Following on from the strong form of riders on the first two club rides since the re-start, this weeks ride will again be a little longer than the previous ones as we get back to “normal”.

Usual meet at 0850 for an 0900 depart from the car park in Brookley Road, Brockenhurst.

Route can be found at: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1507221?units=km

Route is 103Km

I’m expecting the forest to be a bit busier this week with the campsites re-opening as well as more shops and hospitality venues opening. There is also a UK Cycling event that is fully subscribed running in the forest Saturday and Sunday so we will have more traffic and more riders to contend with than we are used to. I’ve done my best to avoid the routes being used by the sportive but that has meant largely reversing last weeks route to do this and make the coffee stop work.

With the easing of lockdown restrictions, we can re-introduce a coffee stop to this weeks ride. After around 58Km we’ll pass the Community Shop in Minstead. This is a well-used and well-liked stop for the Saturday ride but please be aware of the following considerations. Although we can ride in groups of up to 15 when we stop (or anytime we’re not riding) the “Rule of 6” applies. So, when queuing or taking drinks onto the green remember “Rule of 6” and Social Distancing. Face coverings are also mandatory to enter the shop as is contactless payment so please come equipped. Current hygiene restrictions also mean that the shop cannot refill bottles so if you need additional supplies you will need to buy bottled water. We’ll ensure that we have manageable groups to ensure that we don’t arrive at Minstead en masse.

Hope to see another good turnout

Barry