An Autobiography of an Ancient Athlete & Antiquarian

102 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Next day I rode over by Tasburgh to East Dereham via Wymondham, where after racing a cart, I was inclined to be sick and bad diarrbrea at East Dereham. On Bank Holiday I saw that wonderful old woman, Mrs.Carter, go off on her little day's journey to "Klon– dyke." as it was locally called, Derbyshire, and back. I took Jessopp a copy of my Cawston book, rode to Norwich, and back by Reepham, Cawston, and Aylsham, and finished fast ride (58 mins.) for the last 1 I miles. The next day I returned by rail. Next day rode over to the Hale for early breakfast, and then by Arkley nearly to South Mimms, doing over 30 miles before lunch. On the uth I rode well, beating a lot of bikers by Uxbridge, and by the secluded country through Denham and Rickmansworth, where I had a very bad dinner, and was ill in the night (sick), riding back very early next day. Ou the 18th and 19th I had a very wet ride to see my sisters again, but the next day was very fine. On the 25th the Hampstead Antiquarian Society met at Cannon Hill and " Wildwood'' (Figgis), where I saw a lovely garden, and Lord Chatham's cupboard and little room. On the 26th the Hale again for breakfast, a long cold ride, riding up Frognal Lane in the rain. I had by this time made the acquaintance of three old paupers from the workhouse, practically turned out ou Sundays to "enjoy" themselves, and they used to watch for me regularly in Frognal Lane. On the 1~t and 2nd July to Smallburgh and found 1\1.M.R. had learnt to bike, she soon took to it and rode very well. On the 25th July she rode up both the Bull and Bush Hills. It was so extremely cold on the 10th July that I was glad to buy a newspaper to put under my waistcoat when riding. We had opened up a 60 yards archery range in the garden, and to-day I got 24 on out of 30, but that was through prac6cally a rail way cutting which kept off all wind. This month I looked at several houses in view of my retirement, e.g., Netherton House, Long Stratton, and the Rookeries at Swainsthorpe, but the latter was not for sale, though I could have rented it at £20.