1896

Wednesday January 1

This week opened by my having to go to Reading, being summoned as a juror in the Quarter Sessions. I went down by the 9 o’clock train, which gave me time to go up in the town and buy a new ledger at Braggs. Having lost my summons paper, I did not know whether it was on the petty or grand jury I had to serve. However, it did not matter, for I was the first on the list to be excused. Although I could have come home straight away, I stayed to hear the cases, which consisted of two only, and they were the most trumpery imaginable. I came home by the 1.30 and not feeling in a very workable frame of mind, I thought I would go to the theatre after tea. So, I went down by the 6 o’clock SWR, which landed me in just the right time for the opening of the doors at ½ past 6. Instead of paying sixpence extra for the pit doors and going to the pit, I waited until opening time and took a pit stall seat for 2/-, and had a comfortable and luxurious seat, and no trouble for the 6d extra. It was the pantomime of Sinbad the Sailor, and a very good one too, especially in the dances. The comic element was a little lacking, but on the whole the piece was excellently put on, and I enjoyed it. Had to leave before the transformation scene to catch the train.

Having talked about getting Frances a piano for some time, and having written to several places, I made up my mind to go to London today by the cheap SER and take Frances with me to Stiles and Co. We went up by the 9.16 and had a very nice and comfortable ride up. We got out at Waterloo Junction and walked to Messrs Stiles and Co, which is in Southampton Row, Holborn. Going into the saleroom we were attended to by a very gentlemanly man who evidently knew his business and how to sell a piano. I asked to be shown some Bechsteins and was conducted into the room where the new instruments were, and some very fine ones they were. I then asked to see the second hand ones but could not see one to my liking, and so was taken into the warehouse opposite, where I saw just the thing we wanted and bought it. Of course, there was a little bantery before we came to the final figure of £42.0.0.

Having £10.0.0 with me, I paid that on account and came away satisfied with my purchase. We now walked back to the National Gallery and whiled away the time until near upon 4 o’clock, and then had tea, and came home by the train that arrives at Wokingham at 6.40.

Sunday February 16

We have not had any winter yet, no snow or frost and scarcely any wet. Today, the road being tolerably good, I took a ride on the Whippet to Eversley, the Flats, Yateley, Blackwater and home by Sandhurst. The running was dull and a little chilly.

The ride made me very tired, and I was pleased it was not another mile in length. I suppose it is because it is the first time I have been out for some months on the wheel.

18 miles

Wednesday February 19

This afternoon I went to Barkham, Swallowfield, Carters Hill and home by Shinfield and Sindlesham. The roads were in excellent order all the way round – dry, white and hard and free from stones.

Sunday February 23

I went in the morning for a ride to the Monument and back via Swallowfield and Barkham. The roads were not so good as on Wednesday, for on Friday, we had a little wet, the first we have had this year. However, they were very good. It was quite warm in the sunshine, where it was sheltered from the wind.

20 miles

Thursday February 27

The horse being lame, I did the journey on the bicycle and enjoyed it. Terry and Mr Sale now went with the goods.

Sunday March 22

After tea, I had a very pretty little ride to Bracknell and home by Easthampstead. The roads were good and the evening was particularly pretty for the time of year and I quite enjoyed the short run.

9 miles

Tuesday March 24

The new bicycle arrived today. Tom has had it on order at Humber’s for, I should think, six weeks, and I began to fear I should not have it before Easter. It is a splendid machine, and as it has turned out so well, I do not mind having had to wait so long for it. I gave Frances a lesson on a machine from Howard’s this evening.

Wednesday March 25

Henry and I went out this evening after tea, he on the new Humber and I on the Whippet. We went to Burchett’s Green, but he was so much quicker on his machine that it pumped me out, and I sent him on to Marlow, while I followed slower, and to meet him on the return journey, and then coming home, I got horribly tired, and had to stop every now and again for a rest. Henry was highly pleased with the go of the Humber.

1896

Wednesday April 1

I did the journey today because of Good Friday being this week. I had a miserable day round, and got back too late for Tom’s lecture on ‘Round about Wokingham’, illustrated by dissolving views. I was sorry for this because I wanted to see his lecture.

Thursday April 2

Was very much like a Friday. I have made no arrangements for tomorrow, nor for Easter, but have left myself a free hand.

Friday April 3 – Good Friday

A very nice morning. I went up to town about 12 past 9 to see what was going on, and Henry and I made up our minds for a run, so I went home and changed and about 11 o’clock we started off with some bread and cheese packed up for dinner. We went to Odiham and straight on to South Warnborough, and having got there, we felt like going on to Alton. We got up the Golden Pot hill quite as easily as I expected, and had a grand run down the other side of Alton. Well, having got to Alton, we thought we might as well go on to Selborne, which we did, and had a pretty run in. At the Selborne Arms, we had a pint of beer, and our bread and cheese, and then a walk up the Hanger. And back by a very rutty lane, and then down to the well head, which made 3 o’clock of it, so we mounted our machines and made for Alton, where at a house near the bridge on the left, we had a comfortable and very reasonable tea, which was very satisfactory, and gave me the heart for the long rise to the G.P.

I got up the hill very well, but it took so much out of me that the rest of the journey home was not comfortable, and I made up my mind not to go out on the Whippet again in company. It is too heavy and dead.

I enjoyed the day tolerably well. The weather was very pleasant and quite warm in the middle of the day, and there was but little wind.

52 miles

Sunday April 5

The day was dull and windy. I went to Chapel in the morning. Mr Terry came down at 3 o’clock and wanted to go for a ride, as he had hired a bicycle off Howard’s. So, we had an early tea, and then went off to Marlow. We did not go quite in to Marlow, but turned back a mile this side because I had no lamps and had to be home before dark. We had a nice fast run home and I enjoyed my run very much indeed

24 miles

Monday April 6 – Bank Holiday

As Henry was in bed yesterday, he did not feel well enough to go for a run today, so I made up my mind to go to Guildford after tea to see the cyclists come through there. Mr Terry came down to breakfast at ½ past 7, and then he went for a little ride and to football. As he was disposed for another run, I asked him to come with me, which he was pleased to do. We had an early tea and at ¼ past 4 we left for Guildford via Bagshot and arrived at Guildford in 1 hr 50 with at least a dozen stoppages. Had tea there and then home via the Hog’s Back and Ash and got home at ¼ past 9, having had one of the easiest runs I have had for some years. It was a splendid afternoon and evening, a slight wind at our backs going and more against us home. I was exceedingly pleased with the go of the new machine and the evening run. Bertha and the children enjoyed themselves very much at home, more especially as I was there until tea time. Henry and I went a walk for the College to Blackwater.

40 miles

Tuesday April 7

Took the book up to Tangley and saw Mr Arnold about a new bicycle.

Wednesday April 8

Was a beautiful day and I should have gone for a long ride only Henry wanted to go and so I was done out of the machine, for I have made up my mind never to go out on the Whippet again for any distance.

He went to Wycombe via Maidenhead and home by Marlow. Starting at 4, he was home by 8.30 and very much enjoyed his ride. I pottered over to Bracknell, Easthampstead and to the N.M. Ride and back by the square pond and Easthampstead Church.

10 miles

Thursday April 9

Up a little before 7 and on the new bicycle for a ride to Barkham, Arborfield, Sindlesham and home by Scot’s farm to Barkham before 8 o’clock.

I very much enjoyed this little ride and it gave me a good appetite. The hedges are just breaking out into green. The pear blossom is out and looks very pretty. The birds were singing and the spring is making its first appearance. It is very gratifying to get round before the season is advanced, to see its first appearance and note the earliest changes. Truly it has been a wonderful year, no winter or rough weather, no snow or frost, and nearly all fine. Did the journey and enjoyed it very well, and called upon Tom to see him about a lady’s machine.

8 miles

Friday April 10

Had another run before breakfast to Bill Hill, Hurst, and to the Green Man and back to the Reading road. It was not such a nice morning as yesterday, being a little windy. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it, and my breakfast also. Got on well with the orders and finished them by 4 o’clock. Had three pigs, this being the first lot since Xmas. Had an early tea, and then went for a ride on the Humber. I intended going to Guildford, but a traveller calling upon us this afternoon was saying what a heavy rain they had at Aldershot, I feared the roads that way would be wet, so I altered my direction and went the London road way. I left here at 5 past 5 and with a light west wind at my back, I bowled along to Bracknell at a grand pace, and on through Ascot, Sunninghill, Virginia Water, Egham, Staines, Ashford, Bedfont to Hounslow, which I reached at 6.45 exact. Called upon Mr Eaton. Had a glass of stout and a piece of bread, a little talk, and a walk round his garden, which is in excellent trim, and then after having had 20 minutes with him, I bade them goodbye and mounted my machine for home, so that from the time I left Wokingham to when I left Hounslow, was exactly two hours. Why I came this way was because I expected the wind, which was not very much, would go down with the sun, but instead of doing this, it blew up fiercer and became quite a rough wind and I very much feared I should have to train it part of the way home. However, I stuck to my work and bowled along comfortably at 10 miles the hour.

It was a ¼ to 8 as I passed through Colnbrook, which is a long and old-fashioned town. Thence on from nine miles brought me to Slough, which is quite a large town with some fine shops. From Hounslow to here is a flat and most magnificent road, broad and smooth and level. The declivity from Salt Hill to Taplow was the hardest part of the journey, for the wind came tearing up from the open Thames Valley in an alarming manner. But what matter. I was soon at Maidenhead and on old and familiar ground, and merrily I went along. I called at the Windsor Castle inn and had a glass of ale and a cigarette and at the 7 Stars I called in for a couple more smokes, for the wind had burnt out the other one before I could enjoy it. I also had a glass of beer, but did not want it. It was very jolly the rest of the way home via Ruscombe which I reached at 10.5, fresh and well without an ache or pain, having had a most enjoyable run round.

After leaving Wokingham, my first dismount was at Mr Eaton’s. The roads from the other side of Buckhurst to Bedfont were wet and muddy, but it did not seem to make any difference to the go of the machine. I could have gone much faster had the roads not been so horribly lumpy. From Ascot to Staines, they were hard enough but in great holes all over. I did not get off anywhere coming home, except to oil up and the two drinks. The cherry and pear blossom along the Hounslow road looked very pretty. It pleased me very much to be able to go such a run and not to feel any effects from it. For the last year, every run has hurt my leg more or less, sometimes almost crippling me. How different this run today from last week on Good Friday, where going to Selborne quite knocked me up.

Morning – 8; Evening – 50 = 58 miles

Saturday April 11

Got up stronger, fresher and freer from ache or pain than for many months. Ordered an MDLP off Tom.

Sunday April 12

Was a stormy rough kind of day and no chance of a ride out. To Chapel morning and evening.

Monday April 13

Took down the salt castle that has occupied the provision window since December last, and had attracted a wonderful deal of attention. Several have expressed their regret at its removal. With brooms and brushes I have now set it out.

Wednesday April 15

The roads were muddy this morning, but dried up sufficiently for a ride this evening. I left here at 4.40 and made my way to Maidenhead via Binfield and Holyport and got there in 50 minutes. I then went on to Wycombe via Wooburn, but instead following round the level by Marlow road station, I went over Hedsor hill into Wooburn, and though it was rather stiff, the view over the valley from the hill repaid for the little extra exertion. All the way from Maidenhead to Wycombe was very fine this evening, with the sun lighting up the hills on the right and casting those on the left into a pretty like haze. I passed through Wycombe at 6.25, and made my first dismount at the long hill on the Marlow road. The downhill was in very bad condition. I passed through Marlow at 6.55 and reached home at 8.15. There was a slight breeze against me going and none with me coming home. The roads were far from being in good condition. However, I got round in 3 hours 35 minutes.

Tom had a letter from Humbers to say they could not promise the machine under four months, so he countermanded the order.

40 miles

Sunday April 19

Was a lovely fine day. Went to Chapel in the morning. Arranged with Henry for a run after tea, which we had at our place at 4 o’clock. Henry had the Humber, and I, one that Frances has hired off Mr Howard for a week, and on which she, yesterday, had a run to Eversley and Yateley in company of Will Walden. This was her first ride of any importance.

We left Gordon Villas about 10 past 4 and went round Mortimer, Silchester Common, Round Oak, Pamber, Little London to Bramley, Sherfield and home again via Eversley. It was a delightful turnout, a perfect evening, and good roads, and it seemed no work at all and enjoyed every bit of it. We should have had a drink at Sherfield but neither of us had any cash so had to wait until we got to Eversley for one. We heard the nightingale at the Duke of Wellington’s place. Frances heard the cuckoo on Friday, and Chas Chandler saw some swallows a week ago today.

42 miles

Monday April 20

Had a short ride before breakfast to Barkham and Sindlesham. Bertha and Hilda went to Earley by train, and Frances by bicycle. I trained up the Virginia Creeper this afternoon.

6 miles

Tuesday April 21

I took Frances and Willie Walden for a bicycle ride after tea, which we had early because Willie went on the Whippet and Frances on Mr Howard’s. We went to the Monument by the usual route via Eversley and Heckfield. After inspecting the column, we turned back and took the first to the right, and away to Mattingley, Dipley and Hartley Row and home by Eversley. It was a very nice, bright evening and but a slight breeze, and things looked very pretty in the bright weather. Both Frances and Willie enjoyed the turnout amazingly, and I must say they did the journey well. We left about 5 and got home before lighting up time.

25 miles

Wednesday April 22

As Henry was desperate for a ride this afternoon, he had the Humber, and I, not having anything but the Whippet, did not go out but finished the creeper in front of the house. Mr Jelley and his pupil came to Gordon Villas for the day. Sidney Donaldson came in the afternoon.

Thursday April 23

My birthday. Took a little turn on the bicycle before breakfast to Barkham and Sindlesham. Sidney went the journey with me, and helped by taking orders at some of the places so that I got home an hour or so earlier.

5 miles

Friday April 24

Was such a lovely day, that I hastened on with the orders so as to be able to go for a ride after tea, but by the time had come round for tea, the weather had quite changed, had come over dull and, from a calm, had developed into quite a windy evening. So, instead of going to Guildford as I intended, I took a shorter run and went via Bracknell and Ascot to Virginia Water Gate and thence to Winkfield and Bracknell, and then back to Warfield to find out a way to avoid College hill on the way home from there. I went to Bracknell and Binfield before breakfast. The evening run was too dull and cold to enjoy.

7 + 26 = 33 miles

Sunday April 26

Was a grand day, bright, sunny and but little wind. Sidney and I took advantage of the beautiful morning by having a ride. Sidney had written home for them to send his bicycle up, which they did and it arrived here yesterday. It only cost 2/- carriage from Trowbridge. Well Sidney and I went to Finchampstead across the ridges by Well Coll and home by the Crooked Billet, and got back just in time for Chapel. Everything looked very pretty this morning. There was baptising at Chapel this evening, but I did not attend the service because I went for a ride on the bicycle instead. It was a glorious evening and I had a glorious ride. I intended starting at 4 o’clock, but one thing and another hindered me, and it was just past 5 when I finally made a start. I went to Guildford and Ripley and back by Send and Woking. I went via the Hog’s Back and as what wind there was, was west. I travelled along the Back with some celerity. It took just 1¾ hours to get to Guildford and then I did not put it along anywhere as fast as I might. I stopped not at Guildford but passed on at a rare pace to Ripley, where I had a glass of ale and a couple of biscuits, and this was all the drink I had except a little water at Bagshot. The roads were good and the machine went well and I was in A1 condition, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was surprised at a few bicycles I saw at Ripley, and not many along the rest of the roads. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and very pretty it was all the way home. I did not get thirsty or distressed at all, but came home quite fresh although it must have been over 50 miles.

8 + 50 = 58 miles

Monday April 27

The person to whom I sold Henry’s cushion bicycle broke the crank off the spindle, so today I repaired it for him.

Tuesday April 28

Just a run to Hurst before breakfast to see the apple blossom, but it was not out sufficiently.

Wednesday April 29

The repair I did to the cushion bicycle broke, so I had the job to do again today, which I did this time very satisfactory. The weather was too windy for a ride, so in the evening I did up the Whippet, which I sold to Mr Stokes for £5.10.0. I was not sorry I could not go for a ride, because I wanted to get this job off my hands.

Thursday April 30

Sidney Donaldson went round the journey with me and helped considerably so that I got home early.

1896

Friday May 1

Went to Binfield before breakfast but it was very cold, the wind blowing from the NE.

6 miles

Saturday May 2

Took a [illegible word] to Mr Black’s at Billingbear before breakfast. It was piercingly cold.

6 miles

Sunday May 3

Though the wind was still NE, it was not so cold as it has been all the week, and the weather was bright. Went to Chapel in the morning. Had an early tea and at ½ past 4, I started for a run, intending to go to Shackleford and about that district, but by the time I got to Ash, I altered my mind for it was too cold and bleak to thoroughly enjoy riding, so I turned at Ash to Pirbright and came home by Bagshot. I took it very leisurely and quite enjoyed myself. It was very pretty from Bagshot home.

32 miles

Monday May 4

Being a nice day, I got Henry to start for a day’s ride, but the chain of the bicycle made such a noise that he did not go beyond Reading.

Tuesday May 5

Being a better day still, Henry started off at 10 o’clock, and went to Kingston Lisle, Lambourne, Newbury and Mortimer. He got home before 9 o’clock having had a splendid day out.

Wednesday May 6

I went to Basingstoke via Sherfield and home by Basing, Newnham, Rotherwick, Mattingley and Hartley Row. There was a fierce NE wind on all the way round. The road to Basingstoke from Eversley was bad, but the lanes home, good and I enjoyed the ride back against the wind more than going with it. It was not a pleasant enough evening to make a perfect run, still I enjoyed it very well, and parts, very much. The only part I pushed was over the brow of Heckfield hill.

38 miles

Thursday May 7

Bought a monkey off Mrs Bristow and brought it home today. The day was bright but very cold coming home.

Sunday May 10

After tea, I went to Greywell and put the bicycle up at the Fox and Goose, and then took a walk up into Butter Wood, a pretty little walk. The birds were in high ding-dong. Some May was just out, some ready to come out and other quite in the bud. I came home via Odiham and Dogmersfield. The road over the canal is closed and the bridge pulled down, and a nasty shingle piece now takes its place to the Barley Mow. I did not dismount for any hills either going or coming home, but rode all easily and very much enjoyed my evening ride.

32 miles

Monday May 11

Had a little run before breakfast to Hurst and home by the Reading road.

8 miles

Tuesday May 12

Had an early tea and then a nice long ride to the Hog’s Back and down into Puttenham and on to Shackleford, where I called at the Cider House and had a glass of cider and a sit down outside and admired the pretty scenery. From Shackleford, I went on towards Elstead and then to the left for Milford and Godalming. At Guildford I had a cup of coffee and came home via Bagshot, arriving here at ¼ past 9, fresh and better than when I left four hours ago. There was a slight wind against me all the way round, for about 7 o’clock it changed and looked like bringing wet up, but none came. It was a most enjoyable ride and I think that the ride home from Guildford was the most enjoyable. There was such a beautiful cloud scene. The road from Eversley to Ash was in very coarse condition, and must not be ridden over again until we get some rain. From Puttenham right round to Milford they were in good condition and free from stones and but little dust. From Milford to Guildford they were good but very dusty, and from there home, very good. I reckon it must be 52 miles round, and I was exactly five hours at it, and hurried nowhere. I was exceedingly pleased with how well I felt when I got home and not the least tired.

52 miles

Wednesday May 13

Mr and Mrs Eaton left by the 9.5 train. I took a nice little ride round Bracknell and Winkfield after tea, and went poking about the lanes and over ways I have never been before.

30 miles

Friday May 15

I took some cream to Sunnyside before breakfast and went on to Well Coll. And home by the Crooked Billet, a very pretty morning ride. In the evening, I went to Reading to get a couple of lemon cakes. I left here at ½ past 7 and without any hurry landed at Gregory’s at 5 to 8, and got the cake. Called in at Earley on my way home. The Reading road from the Little Mill to the Lodden is in a disgraceful state, and until it is better, I shall not go over it again if I can avoid it.

10 + 14 = 24 miles

Sunday May 17

Caught a cold and went to Chapel in the morning and for a nice ride in the evening to Greywell. I went across the Hook Common so as to go by the old camp ground. There I heard two or three nightingales besides plenty of other birds. Went down the street of Greywell and a little way on towards Mapledurwell, then back to Odiham and home by Dogmersfield and Hartley Row. The May was out delightfully all along by Dogmersfield, and I got off several times to have a look at it. The oak trees were covered with caterpillars, and it sounded just like rain as they fell on the foliage below. I called in at Hartley Row to borrow a shilling because I left my money at home. However, I didn’t require it, for I was not thirsty. It was a beautiful ride round, and so much I enjoyed it.

32 miles

Monday May 18

Felt quite bad with the cold on my chest.

Tuesday May 19

Frances’ bicycle came this morning, and she had a ride in the evening with me to Finchampstead, Well Coll, and home by the Crooked Billet. I had to call at Garrard’s, W. Lodge and N Court. It was a very pleasant little view round, and Frances very much enjoyed the ride.

10 miles

Wednesday May 20

Was very windy and dull. A little better after tea, so Frances and I went to Eversley. Called in at the White Hart and then up Brickhouse Hill to the Flats, and on to Blackwater and home by Crowthorne and the Crooked Billet. The wind was too cold to make a pleasant evening. Still, we had a very good ride.

24 miles

Sunday May 24 – Whit Sunday

Was very windy and from the NE. I did intend going out for the day, but this kept me at home until after tea, when I again went to Greywell, Odiham and Dogmersfield, and though my cold is still bad, I very much enjoyed the ride round. I had 4’ whisky at Greywell, 3 at Hartley Row and 3 at Finchampstead so as to drive off my cold and get me fit for tomorrow.

32 miles

Monday May 25 – Whit Monday

A beautiful bright, bright warm morning, but with quite a stiff E wind blowing. I went up to see if Henry was inclined for a day out, and after a little persuading, he was. While I was getting ready, he sent off for a thousand Merryweather shares at £1 each. A little after 10 o’clock, we were ready and he, on the Humber and I, on the Clyde, made a start for Alresford. We chose Alresford because it would be with the wind going. I left them at home comfortable and with their day mapped out, for they are all going to Finchampstead this afternoon to a tea meeting at Well’s Farm.

Well Henry and I made a good start and bowled along merrily to Eversley over roads in A1 condition, as good as ever they have been. At Hartley Row, we turned to the left and went to Pilcot and round Dogmersfield to Odiham. It was very delightful all along here in the midst of the May. Through Odiham, which was decked out with flags and was getting ready for a gala day, we passed through Greywell and by Mapledurwell to Basingstoke and then to the left. At Cliddesden, we had a pint of ale and some sandwiches at the pub where we called last Whit Monday. We had a look round the churchyard at Preston Candover and found several stones to the family of the Ifoulds. We had our dinner at Alresford at the Public on the lake, and then to Alton. As usual the wind increased in the afternoon, and from Alresford to Alton was dead against it, but though it blew so fierce, we got up the long hill very comfortably. Had a nice tea at Alton, and came home the usual way, reaching here by ¼ past 7 having had a most delightful day out.

It was gloriously bright weather, and though there was a strong East wind on, it was not in the least chilly, and the only part of it was against us much was from Alresford to Alton. The roads were in good condition everywhere except from Basingstoke to Alresford, and there in many parts they were loose and bad. The sun shone bright and warm and everything looked beautiful. I never saw such a large quantity of May out before. In places it looked as though there had been a fall of snow. We enjoyed the whole of the journey. The ride up to the Golden Pot was as nothing. I did not get off anywhere from Alton except to have a drink at the White Lion. It was particularly nice going round by the old camp district again on a Whit Monday. We saw very little of the holiday making. Odiham, though it looked like getting ready in the morning for a grand day, was just as quiet when we passed through on our way home. The machines behaved admirably, not a thing required attention. I did not feel anything of the journey whatever, and was not in the least tired. Bertha, Frances and Hilda got back from the tea meeting at the same time as we arrived home, and they have had a very happy day. This Whit Monday must be down as a good one.

72 miles

Wednesday May 27

Just before 6, Frances and I went for a ride to Barkham, Arborfield, Swallowfield and Spencer’s Wood, Mortimer, Burghfield, Reading and home. It was a very windy evening, but by the time we had to face it, it dropped considerably. We had a very pleasant and pretty ride over after Swallowfield on very excellent roads. We called in at Earley and had some refreshments and stayed a half hour. We arrived home a little after ½ past 9. Frances was not in the least tired, and enjoyed her ride much.

32 miles

Thursday May 28

Went round Bill Hill after supper to hear the birds.

Friday May 29

A little before 8 pm, Frances and I went for a bicycle ride to Bracknell, Winkfield and into Windsor Park to have a peep at the Castle, but the air was too thick to see it distinctly. We came home by the Squirrel, Winkfield and Binfield. It was a very pleasant and enjoyable ride all the way round, and the roads good all but by Winkfield and College Hill. We did not get home until past 10 o’clock, so that Bertha got rather anxious about us.

24 miles

Sunday May 31

Was a beautiful morning, bright and sunny, and scarcely any wind, so I went up town to see if Henry would go to Shackleford and have an open air dinner. A little persuasion induced him to. I went back and got ready and a little before 11 o’clock, we made a start, taking the Crooked Billet way to Crowthorne, and thence through the R. M. College grounds to Frimley, which is now a much better way than Eversley and Yateley, because the roads are so broken up from Yateley to the Ash road. We mounted the Hog’s Back very comfortably and had a delightful run down to Shackleford, which we reached a little before 1.

We very much enjoyed the ride over, and so we did our own dinner, which we had under a spreading cedar tree overlooking Peper Harow park. It consisted of tinned tongue, bread and gorgonzola cheese, well moistened with a potion we got at the Cider House, for there we got the landlord to put a quart of ale in a bottle, and to lend us a glass, and this, with the bottle of ginger beer, made a most soothing and grateful beverage. We hurried not over our meal, for we had most comfortable seats in a most delightful spot, and a most charming day. Here we sat eating, drinking and talking until the provisions and liquer were nearly consumed, and then under the sedative influence of a smoke, we lay basking in the sun and shade listening to the many birds singing around, and lulled off into a nap by a cuckoo who kept up an incessant ‘cuckoo’ as she wheeled round and round in a large circle above us. Here we lay til 3 o’clock thoroughly happy and contented, and I have no doubt the remembrance of this open air dinner will long remain with us, a subject for pleasing reflection.

We made our way back to the Inn with the empty bottles and glasses, and then jogged quietly along to Puttenham where we called at the Coffee House, but could not obtain admission, which, the people opposite seeing, called us in to have tea with them, which we did, and a pleasant tea too. After tea, we made our way to Guildford, via Compton, which is a level run and very pretty. We did not stop at Guildford but passed on to Ripley at a rapid rate over splendid roads. We sat on the bridge at Ripley to see the bicyclists go by on their way home, and saw several. After spending about half an hour there, we turned for home via Send, Woking, Cobham and Bagshot, but before leaving the Ripley road, we had a glass of ale each and a biscuit. It was exceedingly pretty by Send and nearly the whole of the way home. I did not get in the least hot all day, neither tired nor fagged. When I sat down to dinner under the tree, my shirt was as dry as when I left home, and not being tired or at all aching, I was able to now thoroughly enjoy the rest. We got home before light up time, having had a most successful and happy day’s run, and rest.

52 miles

1896

Monday June 1

Felt all the better for my day’s outing of yesterday, and did my work with comfort. Went with Frances to Bill Hill and Warren House and by Budges to London Road and home after shop hours. It was a pretty evening.

5 miles

Wednesday June 3

We had a very nice run this morning, which has come very acceptable. The afternoon was fine, and the road soon dried up. At 6 o’clock, Frances and I went for a ride to Hartley Row, and a shower coming on just then, we put up at Porter’s for a half hour or so, when it came out fine again. We made another start and went on to Odiham and Dogmersfield, Winchfield and home by Hartley Row. The roads from Hartley Row to Odiham and Dogmersfield were very wet and soft. It was very pretty but lacked sunshine. We got home by ½ past 9, and thoroughly enjoyed our evening ride. After the long time of dry weather, it was quite refreshing to see the country round Odiham soaking in wet, until the steam rose and almost hid some parts.

32 miles

Friday June 5

Frances and I had a run round Hurst to Twyford and home by Stanley Park after 8 o’clock this evening, and a very nice little run it was.

11 miles

Sunday June 7

Was too wet and windy to think of a ride, so went to Chapel morning and evening.

Monday June 8

Frances went to Hounslow this afternoon for a week.

Tuesday June 9

Had a nice ride to Maidenhead via Binfield and Waltham and home by Hare Hatch. I did not start until past 7 o’clock and was home again in two hours.

26 miles

Wednesday June 10

While watching the cricket Bracknell v Wokingham, a very heavy thunderstorm came on and put an end to cricket for the day. The rain came down about as fast as we have seen it, but did not last long like that, but kept up a wet evening.

Thursday June 11

Had a nice day for the journey. Yesterday’s rain has put the roads in grand order.

Friday June 12

Went up to see Mr Arnold this afternoon and had a long talk about bicycles.

Sunday June 14

Mr Terry, having hired a bicycle from Mr Howard’s, has gone to Croydon this morning. It was such a nice morning with such a nice breeze blowing, that I kept in the garden all the morning, and got it nice and tidy. After tea, Henry and I went the Mortimer and Sherborne run, and a most delightful ride we had, too. After the rain of Wednesday, everything looks fresh and green, and the roads are in perfect order. The evening was bright and warm and sunny, and we had as lovely a ride as it is well able to imagine. If any part was especially pretty, it was from Sherborne to Bramley, and that was perfection. We had a liquer up at Sherfield Green, where was an open air meeting. We came home by Rotherwick, Mattingley and Hartley Row. The lanes leading to Rotherwick were at their best. Just after Sherfield, we overtook Mr Howard and his daughter, Mabel. They were mending a puncture and so we did not wait for them. We got home about ½ past 9, having had a delightful summer evening ride of 46 miles.

46 miles

Monday June 15

I intended going to Southampton today, but the wind being at NE yesterday, I put the trip off until for tomorrow. I am very glad I did, for all this afternoon was dark and thundery, and it seemed to lay that way.

Tuesday June 16

Got up at ½ past 4 and found a beautiful morning awaiting me, and a nice breakfast, for Bertha was up before me and got it comfortably. I did not hurry over it, for though I, at first, intended starting at 5 o’clock, I made it ½ an hour later so as to get off quietly and comfortably. The morning was a bit foggy, that kind of fog that portends a hot day, and exactly at ½ past 5, I mounted the bicycle and, dressed in my white jacket which Bertha had nicely washed, I made a pleasant start on my way for Southampton via Hartley Row and Basingstoke, which I reached at 6.58 and passed on to Winchester and St Cross, where I made the first stop, other than those I made for oiling the bicycle, for from Hook until some miles beyond Basingstoke, there was a squeaking which I got off to oil five or six times before I found out where it was.

At St Cross, I had some shandy gaff and a slice of bread and butter, which was very refreshing. My only other dismount before Southampton was to push up Otterbourne Hill. Southampton, I reached at 2 minutes to 10 so that taking out the stoppages I was not more than 4¼ hours doing the 49 miles. From Hartley Row there was a considerable breeze against me all the way to Southampton. When the mist of the early morning cleared off, the sun came out very hot and pleasant, for being in my light blouse, I did not get uncomfortably warm.

At Southampton, I booked the bicycle by train to await me at Portsmouth Station, so as not to have the job of looking after the machine on the boat. I then walked back to the High St, had a glass of Bass and down to the pier and caught the 11.10 boat to Ryde. Had a very pleasant ride across. I entertained the company with recitations etc, and altogether had a nice voyage across. At Ryde I had dinner very poorly served at a place opposite the Pier. Took the 2 o’clock boat to Portsmouth, walked up to the town station and found the machine had arrived, so I walked back to the Baths and had a warm sea water bath, which was very grateful and comforting. I had tea at Prim’s nearly opposite Pinter’s store, and then rode the bicycle down to the ferry and left Gosport exactly at 5 o’clock, and had a lovely evening ride over perfect roads with a slight breeze at my back.

Had I started fresh from Gosport, I could have come home quick. As it was, I did the first 13 miles in the hour, and got home just at 10 o’clock. I had a rest and refreshment at the Inn at the foot of Filmore Hill, and ditto at an hotel at Alton where the landlord had just died somewhat suddenly a half hour before, and also, I called at the White Lion at Hartley Row and stayed five minutes, so the working time was just about 4½ hours for the 52 miles. I could not have picked a much better day, for it was lovely and bright and warm all the time, and the ride home was as pretty as I ever expect to see it. All the level ride of 10 miles or more by the stream baffles all description. The winding stream with the verdant water meadows just down below and close at hand, banked by the undulating Downs and wooded hills, with here and there, a village settled down, all lit up by the evening sun made a perfect summer evening picture, and well might I whistle and sing as I rolled off mile after mile of scenery like this. I certainly pushed part of the way up Filmore Hill, but this I need not have done. All the rest I rode and rode comfortably, and arrived home quite fresh and lively, without a single ache. After a good wash down in the green houses, I sat down to supper and went to bed well and happy. This outing had been a grand success from beginning to end, and the times were

Left Wokingham	5.30
Arrived Basingstoke	6.58
Arrived Southampton	9.58	(4½ hours – 48 miles)
Left Gosport	5.00
Arrive Wokingham	10.00	(5 hours – 52 miles)

100 miles

Wednesday June 17

I spent the evening in the garden.

Thursday June 18

Being Ascot Gold Cup Day, I hurried round the journey and got home by 6 o’clock and watched the train come in.

Friday June 19

Waited upon Mr Arnold this afternoon to look over a new bicycle he had down.

Sunday June 21

Was a nice bright sunny morning so, after putting the place straight, I went up town and arranged with Henry to go to Southampton and leave tomorrow. It was ½ past 10 before we were ready to start. The only luggage we had was a spare shirt each and our dinner. We went via Hook and Basingstoke, and although the wind, which was a strong breeze, was against us, we got along at a capital rate, reaching Basingstoke in 1 hour 40 minutes. We called in at Popham Lane and had our dinner at the Public House where Rednall and I once had a comfortable tea, and now a very comfortable dinner we had of the ham and bread, and topped up with a piece of cheese, and washed down with shandy gaff. We then rode a little way until we came to a sheltered spot, where we lay down and had a nice nap for half an hour. Getting up refreshed, we had a splendid run before us. The wind, which up to dinner time, had been a little troublesome, was now very much quieter, and what there was, was not so much against us, and right merrily we bowled along to Winchester, where we had a look round, and went to see the Cathedral etc.

Leaving Winchester at ¼ to 4, we had a grand ride to Southampton, doing the 12 miles comfortably in the hour so that we got there at a ¼ to 5. The next thing was to find lodgings, and this took some time, but eventually we pitched upon a place, and very comfortable it turned out to be. We had a wash and tidy up, and then down to a good tea, which, needless to say we relished and were refreshed thereby. After tea, we took a walk round, and down to the docks, where by the courtesy of a policeman, we were admitted into the docks and saw several very fine vessels, amongst which was ‘The City of Paris’, over which we roamed at liberty, and passed a pleasant hour. From the Captain’s bridge, we had a splendid view of not only the harbour, but the whole of the Solent and Isle of Wight. When we had been over as much as we could of this fine American liner, we wandered back to the town. Another fine, large vessel we saw was the ‘Magdalena’.

At a Public House, we called in and had a glass of Simonds’s Ale, and then wandered round to the sea bay on the west of the town, and there sat down and watched the setting sun, a pretty and grand sight. We turned in a little before ten, and in talking to the landlord, we mentioned that we had come from Wokingham. Ah says he, I was born near there at a place called Barkham, and he turned out to be a Mr Bensteadsen of Billingbear. So we sat up talking over the old inhabitants of Wokingham and neighbourhood for a long time. It was very remarkable that we should meet like this. Strange that we should put up at this man’s house, who, when he was a boy often came to our shop. When Henry and I, Rednall and Kemp went to Steyning a few years ago, at the inn where we put up we came across a Mr Marshall of Barkham. Both these people were British School children and knew our relations and acquaintances. Well, after a very interesting talk we went to bed, and had a very clean and comfortable one indeed.

48 miles

Monday June 22

I slept well, but Henry as usual did not sleep much. It was a beautiful morning, bright and sunny. We turned out at 7 o’clock and leisurely dressed. Had a good breakfast of rashers and eggs and coffee, which fitted us well. The boat for Cowes, not leaving until 11.10, we had plenty of time to do a walk round, and then we sat down by the sea where we did last night, and watched the water for an hour. It was very pretty and restful here in the shade, with the New Forest rising up beyond the sea. By the time we got back to our hotel and settled up (it was a reasonable account), it was time to get on the boat. Had a very nice ride across and round to Southsea. We took our bicycles with us, the carriage of which was a 1/- each. Immediately on landing at Southsea, we made for Portsmouth and had dinner at the Temperance Hotel, and a very nice place I should think it was, by the dining hall. We had a good dinner, and then down again to the beach at Southsea. Here I came across the girl and monkey that I passed on my way home from Gosport last Tuesday. I gave him some strawberries and he came and sat on my lap and was most affectionate. We again went up to Portsmouth for tea, and then down to Gosport by the ferry. We left Gosport at ¼ to 5. The weather had now come over dull and windy with the wind more against us than with us to Fareham, but from Fareham it was slightly at our back. Had the sun been out, we should have had a delightful ride home, but the scenery was spoilt for want of it. However, we had a very easy and enjoyable ride home with only one stop, and that at the foot of Filmore Hill. The weather brightened up a little better when we reached this place, and from there home we were very cheerful. It was just 10 o’clock when we arrived home, having had two very pleasant days out. Everything went right and nothing wrong, with the exception of the absence of the sun on the journey home. We had no mishaps or mistakes whatever, and the outing must go down as a great success.

56 miles

Wednesday June 24

Had to see Mr Arnold this morning at 7 o’clock about his bicycle. Mr Cave came to tea. At 20 to 7, Frances and I started off for the Marlow and Henley journey and did the 33 miles in the 3 hours. It was a very pleasant ride, and much we enjoyed it. The Bath road and the piece to Burchett’s Green is in a very loose and broken condition, otherwise they were tolerably good.

33 miles

Friday June 26

This evening at ½ past 8, Frances and I started off for a nice little ride to Binfield, Waltham and Hurst, a run of 15 miles before supper. This we enjoyed.

15 miles

Sunday June 28

Had a nice little time in the garden before Chapel this morning, and then went and heard a very good sermon. The wind got up very strong in the afternoon, so that Henry was not disposed to face it, so I went by myself and had a very pleasant and enjoyable run round the Mortimer and Sherborne ride. It was ¼ to 6 before I started and I was home at ¼ to 10 and had had supper at Mr Chandler’s, so that I was not riding more than 3½ hours for the 42 miles. Silchester Common looked very pretty, for there were a lot of wild flowers growing there of the foxglove variety. I did not find much trouble from the wind though it was against me going, and nearly a calm back.

42 miles

Monday June 29

Frances and I went to Binfield and Billingbear after shop hours.

7 miles

1896

Wednesday July 1

Was a rough windy day with just enough wet to stop bicycling, and not enough to do any good. Was at work at Willy Walden’s lathe in the evening.

Friday July 3

A fine day but ended up with a very wet evening, which is the first we have had for a long time and it looked very bad for Philip’s excursion for tomorrow, but

Saturday July 4

out fine again and the excursion had a beautiful day. They got to Margate at 8.30, but coming home the engine broke down this side of Red Hill.

Sunday July 5

Was a very nice day. Went to Chapel in the morning, and after tea for a ride. We, that is Henry and I, started at 5 o’clock for Wycombe. We had a delightful ride through Binfield, Waltham and Holyport to Maidenhead. We stayed a little while at the lock, and while Henry watched the boats, I looked at the cyclists as they came by, for we saw more cyclists between the bridge and the lock than we saw all the way round to Southampton and Portsmouth a fortnight ago. The weather was so charming and the scenery so pretty that we were forced to do another stay on Cookham bridge and take in the grand sight there. The organ and singing was on at Wooburn church and this caused another stop to listen to the hymns. From here we took the roads nearest the railway, that is all left roads to Wycombe. This led us by the stream all the way. At Wycombe, the question was which way home, Marlow or Beaconsfield. We decided upon the latter, and from the main road we had a pretty view of the valley we had just come up. At the top of the hill we had a liquer up and a biscuit, and thus refreshed we passed on to Beaconsfield and then to the right through lovely rural country to Farnham Royal and Salt Hill. About midway between these places there was a lovely dip down and up, which looked like an alpine feature. With the exception of this little up and down, it was one long declivity from Beaconsfield to Windsor, for it was Eton and Windsor we went to after passing Salt Hill. It was very pretty passing by the College at Eton. We walked through Windsor and then came home via Bracknell with no dismount save that little piece from the Bridge House to the Golden Ball. This was a run of just about 50 miles, and not a severe hill all the way. The one three miles out of Wycombe is the only one worth mentioning, and there the gradient is so good and the quality of the road so excellent that it is easy riding. We did not call in at Windsor but came straight on home and arrived here at ½ past 10.

I enjoyed this ride very much indeed in every part. It was a perfect summer evening in every way and we were quite up to enjoying it, and did enjoy it. Everything was pretty, earth, sky, hedges, flowers, roads and streams, and a turn out like this is worth a lot.

50 miles

Monday July 6

Was a very hot and close day. I got on very well with my work, and after tea took Frances for a run. As the weather was so hot, I left off my waistcoat and was quite cool enough, in fact, a little too much so. We left at 5.25 and went over exactly the same ground as Henry and I did yesterday with the exception of tonight we turned off at Salt Hill and went through Slough into Eton and Windsor. We had the wind with us to Wycombe, against us to Beaconsfield where it died completely down. It was a beautiful evening and we both very much enjoyed the run especially from Beaconsfield home. Frances was not in the least done up, for from the Bridge House Bracknell to Buckhurst she quite enjoyed and found the long rise quite an agreeable change. We got home at ¼ to 11, quite fresh and quite free from the least appearance of perspiration.

50 miles

Wednesday July 8

About ¼ past 5, Henry and I started for our evening run. Went to Windsor Park via Bracknell and Winkfield. Then on through the park to Egham, through Egham and to the left by the river to Windsor by Datchet and home from Windsor by Holyport and Waltham to Binfield home and a splendid level way home too.

It was a beautiful ride this evening and we were rewarded with an excellent sight of Her Majesty, the Queen. We were going through Datchet and met the Royal Carriage, and it was an open one. We saw the Queen as well as it could be, for she was on our side of the carriage and consequently quite close to us as we went by. She looked uncommonly well, and had a much more pleasant expression with her than in the portraits of her.

35 miles

Sunday July 12

I had arranged to go with Mr Terry on the bicycle to Portsmouth, and for him to get down to my place at ½ past 3 so as to be ready to start at 4 o’clock. He did not turn up, and I did not wake until ½ past 4, when I turned out and got breakfast, and Terry not putting in an appearance, I went up to the shop and found him just dressing. We then came back and had breakfast, and then instead of 4 o’clock it was ½ past 6 when we made a start. It was a beautiful morning, but I did not feel quite so lively and fresh as I should like to have been. I left Bertha in a very undecided condition about her and Hilda going by the excursion tomorrow, and then being 2½ hours behind the time I wanted to start, a little took away the pleasure of starting off. However, by the time I got to Yateley, I began to revive and from there I enjoyed myself more.

We called in at the Cider House at Shackleford and had some shandy gaff, and there I discovered that the front tyre of my bicycle was deflated. I pumped it up and rode a little further and then took it off to find the puncture but could not find it, so put it back and pumped it up again, and with several more pumps it lasted nice all the way round.

The delay was a half hour. At the top of Hindhead we had our lunch and then a delightful ride to Petersfield. It had now come over very hot, and riding up Butser Hill I found it very close amongst the chalk cutting. We arrived at Portsmouth at ½ past 1 and went straight to the ‘Speedwell’, where I had a wash and a good dinner and then down to the beach at Southsea, and while Terry went out in a boat, I had a bathe, which was very refreshing and delightful. At 4 o’clock, we went back to the ‘Speedwell’ and had a first rate tea, then off to the ferry and to Gosport, leaving there at 5 past 5, and had a splendid run home, coming home at ¼ to 11. The weather was everything that could be desired, gloriously bright and hot with a refreshing wind going down from the East which was more for us than against. Just before reaching Portsmouth, it changed to South and remained there for the home journey. It dropped down to a calm as the sun went down. The roads were in first class condition with the exception of West Meon hill and Filmore Hill and the two Odiham hills. I rode all the way down and should have all the way back had the road up and down the above mentioned hills been rideable. Mr Terry held out splendidly and accomplished the journey A1. I took some sandwiches of ham and also of [illegible word], which we had on both the out and home journey, and to that I attribute my absence of tiredness. Though such a hot day, I did not get uncomfortably heated anywhere. We had no accident or hitch anywhere, and altogether it was a grand day out. When I got home and had a bit of supper, I felt quite fresh, and better than when I started this morning.

112 miles

Monday July 13

Last night I had put the kettle on the paraffin stove in the lean-to, and about 3 o’clock we were woken up with an intolerable stench of paraffin, so I got up and found the lamp smoking horribly and had filled the place with dense smoke, so I put it out and laid the kitchen fire and put the kettle on, and got breakfast in the sitting toom. It was such a nice morning, I did not go to bed again, but sat up until Bertha and Hilda went off at 5.20 to the station for the excursion to Margate. I laid down until ½ past 7 and got up quite fresh and strong and had a comfortable day. Henry and Millie and Tom went by the excursion to Hastings to see Mary, so Terry and I had the day to ourselves.

Wednesday July 15

Being too windy for a ride, I watched the cricket Hurst v Wokingham. Hurst won.

Thursday July 16

Was a rough cold day, one dropped in amongst the lot of hot we have had.

Sunday July 19

Went to Chapel in the morning and for a bicycle ride in the evening. It was a very nice evening and a very nice ride. We (Henry and I) went to Star Hill and to the left by Ruffel’s Farm, on to Winchfield, Pilcot and Dogmersfield, home through Odiham. The oak trees round Dogmersfield, which were quite bare of leaves a little while back, are now clothed afresh with the summer shoots and look quite verdant. I never saw trees so devoid of leaves as these were a month ago, being entirely eat up with the caterpillars.

Monday July 20

Bertha and I went to Hastings on the wise. There is a special train leaves Reading every Monday but does not stop until Guildford. Mr Ducrocq wrote to the company and got them to call this week for him and friends, so he got me two tickets. Miss Yates hearing of it, and having to go to Hastings on Monday to stay, came with us. We got to the station at 10 to 7 and the train left at 7. We had a compartment to ourselves and a very pleasant journey, reaching Hastings at 9.56. I had a bathe and then I joined Bertha on the pier, and there we stayed until dinner time. I do not know of any decent place for dinner in Hastings, though I have searched about well at different times.

About 4 o’clock, we called upon George, who enlightened us in his usual manner. Margaret, we found looking very well and grown into quite a handsome young lady. She was very nice indeed, and entertained us well, attending to our wants and getting tea very well. Mary, we found very ill indeed. George saw us back to the station and was very kind, and I think pleased that we came. Had a nice ride home which we reached at 10.40 having had a very good day out.

Wednesday July 22

Henry and I went for a run this evening, and as there was a slight wind from the NW, we went with it, going to Bracknell and Bagshot and from thence to Egham and by the riverside to Datchet and Windsor, and as we were passing through we waited for a few minutes and saw the Queen drive up from the station to the Castle on her way home from the Royal Wedding at Buckingham Palace, the marriage of the Prince of Wales’ daughter.

From Windsor we came home the same way as we did last time, by Holyport. It was a very nice run round and we both enjoyed it much. We had a glass of ale at the same Public House as last time, and it seemed as if nothing had moved since we were there then. The landlord was sitting on the end of the bench outside in exactly the same spot, and the same man was there drinking out of the same cup and sitting on the same part of the seat. The little white dog and the kitten were both there just as they were a fortnight ago, and the weather and time were exactly the same. I came home from Binfield fresher than when I went out, and very much better in health.

Thursday July 23

Having to send some goods to Hart Dykes, who have taken a house at the Wellington College, I sent Davis with them and also the goods for the journey, and I went round on the bicycle. He enjoyed the run and so did I, for it was a lovely day out.

16 miles

Sunday July 26

Went to Chapel in the morning intending to go for a ride in the evening, but rain came on directly after dinner and put an end to going out. This is the first rain we have had for a very long time, and I hope it will do the road good.

Monday July 27

After 7 o’clock, Frances and I took a ride to Elvetham, Pilcot, Crookham, Fleet and home over the Flats, a really beautiful ride which we both enjoyed. From Fleet to the Flats was very grand, in the same darkness amongst the massive foliage. We were home about ½ past 9 and must have gone at least 28 miles.

28 miles

Tuesday July 28

Henry and I had a lovely run after tea to Farnham via Elvetham, Pilcot, Crookham and Crondall. The roads were good and the scenery magnificent. The rain had washed the country and the green looks beautifully fresh and verdant, and the corn it never looked better, and the evening sun added to its bright golden appearance. We had a cup of coffee at Farnham and then came home via Aldershot. The roads this way were very bad to Farnborough.

38 + 8 = 46 miles

Wednesday July 29

After tea, it looked very much like wet coming on and it was windy, so Henry and I said we would go for a ride, but near home, so we went to Binfield and round about the lanes of Waltham to Shottesbrook and thence to Boyn Hill, where we missed the Bath road, and wandered about for a little bit til we went back to the Church and got on to it all right, but it was in such a vile state, being inches deep in dust, that at the Horse and Groom we left it for the Waltham lanes, but not before we had a liquer up at the Inn. We wandered round these lanes, which we found very bad, until we came to Binfield church again, and then had a smooth run home.

28 miles

Thursday July 30

Was up at 6 o’clock and took 2 lb icing sugar to [illegible word] before breakfast, quite a nice little run. I sent Davis with the goods round the journey and I went round on the bicycle, which I enjoyed for it was a beautiful day.

26 miles

On Tuesday morning, I went over to the Wellington College to arrange with Hart Dykes about the delivery of their goods, and I had a beautiful hour’s ride on a beautiful summer morning.

1896

Sunday August 2

I had made no arrangement for going out this Bank Holiday and very glad I was this morning I had not, for when I got up it was raining heavily and had the appearance of a bad day for out of doors. So, I went to Chapel in the morning and did a little writing in the evening.

Monday August 3 – Bank Holiday

Was a niceish looking morning, so after doing what I had to do I went up town to see if Henry was going out on the bicycle, and as he was not, I came back and asked Frances if she would like a day out, which she said she should, so we cut a few sandwiches, and got the machines ready, and about ¼ to 11 we made a start for Guildford via Farnborough and the Hog’s Back. The weather was nice and luminous but threatened all the way along for rain, little spits every now and then falling until we got on to the Back, and from there all fear of rain vanished. We got to Guildford exactly at one o’clock. The distance is 23 miles. I had a cyclometer on which Mr Howard fitted on Saturday, and I found it registered accurately. At Guildford, we had dinner and at 2 o’clock made another move for Dorking. Just as we were starting again, the weather looked very threatening, but at Shalford, out came the sun and we had a glorious afternoon, and it was just here where we wanted the sun, for it showed up the beautiful scenery to perfection. Just beyond Abinger we had a rest for nearly an hour. We drew our machines into a field and laid down by a little lake. At Dorking we had a nice tea at a very nice place in West Street. We left Dorking at 7 past 5, and had a most lovely run by Box Hill and Mickleham to Leatherhead. We caught this part of the journey just at the nick of time and saw it at its best. There was a great many excursionists up and at Box Hill. Just before reaching Cobham, down came the threatening rain, and as I thought it was set in for a rainy night, we did not take shelter. We got thoroughly wet, but after about half an hour, the rain ceased and we soon dried off a bit and felt very little inconvenience for it. Had it not been for spoiling the roads, it would have mattered little. I spent a half hour mending a puncture, and then we got home via Chobham, Bagshot and Bracknell just by 9 o’clock. We both very much enjoyed our ride, and had a good time out. I have not dwelt upon the scenery, for I have done that so many times. Suffice it to say, we saw it at its best, and under most favourable circumstances.

71 miles

Wednesday August 5

Had a nice ride round Mortimer and Bramley, the usual course, that is Eversley, Bramshill, Monument, Mortimer, Royal Oak, Little London, College Green, Bramley, Sherfield, and Eversley home. I went this way to see if the distance I have always put it down was right, namely 42 miles. My cyclometer registered exactly the distance. I went round it at nearly 12 miles the hour, which made me more moist than any run this season. It was not a perfect evening, nevertheless I enjoyed it.

42 miles

Sunday August 9

Was a rough uncomfortable day. I went to Chapel in the morning and heard Mr Morris. Cleaned the bicycle in the evening. Sidney Donaldson came yesterday. Mr Terry went this morning on a bicycle for a week’s holiday.

Monday August 10

Went to Bearswood for orders.

Wednesday August 12

Started off at 5 o’clock for Guildford, but when I got to Keen’s Crossing, a pin ran through the tyre and caused a leakage in the underside of the tyre, so I took the machine into a meadow opposite East Lodge and repaired it. Mr Kemp and Henry came by while I was doing the job, they being out for a walk. It was just 6 o’clock when I was ready for another start, and I found it was too late for Guildford, but as I got along it went so easily, and the evening so much improved that I had a splendid ride right over to Guildford via Ash and the Back. I rode up the Back, in fact, I did not make a dismount between Wokingham and Guildford 22½ miles this way. It was a glorious sunset, and the way it lit up the heath especially on the Ash hill is something to be remembered. The view over the side of the Hog’s Back was prettier than I have ever seen it, while that on the sunny side was very charming. The roads being in good condition, I got to Guildford in 1¾ hours. Had a glass of ale and a biscuit and then a splendid ride home via Bagshot. I was highly pleased with my evening ride, for when I started off, I did not anticipate a very grand ride, but as the weather improved, so did I. It was near upon 22 miles home, which is quite 2 miles further than I thought it was.

Note – Don’t forget the grand view of the Berkshire side of the Back.

44 miles

Thursday August 13

Did the journey and took Sidney Donaldson with me.

Friday August 14

Mr Arnold’s cyclometer came but was too busy to take it up.

Saturday August 15

I went the journey, but first I took the cyclometer to Wixenford but could not fix it on because the shaft would not pass the fork. Got home from the journey at ½ past 7. Had dinner and then off to Wixenford to tell Mr Arnold I could not do the cyclometer until Monday. Was up there until half past 10 and had a pleasant conversation with Mr Arnold.

Sunday August 16

Was at home all the morning doctoring up the tyre of the Humber. Henry and I went to Guildford after tea, Blackwater and Ash and the Hog’s Back, and home via Normandy. It was a beautiful ride except along the Back, where the wind blew too cold for me. All the rest of the journey was nice and warm and there was no wind coming home. We had a pint of ale and some biscuits at Guildford, where I left the change for a shilling on the counter. It was a particularly nice and enjoyable ride home.

44 miles

Monday August 17

Went to Tangley after tea and soldered on the striker. Was there all the evening. Mr Terry came home.

Tuesday August 18

Was at Tangley again this morning to finish my job and did it to my satisfaction and Mr Arnold’s. Terry took Lady Graham’s change over this evening.

Wednesday August 19

Millie and Bertha had a picnic at Finchampstead ridges. A nice day until 5 o’clock, when rain again set in. They got home very well.

Thursday August 20

Sidney and I did the journey and got home in good time. I had some tea and then took a ride on the bicycle to Eversley, which I enjoyed, and especially the ride home.

12 miles

Sunday August 23

Went to Chapel this morning and heard Geo Sale, better than I have ever heard him before. Was going for a ride in the evening but the weather was too threatening for a long ride, so I went to Earley and saw the folks there. Not at all a summer day.

12 miles

Wednesday August 26

Bertha and Frances went on a boating trip to Cookham with Mr Churchman’s party. They did not enjoy any part of it, for it was a very cold, miserable day. We have had a very cold rain, which effectively put a stop to any cycling or other outdoor sport.

Friday August 28

Got the orders done early. Frances had to go to Mrs Burbidge this afternoon to try on a dress. I arranged to come for her at 5 o’clock, but it was nearer 6 before we left there and made our way to Farnham via Crookham and Crondall. It was a dull evening, but just when we got to the hop fields, the sun came out beautifully as it was setting, and we had a very fine view entering Farnham. We came home by the Castle and over Beacon Hill, and from the foot of the hill we had a splendid run to a mile this side of Fleet, being a gentle declivity all the way. Frances says there was nothing to do all the way home beyond guiding the bicycle. The hops are very middling this year.

38 miles

Sunday August 30

Rather dull weather and decidedly windy. Henry and Millie went for a day out on the ridges and enjoyed it. I went to Chapel for the morning service and heard, no I didn’t hear, for he was very indistinct, but listened to Mr Hailstone. At a ¼ past 5, I started for Wycombe, but was detained so many times with a squeaking about the bicycle, that it was 7 o’clock and getting dusk when I got to Wooburn, so I turned off for Marlow and so shortened the journey. It was very pleasant along the road from Wooburn to Marlow, and so it was from Marlow home by lamp light. The squeaking that I thought was in the machine, I found to have come from my shoe, for at Hurst I dropped it in the water and that caused the noise. The roads were in A1 order, but the evening was much too dull and overcast to make a good evening ride.

34 miles

Monday August 31

Had a day at the bicycle and soldered round the two rings on the ratchet wheel to enlarge it so as to properly fit the chain, and made a very good job of it. I also thoroughly cleaned and adjusted all the bearings. Annie and Don came this evening.

1896

Tuesday September 1

Was a wet day. I put the gas right in the shop.

Wednesday September 2

Sidney and I did the journey and had a good day out. I had a little turn on the bicycle to Finchampstead and back. A pretty little run.

Friday September 4

A very wet day.

Saturday September 5

Mary died at 4.40 this afternoon.

Sunday September 6

Went to Chapel this morning and to L.S. Mr Cave has not come from his holidays. After tea, I went to Finchampstead and back on the bicycle and then wrote to George.

8 miles

Monday September 7

Henry and I, after tea, took advantage of the good roads and went to Farnham to see the hops and the pickers, who have just started. We went via Elvetham, Crookham and Crondall, and hence by Fleet. It was a lovely run round and one we both much enjoyed. We had a cup of coffee at Farnham and a linger in the town for a little while, which looked very pretty this evening. The journey out was very enjoyable, but the one home was splendid. We were both pleased we had been and seen the hops and had such a nice evening outing. It was 18 miles there and 16 back.

34 miles

Wednesday September 9

Henry and Tom went to Hastings to attend Mary’s funeral. John also went from Margate. I spent the evening at Earley with James and read some of my hymns to him, which he enjoyed. I was very glad to find him so well. We did not tell him of Mary’s death.

10 miles

Sunday September 13

Very rough all day and a deluge of rain.

Monday September 14

Henry went to Lewes to meet Geo Woods and go for a day or two’s walk. I went to Bearwood for orders.

8 miles

Wednesday September 16

A beautiful morning but at 2 o’clock, down came the rain for the rest of the day. Yesterday I went to Reading to get some things for Bearwood.

14 miles

Wednesday September 30

Today has been a very nice day, and Henry and I have taken advantage of it for a run round Marlow and Henley. We left at ½ past 4 and had a splendid ride to Marlow, not that the roads were grand, but the scenery. I am glad the month is out, for it has been the roughest and worst of the year. Rain, wind and rough weather all the time.

32 miles

Wednesday October 28

Being such a nice fine day, I went for a ride on the bicycle. Left here about ½ past 10 and made my way to Eversley and Yateley, just before reaching which place, I overtook Tom, who is having a tramp round. The ridges looked very fine in the sunlight. I then went on to Hawley and Ash, up to the Hog’s Back, where I had a glorious ride and view. Down to Puttenham, through Compton by Losely Hill, and across the Portsmouth road to Bramley and Wonersh, where I had my dinner of bread and cheese and ale. I then went to Rowly and round the Common and a look at the house, then back home via Guildford and Normandy, Frimley and Blackwater. It was a perfect day, calm, bright and very pretty. I saw some lovely sights in the way of Autumn foliage and altogether I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I met Mr and Mrs Cave at Blackwater, and overtook Miss Sparvell at Sandhurst. As I was passing through the R.M.C. grounds, the band was playing and a football match was just concluded. It is 17½ miles to the Hog’s Back. The road was good all round with the exception of from Guildford to Ash, where they have been gravelled and rolled in by the steam roller. The water they used in the process has left the surface rather damp and soft. I could not help thinking what a vast improvement it was upon the anticipated method of leaving the gravel to be worked in by the traffic and be almost unrideable all the Winter and Spring. It now only wants a day or two of dry weather and the road is in good going order again.

57 miles

1896

Sunday November 1

Henry and I went for a ride today. We left here at 10 o’clock and made our way to Ash over the same route as I went on Wednesday, and then through Puttenham to Shackleford, where we arrived exactly at 12 o’clock, and went straight on to the Cider House, where was a nice fire awaiting us. This gave us a half hour to have our bread and cheese dinner in. Then after we had done, the villagers came trooping in, and we sat and had a smoke while we watched them and listened to them talk. We left at one and made way to Elstead and Waverley, into Farnham, where we turned to the right and came home through Hale and Fleet, arriving home at ½ past 3. It was a very nice day out, and the afternoon part sunny but subdued. We saw some lovely pieces of scenery, especially from Shackleford home. I have so often written about this part of the country, that it seems too much repetition to describe the scenery again. Suffice it to say, we saw it under very advantageous circumstances. We were in good spirits and the foliage at its prettiest, the roads A1 and the weather luminous, and sometimes sunny and no wind.

48 miles

Tuesday November 3

Yesterday was the first day of the fair. It rained fast during the morning, but was fine the rest of the day. I went in the evening, but it was a sorry turn out. It was held in the meadow below the Old Church. There was an election of councillors, when Blake and Baker took the place of Stone and Frith. I am speaking of yesterday (Monday). Today Henry and Kemp went their usual Hog’s Back walk, and had a pleasant day for it, and enjoyed it much.

Wednesday November 4

Another gloriously fine day. Frances and I, after dinner, at ¼ past 2, went for a ride to Star Hill, Elvetham, Crookham and home by Fleet and the flats. It was a very pretty, enjoyable ride. The sun shone bright and showed up the beautiful foliage to perfection, and very much we enjoyed the pretty view, and the many coloured trees. Got home at 5, just in time for a good tea, which we were ready for.

24 miles

Thursday November 5

A very nice fine cold day. I did the journey as usual and saw the fireworks and bonfires round about Eversley as I was coming home. The monkey died just as I arrived home.

Friday November 6

Another very fine, bright cold day. I, in the afternoon, went to Bracknell and home by Easthampstead. A very pretty little ride.

9 miles

Monday November 9

Mr Phillips was Mayor for the second time and he organised a great demonstration. The town was gay all day, and at night the bands were playing.

Tuesday November 10

I went to Finchampstead on the bicycle to see Mr Jobson about his account. It was a beautiful day.

12 miles

Wednesday November 11

Frances and I went for a run after dinner to Eversley, Heckfield, Mattingley, Hartley Row and home. It was a very good day, but nothing like yesterday. Going up Heckfield Hill was very pretty. We called in at Hartley Row and had tea with our cousins, and then a moonlight ride home, or it would have been moon light had it not been for the clouds and thick air.

24 miles

Friday November 20

Went to Finchampstead and back for a little ride after dinner.

Wednesday November 25

Tom and I went by the 10.40 GWR – 3/6 – to London for the Stanley Show. We called in at the umbrella ladies’ shop and bought three umbrellas, two for Tom and one for Bertha. We then made our way to the Angel, had a snap and then into the Agricultural Hall and had a hasty glance around, which took us nearly three hours to do. There was a small hall directed to the motors, but nothing of their machinery could be seen. We collected a bagful of catalogues and then came out, and at the turnstile we met John, who had been looking about for us for the last two hours. We had about a half hour together and then he left for the city, and we for Malden. Just as we left the Agricultural Hall, we saw a motor travelling along the street. Had a nice dinner at New Malden and then came home by the 8.10 having had a very good day.

Saturday November 29

I went for a ride to Winkfield via Bracknell and came home via College Hill and Binfield this morning. I started at ¼ past 11 and got home ¼ past 1. It was a lovely morning, bright and sunny, and the roads in splendid order, clean, white and dry. There was a fierce NE wind and very cold, but I did not mind that, for although it was against me going, it certainly helped me home. After dinner, I went for another ride from ½ past 3 until near upon 5 o’clock, this time round Hurst. This I also enjoyed.

26 miles

Monday November 30

Was a perfect day, bright and sunny and calm. Henry and Millie went the usual Ash and Guildford walk. I had another run this afternoon to Bracknell and Easthampstead. Very pretty and enjoyable little spin of 10 miles.

1896

Tuesday December 1

Was dry but, unlike yesterday, it was dull and there was the NE blowing rather strong again. In the afternoon I went round Bracknell and Winkfield again, and had a very enjoyable ride. In the evening I went up to Wixenford again with Mr Arnold’s cyclometer, which I had got changed for him, and was up there with Mr Arnold until ½ past 10.

18 miles

Wednesday December 2

Being Wednesday, it rained as usual, so I could not go out on the bicycle. Went again to see Mr Arnold and take him up one of Howard’s bicycle stands and was there for two hours.

Thursday December 3

Was lovely day for the journey and I thoroughly enjoyed my ride round Eversley. Had a proof from Mr Gotelee of the New Year cards.

Monday December 21

As Friday will be Xmas Day, I had to get the orders for the journey ready today so as to take as many as possible with me tomorrow, which will be as a Thursday journey, as I can, and to leave as few as possible for Thursday which will be as a Saturday. As they principally consisted of oranges and cake, I did the work of packing up down the cellar, and had finished my job by dinner time, after which I put up the orders and got all ready for tomorrow.

Tuesday December 22

Had a capital day for the journey, and I got on very well. Never had a Tuesday seemed so like a Thursday before.

Wednesday December 23

Was, and I could not persuade myself otherwise, a veritable Friday. Had a good lot of orders and got through them all right.

Thursday December 24

We had quite a busy day and evening, and seemed like Saturday all day long. Terry, whom I got off early this morning, got back in time for the 6.55 train to Croydon, but foolish like cut it too fine and just missed it, and had to wait for the 8 o’clock. Up till this afternoon we have had splendid weather, but this evening was dreadfully wet, and as unlike a Christmas Eve as it was possible to be.

Friday December 25 – Xmas Day

With the break of day, the wet cleared off and we had a gloriously fine day. I was a little undecided which to do, either to go for a ride on the bicycle, or to take it to pieces and get it ready for next year. I decided upon the latter and began with the Ladies’ machine, and enjoyed my morning in the workshop. We all, that is Henry and family, Tom, Louie, Bertha, Frances, Hilda and I, and Samuel Porter, had dinner at the shop and a very nice quiet evening after, and I think Uncle Samuel enjoyed himself very much. At all events, he was not in a hurry to go, for he did not leave until 12 o’clock.

Saturday December 26

Was a miserable wet day, so I went to work again at the bicycle, and got mine ready to send to Coventry for a new [illegible word] wheel and chain to be put to it. Millie and Henry came to tea and supper, and again we had a pleasant evening.

Thursday December 31

Had a very good day for the journey. When I came back I took round my New Year cards, having got Frances to post off those that had to go by the 7.15 post. Bertha and Frances walked to Eversley to see Mrs Burbidge about a dress. They had a beautiful day and enjoyed their outing. I did not know they were going, and saw nothing of them on the journey. I could hardly believe Mr Slyfield when he said he had seen them at the White Hart. Went to bed and fell asleep, but woke up and heard the New Year ring in.