A Hampshire Bimble

[PpPete]

OK - so in my planned route as it stands at present, there are some teensy weensy off-road sections. Nothing muddy or steep, all hard packed gravel/aggregate. I run 700x25 tyres and never had any p**ct**s as a result of using these paths. Would suggest the worst patches (very short) are maybe best taken standing rather than sitting, with a relaxed grip on the bars, really letting the bike find it's own best route.

How do people feel about this sort of stuff? My own feeling is that it adds to the character of the ride, but I can quite see that people with bikes made of coal dust stuck together with fairy spit may be less relaxed about it?

 

[StuAff]

Hopefully I'll have my Viner back in working order by then (25mm Durano Pluses and bar gel under the tape). Sounds not too bad in any case. If it is too bad for me or anyone else, walking's always an option.

 

[RUTHIEBAV]

Have you done your "test ride"? If not have you got a date sorted, I'd like to come along if that's ok. I live in Bournemouth so it's on my home ground.
RuthieB

 

[PpPete]

Not done a complete test ride yet, but you'd be welcome to join me when I do. Will let you know.

 

[RUTHIEBAV]

Not done a complete test ride yet, but you'd be welcome to join me when I do. Will let you know.

Fab. Thanks, I cycle round the forest quite regularly so would be nice to have some company.
RuthieB

 

[velovoice]

I'd be up for this, too. Looking forward to seeing itinerary showing rail station locations, so I can work out trains from/to Clapham Jcn or E Croydon. Thanks for organising this one, it's sounding lovely!

 

[Sittingduck]

I'd be up for this, too. Looking forward to seeing itinerary showing rail station locations, so I can work out trains from/to Clapham Jcn or E Croydon. Thanks for organising this one, it's sounding lovely!

Just been looking at the trains. Looks like plenty of direct trains from CJ to Winch' on Sunday mornings. Takes 1hr or 1hr 4 mins, depending on which one. An extra 30 mins to So'ton Central.

 

[Aperitif]

Hopefully I'll have my Viner back in working order by then (25mm Durano Pluses and bar gel under the tape). Sounds not too bad in any case. If it is too bad for me or anyone else, walking's always an option.

Your handlebar grip is going to be mahoosive with all that stuff under them Stu.

 

[PpPete]

You'll have a choice between getting off at Winchester and riding 10 miles to Romsey, or continuing to Southampton Central and getting train to Romsey (which is continuation of the line from Brighton etc)... arriving Romsey just after 10 am.

Various other options exist .... including later trains from the smoke and getting off at one of the stations in the Forest, and joining on from there.

I'll put together a list of as many possibilities as I can find... However, this all seems to have a certain momemtum of it's own now, so we need a list (which I'll post on here like Dell does for FNRttC).

Those who are definitely interested..... please PM me (or e-mail peter<dot>lewis<at>live<dot>co<dot>uk)
with your name/forum name/mobile number/e-mail/ and some indication of your travel plans.

Although this is an entirely informal ride....I'd really really appreciate it if everyone had third party insurance. If you don't already have this through BC/LCC/CTC the most cost effective way of getting it is to join the Fridays and go on an FNRttC so as to get associate CTC membership.

 

[4F]

there are some teensy weensy off-road sections.

What in your description is the distance of "teensy weensy" ?

I will be running on 23's which literally have fag paper clearance between the tyre and crown of the forks

 

[StuAff]

What in your description is the distance of "teensy weensy" ?

I will be running on 23's which literally have fag paper clearance between the tyre and crown of the forks

You can always push or carry the bike. That's what I might end up doing.

 

[Bollo]

What in your description is the distance of "teensy weensy" ?

I will be running on 23's which literally have fag paper clearance between the tyre and crown of the forks

A whole fag paper?! I shall call you Mr Full Susser.

The stretch of A35 in question is quite fast but there's usually plenty of room for car and bike to get along. It's the right turn on to the Burley road that can test the mettle. I'd always be up for a ride through Rhinefield though, it's one of my favourite stretches of road.

After a mile of cross-country on the Bognor FNRttC last year and the resulting pavement dive due to clogged speedplays, I'll not be walking unless I can help it.

Pete - you'll have mail as soon as I've approached the Doris with a business plan.

 

[PpPete]

What in your description is the distance of "teensy weensy" ?

I will be running on 23's which literally have fag paper clearance between the tyre and crown of the forks

The first off-road section is maybe 250 mtrs - and tbh not readily avoidable.

Second is 2.6 km - and entirely avoidable, by using above mentioned A35...road alternative is about 3.8 km and on
23s you'll probably beat us to the point where we join up again, unless you have to wait ages to turn right off the A35.

Third section (which I've just added) - about 800 mtrs, is again entirely avoidable, if you don't mind using a short stretch of the A36.

They are all tracks/unsurfaced roads that could be driven along with care, rather than the sort of footpath used by the Bognor FNRttC.

 

[4F]

Thanks, I think weather will dictate my choice. Nice and I may risk it, damp / wet and I will take the road.

Count me in

 

[PpPete]

Sitting on a fence I see ..... we'll call you 5F then
PM me your details if you wouldn't mind.