Gravel ‘n’ Grog Tuesdays
With the TT season coming to its natural conclusion on the 6th of August many of us will be scratching our heads and wondering how to fill the void that will be left in the absence of all that horrible pain and suffering.

Behold, the birth of a new club ride, Gravel ‘n’ Grog Tuesdays.
Starting on Tuesday the 13th of August and running as long into the autumn or winter as folks want it to.

Here’s the plan.
Meeting point number 1. Lyndhurst main car park 5.50 for 6.00p.m start.
Meeting point number 2. Brockenhurst, Church of England primary school car park. 6.30.

Here’s the route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3251119118404745066
Here’s the route with a short cut.
https://www.strava.com/routes/3253293199013420728
The ‘official’ NFCC club ride will conclude at The Vibrant Tap craft ale pub in Lyndhurst for drinks at approximately 7.30.

Riders will then be responsible for making their way home although I anticipate that those that live in the south of the forest might want to use the route provided and ride as a group back to Brock and then onwards from there.
Notes:
The pace of the ride can be dictated by those that show up but we would hope that the culture of the ride would be similar to that of the weekend group rides. i.e, no one gets left behind and we stop to help when mechanical disasters arise. if numbers allow, differently paced groups. All abilities welcome..

Within a few weeks the nights will be drawing in so we advise lights and then possibly hi vis for the ride home.

Usual rules apply, helmets worn, bikes in good condition, no use of aero/tri bars in the group.

The route is relatively flat. All paths are legally accessible by bike. Our risk assessment showed no major issues of concern. There is very little deep gravel or super rough terrain to navigate. Gravel/cyclocross/mtb’s/+even fat tyred road bikes (32mm+) should all be suitable.

The pub has a place to lock bikes and a seating area outside. If it’s cold and we want to go inside then bring locks and alarms if you have them. The Vibrant Tap has promised us a 10% discount. The pub is accessed via the main car park so if folks arrange a lift home or are on the alcohol free stuff and wish to arrive/leave by car, it’s peasy.

Those not wishing to ride or who want to organize a road bike ride finishing at The Vibrant Tap are all welcome the social. ETA 7.30.
I will set up a Gravel n grog whatsApp group.

Phil H