OK folks here is " the plan "
We will aim to start at Romsey Rail Station at 10:15 am in order to accommodate train times.
The 08:03 from Clapham Junction, change at Southampton Central will get you there at 10:05
Alternatively you can leave that train at Winchester and ride with Bollo down to Romsey, one significant hill out of Winchester, not terribly steep, but a mile long and poor road surface in places. Rest of the route is rolling, but quite pleasant for an A road. I can point you at even more "rolling" on lovely quiet lanes if you fancy it.
If coming by car, there is a long stay car park almost opposite....Free on Sundays. It's the first bit of the car park on your left, not the Waitrose bit further in which is time limited.
Cafés in the Garden Centres further up the A3057 may be open early enough for breakfast....I asked in "World of Water" and they say 9 am at the counter, but sign says 10 am Sundays. If not, there is a Costa Coffee at the Esso garage, half a mile north of the station.
Anyone who cannot get to Romsey in time...or who is concerned about the first (unavoidable but very short) off-road section. I suggest getting the 09:03 from Clapham Junction to
Ashurst New Forest and riding to meet up at Copythorne Parish Hall ... grid reference 308137 (29 metre spot height on OS maps) or for GPS: N50 55.378 W1 33.804 at approximately 11 am. If anyone is planning to do this, do let me know in advance so I ensure we wait for you.
Anyone coming with families, looking for a place to meet up near the end of the ride (although no idea on time)...
Carlo's at Wellow (Home made Ice cream) GR 310195. 4 miles from there back to Romsey.
