Weekly Round-up: 27 Oct 2024
All the latest news, events, and results from NFCC Members from this week’s two-wheeled adventures…
Gravel ‘n’ Grog TuesdayAnother dark adventure for the ‘Gravel ‘n’ Grog’ ride on Tuesday evening. As always, the plan is to meet at 1745 in Lyndhurst car park ready to set off at 1800. The route down to Brockenhurst is pretty easy riding with a handful of gates to navigate. The gates proved a handy way of keeping the group entertained into the darkness before refreshments at The Vibrant Tap. |
Saturday Club RideEleven riders made the start for this week’s club ride. The planned route was a 110Km forest loop with a mid ride stop at the club favourite Potting Shed in Hyde. We were pleased that Phil H was able to join after his midweek surgery. I would like to take the opportunity of the ride report to scotch the rumours that it was a cosmetic procedure, and Phil was not having two of his fingers re-shaped into tyre levers as this is the primary use for his hands these days. |
 Ten of the eleven riders made the start splendidly attired in winter club jerseys. There is always an exception, Graham had dug out a jersey that Dulux would probably call “turmeric explosion”. Our only conclusion for this monstrosity was that he was off to a Cluedo cosplay event post ride and he was going as Colonel Mustard. Not only did the choice of colour ruin the aesthetic of the peloton it was also “decorated” with an oily imprint of every chain ring Graham has ever owned. Needless to say, Graham makes a long awaited return to the barrel this week for this crime against cycling fashion. He only narrowly beat Smithy for still failing to fit mudguards despite his ample free time. Fortunately Smithy’s turns on the front only occur about as often as Halley’s comet is visible from Earth so not too much impact on the group. |
 The ride set off in some unforecasted light rain which stayed with is for about an hour. We then had a brief stoppage caused by the antidote to a Boy Scout (motto Be Prepared) when Matt K, stopped for a puncture. No problem, tubeless set up, C02 canister to hand, should be a doddle. Two minutes later C02 discharged and not much into the tyre and contributing to the hole in the ozone layer over Minstead. Has Matt got a pump? Has he hell! A borrowed pump and we were back on our way. Has he got his phone with him? See previous answer about a pump!The New Forest was looking at it’s finest with the colours of autumn. We were also treated to the sight of many pigs out for the pannage season. |
 Onwards to the coffee stop, we lost James by this stage as he only had a limited pass for Saturday. Dan attempted to outbid Smithy for the ponciest coffee order with a concoction called a cortado… After coffee, Robert peeled off for some solo efforts and the rest f the peloton headed south. Phil H departed at Moyles Court and Adrian shortly afterwards as we started to shed riders for the last leg. By the time we got to the last hills around The Rising Sun and Sway we were down to four. Neil S said adios at Brock and the last three stopped for a second coffee at The Absent Pony outside Boost Bike Hub in Brockenhurst… See what you miss when you peel off early, you lightweights? |
 Graham was the only one rounding up to a century ride this week to ensure that as many people as possible saw his eyesore of a jacket! As usual an enjoyable ride in lately decent autumn weather spent in good company.– Barry |
Sunday Club RideA chilly start but with the promise of sunshine drew 14 to the start line for this weeks Sunday club ride. With pretty much the whole group in club kit we made our way, in two evenly matched groups, out to the far east of the forest. If Sunday rides had a barrel I would unfortunately be nailing the lid shut on myself this week for repeated cleat/pedal failures which proved both demoralising and embarrassing in equal measure. Pete managed to keep me on the road but after a tiring and trying week this minuscule irritation, caused by a 1mm shim could easily have proven the final straw. On such small margins success and failure are measured! Not much to report other than that the sun did indeed come out and that it was great to welcome new rider Dave into the fold. As the captain of a cruise liner, however who sails next week and will be away for 3 months, we won’t be seeing him again until February. Bon voyage. |
Wessex CX 24/25 – Rd.7: KingsclereAfter last weeks storm and mud, the Wessex Cyclocross League were treated to a sunny, dry race this week at Kingsclere. Find out how the riders from Team NFCC finished by CLICKING HERE. |
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. |
