quite determined to go this run again soon.

40 miles

Thursday June 26

I did not go my journey today because I expected to hear from Mr Homes about Osborne House, and I did, but his offer of £1200 or £60 a year was no good to me, so I wrote a letter to the Postal Department offering the place to them.

Saturday June 28

The Post Office department wrote for grand plan of the house, so I took the measure of the house this afternoon. Bertha came home by the 8 o’clock train. Mr Sale went to Stamford this morning, Bertha and he changing tickets.

Sunday June 29

The roads were too heavy and the sky too threatening for a ride so I got on with the plan of the house this evening.

Monday June 30

Finished the plan of the house to my satisfaction and sent them off with a letter offering a part of the house.

1890

Tuesday July 1

Mr Jelley came for his holidays.

Wednesday July 2

We were going on the canal at Aldershot, but the afternoon came over dull and looked like rain so we put it off and Mr Jelley and I went on the tandem to Winkfield and Windsor Park, Virginia Water and home by Ascot. The weather was better than we expected and we had a very good run. We very much admired the Copper Horse, but were very much disappointed with the Lady’s Jubilee statue of Albert in the park.

25 miles

Thursday July 3

I did the journey and after had a run over to N Court on the Safety with some butter for Burkes.

7 miles

Friday July 4

Was a nice bright morning and a darned bad evening. We had arranged to go on the canal at N Camp this evening, and the weather looked just right and promising, but by the time we were ready to start, it came over dull and looked like rain. However, we went, Mr Jelley, Bertha, Frances, Eva and Mary Walden by train, and I on the Safety. We had no sooner got to the canal than down came the rain, and as I say, a darned bad evening set in, but in spite of the wretched weather, we managed to enjoy ourselves very well. We had tea under the Aldershot railway bridge and felt all the better for it. A row back to N Camp and it was time to get off so as to catch the 9.15 train. They all said they enjoyed themselves and I hope they did.

24 miles

Sunday July 6

Went to Chapel this morning. Bertha and Mr Jelley went for a drive after tea, and I a short run on the bicycle round Easthampstead. The weather was too dull and wet for a long ride.

Monday July 7

Bertha, Hilda and Mr Jelley by trap to Bramshill Hatchgate to tea. I came over on the bicycle. The morning was good but the after part of the day very windy and wet later on. We had a comfortable tea and then a very nice walk. We left Hilda in charge of Miss Spicer while we went. Although it rained at times, we did not get wet and had a very pretty walk indeed round the lanes. Although the weather was bad, very bad, we enjoyed ourselves very well. We came home through Bramshill Park.

16 miles

Tuesday July 8

Mr Jelley and I had a short run round on the machines this morning. We did not go far because we were going for a run this afternoon, but alas, after dinner came down the rain and we could not go out. In the evening, I went as far as Binfield and back.

12 miles

Wednesday July 9

Mr Jelley went to Trowbridge. Of course it is a wet day. Bertha and I went by the 5.20 to Bracknell and walked from there to Caesar’s Camp and should have gone right through to Blackwater, but the rain came on so heavy that we turned back and came home through Downshires Park. It was a pleasant walk and we enjoyed the evening.

Thursday July 10

Bertha, Eva, Frances and Mary Walden and Mr Jelley went to Caversham and from there, on the river, to nearly Streatley and had a very nice day for the job. I could not go because of the journey. I had a nice run round Crowthorne after the journey.

10 miles

Saturday July 12

Bertha, Mrs Sale and Hilda by trap and Mr Jelley on tricycle went to Binfield and thence to Winkfield to the Coffee House and had tea. Mr Jelley had a slight accident coming home down College hill.

Sunday July 13

Mr Jelley drove up for Miss Bartlett. I went a nice little ride round Elvetham and Dogmersfield and liked it much. After tea, Mr Jelley and I went on the tandem to Hook and Greywell and then took a walk over the tunnel and a little way along the canal and back by Up Nately church and a visit to Greywell pond and mill. Although the weather was rough, and very overcast, we had a very enjoyable walk and a rattling good run home before the wind. We did not come back by the same route as we went, but through Odiham. The morning was nice and bright but the evening very dull and wintry looking.

57 miles

Monday July 14

We went to Wargrave today, Bertha and Frances in our trap, and Mary Walden, Mr Jelley and Eva with the shop chaise and I on my Whippet. We got on the water about 1 o’clock and pulled down the stream until we came to a nice sheltered resting place where we anchored up and had dinner. We could not have had a better spot, for just now we had a little rain, and the trees and the river bank gave us a perfect shelter. It was very nice sitting under the friendly shelter of the fine old trees and seeing, but not feeling, the rain come down and watching the traffic as it went along the river. I think we all enjoyed our dinner and felt better for it. While they were washing up, I had a lay down in the boat and a smoke. We then proceeded down the river by Henley and past Hambledon Lock to where Jamie Sale and I once had tea, and there we had tea today. My Jelley called at a cottage and got some water and then we went across to one of the little islands and made a fire and boiled the kettle and made a splendid cup of tea which pleased all and did us good. I enjoyed the tea better than the dinner. We had plenty of it and it was very nice. As soon as we had cleared up we made tracks for Wargrave, and had a much better passage than I anticipated against the wind and the stream. All the ladies except Miss Walden had a turn at the rowing. It was a very good day for the water for it was not too bright. We had a few showers, but never got damp. Altogether, we had a pleasant day out.

14 miles

Tuesday July 15

Was bright and hot. Mr Jelley, Bertha, Frances and I went by train to Bracknell (2.11) and walked to Caesar’s Camp by Southill Park. At the camp, we had a long rest, then got our tea made at the college and had a very enjoyable feed up on the hill overlooking Wokingham. After tea, we walked through the camp and right away to Blackwater, and a fine view we had too all the way, one time close at hand and then a distant view. The heath, too, was very pretty. We got to Blackwater just in time to see the 7.40 train go and so we had to wait for the 9.45. This was exasperating because Mr Jelley wanted to get home to pack his things ready to go back to London tomorrow. However we had to wait and wait we did. We regaled ourselves at the White Hart. Had it not been for the missing of the train, we should have had a very pleasant and enjoyable afternoon and evening out.

Wednesday July 16

Was the best morning we have had for a month and it seemed rather hard that Mr Jelley should have to go just as it seemed the weather was settled for fine. He left this morning at 8.16. Frank Micklem and Mr Evans got up a party for Odiham and they left here at ½ past 1. Tom and Evans going on the tandem. After we had closed, Mr Perry, Chappell and I went over on our machines. I had a canoe and they a boat. When we got to Odiham, the temperance party had gone for a walk to Warnborough Castle, so we paddled about until they returned and all went up the canal as far as time would allow and had a very pretty and pleasant evening on the water. I enjoyed it immensely and mean to go again. We had a sharp run home, the best day we have had this month.

30 miles

Thursday July 17

I did the journey and had a wet finish. It was capital weather up to ½ past 3 when it commenced to rain. This was while I was having tea at Chesters. It then went over but still looked very heavy round about, and by the time I got to 13 miles it came down in earnest. Thunder and lightning and a deluge of rain such as we seldom see in this part of the country and it lasted all the evening. I had a difficulty in finishing my round and was almost decided to abandon the Barracks until Friday. However, I did it and got home very well and had a change of clothes and was none the worse for the soaking.

Sunday July 20

Went to the Hall to service this morning after I had fetched Miss Bartlett. I intended to go on the canal this evening, but asking Henry if he would like a ride on the tandem, he thought he would so I put off the water and he and I had a pretty and very pleasant ride to Basing and back. We went by Heckfield and Sherfield to Basing. There we had a refresher and then a nice ride home through Hook and Hartley Row, where we saw Uncle Alfred and Matilda.

32 miles

Monday July 21

I intended going to Brighton tomorrow but was too busy today to get ready, so put it off for Wednesday.

Wednesday July 23

Woke up a little before 3 and then at 3 got up and dressed and went across to the shop and got breakfast ready and called Mr Chappell. It was a splendid morning and we both felt in first rate condition and ready for a run to Brighton. We had a good breakfast and at 9 past 4 we were in the saddle and off on our journey. When I came across at 3 o’clock, it was hardly light, but while we were having breakfast it got a good deal lighter. It was very pleasing seeing the day approach, and how beautiful it was too when we made a start and saw the country almost before it was awake.

We went by the two colleges’ grounds and Frimley. We pushed up the hill by the windmill and then had a glorious ride along the ridges. We had a very pretty sight before we got to the Well College of the rising sun shining on the heather bank and making it look like a band of gold. It pleased me very much that pretty band of golden heather. The morning was fine, with no indication of any rain, and yet there were plenty of clouds about which gave some exceedingly beautiful effects, and as we were passing over Frimley ridges, we were in a good position to see them. The hill leading down off the ridges was very rough and stony, the road being completely washed to pieces by the heavy rain of Thursday last, and as we rode down it I was in great fear lest we come to grief with our machines. However, we descended all right, and then a most happy run to Guildford, which place we passed through without a dismount. At the little stream between here and Shalford, we had a drink. We rattled along at a good pace all through Shalford and Bramley and away to Alfold. About a mile beyond Alfold, I took the wrong turning and made a detour, which hindered us a little. However, we soon turned on to our road again and away to Horsham, which place Mr Chappell was glad to reach because he was feeling somewhat tired. We had a good breakfast and stayed a little longer than we had meant.

From Horsham all the way to Brighton was glorious. The view was something to be remembered. It was just the kind of morning for this scenery, bright with plenty of cloud effect, and to see the cloud effect on the South Downs is to see a grand sight. I cannot describe it, but I had a good look at it and kept calling Mr Chappell’s attention to it. I continually advised him not to look at the roads that he could see at home and better, but to look out ahead and have a long and full view of the grand hills forming the South Downs. I felt well and fresh and strong and very much enjoyed this part of the journey and got into Brighton at 10.45.

Put up the bicycles at the Clarence Hotel, telegraphed home, had our boots cleaned and then went to the sea and at once had a bathe. Had a very nice swim round and soon out again on the beach watching the boating until dinner time. Had dinner at the hotel where the skating rink used to be, and then while Chappell went about the town, I went on the beach again.

We left Brighton a little after 3 o’clock, having had a very pleasant four or five hours there. From Brighton, we made our way by the seashore to Shoreham against a strong NW wind, which made the level five miles the hardest piece of road work I have ever had and quite spoilt my run home. From Shoreham, we turned to the right at the bridge and had a splendid road before us. We had a few minutes rest in a field just to relieve the legs after the severe strain we gave them against the wind.

We did not wait long but were soon on, and the road being good, we soon reached Bramber, where we had tea, and a very pleasant and good tea too served in a pretty garden. It was lovely spot here and well I could have spent the evening here. From Bramber through Steyning, which is a good sized town about the size of Wokingham, but very much behind in the matter of growing, through Partridge Green and West Grinstead and so to Horsham.

The road nearly all the way from Brighton is good and, I may say, level, with the exception of a long ascent and a sharp descent into Horsham. Of course there are some hills but none of any magnitude. This rather astonished me, for I was under the impression we must cross over the South Downs hills to get this side again, but the Downs are not, as I thought, a continuous range of hills facing the sea, but stand at an angle so that one passes between them.

Besides the quality of the roads being good, and somewhat level, the scenery is even better than the old way by Henfield. Although it is four miles further this way to Brighton, I certainly should come this course again, for it is vastly better and prettier travelling. The last six miles by Patcham to Brighton is very uninteresting, whereas this is very pretty. We had coffee and bread and butter at Horsham, and then after a deal of discussion as to whether we should train it to Guildford or not, we proceeded on our way a little after 7 o’clock, and had a very good ride to Guildford. At Guildford we did a little more refreshment and then made for home. Just after leaving Guildford I picked up a good whip and brought it home. We came home by Ash and Frimley, and when we got to Blackwater, being very tired and near upon 12 o’clock, we availed ourselves of the last train home. Had it not been for that terribly hard piece of five miles against the wind from Brighton to Shoreham, which completely did us, we should have had a splendid run home, and quick, but after that piece of severe work, we had no spare strength and so the journey home was spoilt. I felt nothing of the journey down and enjoyed it all the way. We had splendid weather and a nice time at Brighton. I foretold the time to a minute when we should be at the Well Coll, Frimley, Guildford and Horsham. With the exception of the strong wind against us from Brighton to Shoreham, we could not have had much better weather, and the surface of the roads was as good as we can ever expect to see them.

I had wonderfully good health and did not have the headache. There are many pleasant little incidents I can look back upon connected with this day’s outing. The Whippet behaved admirably and gave me no trouble at all. How it stood that sandy and rocky hill leading down from Frimley ridges astonished me.

120 miles

Thursday July 24

Although it was nigh upon 1 o’clock before I went to bed yesterday, and although I had such a long run and day out, yet I rose all right this morning, and today did the journey round Eversley comfortably and well, and quite enjoyed the round. I did a good deal of business and took a lot of money, but unfortunately there was a pound short in my cash when I came to book up. This I made sure was left at Mrs Warner’s, who, at the time I observed, had given me only one instead of two sovereigns so I thought if I went over tomorrow to see her, it would be all right. I put the horse up at the Hart and had my lunch down the lane at the back of my old place. This I very much enjoyed, and the lay down after.

Friday July 25

Having set Chappell on with the Eversley orders, I went over on my Whippet to see Mrs Warner about the money. She was certain she gave me the two sovereigns and was very much distressed by the loss, so I had my journey for nought, but when I came home, Bertha had found the lost coin in my coat pocket, much to my relief and comfort, so I hurried with the orders and in the evening went over to communicate the good news to Mrs Warner. Poor thing, she had troubled a good deal about it all day and looked quite ill.

24 miles

Sunday July 27

Was too dull and damp for a ride, so I went to Chapel in the Hall morning and evening. Drove Miss Bartlett for the last time.

Monday July 28

Was a gloriously fine morning so I made arrangements with Tom to go on the canal this afternoon. We had an early tea, and at ½ past 4, he and I, on the tandem, made our way to Odiham. The weather came over a bit dull going over and I was afraid it was going to be a dull and damp evening, but I was wrong, for when we got to Odiham the sun came out again and we had a splendid time. We had a very nice ride over, and quick too, for although there was a strong breeze against us and we did not hurry anywhere, we did the journey in the hour. I took some tea and provisions in the multum in pairs, which we took on the canal with us.

As I say, when we got to Odiham, the sun came out again, and as Tom and I paddled off, each in a canoe, we had a lovely time on the water. A little beyond the third bridge, we landed and lit a fire and warmed up the tea and then had a most enjoyable meal on the banks of the canal, very much to the astonishment and delight of the three little boys who had followed us along the towing path. The tea was quite a success and the boys very good company, and they so enjoyed our entertainment that they asked us to come again.

After our tea, over which we did not hurry, we took to the water again and paddled up to the Barley Mow bridge and then back to Odiham. Both Tom and I enjoyed the canoeing very much, and it certainly was very pleasant then to be out for a short time together, and enjoy the beautiful scenery, and spend a summer evening on the water. The ride home, too, we both enjoyed and we just did put the tandem along, for although we walked both Star and East Court hills, we were only 1 hour and 10 minutes on the road. Had we made up our minds to hurry, we should have made by far the quickest time on record for the home journey, but we did not hurry and so came home cool and comfortably and as fresh as when we started. This outing was a success in every way.

26 miles

Tuesday July 29

I intended doing the Marlow and Henley run this evening, and started off with that intention, but being late in starting and feeling a little lazy, I abandoned the job and turned off at Ruscombe and went to Waltham instead. From Waltham Church, I went on towards the village until just this side of the bridge, when I turned to the left and went over a short piece of fresh road, to me, and so into the village and home by Burford church and Buckhurst. I had a few minutes on the bridge at Waltham where there is a pretty little piece of scenery, and it was new to me.

18 miles

Wednesday July 30

Henry went to camp, which commenced today instead of Saturday last as usual. I consider this better and more convenient. We had a splendid evening and made good use of it. Mr Perry and I went on the canal in canoes and enjoyed ourselves supremely.

We had a jolly run over and a grand time on the water. Mr Perry had never been in a canoe before and he caused both himself and me a good deal of amusement by continually going into the bank at first. However, he got on very well indeed and said he never enjoyed an evening better. I enjoyed it much, for it gave me time to potter about and gather the water flowers and quietly paddle about under the banks. I find that, to thoroughly enjoy and appreciate canoeing, you must have plenty of time and not hurry anywhere. If you attempt to make pace, you spoil the enjoyment directly.

We got home about ¼ to 10 having had a good evening out.

26 miles

Thursday July 31

Henry, being at camp, Mr Chappell did the journey. I went up to Tangley and saw Miss Bartlett for the last time. I felt parting with her very much indeed. She gave Bertha a present and me a nice book.

1890

Saturday August 2

I got through the day very well and was tolerably busy.

Sunday August 3

A little after 11, I took a run to Eversley calling at the Bannisters with some coffee and then away to the Flats and called upon Mrs Warner on my way and had a glass of wine and cake. The Flats are in splendid order and very pretty it was there this morning. I turned off by Cricket Hill and home by Sandhurst and Well College.

The road from the College to Finchampstead road is the worst piece I know anywhere. It is unrideable, a disgrace to the County and cruelty to horses.

Had dinner and a rest and then tea. It was past 5 when I started for my evening run and made my way to Binfield, Waltham and Maidenhead. I had a few minutes at Bray Lock. There were a great number on the water, at which I was not surprised for tomorrow is Bank Holiday and the weather today is most glorious and promising for fine tomorrow, and if one wanted two days on the water, now I should think was the time. From here I went to within three miles of Wycombe, where I enjoyed a glass of ginger beer outside a pub at Loudwater. Here I turned up a rocky lane over the line thinking it would lead me out on the top of Wycombe hill, but I was mistaken, for after pushing up the hill, I came to a village where there were two chapels and the people just coming out, and then down a long winding rough road to Little Marlow. Instead of coming home by Marlow, I turned to the left and came back over the same course had just traversed. I did this because it escaped all hills, and I did not want to be late home, as I intend going with Bertha to Odiham tomorrow. I should have been as [illegible word] had I gone right on to Wycombe and home by Marlow and so escaped the rough road between Loudwater and Little Marlow. However, by going the way I did, I saw a fresh piece of country.

18 + 40 = 58 miles

Monday August 4 – Bank Holiday

I was greatly surprised to see it raining a little this morning. Last night I was certain of a fine day today, and when I saw the rain this morning I felt certain it would clear off and come out fine, which it did, and we had a very good day so far as the weather was concerned. Frances went with a party from the shop to a picnic on the ridges. Bertha, Hilda, Eva and I on the canal. The ladies went in the trap and took the provisions with them and were off by their proper time, 10 o’clock. I followed on the bicycle and we got to Odiham at 12 and were soon on the water. We went about a mile up the canal and there we had dinner. After dinner, I was going to get Eva to row, and I was going to take the canoe which I had brought, but when I got in, Lo! And Behold! I had not brought the paddle and so I had to walk back for it, which took us some time, and then when I did get it, I did not use it much, for the ladies could not well manage the boat, and so I took the canoe back to Odiham and walked back to the boat and then rowed up to Dogmersfield, where we boiled the kettle and made tea and had a very enjoyable meal on the water, and then a steady row back to Odiham and off the water and on our way home by 7 o’clock, and home before ten. It was a very nice day out and everything passed off satisfactory excepting the time the ladies had the boat to themselves. That they did not like, or else everything else was very nice. The dinner passed off well and the tea was a gigantic success. Hilda very much enjoyed and busied herself in making up the fire. She thought it jolly fun making tea out here. She was capital company all the time and was cheerful and appreciative and observant, and not dull or tiresome for a moment, for the time we started until she got home. We couldn’t have had better weather for the job. There were a great many on the canal.

26 miles

Wednesday August 6

Went on the Whippet to Binfield to take some things to Mrs Nutting. Henry came home from camp. Chappell and I went on the canal at Odiham in canoes. We went as far as Dogmersfield and back and had a splendid two hours or so on the water. We had quite a bit of fun with some people in a boat. I enjoyed the water more than I expected to, for having had a good bit of it lately, I was afraid it would be a little stale to me, but in that I was wrong, for tonight it was very pretty and pleasant and I liked it much and I enjoyed the run home from Odiham more than I remember doing so before.

As I say, I had a splendid evening out, but bad news when I got home. Poor little Hilda had fallen over some poles in the garden and broken her right arm. Dr Hicks was called in at once and set it, and when I saw her, she was sitting in the arm chair as contented and happy as a little queen. She slept in her crib and was as good as gold all night, and in the morning as bright as the sun well burnished.

6 + 26 = 36 miles

Thursday August 7

Had a very long order this morning from Mr Bewlohn at the Bannisters which delayed me nearly two hours, and then when I got to the New Inn I had to have the horse shod. Which I got well done at Fullbrooks. While this was being done, I walked round the Common and did that part of the journey. Altogether, it made me late home.

Sunday August 10

Could not get out on the bicycle at all today, the weather would not allow of it. We had a very heavy rain this morning, and more again this evening. Mr Jelley came down this evening on a visit.

Monday August 11

I drove Mr Jelley to Twyford and, of course, it was a dull morning.

Tuesday August 12

I intended going for a run this evening but I only went to Binfield to take some butter to Mrs Nutting.

6 miles

Wednesday August 13

I made up my mind for a good run this evening, intending to go to Wycombe and I started off for that place. The weather looked very stormy when I started and by the time I got to Waltham, which was not long, I could see we were in for some rain this evening, so, instead of continuing on to Maidenhead, I turned to the left and came out at Waltham Church and back home by Shottesbrook and Waltham St Lawrence Church. Coming by a house near the church, a dog ran out and laid hold of my trousers, which caused me to bend the handle of my Whippet. From here, it rained all the way home. Henry went with the Club to tea at Sonning.

18 miles

Sunday August 17

In the morning I went to Elvetham, Hartley Row, Pilcot, Crookham and Fleet and home through Frimley and Eversley. Although I was not quite up to the mark, I enjoyed the run, for it was a splendid day and a beautiful SW wind was blowing. At Hartley Row Old Church. I had a lay down and a quiet look round for a little time. There is no service at the church and it looks in a very dilapidated condition. The road home through Frimley is very bad and unrideable. After tea, I went to Maidenhead and Wycombe and home through Marlow. I did not much enjoy the ride for I was not very well, and felt cold all the way round.

70 miles

Monday August 18

Bertha having suffered a good deal from her back, she went up to see Mr Jelley today and expected to come back by tonight, but having had an abscess removed, she could not come home.

Wednesday August 20

Was wet so I employed my time in making a picture frame done at Tom’s Works, and I also got the Whippet ready for Tom to put new tyres on tomorrow.

Saturday August 23

Bertha came home.

Sunday August 24

Instead of going to Chapel, I went for a quiet run round Easthampstead instead and had a lay down in amongst the trees until a heavy looking cloud came over and drove me to Mr Sargent’s sawing shed for shelter. However, there was only a slight sprinkle. I came home early because I intend going to Compton to tea. It was very nice out this morning and pleasant it was to hear the insects hum and buzz about as I lay under the shade of a large fir tree. While I was having a rest after dinner, clouds came up and the sky had a very threatening aspect, so after a deal of deliberation, I gave up the Compton journey and had tea at home and then off for a run. As soon as I passed through the Well Coll grounds, I had to take shelter from a little shower. When I got further on, I found there had been a lot of rain and the roads at Blackwater were muddy and heavy and very wet, and as the sky was very black in places and another storm was coming up, I put up at an inn for shelter until it passed and then made for home direct. I should like to have gone along the Flats to see the grand sky effects, but thought it best to make my way home while it was fine.

26 miles

Tuesday August 26

Sold my Matchless bicycle for £8.0.0 to a Mr Herridge at Bearwood Stables. He came to see it last Friday and arranged to come for it on Monday but could not get away until this evening. I put the machine in first class order for him. He paid ready money for it. It was the worst evening we have had and he had it wet and dirty to take the bicycle home.

Wednesday August 27

Was showery, and bicycling being out of the question, I did a little work at home by putting the cart shed in order. Hilda would have it, it was a coach house.

Thursday August 28

I took Frances and Hilda with me on the journey, and very good children they were, especially Hilda. She still has her arm in the splints, and although she had her right arm thus disabled, she was no trouble and was as merry and lively coming home as going out.

Friday August 29

Was a splendid day. We got on very quickly with the orders, and as it was such nice weather, I made up my mind for a run after dinner. The Whippet was down at the Works, Tom having had it to paint the wheels. I left the Works at 3.30 and made my way to Eversley, Hawley, Ash, the Hog’s Back to Compton at 5.10. After mounting at the Works, I did not dismount until I landed at Mr Hawkins’ at Compton. The stiffest piece was from Ash to the Hog’s Back. I was exactly 1 hour 40 minutes doing the journey. Mr Hawkins was out at a cricket match, but Mrs Hawkins made me very comfortable and supplied me with a nice tea. I left at ¼ past 6 having had a pleasant hour at Compton. It was a splendid run over, and although I went quick, I very much enjoyed it. If the journey over was pretty, how much more so the one back.

It was exactly the day for the Hog’s Back, a clear atmosphere, bright sky, with very fine NW clouds. I have seen it very pretty up here, but never quite up to his evening. Oh, how I enjoyed the scenery from the top of the lane leading up to the Hog’s Back from Compton. From there, I saw Leith Hill for the first time. The Charter House at Godalming, too, looked very pretty. I could not hurry home with such sights round about me. It seemed a shame to leave to leave them behind. Well, I got home all right having had a remarkable pleasant Friday evening.

42 miles

Sunday August 31

Had a run round Easthampstead before service, and then to Chapel. This is the first service since the decoration, and a very nice job they have made of the place. As I had such a nice journey to Compton on Friday, I thought I would try it again today and have a little more time to do it in, so I left here a little before 3 and had a quiet journey over, and a good tea there, and then a ramble home by the same way of going. This was another very nice outing and very much I enjoyed it. I did not hurry anywhere, especially along the Back. I took it quiet and had a good look round.

12 + 44 = 56 miles

1890

Monday September 1

Was such a fine morning that it induced me to go for a run this evening. I had an early tea and then off for Wycombe. I thought I should go round sharp and I got to Maidenhead in the hour, but crossing the line at Bourne End, the wheel got in between the rails and fetched the rubber off. Although I came off, it did not hurt me. I now proceeded steadily until I came to a blacksmith’s shop and there I got the rubber fixed on. From here I went along sharp to Wycombe, partly because I had a good horse behind me, and there he had to remain, for I took good care he should not get in front. From Wycombe to Marlow was disappointing, the road was so very, very rough and strong. On the whole, I enjoyed the run very well. I was just in time to see the sun set from the top of Wycombe Hill.

42 miles

Wednesday September 3

I had a nice little saunter this evening on the Whippet. I went round Eversley, up Brickhouse hill, on to the Flats, and along them to Blackwater, turned to the right before Hawley Church and over a fresh piece of road to Cove, thence up by Frimley and along the Flats again to Darby Green and home. It was quite a nice little run round of 26 miles.

Hilda had her arm taken out of the splints and is apparently quite well. She has never complained or murmured at the inconvenience or trouble of having her right arm bound up and in the sling. She has been as active and handy all the time, and yet careful with it all throughout. There never was a better patient with a broken arm.

26 miles

Friday September 5

Got the orders done early. After an early tea went for a ride on the Whippet to Marlow and Henley. I did not enjoy the run so much as I expected. I intended going round in quick time but as I used up 50 minutes getting to Burchett’s Green, I thought it was no good trying to make the pace. At Burchett’s Green, or rather just beyond, I met Florence Robins and had a few words with her.

33 miles

Sunday September 7

Had a nice little run round Easthampstead before service this morning. A nice morning and a nice ride. Came home and went to Chapel and L.S. I did not go out this evening because I intended going to Brighton tomorrow, and I got all things ready for it, but seeing Henry in the evening, he said he was going to Bournemouth, and so I put my trip off for a day.

12 miles

Monday September 8

They, that is Tom and Henry and Philip Sale, had a perfect day for the excursion.

Tuesday September 9

I went to bed last night before 9 o’clock but did not go to sleep until near upon 12 o’clock and Bertha called me at 2, which was an hour earlier than I wanted, so I did not have much sleep. However, after a wash, I felt alright and had a good breakfast, which I enjoyed. I left nothing to get ready for the morning, so I was off at 3.55. It was foggy but not so foggy as later on, and a nice little piece of moonlight overhead lit up the road well and made the sky look lighter than the earth.

I felt just right for the job, and never had the bicycle go so easily as it did this morning. Very pleasant was it going along by the firs on the Finchampstead road as I surprised the rabbits as they crossed the road. They were the only creatures about and they seemed bewildered as I came upon them so early. At Hawley, I came across a tramp taking his night’s rest under the cool shelter of some palings, with nothing but the grass at the side of the road to lay upon and no covering at all except his daily clothes. There he lay asleep with the fog and dew falling like rain.

At Hawley Church I put my light out and had a capital run round to Ash, where at the station I had to lift my bicycle over the gate. I pushed the bicycle up the sharp rise on to the Hog’s Back. I came this way to Guildford because I wanted to see the sunrise from here, but I had no chance of seeing it this morning, for the fog was very thick now, more so than when I started so, so far as the view went, I might as well have been in a valley as on this beautiful ridge. I saw nothing, not even Guildford, until I was right upon it. The bicycle got very dirty and I had to stop on the Hog’s Back and brush the chain and oil it. I arrived at Guildford at 6 and, as the Coffee House was open, went in and had a cup of coffee and bread and butter, so that it was 6.10 before I left and made my way to Bramley at a very good pace.

I enjoyed it along here immensely, although there was no distant view because of the fog, yet the gossamer on the hedges, and there was acres of it, and the thistledown more abundant than I have ever seen it, made the Commons, which are many along this road, look quite white and pretty.

It all had an early morning look and taste, and merrily I bowled along right to Horsham, and must have gone at a very good pace for I got there 5 minutes before time, so that I made quite a ¼ of an hour between Guildford and here. It was 7.55 when I landed at Horsham. I had two good eggs for breakfast and some good tea and coffee, and very much enjoyed the meal. The fog now was as dense as ever, and I thought it a pity to hurry on and miss the view of the South Downs, so I cleaned up the bicycle, which was in a deuce of a mess from the fog damping it and causing the dust to adhere and coating it all over with mud. This took me some time, for I had to do every link of the chain and oil it again. I waited until 9 o’clock and then made a start, and, as the fog had not then cleared off, or ever shown any sign of doing so, I gave up the idea of going down via Steyning and Shoreham, because if the fog did not lift off, and the sun come out, I should have no view of the country and have a longer distance to go, so went down the old way by Cowfold and promised myself a run back by Shoreham. I was glad I did so for the sun did not come out until I got to Henfield. I tried to get a drink at the fountain here, but could get no water.

I now had a very pretty view of the Downs and saw the fog leave the mighty Downs as though they were all afire, and then the sun lit it all up and made it look beautiful. I have seen these Downs under many aspects, and now this was another.

As soon as the sun came out, it was nice and hot, so when I got off to push up the rise to Pyecombe, I took off my outer jacket (for until now I had been riding in two) and strapped it to the bicycle. I now rode in a little white blouse and that was nice and cool. Just before getting to Preston Park, the mudguard of the driving wheel broke, so I ran up to the station and took it off and sent it home by rail. Had it not been for the delay with this, I should have been in to Brighton at 11 o’clock. As it was, I was a few minutes late. I put the machine up at the Clarence stables, had my boots cleaned and at once made for the sea and had a very nice swim round. It was 12 o’clock when I came out, so I had dinner at once and enjoyed it. Directly I had finished, I made for the Clarence and got my bicycle out, and at 1 o’clock, I made a start for home taking the road by the sea coast to Shoreham. How different it was today from when Chappell and I came along. Then it was the worst piece of journey I have had for years. Now it was delightful.

The sun shone bright, the weather was hot, and if there was any breeze at all, it was not in my face. The sea on my left and the hills on the right both looked their best, and well enough I might (as I did) enjoy myself to the full. How I enjoyed my afternoon smoke no one but myself knows, and then when I got into the Horsham road and in amongst the Downs all round by Beeding, Bramber and Steyning, with the grand scenery all round lit up on a perfect afternoon, and pedalling my Whippet over splendid roads at about 12 miles the hour, it is no wonder I was merry and very happy and had a word to say to everyone I passed or met. It was enough to make me whistle and sing every song I knew. I do not remember ever having so good an afternoon ride before.

Although it was so nice, I was glad to get to Horsham for some tea. It was just ½ past 3 when I landed at the Coffee House, so the 26 miles occupied just 2½ hours. The only stop I had was for a glass of ginger beer at Bramber at the tea gardens where I had tea last time. I was too early for tea today or should have had some here instead of at Horsham. I did a deal of smoking this afternoon and used up all my cigarettes, so at Horsham, I laid in a fresh stock. I left at 4.5 and had a very pretty and easy run to Guildford, which I reached at 6.3. There I had a cup of coffee, and then came home across the Hog’s Back.

I was now very sleepy and drowsy so that I could not guide the bicycle so fast as I could work it, and I gave way to this feeling so much that it was near upon 10 o’clock when I got home. I am sorry I did so because if I had pulled myself together I could have arrived a little after 8 o’clock and done the journey easier. When I got home, I was only sleepily tired from being up so long, and my limbs seemed as fresh as when I started. I hadn’t the least ache in the legs or shoulders.

I bought some ginger beer at Copes as I came along, and that was all I had for supper, for I went to bed at once and dropped off to sleep and slept soundly until next morning, when I was up at my usual time and felt less tired and weary than I have of a morning for a long time. It was a splendid day’s outing and I enjoyed it better than I expected to. The only piece I did not enjoy very much was home from Guildford. With the exception of this piece, I travelled at a very good pace. Not reckoning my stop at Horsham for breakfast, my stay at Brighton and tea again at Horsham, I did the 110 miles in 10¼ hours. The roads all the way were very good, very much better than I expected to find them, especially between Guildford and Horsham, where a long lot of the road had been swept, whether for the road dust which they collected, or to make the road better I could not say, but there it was, a long lot of it swept with brooms. The road from Shoreham to Horsham is really a fine road. I should very much like to go down to Brighton that way on a fine day. There is a clump of trees on the summit of one of the hills of the Downs which I used to think was Arundel Park, but I was mistaken, for I came very near to it this way and I should say it laid at the back of Worthing. I think a run along the foot of the Downs would be very interesting, say from Steyning to Pulborough. The only improvement I could have wished in the weather was that the fog should have cleared off a little earlier. However, as it was, it kept me from getting too hot going down. The Whippet acted splendidly throughout. The mudguard breaking was very little inconvenience. It was very nice early this morning and I thoroughly enjoyed my run down, and there is no mistake I did the one back, especially the first part. My expenses were 5/4½. There was one thing I remarked and that was how little I saw of St Martha. I saw nothing of it in the morning because of the fog and very little of it is to be seen on the return journey. Now Leith Tower shows up a great deal more.

It would have been almost a perfect run had I not lingered about so, on my way home from Guildford. This is by far the longest run I have done in a day, for both going and coming I made Guildford 22 miles, and then coming home via Shoreham added four or five more miles so that I did 132 or 133 miles.

132 miles

Wednesday September 10

Bertha and I drove to Sonning this afternoon and had tea at the White Hart. The charge was one shilling each, and for that a very good tea. While we were having this meal, Mr Horn and party came in. The afternoon and evening was not so good as the morning gave promise of. However, it was fine, and Bertha enjoyed the turn out.

Thursday September 11

A beautiful fine day, and I started off with Bertha with me on the journey, but I had to come back before I got to East Heath because the tyre on the right wheel was coming off. I borrowed a cart off Mr Lush and sent Chappell with the goods, while I went round on the Whippet for orders. I started at 12 o’clock and got home at 7 o’clock.

Saturday September 13

After doing the journey, Chappell went home for a few days.

Sunday September 14

Went to Chapel this morning, Sunday School Anniversary service. After tea, I had a nice little run to Yateley and Blackwater, along the Flats and back again over the same ground home. It was a nice evening and a pretty little ride of 20 miles.

Tuesday September 16

As Chappell was out, I did the journey. I did not enjoy it because I did not feel very well and I had the headache.

Wednesday September 17

There was a sale at Spring Villa, Binfield, at which there was seven octave piano for sale so I got Bertha and Frances to drive over and see, I meeting them there on the bicycle. The instrument was no good at all, so I came home, but Bertha and Frances stayed to see the things sold, and, like a good girl, bought nothing. In the evening, I took a ride round Easthampstead and was home in time to see the illuminated ride of bicyclists. It was to have been a large and grand affair, but turned out not so good even as last year. There were a great many people to see it.

16 miles

Thursday September 18

Chappell did the journey because I had to go to Wixenford

Friday September 19

Sent Miss Bartlett the mount which I had from Geo Woods.

Sunday September 24

Went to Chapel morning and evening. The day was too rough and evening too wet for a ride.

Tuesday September 23

As we could not start the journey until after dinner, I went on to see Mr White of Yateley about some oats, but he was not at home, and so I came back without seeing him. After tea, I went to Reading on the Safety to see ‘The Private Secretary’ at the theatre. I got there just in time and had a front seat as usual. It was performed very well, especially Mr Cattermole’s part. Had a very nice ride home, arriving here at 11.30. The roads were dry and good to the Pheasant, but from there to Reading they were as wet as wet and through which the Whippet went uncommonly well. My expenses out were 1/8½.

30 miles

Wednesday September 24

I did think of going a long run today, but not being quite up to the mark, I abandoned that idea, and, after tea, went to Star Hill and along the Flats to a mile within Blackwater, then back to Star Hill and then again right to Blackwater and back to Star Hill again, so I had 14 miles of the Flats. The road was A1 and the evening very pretty.

I saw the sun set and the moon rise, and very pretty that was. Coming up the hill from Blackwater to the Flats, with the moon on the left, I had a grand sight. It looked like the ocean, those dark hills of heath, and I could fancy them great rolling waves and ready to break over me.

When I got to Eversley I turned off for New Mill, where the anniversary services are held today, and as some of our people were there, I thought I would have a run home with them. However, when I got there, Henry who had left early, had gone. Frances and Tom went over on the tandem, and she rode home in Mr Sale’s van, Mabel taking her place on the tandem.

32 miles

Sunday September 28

Was a magnificent day as regards the weather, but I could not enjoy it to the full because Frances is not well, in fact she seems very bad indeed with a bad throat. I went in the morning for a ride to Heckfield and down the lane to the left opposite Lord Eversley’s and round about until I came out at the Pheasant on the Basingstoke road, then along to Sherfield and to the left by Penman’s old place, and so round to Mattingley and away to Hartley Row and home. This took me over a good deal of new road, and a very pretty view it is round here. I spent some time in blackberrying. There were some very large and good ones along the Basingstoke road. Today is as hot a day as we have had all the year. Was going to Compton to tea but felt so very tired and sleepy all the afternoon that I gave up that for another day. After tea, I went for a run to Blackwater via Crowthorne and home by Yateley. Going down the hill just after leaving the College road, the chain came off and caught in the wheel, which brought me to a standstill but did no harm to me or the machine. It was a splendid night out and very sorry I was I did not feel better so as to thoroughly enjoy it. Mr Jelley came by the 8.17 train to see Frances.

42 miles

1890

Wednesday October 1

This evening I cleaned up and put the shop tidy and straight because I intend taking Hilda to Trowbridge tomorrow. Mr Jelley came down tonight.

Thursday October 2

I altered my mind about taking Hilda to Trowbridge, for although Frances has the scarlet fever, I think it best to keep her at home

Sunday October 5

Henry came across and asked me to go with him on the tandem to Binfield to see Dr Swindale, Mabel being bad with a sore throat, so we went over there.

After dinner, I went on the Whippet to Barkham and round the lanes to see if I could get some blackberries, but could find none round there, so I went to Hurst and had a find there. It was not a nice day, windy and dull.

16 miles

Monday October 6

Was such a nice, fine calm day that I did not like to let it go by unimpaired, so I arranged to go to Compton and took Mr Chappell with me. We left here at 2 o’clock and made our way to Frimley by Well Coll and Blackwater, not passing through either of the College grounds. At Frimley we turned to the right and straight on to Ash and up the Hog’s Back through Puttenham to Compton. Had a nice tea and then home via Farnborough. It was a very nice run over, and an especially nice ride back. We reckoned to get to Compton at 4 o’clock and were not a minute out. Of course it was a beautiful run all along the Back, and so it was all the way home. We did not see Mrs Hawkins, she being very poorly and bad. The old gentleman gave us each a nice rose and made us comfortable.

42 miles

Tuesday October 7

Went over for Dr Swindall this morning, a nice little run of six miles.

Wednesday October 8

Was a wet evening, which just suited me, for I was at the Whippet putting the toggles and bearings right.

Sunday October 12

Was a splendid day and Mr Rednall and I took advantage of it and went a glorious run. We left here as per arrangement, at 8.30 and made our way to Guildford via Frimley and the ridges. There was quite a fog when we started, but that soon cleared off and the sun came out quite hot and bright. It was nearly all new ground to Mr Rednall and he was delighted with the way, and well enough he might, for it was grandly pretty on this bright, warm, calm October Sunday morning. After the sandy hill, the road was excellent, and we were both in good condition and cheerful frame of mind and in a good state to appreciate the very pretty sights all along the way.

Guildford, laying low, was still enveloped in a thick fog, but that did not matter at all, for we were soon out of it and on our way to Godalming. Here, the little mist that hung about the hill tops gave the mountainous country a very grand and lovely aspect. I was particularly struck with the beauty of the place. Just before entering the town, we had a liquer up to carry us up the hill country to Hindhead. This little refreshment made the run through Milford very enjoyable. Mr Rednall did not work up Hindhead, so I had plenty of time to gather blackberries and then ride on and overtake him. It is superfluous for me to say it was very pretty up this hill, because if it were not so on such a morning as this, where would it be?

We each got a pint at the Huts and sat down on the grass opposite and had our lunch. The sun shone bright and warm and made it very pleasant to have our meal out of doors on this October day. After dinner, we ran down to Haslemere and thence on our way to Midhurst, but when we had proceeded about a mile, we came to where the road was newly metalled, and fearing lest it should be all the way to Midhurst, we wisely turned back to Haslemere and decided to go to Compton to tea, so once more ascending Hindhead, we soon had a splendid downhill ride to Milford. We enjoyed the journey back from Haslemere to the Huts more than the ride to Haslemere, for we saw more of the beautiful scenery going up than going down. From Milford, we turned and by Eashing and Shackleford to Compton. Had a nice tea and a quick journey up to the Hog’s Back and a most delightful run all along it and all the way home. Rednall was delighted with the effect of the sunset as we saw it along the Back, and with the pretty, serene, dark journey to Ash and Farnborough. We got home at 8 o’clock as fresh as when we started this morning, having enjoyed the whole of the journey from beginning to the end. We certainly had a perfect day, such a day as I never remember in October, and we were both well.

73 miles

Monday October 13

Was another beautiful day like yesterday, and being such a nice day, I felt justified in having the afternoon out and so making use of it. At ¼ to 3, I left here on the Marlow and Henley journey, and as the weather was so good, and the roads also, I thought to get around in quick time, but one hour and 5 minutes were occupied in getting to Marlow, so I gave over the idea of quick time and from there took it quietly and had a pretty run to Henley, and there had tea.

I left Henley at 5 and so just caught the sunset right for the Wargrave road, and a very, very grand sight I had all along from Henley home. The sunset, with a very warm and ruddy light which lit up the trees and hills on the left in a most effective manner. While the hedge on my right was quite indistinct in the gloaming, that on the left facing the setting sun was all aglow with a golden light, and every leaf distinct and bright. And then, as I got further on and the light left the road and a semi darkness was roundabout me, the woods on the hill tops were light as day, and that effect was very marked on the large white house with round windows just before entering Wargrave. In fact, It was very beautiful at every turn all the way home.

32 miles

Wednesday October 15

Was not a good day for the wheels so I did not venture out, but stayed at home and did nothing.

Saturday October 18

Dear Mabel died, She led an unselfish life. Was always amiable, kind and cheerful, the child I loved next to my own flesh, and woefully shall I miss the dear girl. I went to Binfield for the certificate.

Sunday October 19

I had a very nice run over the lanes and roads round Sherfield and Turgis. I went to Heckfield to the left along the lanes to the Wellington Arms, on to Turgis by Pearman’s and Hartley Mandit to the Basingstoke road, back to Rotherwick, Mattingley, Hazeley Heath, and home by Heckfield Common and Eversley. The roads were A1, and much I should have enjoyed it but for the dark shadow at home. I was glad I went, for it cheered me up a bit. I went to Chapel in the evening.

30 miles

Monday October 20

Followed Mabel to the grave.

Wednesday October 22

Had a splendid run this evening. I left here about ¼ to 5 and went to Basingstoke via Hartley Row and home by Sherfield. It was capital going all the way round and very much I enjoyed it. At Hartley Row, I bought a sheet of brown paper to put on my chest, which was a great comfort to me. I took it very quietly and was just four hours doing the round.

36 miles

Sunday October 26

I arranged with Mr Rednall to go for a run today, but yesterday being a rough wet day, I thought there would be a chance of a get out today. The morning was very cold, windy and had every appearance of developing into a day like yesterday. The barometer was very low and had dropped considerably in the night, yet in spite of all this we made a start at ¼ to 9 for Basingstoke and Alresford. The roads were better than I expected to find them. The weather got worse and worse, and a little before Hook it began to rain and we felt sure we were in for a wet day, but by the time we had got across the Common the clouds cleared off a bit and the sun came out, and from then it was very nice and bright, though still windy. It was very delightful down Hook hill and all along the way to Basingstoke, the trees and foliage and country looking very pretty in its autumn colours. When at Basingstoke, we turned for Alresford. We had the wind behind us, which made it much warmer and easier going. At Cliddesden, we tried to get some ale, but the landlord would not open for us, so we had to go on to the next House, which was at Preston Candover. Here, we had a little difficulty in getting in but succeeded, and very glad I was too, for I wanted my dinner. In fact I wanted it at Cliddesden and was disappointed at not being able to get any ale there. I brought some bacon and bread, and I don’t know when I have enjoyed a meal much more and I don’t know when I have felt better after dinner than today.

We felt the cold rather on making a start after our repast but soon warmed up to our work and had a delightful run all the way to Alresford. I see they have finished the church at Lord Ashburton’s place and a very pretty church they have made of it, I think as pretty a one as I have seen. They were building it when Henry, Tom and I were along here last year.

It is needless to say that the park looked very pretty. Of course it did on this bright autumn day, and so did those old fashioned houses a mile or so this side of Alresford. We did not stay at the ponds now at Alresford, only just while Mr Rednall had a look round the church, and while we had a counsel which way to take for home.

We wanted to go to Winchester, but the wind which was considerable, seemed to be against us that way all the way home, so we decided to go the Alton way, and made a start for that place, but had not gone far before I altered my mind and made a halt, and turned back for Winchester, and very, very glad I am we did, for from here to Kings Worthy was a most delightful ride, the best afternoon ride I have had, for although we were going directly against the wind, the hill so sheltered us that we scarcely felt it, and the road was level and wound about following the beautiful Itchen, and the scenery was just my cut, the hills all round about and we travelling along a good level road beside the river, and that sparkling in a delightful manner as the sun shone on its broad shallow surface rippled with a thousand ripples as it quickly flowed along. The autumn tints too were in their perfection here, and altogether it made a grand afternoon. I wish I could always feel as well at this time of day. I hope I may be spared to come round here again and enjoy it as much.

We saw Winchester, and a pretty sight it was as we saw it on this bright Sunday afternoon as we looked across the river and valley and saw its towers and cathedral rise out of the soft mist that hung over the water between us and it. We saw it, but did not enter the city, but struck the London road at Kings Worthy. That road we found in A1 condition and the wind not against us. It was 4 o’clock when we got to Lunways Inn. Here we got the landlady to make us some tea, and we had a very good tea with two kinds of jam for the sum of sixpence each which was uncommonly cheap. I felt well before tea, and much more so after. Just as we went along I sang and whistled my utmost. Mr Rednall was very slow up the hills, and as there were several along here, and long, he made very poor time. However, I didn’t much mind. I thought we should get home somehow, but even this faith left me presently.

We had glorious weather all the afternoon and a beautiful sunset and the moon rose clear and red, but all of a sudden about ½ past 5, it became overcast and a storm came up and the wind blew a hurricane, while the rain descended and the trees roared and bent down before it, and as the wind howled through the branches we could not hear each other speak. The wind now was on our left and a point or two against us, and I knew that unless it changed, it would be almost dead against us from Basingstoke to Heckfield if we went that way, or from Hartley Row if we went the Hook road, and as we were now nearly 30 miles away from home, I say my faith of getting Mr Rednall there tonight was almost staggered.

But there is an end to the roughest time, and very fortunately we were near the end of this, for by the time we had ascended the last hill, the rain had given over and the wind had stopped considerably and had gone more at our back, so that we had a delightful run of four or five miles over the perfection of road to Basingstoke, and as we bowled along here at a very good pace it was most cheering and pleasant, and the further we went, the better the weather got, until all clouds dispersed and the moon shone out clear and bright. We did not stay at Basingstoke, but passed through at ½ past 6 and had a merry time all along that nice piece to Hook hill, and we got up there very nicely for we fortified ourselves at the Red Lion with a drop of whisky and a slice of bread which I had left from dinner, which bread the like of I never enjoyed more. We pushed up Hook hill and then felt at home, and it was not very long before we were there, having had a most delightful day out. I must say I thought it was madness starting off with every indication of a wet, rough and windy day, and never was I more surprised at its now fulfilment. From Hook going (with the exception of the hurricane at sunset) we had glorious weather all the way round. I felt very well going off, but as I went on I felt better and better and was not tired or stale anywhere. Many pretty sights I saw and had no mishaps or accidents whatever. My Whippet carried me splendidly and wanted no attention whatever. Went easy and light and well, was no trouble to guide whatever. I see by the map that the hill after Cliddesden is 400 feet above Basingstoke. Coming home at ¼ to 9, I found Mr Jelley there.

70 miles

Tuesday October 28

It was such a nice moonlight evening that I seemed compelled to take a ride, so I left here a little after 7 o’clock, well wrapped up in newspaper and scarf, for it was very cold and what wind there was, was very piercing. I went along very comfortably thus well wrapped up but did not get my gloved hands warm until past the White House. Had a lovely run down to Eversley bridge and very pretty round there to the Green, and so it was right up on the hill and away to Star Hill. There I turned for the Flats and had a fast and very grand ride over perfect road with the wind behind me It was wonderfully light and strangely pretty and lovely all along here, and the drop down to Blackwater, too, was very mystic and soft, for there was a mist rising over the low lying part, and this after the peculiarly clear Flats, was quite a change. And all the way home, I had alternate mist and clear. I so enjoyed it that I didn’t like coming home so soon. There was a liberal meeting in the Hall, but I fancied a run round my old ground to exciting myself up there to no purpose.

20 miles

Wednesday October 29

I thought yesterday what a nice ride I should have today, but alas, we had rain early this morning and then again this evening, and rough wind, so I had no go at all. I cleaned up the Whippet, not that it wanted it much.

1890

Sunday November 2

Yesterday was a beautiful day and the roads were in very good order and so I got ready for a run out today, but like Wednesday I was disappointed for we had rain early this morning and showers during the day which quite put bicycling out of the question. I went to Chapel twice, L.S. in the morning. Yesterday there was an election to fill six seats on the Council.

Wednesday November 5

The Fair was held in Bunce’s Meadow yesterday and Monday. Monday was a wet day, and yesterday tolerably fine. The Fair was no better than usual. There certainly was an excellent roundabout with galloping horses. I took Eva down Monday evening and bought Hilda a few things, and James a coconut.

Unlike the two previous days, today has been a nice fine and bright day. We got the orders done early and I had my dinner at ½ past 12 and an hour afterwards was on my way for a bicycle ride. I went to Elvetham, Hartley Row, Pilcot, Crookham, Fleet and home again by Eversley. On the whole, the roads were tolerably good. Passing Finchampstead Church, I saw the carriages waiting to carry back the wedding folks, Mr Kemp, today, taking to himself a new wife, which he found in the person of Miss Kelsey. The people say it was a rather grand turn out, however the day was too pretty and bright for me to waste by stopping until they came out, so after lighting a cigarette, I passed on and was soon madly careering down that pretty valley to Blackwater. The rain of the past few days has filled up the stream to its proper height, and as the water now reaches the overhanging boughs, it presented a very pretty picture. The Flats looked very inviting, but as I had made up my mind for Elvetham, I passed over them and was soon there, almost too soon, for it was very pretty by the lovely woods on either side of the road. Although largely composed of the fir, yet there is also such a variety of other trees, and the different autumn tints on each made a fine sight. It was ½ past 2 as I passed the clock at the town, and from there to the turning to Hartley Row was very enjoyable. I could not help admiring those very fine old trees on the right. The weeping willow was a grand picture in yellow. I did not like the ride from there to Hartley Row. The road was heavy and a strong wind against me, but as soon as I turned for Dogmersfield, I had it for me, and lighting up another cigarette, I had a happy and thoroughly enjoyable ride the rest of the journey. There was a deal to see even in that short piece of road contained between the bend of the canal. Why, the road itself looked as if carpeted with even matting. It was the fine cones or needles from the larch fir had fallen in such abundance, and had been so little disturbed by traffic, that covered the road and gave it this appearance. From the canal right round to Fleet was in splendid condition, and very much I liked gliding along here on this pretty afternoon, taking in each little piece of country scenery with as much relish as though I had never seen it before, and although the road was not so good after Fleet station, yet the trees presented such a variety of shapes and calm, that I could not but enjoy it. Up that little hill by Halfacres at Minley Gate was very gorgeous. The leaves were yellow and the sun shining low down on them lit them up from underneath and made it look fairy like, a golden castle in bower. I got home at 5, had tea, and then down to Tom’s and took the tandem to pieces and oiled it.

30 miles

Saturday November 8

Bertha, after nursing Frances through her illness of scarlet fever, and being shut up in one room all the time, was let out today. She has had a very lonely and trying time of it, poor girl, and well and nobly has she done her duty. She was very glad to get out and very glad was I to see her about once more. Frances, too, looks all right again.

Sunday November 9

Chappell and I went for a ride this morning. We started at 10 o’clock and got home at ½ past 1. We went to Heckfield, Mattingley, Hook and home by Hartley Row. The weather was quite bright, sunny and summer like, and the roads in very fair condition considering the lot of rain we had Thursday night and all day Friday. As the sun shone out so nice and bright, we saw some very fine sights in the way of autumn foliage, the leaves this year holding out wonderfully well. The hill leading up to Heckfield was a grand picture. We had lunch at the Raven, where we were very comfortable and enjoyed the repast. We went just about the right distance, not too far, so that we enjoyed the run all round. It would not do for a day’s outing with the roads in their present condition. I went to sleep all the afternoon and to Chapel in the evening. Mr Jelley came down a little after 7 o’clock.

28 miles

Monday November 10

I washed the drawers and fittings under the mahogany counter, and also mended the locker drawers and made a very good job of it. Mr Jelley went back by the 8.16.

Wednesday November 12

The morning and afternoon was bright and as there were but a few orders, and those we got up soon, I took advantage of the bright afternoon, and went a nice little ride. Leaving at a ¼ to 2, I gently jogged to Eversley and up on to the Flats, and then along them to Blackwater and home via Well Coll and Crooked Billet. From the top of Up Green hill right to Star Lane was easy going and very pretty, especially along the Flats and by Blackwater. I was home at 4.20 having had a happy and calm two hours out. George Sale left here this morning for Liverpool, hoping to set sail from there tomorrow for India. I rather thought of going by road to Reading after 4, but I am glad I went for my ride this afternoon instead, for the night is wet.

20 miles

Sunday November 16

Mr Rednall and I had another excursion today. The roads were too muddy and wet to go for a long bicycle ride so we rode as far as Frimley and put our machines up at Mr Binstead and then took a walk, but before doing so, we had a glass of ale. It was just about eleven when we left the Kings Arms and made a start on foot for Bisley, following the canal as far as the new railway bridge over it and then to the left until we came to the shooting grounds. Although the morning was dull and misty, and at times inclined for rain, yet we had a very pleasant walk by the side of the old canal. Time would not allow our stopping to go over the shooting ground at Bisley, but we made our way back to the canal by the side of the new railway and under the main line and straight away to Pirbright. The Pirbright side of the railway had a very much more cheerful aspect than the Bisley, for though the weather was so thick and dull, there was a brightness this side of the line which was much more cheering, and the country too was much prettier. The Bisley side is nothing but wild heath and borage, and altogether an ashy aspect, which today looked particularly gloomy and dull. As we neared Pirbright, we got into more cultivated and hospitable looking ground, until when we reached the village, it was very pretty, for it is situated in a large green or greens, for there seemed to be two or three of them. We had dinner at the White Hart, over which we did not linger long. It was past ½ past 1 when we entered and we left at 2 o’clock. We took the road where the hand post said to Ash. It was very pretty for a little way out of the village. At the church, I stopped a minute to take a rough sketch of it. We soon left the cultivated district and got into the wild ash domains again. While plodding across one of those open places we were attacked with a fine rain, and it looked like wet set in. It did not last very long, and having brought my umbrella with me I did not get wet. We passed a large and pretentious looking house with a round tower of red brick placed right out in the wilds. The road eventually came out at the first lock on the canal and then forms the towing path to Frimley. We did not go down to the canal but through a gateway and along a gentleman’s drive and by the house, and should have got by unseen, only two dogs came out at us and were rather ferocious and made such a noise someone came out, but we were civil and so was he and we passed on through the grounds and came out at the Windmill, and so was soon at the Kings Arms and had our machines out and on our way home, which we reached at 5 o’clock having had a nice day out. It was wonderful how we enjoyed ourselves so much, seeing what a dull and threatening day it was. I managed the walking very well, much better than I expected.

24 miles

Tuesday November 18

I went to Reading by the 6 o’clock train and bought a new truss. 6/6. Home at 8.

Wednesday November 19

Had another very enjoyable and, I may say, pretty ride this afternoon. Leaving here at a little after 2 o’clock, I went by the Crooked Billet to Crowthorne and thence to Blackwater, up the Flats and down to Yateley Green, and by Tyndalls and Eversley, home at 5 o’clock. I saw some very pretty sights although it was a dull kind of day.

It is wonderful what beauty can be seen if one only is in the proper mood and will take the trouble to go out and see nature. I enjoyed this run more than many a one in the summer. What a pretty cosy effect the fallen leaves give to the road. They cover it from hedge to hedge with their warm golden yellow covering, and the track made by the traffic only shows up the sides to better effect. Then, too, as the trees and hedges are thinned by their fall, we get glimpses of little cosy corners and picturesque outbuildings and sheds, which in summer are hid from view.

At the Flats, I turned off at the second turning for Yateley, and a very pretty way down that is too, and one I must go oftener. The Whippet goes over the muddy roads vastly deal better than I expected so narrow a tired machine to.

20 miles

Sunday November 23

There was a very high wind on today, and though we have no rain, yet it looked like wet all day long, so I did not venture out on the bicycle. Went to Chapel twice, and for a walk with Bertha round the Dog and Duck in the afternoon.

Wednesday November 26

We had a frost last night and today the roads are hard, but cordy in patches. After 3 o’clock, I had a ride on the Whippet to the Dog and Duck, thence to Bill Hill and Ruscombe, down to Twyford and back along the Bath road to the Marlow road, then back to Twyford and home by Bill Hill. I went the Dog and Duck way because the road from the Holt to 100 yards beyond the brook on the Bill Hill road was gravelled, and gravelled well, too. The weather was very cold indeed, a biting NE blowing. Had the roads been as good all the way as they were in parts, it would have been a grand ride home, but the frequent patches of ‘cord’ checked any speed. As the sun went down, the sky and country had a very wintry look. I saw the moon rise about ½ past 4 and what a grand sight, so also was the setting sun.

20 miles

Thursday November 27

No wonder at the sky and country looking wintry last evening, for today has been wintry and cold in the extreme. When I started off on the journey this morning there was a fierce NE on, and terribly cold, and after dinner a blinding snowstorm for a half hour, which completed the winter picture. Though the wind and weather were so cold and rough, I should have enjoyed the journey, but that I heard at Arnett’s when I was there in the morning that Beerbohms were shaky and there was no money to be had from them. This spoilt my day, and to make it worse I was just 10/- short in my cash.

Sunday November 30

Yesterday I went across to Mr Rednall and asked him, as a joke, what time he should be ready for tomorrow, and he took it seriously and said ½ past 9, so I thought I couldn’t back out, but go, if go we could. We had a sharp frost all day yesterday, and during the night this froze the snow in lumps and made the roads very bumpy. The weather was delightfully fine and bright, and to us it seemed warm, but it only thawed for about an hour in the middle of the day. We started about 10 o’clock and got home at ½ past 2, and went to Elvetham, Hartley Row, Pilcot, Fleet and back over the Flats. It was a long way and we took our time over it and most thoroughly enjoyed the little turn out. I haven’t enjoyed a Sunday morning more for a very long time. We saw some pretty winter sights, the slight covering of snow making it look quite a month later in the year. I had Mr Chappell’s machine and very nicely it went. At Fleet, we had a glass of ale and some bread and cheese. My Jelley came down in the afternoon, and during the evening we had a long discussion on religion.

30 miles

1890

Tuesday December 2

I spent the evening at Tom’s Works in putting a new rubber to the Whippet. Instead of putting another ½ʺ rubber, we attempted a 7/8ʺ full.

Wednesday December 3

Started the orders and then went down to Tom’s to finish my last night’s job and did it very satisfactorily. After dinner, I had a ride on the Whippet to see if the new large rubber would keep on and answer. I went to the Flats and found it came up to and beyond my expectations, and was coming home mightily pleased with it when the upright tube carrying the seat and pedal broke and I had to walk all the way from the Flats. This I did easier and quicker than I expected, and got home at 6 o’clock, or rather ½ past 5. Had a good tea, did some writing and a walk up to Wixenford with change. Caught a cold going to Wixenford.

15 miles

Thursday December 4

My cold being bad, and feeling very tired, I sent Chappell the journey, which he did very well and brought me home the half sovereign I had lost last week. I had left it at Mrs W Sewell’s. Tom mended the Whippet and made an A1 job of it. It was broken in an awkward place, and I think he made a clever mend of it.

Sunday December 7

Mr Rednall and I had arranged a run to Marlow for today to leave here at 9.30. The morning was bright and fine and the roads good, and it looked like a splendid day out. The sun shone so bright, I thought there was no need of a paper vest, and so I did not put one on, and much I rued that omission, for no sooner had we made a start and got clear of the town than we saw a great bank of cloud coming up from the NE, and the wind being that way soon brought it over and produced a dull, thick and cold day. To avoid the gravel, we went via the Dog and Duck and Hurst to Twyford and along the Bath road to Marlow. I was too cold to thoroughly enjoy the journey to Marlow, for the cold NE blew into me rather more than was pleasant. At Marlow, we turned for Henley, and from there, that is, the turning at Marlow, it was very comfortable and enjoyable, for we now felt not the wind, which was at our back, and the weather seemed altogether warmer.

At Twyford, the GW Company are widening their line, and the short piece of road running parallel with the line is being removed a few yards nearer here to make way for the railway. Last night, as a man was walking over a partially pulled down bridge below the station, he fell over and was killed.

The road to Twyford was in excellent condition, and we expected to find the Bath road better still, but we were sadly disappointed, for in places, it was very bad and nowhere excellent. Now the road to Marlow was uncommonly good, and so it was all the rest of the way home. We had our lunch at Bisham, no, not Bisham but Medmenham, at the Public House opposite the church. We wanted the lunch and it did us good and enabled us to very much more enjoy the ride after. Again that piece between Henley and Wargrave was very interesting and charmingly pretty. We saw someone fishing. He must have been fond of the sport to stand down by the cold wet river on such a day as this, dull, cold and thick with a north easterly air. I rode Mr Chappell’s machine. It took us just six hours. I have done the journey after a busy Friday’s work in 3 hours, from 7 to 10, and easier than I did it today. I went to Chapel and L.S. in the evening with Bertha. With the exception of parts of the Bath road, the roads were very good indeed. The weather was rather a disappointment, but the run a success. I felt the vibration of the ridged machine and longed to get back on the Whippet. I should have had it, only I had painted the wheels last night.

32 miles

Monday December 8

During the afternoon, I had a run to Blackwater and back via Eversley and Yateley. A pretty little afternoon ride, and being on the Whippet with the new large rubber, I had a splendid ride. How pretty Yateley Common looked, but why should I write that down I know not, for it always looks very pretty. The large rubber is a great success.

14 miles

Tuesday December 9

Henry and Kemp went by train to Aldershot or Farnham and walked to Haslemere and home by the 6.40 SER. It was a foggy day.

Wednesday December 10

I got the orders done early, had an early dinner and then off for Hampshire. I left here at 1 o’clock and had a merry bowl along to Eversley, over the Flats and thence to Crondall, quite a nice run with only one dismount. At Crondall, I had a glass of whisky, and then turned round and back, and was coming home via Odiham, but found the road gravelled that way, and so came back to Crookham, and then home by Dogmersfield and Hartley Row. It was very foggy all day and more so towards the afternoon and evening.

I saw some queer sights in the fog. One was as I was drawing near to Hartley Row on my way home, just before going under the railway, the embankment looked like a range of mountains, so much did the mist magnify, and it looked so odd to see a train pass along on the summit. Then another was, passing by Eversley Cross, I saw what I thought a heavy man trying if the ice would bear his weight and only venturing just on the edge of the pond. He having left a barrow in the road, he made haste when he saw me coming to get the barrow out of my way, and as he drew near to me I then saw it was only a little boy, so much did the fog amplify him and deceive me.

The roads were in very good condition excepting from the Flats to Fleet. There they had a bit of sun on Monday and spoilt them. I got home at a ¼ past 4 having had a nice afternoon out.

32 miles

Thursday December 11

It was a very cold and foggy day for the journey. About 3 or ½ past, the fog came over so thick and black that I could not see when in the customers’ houses. However, I did the journey and got home all right.

Sunday December 14

I had arranged with Mr Rednall for a run on the machines for today, to leave here at ½ past 9, which arrangement we carried out successfully.

There was a sharp frost during the night (and for the matter of that all this day), which, acting upon the thick fog, coated the trees and everything else out of doors with a massive covering of hoar frost. The roads were perfection, the weather calm and exceedingly cold, and though things in the immediate foreground seemed clear, yet there was a heavy luminous mist all round. Starting off, we felt the cold most strongly and had to get off several times between here and Finchampstead to buffet our hands, and promote circulation. From Finchampstead, we passed on to the Flats. Down Star Hill was very cold as we went down at a rattling good pace, the air nearly cut our ears off.

However, we warmed up again by the time we got to Hartley Row old church. As we passed the new church, we overtook a school of boys, when I heard one remark that there was but one more Sunday, evidently letting his mind dwell more upon the coming holidays than upon the service of the church. A good and pretty run brought us round by Dogmersfield and Pilcot and on to Crookham then to the R and away to Crondall and Farnham, Waverley, Sandy Cross, Tongham, Ash, Farnborough and home by Yateley and Eversley. Although it was so very cold starting off, we could not help admiring the very pretty and effective winter picture which East Heath presented.

The other very striking and peculiar sight we had from the top of the hill leading to the Flats. The sun had just come out, and as we turned round to see the country we had just come over, and so had the sun at our back and shining right on to the trees in front, and these being one mass of hoar frost, they looked like solid frosted silver castings standing solid and alone, nothing else being visible, for the mist formed an impenetrable curtain, not like a fog generally is, but a kind of background of winter.

The piece between the canal bridges I expected to be pretty, and so it was – very lovely, like a fairy cathedral worth coming miles to see. Along the road or lane between Crookham and Crondall, the hedges were very heavily coated with hoar frost, and as the boughs hung down with the weight, I would shake them and bring down a little snow storm. Though Mr Rednall’s first visit to Crondall, we did not stay, except just to have a look at the church. As Mr Rednall mounted his tricycle and was turning around, he turned over, much to the amusement of the children who were just coming out of church. It did neither him nor the machine any harm.

It was very pretty just after leaving Crookham, as grand a hoar frost scene as we could imagine. I did think I would describe it, but I am utterly unable to, and so will leave it alone when I say that the telegraph wires were so thickly coated that they looked like cables overhead, it shows how heavily the trees were bedecked with this bridal veil, and no wonder places like Waverley were enchanting and like fairy land, with the sun shining so brightly and making it sparkle with beauty.

We had dinner comfortably in a Public House at Sandy Cross, to get to which place we went right over the top of Crooksbury Hill. After dinner, we made our way to Tongham, and this was over, to me, new ground, and very, very nice it was right up to Yateley, but from there, it was too cold to enjoy the ride. It was about 3 o’clock when we got to Yateley and the sun had got low and hid in the mist, and the cold got right to our bones so that we could not get warm even by buffeting. We got home about 4, having had a most charming and pretty ride and seen such a sight of hoar frost as we never saw before. The roads were perfect and would have done for any pace, and had I been by myself I dare say I should have gone along at good pace, but we were out today to see the beautiful country and not for a race, and I can say I had a happy time of it. At Farnham, I completed my third thousandth mile for this season. We saw but very few people about, the weather was too cold for them.

45 miles

Monday December 15

Snowed the greater part of the day, so that the splendid roads are now covered up and cycling is quite out of the question for any distance. I had a short ride this afternoon to East Court and back. It was very pretty and exceedingly wintry looking, especially that piece by Kemps and Sonningside. The machine went through the snow tolerably well, but as I say, it would not do for a long run.

8 miles

Wednesday December 17

I was going to have another try at a run out on the Whippet in the snow, but as I was about to start I found that the frame of the machine was broken again a little above where it broke before, so I was done out of my ride and took the Whippet down to the Works for Tom to see to it.

Sunday December 21

Rednall and I went for a walk in the snow round Barkham. It snowed nearly all day yesterday so that it lay quite deep all over the roads and country. From the top of Barkham hill, we had a grand sight of winter, especially as we looked over General Rickman’s park. Barkham church, too, looked very like a winter picture. We got home a little after 1 o’clock, and I got Mr Rednall to come in and look at Frances’ throat. For the last week, it has been very bad and today was worse. Mr Rednall thought it ought to be seen at once. I should have gone up for Mr Jelley but was just too late for the train, so I got Mr Brenton to telegraph to him. He did not get the telegram, but fortunately came down by the 8 o’clock train, because he had not heard from us and was anxious about Frances. This was a great relief to us, and for which we were very thankful.

Monday December 22

I had to drive Mr Jelley to Twyford this morning, and it so happened that it was the coldest and most wintry morning and day that we have had for years. We had a good breakfast before we started, and, with the lamps alight (for it was quite dark), we left here at a ¼ to 6 and had as wintry a ride as it was possible to imagine. The snow lay deep all over the road, which was scarcely distinguishable because there had not as yet been any traffic since the snow fell. There was a fog which coated everything thickly with hoar frost, and the cold was so intense that our hair and whiskers were covered with ice before we got to Matthew’s Green.

Mr Jelley thought of walking because he thought it impossible to drive, but he was glad he did not, for the country was so altered in appearance by the snow that he would not have found his way. Although it was so cold and dark, we thoroughly enjoyed the ride, and I was glad I came because I may never have the opportunity of getting out in such another cold and severe morning. As the morning foretold, so the day turned out a regular stinger. Chappell did the Eversley journey today. We were tolerably busy.

Tuesday December 23

We were busy all day getting up the Eversley orders and Xmas boxes.

Wednesday December 24

Chappell did the journey and went home after to Alton. We were very slack all day. Whether there was any carols and singing tonight, I know not, for I did not sit up to hear.

Thursday December 25 Xmas Day

And a typical looking Xmas Day it was. Clear and cold and the country covered with snow, and the night too was pretty, being nearly full moon and clear. I spent the day down at Tom’s Works putting fresh rubbers to the tandem. Hilda was down there with me all the morning.

Friday December 26

All shops closed. I put up the Eversley orders and got everything ready before dinner, also the shop cleaned and tidied up. After dinner, I did a little more to the tandem, and after tea I took Eva to the pantomime at Reading. It was ‘Robinson Crusoe’. Very well put on the stage, but lacked any lift and spirit in it. We had a mighty job to get in.

Saturday December 27

I did the journey and enjoyed it very well. It was a very cold day and snowed at times. Though I did not take so much trouble with the Xmas boxes this year, yet everyone seemed pleased with them and thanked me very much.

Sunday December 28

I went to Chapel morning and evening. Mr Jelley came down in the afternoon.

Wednesday December 31

I intended doing something to the tandem at Tom’s Works, but when I got down there it was so cold I gave the job up for the evening.

The year that ends with this day has not been an eventful one, neither has it been a prosperous nor happy and enjoyable one, save for good health and cycling. It opened with Mr Sale in very bad health and circumstances, and eventually saw him turned out of the Office. Business has been bad all through the year and had not had one redeeming feature, nothing has paid well or been a great success.

Though we had but a small stock of bacon, it hung about to the end of October, and even now there a few sides in hand, and yet we put the price down to less than the stuff cost us. Provisions have been slow of sale and small in profit.

The departure of George and Mary from our wicket to Hastings has caused a blank, though nothing like so noticeable as we expected, in fact, as yet we miss him but little. The death of dear Mabel is a cloud that will take a long time for the sun of enjoyment to dispel. George Woods we can go and see, and he can come and see us, but Mabel is gone forever, she shall never come to us, nor can we go to her until we have done with this life. Her memory is dear to me, and may it ever be so.

Though there is so much death shading to this year’s picture, yet there are many bright parts too. Except for Frances’ attack of scarlatina in October and November, our health has been good. I have had better health than ever before. Bertha too has been well and strong, though she had a nasty and painful operation caused by an abscess. Tom was very ill the first part of the year from an illness he contracted during his tour in America. He recovered from that and is now as well as ever. The few days we had at South Warnborough castle, where we pitched our camp this year, is a very bright part of the picture and a scene I often like to look at. We were very fortunate in selecting that time, for no other time of the year would have done so well for us.

If I have had trouble, yet I have had a good deal of enjoyment and pleasure, for I have had a good year of cycling and have had some very happy times out on the bicycles. I have been over three thousand miles this year. This is not the greatest total I have done in one year, but it is above the average, and a good lot to do at odd times and principally by oneself. I have not been for any but one-day tours, and of these I have had three important ones. I refer to the Brighton trips. In each of these I have done more miles in one day than I ever before accomplished. I once did 112 miles in the day, and that was when I had two sound legs and was many years younger than I am now, while this year in my last run to Brighton and back I did 132 miles, and this performance was done after breaking my kneecap three times since doing the 112 miles.

Henry has scarcely been out at all on the wheels, not because I did not come for the tandem, for I have offered to go out with him many times, but he has not felt disposed to exert himself in this way lately. With the exception of the three days I had for the Brighton trips, I do not remember having another whole day away from business on the bicycle.

I have derived great comfort from the Whippet, and to its non-vibrating quality I attribute my freedom from exhaustion and tiredness, which has been the marked feature of this year’s runs. After my longest runs on it, I have been able to sleep soundly and well and to be free from aches and pains.

Mr Phillips, I have scarcely seen. He, too, has quite fallen off cycling, but then I have had a new companion in Mr Rednall during the latter part of the year, for it was only in the autumn he began cycling and now he can do 70 miles a day. We have had several pleasant Sundays out together on the wheels. The summer was a very bad summer for outdoor enjoyment. Plenty of sunshine when it did not rain, but the rain came nearly every day. We had a splendid autumn, and winter set in early and very severe. The roads have been good all the year round.