Conference govt02::basingstoke

    
    When you arrive, go to the Tourist Information Centre in Basingstoke
    town centre. Its in the building on one side of the Old Market Square,
    at the top of Wote St and Church St.
    
    They have loads of local maps and guides describing the things you are
    talking about. Walks, rides, places of interest etc. You can then
    decide for yourself exactly what to do??
    
    Andy Beale

    I assume that as you are here on business, you won't have a lot
    of spare time (not sure whether a smiley is in order here...)...
    So making another assumption that you will use the weekend here
    are some pointers....
    
    The area between Alton (11 miles south of Basingstoke) and Petersfield
    (a further 13 miles) is classified as an "Area of Outstanding Natural
    Beauty".... it contains an area known as 'Hangers' which are steep
    wooded hillsides...A cycle tour through the lanes from Basingstoke
    (maybe via Cliddesden, Lasham, Bentworth) to Alton, and then through
    to Selbourne and down to Steep, returning perhaps via Froxfield and
    Farringdon and Chawton (Jane Austen country) to Alton, and home would
    be a good day out. There are good pubs in Bentworth (The Sun), Steep
    (The Harrow), and Froxfield (The White Horse at Priors Dean if you
    can find it!).....so eating and drinking on the way should be no
    problem....
    
    I suggest that you pick up a couple of Ordnance Survey maps (approx
    1 inch to the mile scale)... the one called "Winchester & Basingstoke"
    should help, for a starter and you can then see what others you might
    need from that map (there is a grid of these maps covering the whole
    of the UK), they cost about 4 pounds each I think these days.
    
    I hope this helps, I live near Steep so am a bit biased regarding
    this area!....If you do come down call me on Petersfield 892656
    if you are interested in Tudor houses....
    
    Ray Street.

	If I were you, I'd have alternatives arranged too. You can't
	bank on the weather being sunny, or even dry.

	Cycling in the pouring rain may not be too much fun.

	Most places do coach tours around the area, and are fairly cheap,
	ask at the tourist office for info on these too. If the weather's
	not too good, a coach trip to Windsor would be very interesting, 
	including a trip around the castle.

	Don't buy souvineers in Windsor tho', it's very expensive!

	Heather

    
    Greetings from "sunny" Cleveland, Ohio:
    
      Thanks to each of you for the information todate. As we currently
    have some of that liquid sunshine here now, I know exactly what you
    mean by alternative plans due to the weather!
    
      The ride mentioned in .3 sounds perfect, particularly the pub
    stops...   :-)   I will only have the weekend (it real is a business
    trip :-)  ) and therefore will not have a great deal of time. The
    Windsor alternative in .4 also sounds like a great idea.
    
      I will make my stop at the visitors bureau upon arrival. If any of
    you would like to join me at the Hilton Lodge or one of the local pubs
    some evening, let me know.
    
      I will "ring up" .3 upon arrival. Looking forward to that GREAT
    British hospitality that I experience in December during a short visit!
    
    Thanks again and a nice weekend to all of you.............
    
    Regards,
     Bob

Bear in mind that a cycling tour of the southern area of Basingstoke is 
reasonably demanding particularly as you approach the South Downs towards
Petersfield (but thats going somewhat). Remember that .3 lives near 'Steep', and
that is not a bad description of some of the hills around there!!

I'm not trying to put you off, (we are not talking about climbing the Alps here)
just trying to make sure you are prepared.

Your biggest problem I guess will be getting a decent bike for a day or two.

Just watch out for any roads that appear to lie in a direct line between London
and Portsmouth, especially at weekends!!

Have fun

Alex.

    BTW, when are you here?
    
    Ray.

    ... and of course you MUST try that uniquely British institution
     - Real Ale. (Beware of imitations !) Only available in selected
    pubs, normally with the words "Free House" over the door.
    
    Rich.

    
     I will be arriving in Basingstoke on July 2 and staying at least thru
    July 13. I may stay the extra weekend if the weather cooperates. I am
    receiving some training from Strategic Systems International on their
    TROPOS package, along with "several" other individuals fromt he states.
    
     The ONLY problem I seem to be facing at this time is how I will be
    able to "celebrate" the 4th of July "Independence Day" drinking ale in
    a pub!!!!!!!!   :-)
    
     I appreciate the warning about the terrain and will check it out
    BEFORE I get stuck 20-25 miles (km) out!!!
    
      Thanks again for the information......
    
    Bob

    July 4th passes almost unnoticed in the UK!.... If you are lucky
    the Digital staff restaurant _may_ do a special menu, but don't
    get too excited ;-).....at least as there are a few of you from the
    US you will be able to celebrate together, I am sure you will be
    able to find a pub, there are lots of them over here!
    
    Do call if you want, best time to catch me is around 7pm weekdays
    or anytime at weekends.....
    
    Ray.

    You'll be playing some Broooce I hope !
    
    Rich.  (getting nostalgic - Wembley '85) 

	Some pubs in the Basingstoke area have a special evening on the
	4th of July. I remember from last year. They may have trad.
	American dishes on the Menu, or other somesuch things etc etc.
	I would try sneaking a look through the local paper, this may
	highlight such associated events. 
	
	p1

    Hi Bob.
    
    What part of Digital are you likely to be visiting in Basingstoke ??
    
    The idea of joining you for a pint one evening sounds like my sort of
    "sightseeing".
    
    Let us know where you will be and I will arrange to meet up with you
    for a pint (or five).
    
    
    Regards
    
    
    Bruce

    My thought exactly!!
    
    AB