1901

Thursday January 3

Had a fine day for the journey, the first I have had for a very long time. The weather is still open. We have had no frosts yet, with the exception of a very light one some two months ago. There has been a great deal of wet weather, but not an excessive amount of rain fall.

20 miles

Sunday January 6

There was a frost last night, and today is very cold and looks like snow. Went to both morning and evening services.

Monday January 7

A slight fall of snow and a cold day makes it look like winter. Mr Terry went to Reading and passed for Baden Powell police, so he will be leaving soon.

Tuesday January 8

There was another fall of snow today, but fortunately a thaw set in in the evening and cleared it off.

Thursday January 10

Another very muddy day for the journey.

20 miles

Thursday January 17

Ditto

20 miles

Saturday January 19

Mr Terry went to Aldershot to pass his riding examination, so I had to do the journey. It was a very rough windy and wet day.

Sunday January 20

I wrote Lousie an apology for not coming to tea on Saturday and put it in verse as follows.

I did not have my cup of tea.
I missed the little company,
The toast and marmalade.
I had no plate of luscious pears,
No talk of slow in cycle shows,
Nor saw the house that Tom made

We did not draw the table up,
Nor sip the non-inebriant cup
Around the cosy fire.
We did not have our weekly chat
On punctured tyres that run down flat
Of clincher type or wire.

Discussed we not the pros and cons
Of normal cranks or eight inch long
Of low or higher gear,
Or if the motor will come in,
The public forum soon to win
Within the future near.

For I alas! could not be there
To talk of water-cooled or air,
Of heat and loss of force,
For I was driving stage by stage
Without the help of motorage,
Dependent on a horse.

I hope you had a pleasant meal
And for the absent one could feel,
Who could not take his part,
For while you sat there snug and warm,
I was a-battling with the storm,
Out with the horse and cart.

Tuesday January 22

Queen Victoria died at 6.30 pm.

Thursday January 24

Again the roads were very bad for the journey.

20 miles

Sunday January 27

We had two splendid discourses at Chapel today. In the morning, Mr Cave spoke entirely upon the late Queen, and in the evening taking his text from Lamentations 1 and 20. He spoke upon the word and also on the Queen’s death.

How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! how is she become as a widow! she that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary!

Behold, O LORD; for I am in distress: my bowels are troubled; mine heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled: abroad the sword bereaveth, at home there is as death.

Lamentations 1 and 20

Monday January 28

Mr Terry left today. He had dinner at my place and went home by the 2 o’clock train.

Wednesday January 30

The Queen is to be buried on Saturday, and all places of business will be closed that day, so I did the Thursday’s journey today and, for the first time for four months, had easy going roads, for a frost the last night or two has hardened them down. It was a nice day and I enjoyed it.

20 miles

1901

Friday February 1

Had a splendid day for the round, the roads were hard and frosty, and the weather bright. I had Mr Barnes’ colt, our horse being laid up with a sore heel. I enjoyed the drive round very well.

Saturday February 2

All shops all over the kingdom are closed today by Royal Command. Had it been a day like yesterday, I should have ridden over to Windsor to see the funeral procession of our late Queen, but, instead of bright frosty weather, it is cold and raining, and the roads are as bad, or worse, than ever.

Tuesday February 5

We had a heavy fall of snow in the night. I was afraid to start for the journey this morning. However, after an early dinner, I made a start and got round, with the exception of Hunter’s and Cordery’s.

Thursday February 7

I had the roughest day for the bicycle I have ever had so far as to the road. They seemed impassable and people would not believe I came on the bicycle until they came out and saw it. Going out, I had to walk from the Firs to the White Horse, but all the rest I rode, and rode that piece home.

20 miles

Saturday February 9

The roads were very bad for the journey, and I had a trying time of it.

Sunday February 10

I did not get up until 4 o’clock, as I thought a rest would do me good.

Wednesday February 13

Mr Terry came down yesterday to settle up his accounts in the town. He stayed today and had dinner with us, and left by the 4 SWR.

Thursday February 14

Was a very cold day, but I did not mind that, for the roads were hard and frosty. Unfortunately the bicycle leaked a good deal, and I had to pump it up 20 times to keep it going.

20 miles

1901

Sunday March 10

After waiting four months, the roads are at last goable for the bicycle, and although there was a cold NE, I had a run on my free wheel for the first time since the Autumn. I have been every Thursday on Kemp’s bicycle round the journey. This morning I went to the Marlow turning and back, and enjoyed it.

15 miles

Tuesday March 12

After tea to Hare Hatch and back. This too, in spite of the cold NE, I enjoyed.

15 miles

Wednesday March 13

Edward came about 5 o’clock. He has to attend the C. Court. John also came at 6 o’clock and this was fortunate, for Henry is summoned for the jury at the C. Court tomorrow, and John will be able to take charge of the shop for the morning. I went round Hurst after tea.

8 miles

Friday March 15

After tea, to Hurst.

8 miles

Sunday March 17

Missionary Sunday. I went to Eversley, Hartley Row, Elvetham, Yateley and home, via Well Coll this morning. I did not much like it. The weather was dull and very cold with a strong NE wind. The roads, too, round Hartley Row and Elvetham were damp and sticky.

24 miles

Monday March 18

Round Hurst after tea.

8 miles

Wednesday March 20

To Reading Theatre and saw Women and Wine, a poor drama.

Friday March 22

Round Hurst after tea.

8 miles

Saturday March 23

Mr Jelley left.

Sunday March 24

I went before dinner to Waltham, Littlewick and home via Bath road and enjoyed the run. After tea, to Eversley, Hartley Row, Winchfield Union, Elvetham, along the Flats to Blackwater and home through Yateley. This was a very nice run and very pretty. Edward came last night. His machine is expected to be here Monday.

50 miles

Monday March 25

A wretchedly miserable cold, snowy day. Edward’s machine came with the wheel damaged in transit. So, Edward cannot ride it back tomorrow. Tom has sent the wheel back for to have a new rim.

Tuesday March 26

Edward went back. Round Hurst.

8 miles

Mr Norton came between 12 and 7.

Wednesday March 27

A fiercely cold windy day. Could not venture out on the bicycle although the roads were so good.

Thursday March 28

Had a bright but very cold day for the journey. I took Mr Norton round.

1901

Tuesday April 2

I took Lady Glass some change £40.0.0 after tea. Henry and Kemp went their usual walk today to Shackleford.

Wednesday April 3

I did the journey today in consequence of Friday being Good Friday.

Friday April 5 – Good Friday

The roads are in first class order after the wet. The weather is very dull, but fine, and no wind. I did not go out until the evening but stayed at home and put the cuckoo clock together. After tea, I went to Knowl Hill and back, and had a nice little ride.

20 miles

Saturday April 6

A horrible wet day and so spoilt any prospect for a run tomorrow.

Sunday April 7

A tremendous wind on all day, and wet in the evening.

Monday April 8 – Bank Holiday

It was a wretchedly rough day and cycling was out of the question. I was indoors all day clock cleaning. Friday, I did the chiming cuckoo, and yesterday and today, the cuckoo, the regulator and the kitchen clocks.

Monday April 15

It has been such beastly weather that there has been no chance for a run. Yesterday, Edward came down, and today he took home his new bicycle. We had an early dinner, and at 1 o’clock, he and I started off, I intending going half way with him. There was a very strong gale on from the W, which helped us out. The roads were fairly good to Shackleford, but from there, muddy. We had frequent showers going out, but not enough to take shelter from. I went as far as Milford with Edward and there left him and turned for Godalming and Guildford. While I was at Guildford having tea, a very heavy rain fell between Wokingham and Ash, and made the roads very wet and muddy. This, with the wind against me, did not make it very speedy travelling. However, I enjoyed the run very well, the bicycle going marvellously well considering the adverse state of the elements. Willie Walden and Mr Thomas came in to supper and music, and a pleasant evening we had.

58 miles

Sunday April 21

Was a pleasant summer day – hot, bright and sunny. There was a little too much wind on during the day for cycling. I went to Maidenhead in the morning to see the cyclists along the Bath road. Had a pleasant run, but saw very few cyclists, and not a single motorised.

After tea, I went to Reading and Aldermaston, and home via Mortimer and Arborfield. It was a perfect evening for a run. What wind there was, was with me going, and then it dropped to a calm. It was very beautiful out, especially from Aldermaston home. The evening was warm like summer. There was a little bit of moon, and the roads were in splendid condition and much I enjoyed the ride.

66 miles

Monday April 22

Just before 8 I started off round Easthampstead and Bracknell, a very pretty little ride.

10 miles

Tuesday April 23

After business, I went round Hurst and had a nice little ride.

8 miles

Wednesday April 24

I started off at 10 past 3 for Newbury, and the wind being East, and strong, I got there at 10 to 5. Had tea at the Guildhall, which being too strong, somewhat upset me for the ride home. In spite of the strong wind against me, I came along very comfortably and very much enjoyed the last part, for at Swallowfield I had a brandy and soda, which arrested the wind caused by the strong tea. The blackthorn is out and also the wild cherry blossom. It was not such a nice afternoon and evening as the morning, or the last two or three days’ weather.

50 miles

Sunday April 28

A very nice calm bright day throughout. I went to Chapel in the morning and for a ride after tea. I did not feel very well and so could not relish the ride as I ought. I went to Heckfield via Barkham, thence to Stratfield Saye, Bramley, Basing, Mapledurwell, Greywell, Odiham, Dogmersfield and so home, a pretty ride. Heard several nightingales and an owl.

40 miles

Monday April 29

After half past 7, I had a nice little run, having some change to take to St Neot’s. I went over there and back by the Cross.

14 miles

Tuesday April 30

After 8, round Hurst. Yesterday, I heard opposite Eversley Chase the same bird I heard there last year, making a noise like the running out of a fishing reel.

8 miles

1901

Wednesday May 1

I did intend going to Guildford this evening, but the wind being in the East, and coming over dull in the afternoon, I altered my course and went to Silchester, Pamber and on to Sherbourne St John, and had a hurried look round the village, then back home via Bramley and Swallowfield. When I started, the weather was dull and easterlyfied, but it very soon improved and came out quite cheerful, and the evening was moonlight and quite clear. I very much enjoyed the ride a good deal more than I expected to.

40 miles

Friday May 3

Yesterday, I had a very busy day. Took a lot of money and a lot of orders. Today I worked about without a stoppage except for dinner and tea, and got all the orders put up by 9 o’clock. I do not know when I have had such a day’s work in the shop.

Sunday May 5

Edward came up on his new bicycle, and got here at 11 o’clock. It was a dull morning and what wind there was, was against him. About 10, the weather greatly improved and came out a beautiful day. I started off for a run at 10 past 5 and had a marvellous ride of 70 miles. I went to Guildford via Crowthorne, Frimley and the Hog’s Back. I started off in glorious weather and a perfect calm, but at Blackwater, the wind changed to West and came up quite strong and made it dead going to the Back. From there to Guildford, it was at my side, but from Guildford to Kingston, it was at my back, and a glorious ride I had along that piece of excellent road. I did not get off at Guildford but passed straight through.

Between Guildford and Kingston, I was not passed by anyone, nor yet on any other part of the journey. Sometimes, some sturdy young chap would rush by me, but in a very short time, I mowed then down and left them vainly struggling to catch me up. They were fresh, and I had been 30 miles without a stop. I just enjoyed the job, and I landed at Hampton Court as fresh as when I started.

There I had a glass of ale and some bread and cheese, and then on through Staines and Egham to Windsor Park and so home at 11 o’clock (11.5) not in the least tired or weary, and my legs as lissom as ever. The moon did not rise until I got to Windsor Park. The roads from here to Ash were very loose in places, but the main roads were excellent.

Allowing 10 minutes for my stoppage at Hampton Court, it works out at exactly 12 miles the hour all round. This was done in my heavy clothes, boots and flannels, and I went the 70 miles without getting my things in the least damp from perspiration, and I landed home quite fresh, cheerful and well. I was sorry I did not tell Bertha I should not be in until late. My not doing so caused her and the rest a deal of unnecessary anxiety, which if I had only said I should be late, they would not have had.

70 miles

Wednesday May 8

A nice morning and I proposed going to Newbury this afternoon, but after dinner, it came over dark from the East and heavy rain set in for an hour. After tea, I finished cutting the ivy, and did a little gardening.

Thursday May 9

Was nice and bright up to 3 o’clock, when it began to thunder heavily and we had a considerable amount of rainfall. At Heckfield, there was a terrific hail storm.

Sunday May 12

Yesterday was a fine day and the road completely dried up. This morning I was up at 5, and at ¼ to 6 I started for Arundel. It was a very nice morning, and the roads perfection and I had a very nice ride down. The weather was warm and bright, but not perfection, for the wind was in the East. It was calm most of the way down, but in the latter part, when the wind got up, it was more against than for me. I got to Arundel exactly at 11 o’clock. I did not wish to get there earlier, because I should have put the Heringtons out just as they would be going to service. As it was, they were just gone, and so I put the bicycle up and went into the park. Unfortunately, the wind being East I could not have off my flannels, and had to go in my heavy cycling suit. This made me perspire and my clothes very damp and uncomfortable. I laid down in the park by the lake, but could not enjoy myself because of the damp and now cold clothes.

Had a very poor dinner of cold mutton and then a lay down, but not having any ale for dinner, I could not sleep. George and his wife and daughter were there. After a very poor tea, I left at 5.20 for home. Edward came with me as far as Billingshurst. The road was in splendid order, but the wind, of which there was a strong lot from the East, quite spoilt this piece of the journey. At Five Oaks, I turned for Rudgwick, and getting into the shelter and a little out of the wind, and also the wind dying down, I had a much more pleasant piece to Rudgwick. There I had a brandy and soda, but its effect soon passed off and I had a tiring journey to Guildford, which I reached a little after 8. I called in at North Street and had a nice tea – egg, watercress etc. Thus refreshed, I left Guildford at 9.3 and had the best and easiest part of the journey home. There being now no wind, the bicycle seemed to run away with me, and coming via Windlesham and Bagshot, I slipped home in the, for its being dark, quick time of 1¾ hours, landing home at 10.48.

108 miles

Wednesday May 15

The wind being NE, I decided upon Newbury so that it might help me there, and with the chance of it dying down for the return journey. Had an early tea, and, at 5, I started off and had the best run to Newbury I have ever had. The country looked lovely and, before the strong wind, I sailed down without work in 1¾ hours. I passed straight through and came home via Mortimer, and had a most enjoyable ride home.

50 miles

Thursday May 16

Bertha was taken bad in the night with pain in her side.

Friday May 17

Bertha was in bed all day.

Saturday May 18

Bertha was seized with so violent pains this morning that Frances at once sent for Dr Ward.

Sunday May 19

Bertha seemed better today. Henry and I went for a ride in the evening to Marlow and Waltham.

26 miles

Monday May 20

Bertha very much worse during the night. I could see this morning she was desperately ill, and I had not been long up at the shop before Dr Ward came in to see me and to say he should like to leave and at his suggestion we had Mr Walters of Reading. He came over by the 3.20 train, and after examining Bertha, he said the only chance for her was to open her and see what was the cause of her illness. To this I agreed, because I could see for myself there was no chance for her if left. The operation lasted for 1¾ hours. She came round very quickly after the chloroform and was quite clear and sensible, but oh so sick and bad poor thing. At ½ past 9, the hospital nurse, Miss Robinson, came. Dr Ward came again at 12 o’clock, but gave no hope. I went to bed but was called up…

Tuesday May 21

…about half past 1 to see my darling wife pass away from me forever. She died at ¼ past 2. May God, to whom her spirit is gone, be merciful to me.

Wednesday May 22

I went the journey today because Bertha is to be buried tomorrow.

Thursday May 23

We took Bertha to the grave this afternoon, followed by Mr Sale, Hilda and me, Henry, Tom, John, Samuel Walden, Edward, Mr Jelley.

Sunday May 26

Edward, who went back Friday, came again today. I went round Hurst after tea, and to Chapel twice.

8 miles

Monday May 27 – Whit Monday

Was a perfect day for a Bank Holiday. Frances, Edward, Henry and I went to Odiham to tea, and after a walk along the canal, came home via Dogmersfield. A beautiful evening and the outing did us all good.

30 miles

Wednesday May 29

Frances and I to Littlewick and Waltham.

20 miles

1901

Monday June 2

Went to Reading to see Mr Walters and offer him £20.0.0.

Wednesday June 5

Henry and I went to Wycombe.

40 miles

Monday June 10

Round Hurst after 8 o’clock.

8 miles

Friday June 14

To Finchampstead after 8 o’clock for Harry Watson’s orders.

6 miles

Saturday June 15

Took change to Lady Glass after 8.

12 miles

Monday June 17

In the evening to Reading to see Mr Jelley about J S’ affairs.

14 miles

Tuesday June 18

Frances and I round Hurst in the evening. Piercingly cold.

8 miles

Sunday June 23

Was very windy all day, but it dropped a little towards evening, and so I ventured out for a run on the bicycle. As it was SW by W, I went to Twyford, Henley and Marlow. I left at 6.40 and had a very nice, pretty and easy ride round. The roads were in capital condition, and the weather was not cold. I got home at 9.20 and was pleased I ventured out.

33 miles

Monday June 24

Willie Walden and I went over the same course as I did last night. It was a very good evening, but a little too cold for a summer evening. Coming home from Marlow, I caught a hedgehog and brought it home.

33 miles

Wednesday June 26

Geo Woods came last night and put up at the shop. He has been on a tour on the bicycle round Cornwall. Today, he, Henry, Tom and Mr Gorely went to Selborne and had a good day for the trip, this being the third good day of the year. I have had new tyres, and a free wheel and new handle bars for Frances’ bicycle, and as they came yesterday, I put the machine together today, and after, Tom, Frances and I went to Odiham, and there put up the bicycles and had a walk down the canal. Walking back, we saw the Selborne people coming down the street on their way home. We came back via Dogmersfield. Frances and I very much enjoyed our trip and had a very pleasant conversation walking along the canal.

30 miles

Friday June 28

I took Hilda round Bill Hill and Warren House this evening.

6 miles

Saturday June 29

About ½ past 10, a thunderstorm came on. This is the first rain we have had for a very long time.

Sunday June 30

Edward came up from Arundel on his machine this morning and just escaped the wet, which came in very heavy all the afternoon.

1901

Monday July 1

Frances and Edward went to Reading this afternoon and after 8, Hilda, Edward and I round Hurst. Never saw the roads better.

8 miles

Wednesday July 3

Frances, Edward and I had a very pleasant ride after tea to Reading, Theale, where I went in the churchyard and saw Mr Chester’s gravestone. On to Aldermaston and home via Mortimer and Swallowfield. A NE wind helped us to Aldermaston and then it died down to a calm, so we got more advantage from the wind than hindrance.

36 miles

Thursday July 4

I had a nice warm and pleasant day for the journey.

Friday July 5

Edward and Frances went to Fleet and had a nice day. He and I went to Henley to see the fireworks. We left at ¼ past 8 and was over there in plenty of time to see the first of them. It was a splendid evening for it, and they were good as usual. We left at a ¼ past 10 and had to get through a good deal of traffic between Henley and Wargrave, but by the time we reached the latter, we had left all behind and had the road to ourselves the rest of the way home. We came along at a very good pace, enjoyed the outing, and got home at 5 past 1.

22 miles

Sunday July 7

I had a nice ramble round the Hampshire lanes after tea. Went via Swallowfield and thence to the back of the Wellington Estate and on to Bramley, turned to the right to Pamber, and home via The Vines, Bramley, Sherfield and Swallowfield. It was a pleasant evening, but not summer, for the wind has been in the East or NE all the year. It was quite strong and helped me out, but died to a calm for the home part.

35 miles

Monday July 8

Edward went home starting from here at 6 this morning.

Tuesday July 9

Was up at 5, had breakfast and in the saddle and off for Brighton exactly at 6. It was a very beautiful morning and gave promise of a certain fine day, and I had it. I went via Crowthorne and the Hog’s Back to Guildford, thence to Shalford, Wonersh, Shamley Green, Cranleigh, Rudgwick, Horsham, Cowfold, Henfield, and Patcham into Brighton at 11.55. The first thing, after putting the bicycle up, was to have a bathe, and I never enjoyed the water more. Had a middling dinner and a lay down on the beach, and then about ¼ past 2, I left for Shoreham and Horsham. There I had tea, and then home via Alford, Swallowfield and the Hog’s Back, arriving here at 9.40.

The roads were in first rate condition all the way and the weather was beautifully fine, and I enjoyed the ride all the way round, even the afternoon part. It was lovely going off in the morning and beautiful coming home in the evening, and very pleased I was I had the pluck to go. I did not get tired in the limbs at all, did not get hot, and did not want, or have, a wash down when I got back. I travelled at 12 miles the hour. Had a nice time at Horsham, and did not hurry anywhere. The cyclometer made it just 140 miles.

Wednesday July 10

Frances and I went to Swallowfield and Bramley and home through Sherfield and Eversley, a run which we both enjoyed.

Friday July 12

We had a very heavy thunderstorm this evening and night. The lightning was very frequent and near, and the rain came down in a deluge.

Sunday July 14

Henry and I went round Bramley and Pamber this evening. There was a very thick east air which spoilt the view. We met Mr Brown at Sherfield.

38 miles

Tuesday July 16

Frances and I went for a ride. Left here at a ¼ past 7. Went to Knowl Hill, Warren Row, Cockpole, Henley and home via Wargrave and Hurst. It was a beautiful evening, and we enjoyed this run as much as any this season.

26 miles

Wednesday July 17

Henry, Tom and I went the Henley and Marlow run.

32 miles

Friday July 19

Hilda and I round Hurst after business.

8 miles

Sunday July 21

After tea, I started off for a long ride, but by the time I reached Maidenhead, I altered my mind. The weather looked very threatening and there was a considerable wind. In Maidenhead, I met Mr A Heelas,and we went to Boulter’s Lock and watched the boating for about an hour and then turned for home via Knowl Hill. A strong W wind made it unpleasant going. We called in at the Seven Stars and Mr Heelas told me how he bought the place from Mrs Baker six months ago.

26 miles

Wednesday July 31

I left at 25 to 7 for Southampton and had a very easy and nice ride down, arriving there at 10.30. Took the boat to Cowes and Ryde and Southsea. Riding up to Portsmouth, a water cart drove into me and knocked me off the bicycle and hurt my knee. Had tea at the Speedwell. Down to Southsea for the afternoon and a bathe. Up to Portsmouth to sea, and then home via Farnham. The only part I really enjoyed was the ride down. Had a strong N wind against me home and a puncture at Odiham, which delayed me 1½ hours, and then had to ride it home deflated. The weather, although so hot in the day, had a winter’s aspect caused by the N air. The roads were in good condition all the way. I can’t say I enjoyed myself after getting to Southampton.

106 miles

1901

Sunday August 4

Went to Chapel morning and evening and heard a Mr Brazier, much to my liking. Edward came up on his bicycle.

Monday August 5 – Bank Holiday

Had an early tea and then Henry and I had a run to Guildford, Send, Woking, Chobham and Bagshot.

50 miles

Tuesday August 6

Had a talk with Mr Herington about Edward and Frances’ marriage.

Sunday August 11

Started at 6.10 for Marlow, thence to Bourne End, Cookham, Maidenhead and home the Bath road, and enjoyed the ride very much. It did me good. Sidney Donaldson came yesterday on his way to his new appointment at Godalming and left by the 3.20.

36 miles

Sunday August 18

Went to Hounslow on the bicycle. Left here at 10.30 and got to Eaton’s at 1 o’clock. Had a nice time there and left after tea for home. There was too much East wind and hot sun and thick air for it to be a good day.

60 miles

Wednesday August 21

Millie and party went to Odiham with our horse and Brown’s trap. I went over after an early tea and was just in time for another tea there. I had a pleasant time on the water. Took Philip and his wife for a row up to the sand pits. A very nice ride home. They all enjoyed the outing. It was a good day for the job.

30 miles

Sunday August 25

I went to Redhill and had a beautiful day out and thoroughly enjoyed it. I left here a little after ten and went via Bagshot. There was a nice soft SE wind, which kept me cool and yet did not hinder. I had my dinner on Abinger Common which was very pleasant. After dinner, I went on to Redhill and back to Dorking to tea, and then a beautiful ride home. This was the best day I have had out this year.

90 miles

Monday August 26

There was a thunderstorm about 1 this morning. Wescott Mill caught fire and was burnt down. They say it was the lightning. Our old horse Polly was frightened by the thunder and jumped over a hedge and broke her leg in two places and had to be shot.

1901

Sunday September 1

Edward came. I went for a little ride round Hurst after tea of about 12 miles.

Monday September 2

Edward and I had an early breakfast and at ½ past 6, I left for Bath and had a splendid ride there. The wind, which at first was slight, grew quite strong, but as it was due East, it was all in my favour. I got to Bath exactly at 12 o’clock. I did not stop anywhere, but just got off at Newbury to buy some cigarettes and a box of light, and at Marlborough for a glass of ale at the Sun. I also got off at Calne just to have a glance round the town. I did not push the bicycle anywhere and arrived quite fresh at Bath.

I had dinner at the London Dining Rooms in a cross street near the [illegible word] Rooms. After dinner, I went to Bristol via [illegible word] and back to Bath to tea. Then I had a leisurely run to Trowbridge via Bradford, which is a very pretty place indeed. The roads all the way from Wokingham right to Trowbridge were perfect, After Avebury, it is very hilly to Bath and level to Bristol. I met Annie and Don at the Post Office, and after a little walk round, went home to a nice supper, which I much enjoyed. Had a pleasant evening’s talk and to bed early and slept well. Cyclometer registered 118 miles.

Tuesday September 3

Was bright and sunny but a very strong E wind was on, so I made up my mind to train home. Don’s holidays commenced today and we spent all the morning looking round Trowbridge, and little Bertha went with us and enjoyed it. Had an early tea so as to catch the 3.40 train, but instead of going by that, I altered my mind and went on the bicycle to Devizes and intended putting in there or at Marlborough. It was just ½ past 3 when I left Don’s, and I got on very well against the wind to Devizes, so went on for Marlborough. The wind over the Downs was very fierce, but when I got to the Bath road, it was more sheltered and a point better in my favour, and I found it so much better than I expected that I went on for Hungerford and found that tolerably easy and so I rode all the way home, arriving home at 10.15. From Marlborough, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride home and was as fresh as though I had been for a run round Hurst. The moon rose at Aldermaston, and made it very lovely. I had no ache or sign of tiredness about me.

The roads were perfect all the way round, not a ¼ of a mile indifferent. I must say I enjoyed myself very much, and especially the nice time I had with the dear friends at Trowbridge. The cyclometer made it 100 miles. Both Calne and Chippenham are somewhat worm eaten and decayed places. For 30 years, I have been wanting to go by road to Bath, and now I have done it, and had a most enjoyable time.

Of course, I should have liked it to have been a calm dry Tuesday, but as it was the only time the wind seriously inconvenienced me was from Devizes to Aylesbury, a distance of 8 miles and also from Bristol to Bath yesterday, 12 miles. From Bath to Bristol is 12 miles. From Trowbridge to Devizes 11 miles, and Devizes to Marlborough, 14 miles.

70 miles

Wednesday September 4

Had a busy morning, and a nice run in the evening. Left at 4, and went via Bagshot to Guildford and Godalming against a strong E wind. Saw Sidney and then home via Normandy. Very nice indeed.

50 miles

Sunday September 8

There was some rain first thing this morning, and a dull day with wet at intervals. Had it been good weather, I should have gone to Dorking and round about. As it was, I did some gardening and went to Chapel in the morning. I find the cyclometer says 268 miles for this last week.

Wednesday September 11

Henry, Tom and Mr Gorely went to Selborne. It looked a beautiful morning, but soon after they left, it commenced to rain and did so more or less all day.

Thursday September 12

Sangers Circus came today and I went to the evening performance, but was somewhat disappointed with it.

Sunday September 15

I went to Swallowfield, Heckfield, through Bramshill Park, and home to dinner. About ½ past 4, Henry and I went to Heckfield, Odiham, Long Sutton, Odiham and home via Dogmersfield. A very nice run. Henry had two punctures.

60 miles

Wednesday September 18

Don came back from Godalming to stay with us for a few days. I went to Newbury. Left here at 3 and got there at 5. Had tea at the Guildhall and then home via Brampton and Aldermaston, thence by Bath road through Reading. A very nice ride.

50 miles

Thursday September 19

Don went with Blake round the journey and had a splendid day out.

Sunday September 22

To Chapel in the morning and to Marlow after tea. A very pretty and enjoyable ride.

28 miles

Tuesday September 24

Mr Geo Sale died at Arundel on Sunday last and was brought home today.

Wednesday September 25

Mr Sale was buried at 3 this afternoon. I left at 5.10 for Guildford via Bagshot and had a beautiful ride over. Saw Mr Williamson at Warplesdon. I got to Guildford at 7 and did not stay long and then had a lovely moonlight ride home. I never had a better.

45 miles

Sunday September 29

Was a perfect and most glorious day. I went for a day’s outing, leaving here at 10. I went to Guildford via Yateley, Hawley and the Hog’s Back, thence to Bramley, and at the Leathern Bottle opposite the 7 miles stone, I got a pint of ale and took it into a field adjoining and, under the shelter of the hedge, had my dinner with a view of Leith Hill before me. I started again at 2 o’clock and made for Cranleigh and Ewhurst, and then before getting to Ockley, I turned for Felday. This was up over the mountains and I had to walk at least two miles. From Felday, I came out at Gomshall and thence to Dorking to tea. Left Dorking at 5 and had a beautiful ride home. From Guildford it was full moon. Got home at 9.15, having had a beautiful day out.

87 miles

1901

Wednesday October 9

Frances and Hilda went by the 8.14 to London to meet Edward. Garnet Hall went with them, and they had a very nice day in London.

Sunday October 13

It looked a very nice morning so I made up my mind for a day’s ride. Before breakfast, I went up to see if Henry would go, and he thought he would, so at ¼ to 10 we made a start for Guildford via Bagshot. It was a beautiful morning, but during the night there had been rain, and the roads were from damp to muddy, but most fortunately, before we reached Bagshot, we had got out of its reach, and from there, all the way round until Finchampstead, the roads were white and dry, and in perfect order. We had a most enjoyable ride to the Leathern Bottle, the pub where I put up a fortnight ago. There we had our dinner outside in the warm sunshine and a lay down under the hedge after and a short nap. A little before two, we made another start and had a grand afternoon ride. We went to Ewhurst and turned off to the left where it said to Albury and Shere, and I thought the road would bring us out at Felday, but I was mistaken about Felday. Where I went a fortnight ago was Peaslake and not Felday. Well that is where we came out today after a most interesting pretty and easy ride. Thence to Gomshall, Shere, Albury and Guildford, and home about 7 o’clock. I should like to go this journey again and that I may remember the way. I would remind at Ewhurst, I took the road to Shere, as far as a cottage at the corner of the two roads. The cottage lays up from the road. There we turned right through a gateway and came out at Peaslake, the place I thought was Felday. From Peaslake, we did not take the right hand road, but kept on nearly straight to within a mile of Gomshall where we took the turning to the right and came across the level crossing of the SE rail into Gomshall.

70 miles

Tuesday October 15

Tom and I went to Marlow and back this afternoon and had a nice little time of it.

28 miles

Sunday October 20

There had been a little rain in the night, but the morning was beautifully fine and sunny. I went to Chapel. I had an early tea and at 10 to 4, started off for a ride and had a very happy and enjoyable and pretty ride of 45 miles. It was a lovely afternoon, and as I made my way towards Basingstoke, I had all the glory of the afternoon and a grand view of the setting sun. I turned to the left before reaching Basingstoke and came back through Greywell, Odiham, Dogmersfield, Elvetham, along the Flats to Blackwater, Yateley, Eversley. There I called upon W Chandler, and meandering back to the Cross at home at ¼ past 8, having had a very nice time out all round. It was moon light.

45 miles

Monday October 21

Was another nice day, so I arranged with Willie Walden for a run starting at 4 o’clock. We went to Odiham. There I turned towards Long Sutton and took the first to the right for Crondall, over a fresh piece of road, and very pretty. We went up Crondall and back to Fleet, and thence along the Flats and Yateley. This too was a very happy and pleasant ride of 40 miles.

Wednesday October 23

I went the same run as on Monday, leaving here a little after 4, and I had a beautiful ride. It was light up to Crondall, and then I had a magnificent moonlight ride home, and very pretty it was. I thoroughly enjoyed myself all the way round.

40 miles

Sunday October 27

It was a splendid bright morning, so I made up my mind for a good day’s ride. I started at ¼ to 10. Called at the shop but could not get Henry out. And afterwards I was not sorry I could not, for the roads were very muddy in places, and in a great many places, damply heavy, so that there was no great travelling for a long stretch at a time. I went to Ash via Crowthorne, thence along the Hog’s Back, which was in perfect condition, to Guildford, and away to Bramley and Ewhurst. Called at the Onslow Arms but they would not let me have any dinner there, so I had a drink and on towards Ewhurst, and there had it in the open air with sun shining on me. Had I gone to Ewhurst, there was a splendid little place for dinner at the Bull. From Ewhurst, I went to Peaslake and about, and thence to Gomshall and on towards Dorking, turned to the right and had a lovely ride to Felday, which is a place I hope to visit again. I did not stay at Felday but turned back and made for Guildford, where I had tea, and thence home via the Hog’s Back. By the time I got up the Back, it was time to light up. I had a magnificent view of the setting sun and rising moon, a most grand sight. I came across one of the Yates going, and coming back, over took three more of them. It was a beautiful day out, and especially a lovely night, beautifully mild and warm. I came home fresher than I went out, and altogether had a good day. The foliage was a grand sight.

84 miles

Wednesday October 31

There was a strongish NE wind on, but a very nice bright day. I had an early cup of tea, and then went for one of the nicest runs I have had this season. I left a few minutes after 4 and made my way to Marlow and saw the autumn foliage as well as I ever did. The sun was just beginning to sink as I got to the top of Stanlake Hill, so that until then I had its full blaze on the trees and then the afterglow was almost as good. It was a beautiful ride over, and grand sights I saw, especially the piece just before the Bath road, round the Ruscombe way. The roads were white and hard to B. Green but from there to Marlow, muddy. As I neared Marlow, I could hear the Fair. I went up the street to see it, but it was a shocking poor affair. I now had a nice ride home by lamp light, arriving home as though I had not been more than a mile. How glad I am I went, for it was a particularly happy ride.

28 miles

1901

Saturday November 2

Frances went to Arundel yesterday to see about a house at Littlehampton. Today was a splendid day for the Fair, and it was the largest and best Fair I have seen here for many years.

Thursday November 7

I had a splendid day for the journey and enjoyed it. Frances came home.

Friday November 8

Sent Frances to Arundel to see if she could find a cheaper rented house. A very nice day for her. I went to Ruscombe and Knowl Hill in the afternoon.

16 miles

Sunday November 10

I went round a very pretty run this morning to Swallowfield, Monument and then over some fresh lanes to Sherfield and round about. A most splendid and beautiful run. The weather was good and the roads A1 all the way. Henry went to Basingstoke, Alton and home via South Warnborough. He had dinner at the Golden Pot.

26 miles

Monday November 11

Frances came home but could not find a more suitable home.

Friday November 15

To Ruscombe and back this afternoon. A very pretty and pleasant ride of 16 miles.

Sunday November 17

As I was tidying up the garden, Henry came down to see if I was going out, which I was, so we started off at 10.20 for B. Green and Marlow and back over the thicket. This was a grand and very enjoyable ride. The weather was very hard frosts and the roads were in perfect order. It was bright weather, the sun shone, and there was a kind of fog in the distance, which much improved the view close at hand. I never was out on a better day in November.

26 miles

Sunday November 24

A very nice day again. About ½ past 10, I started off for Odiham and Dogmersfield, and had a beautiful ride round in the sunshine. After tea, I had another ride by moonlight. Went to B. Green, Crawley corner, to Maidenhead, back to Twyford and Reading. It was a lovely night, and very, very much I enjoyed the ride. What many pretty moonlight sights I saw.

Monday November 25

After closing, I went a moonlight ride to Eversley and over the ridges home via the College. The roads were hard and frosty, it was full moon and most beautiful out.

15 miles

Tuesday November 26

As the cart could not go until after dinner, I went round and got the orders. Frances went with me. Came home and out up the orders because I am going to London tomorrow.

14 miles

Wednesday November 27

Tom and I went by the 8.16 to London for the cycle shows. I called in at Hope Bros and bought another suit of navy blue for 35/-. We then went to the Stanley, which is a very good show this year. We stayed there until 3 o’clock, then came out and had a bit of dinner, and off by the Tube, which is only just opened, to London Bridge. The show at the Palace was very fine indeed. We had a very nice day, the weather was fine.

Friday November 29

Round Hurst before tea.

10 miles

1901

Sunday December 1

A beautiful summer like day. I went to Odiham and Dogmersfield before dinner, a very pretty and pleasant ride. Edward came on his bicycle, arriving here at 12 o’clock.

30 miles

Wednesday December 4

Went for a beautiful little ride this afternoon to Knowl Hill and back. The sun shone bright, and coming back I had a full view of a glorious sunset. The roads are still A1, white, clean and hard, as they have been for a month or more.

20 miles

Sunday December 22

A nice cold frosty morning. I had a nice little ride before dinner to New Mill and Yateley and home through Sandhurst. The roads were in first class condition.

20 miles