Weekly Round-up: 24 Mar 2024
All the latest news, events, and results from NFCC Members from this week’s two-wheeled adventures…
Saturday Club RideThe forecast of high winds and showers obviously put a lot of regular riders off this week. Only ten riders made the start. A foretaste of what was to come was apparent with the early arrival of Phil J and Smithy. Thanks to the mighty tailwind that assisted their rides to Brockenhurst they were significantly earlier than usual. We duly headed out west towards Burley into the headwind. A strong turn on the front by Simon was appreciated by all who followed. The ride continued up to Thorney Hill and then descended Forest Road towards Bockhampton. At the bottom of the hill came the sound every cyclist dreads as a loud hiss confirmed a sudden rear wheel puncture for Barry. A new tube was inserted but it was one of those horrible punctures where no cause was found and inevitably a few minutes later the tyre was deflating. At this point, Barry decided to limp home and waved goodbye to the group. |
| The group carried on as planned on the 108 km route and stopped as planned dead on halfway at The Potting Shed for coffee. Some people think these club rides are planned on the back of an envelope. But thanks to the use of the world’s largest supercomputer the detailed planning ensured that the day’s heaviest shower occurred when the riders were scoffing cake and by the time everyone was replete blue skies had returned. The ride continued past Red Shoot and High Corner and the conversations on whether to follow the plan or run for cover intensified. At Milkham the decision became critical. The flakier members of the peloton, led by Smithy dodged the Nomansland / Bramshaw loop and headed towards Bolderwood and home. Those made of sterner stuff led by Graham took on the extra loop and were rewarded by blue sky and sunshine. Some riders decided to extend the ride with the help of more coffee and cake with Axum and Graham logging yet more century rides. It only remains to decide who’s turn it is in the barrel this week. Not satisfied with a double puncture, when he got home to repair his bike, Barry’s bike fell off the stand and broke the rear mech hanger so an uncontested fall from glory for our mighty leader this week. |
Not the Portsmouth Easter CircuitsNFCC’s racing snake Reece Dawson was back on the track at Mountbatten this week for the Omega Not the Portsmouth Easter Circuits. His report reads: “Back again for round 2, it was a smaller field this week but there were a couple of familiar faces. No one really wanted to attack and nor did my legs really. The wind helped to break the group in 2, by 5 minutes to go knew more than likely it was going to end in a sprint so to try and avoid that attack just before the last lap. didn’t want to look behind me but didn’t have enough kick to break away and just towed everyone to the finish straight. take 4th, 2 points from cat 3.” |
Pain On Portsdown The Re-Run-RunNFCC Had a strong representation once again at another local time trial event. Sien van der Plank and Sam Dorkings were both in attendance on the 16.5 mile course just north of Portsmouth with Sien in a two-up and Sam flying solo. Averaging just over 21mph on the hilly course, Dorkings smashed out a time of 46m52s for 10th place on the day. In her duet, Sien crossed the line to take second on the day in 45m17s, just 57 seconds off first place. |
Velotik RT (SCCA 2 Of 21)Bob Jollifee was reportedly on tour this weekend with a trip “up north” for the Velotik RT (SCCA 2 Of 21) 15-mile TT on the renowned D315/1 course. Clocking an impressive 52m07s for 38th place on the day. |
Get Involved:If you find yourself out and about representing NFCC, don’t forget to jot down a few words, snap a few photos and send them over to press@newforestcc.co.uk. |
