Weekly Round-up: 6 Apr 2025
All the latest news, events, and results from NFCC Members from this week’s two-wheeled adventures…
Saturday Club RideA beautiful sunny spring day for the club ride this week. Slightly tempered by what seems a strong easterly wind which seems to have become omnipresent this year. This was a good enough situation for about 20 NFCC riders to turn up, short sleeve jerseys and bare legs making their first 2025 appearance for many. Two full pelotons headed out east into the headwind towards Hatchet Pond. Perennial duvet huggers Axum and Smithy just made it in time to make it onto Group 2. We also picked up Ray on the way to Hatchet Pond after he made a last minute change of plan on getting to Brock. |
 The route this week was a hilly 112Km ride to the north. Plan was to get out of the forest for part of the ride as a combination of a sunny day and the start of the Easter holidays was likely to mean that the forest roads would be busier than usual. When we reached Ipley Cross, a late starting Ben A caught Group 2 (like shooting fish in a barrel for Group 1 riders even though Group 2 was averaging 27KmH). He foolishly thought he could chase down a 10 man Group One peloton working together in the wind and averaging over 31KMh and headed off in vain pursuit. His chase only reached fruition when Group 1 stopped for coffee at the 60Km mark. For this act of supreme folly Ben makes his debut in the barrel this week. |
 Both rides headed north for coffee at the Community Shop in Broughton who had kindly laid out a large table the the club. Before we got to that point Matt M and Smithy played the “enforced family fun” card and dropped off before the hilly section in the middle of the ride. Seemed like a bang to rights case of hill avoidance syndrome but some of the kinder members might give them the benefit of the doubt. No chance of that with the scribe for the ride report though. |
 At the coffee stop we were impressed by an act of benevolence from club kit manager Sean. Having taken over the stock and found out that the club had some 3XL jerseys it couldn’t shift (even Barry is somehow still shoe horning himself into a 2XL which shows how good the zips are) he has committed to being on double cake rations until he can fill out those 3XL’s and get them shifted. Coffee taken and most of the hard work done headwind and climbing wise both pelotons headed back south to the forest. Back into the forest we were blessed with a rare tailwind across Ocknell’s Plain, this was too tempting for some who made a bid for the Strava segment for the 4Km straight. Some extremely high speeds were maintained but no prizes won. |
 As we approached Brockenhurst the Second Coffee Club™ started to plan the end of ride stop. Sean, Phill, Graham and Barry were heading for the café and a vote was taken and The Absent Pony lost out to The Foresters Arms where a few pints of post ride carbohydrates were taken in the glorious afternoon sunshine. As expected the usual suspects, Robert, Graham and Axum all rounded up to 100 miles plus Ian who was getting in some extra mileage ahead of Tro Bro Leon next month. Mechanical issues were absent so kudos to all for well prepped machines. Thanks as ever to all for the excellent camaraderie and humour and doubly for those that did turns into the headwinds this week. We salute you.– Barry |
National Mountain Bike XC Series Rd.1 – Cannock ChaseThe first round of the National Mountain Bike XC Series 2025 took place in the ever delightful Cannock Chase on Saturday Afternoon on what so far has been one of the hottest days of the year. NFCC’s permanent “Muddy Bottom” Jay T made the trip to the midlands to test his skills against the nations best on his age group. Making his usual excuse about “Not being gridded” got Jay fired up at the start, and despite not having an opportunity to recover, left a fun race full of overtaking as he made his way through the pack to finish in 16th place. |
Sunday Club RideAnother chilly start but with the promise of lively sunshine tempted 19 members to the start line for this weeks Sunday club ride. Great to see several new and first time riders out and to welcome Neil V back after his hip surgery. We split into three groups and headed out towards Bolderwood. Group one must have had a spring in its step with some fast times but Dan (the Sultan) Soutan laid down a challenge to all the club’s wannabe climbers out there with a superb 7th place on the leader board for ‘The Real Ramp’. |
 My highlight from group two was hearing about how one of our riders (not sure who, as they were behind me) had been badly injured by a Labrador which had launched itself out of the window of a moving car at him. The car owner, who had initially legged it claimed that it wasn’t his fault as the dog had opened the electric windows by itself!, which I’m absolutely convinced is true as all people of reason would be. No doubt, also in mitigation the cyclist may had been carrying snacks in his back pockets which as any Lab’ owner will know, can turn any beloved pet into a single minded, slathering hell-hound. |
 Despite being one of those days when there seemed to be a perma-headwind all three groups made quick progress to the cafe, which of course, is the whole point. Jealous eyes surveyed Stuart and Jobey’s bacon and egg butty’s. By now it was, once again lovely and warm and a number of riders took advantage of the clement weather to add some extra miles. Great company as always.– Phil H. |
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. |
