New Forest With Friends

Anyone would think that I have an obsession with the New Forest, given the amount of times that I've been out for a ride there this year. They would be right too. I do have an obsession; the whole park is a treasure and an absolute cycling paradise. I use a 100Km course from Brockenhusrt early in the season to get me into the groove as it does not present much uphill work. This time I was here with friends from work, introducing some of them to the delights of the Hampshire countryside for the first time.

http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=457411

In my kit bag, I carried a base layer, 3/4 length bibs, arm warmers, gillet, leg warmers and two sets of gloves - one pair of full fingered and one pair of fingerless. The weather had been pretty awful  leading up to the specific weekend, but remarkably the sun was in full display come the Saturday morning. What not to wear? I stuck with the arm warmers and bibs and decided against the leg warmers and full fingered gloves.

After what seemed like an eternity to get ready, the 7 strong group gathered at the mouth of the Brockenhurst train station car park and I gave the lecture about having fun and waiting for everyone on the hills. On the flat we would probably be riding as a pack, but the hills are where strength and power to weight ratios show there hand big time. You have to be aware of this if you are going to lead a ride.

Off we go and it's a steady lead out through the town centre, through the ford, which was a bit of a surprise and onto the beautifully named Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. The scenery bursts out from behind the trees almost immediately. Then as quickly as it appeared the open heathland disappears and  the first steady ascent begins. Shaded by Pine and Douglas Firs on either side of the smooth tarmacked road, we climb up to the busy A35. The road gets a bit flatter and so the pace quickens; I warn of the nearing punchy hill. already were making good time and mostly together as a group.

The punchy hill arrives and there's an inevitable break. Some of this group are new to riding, some of them are new to group riding. A few of them are really good at both. The riding is good and consistent though, despite the straying horses and donkeys. Up the hill, over the other side and down again; cycling is a bit like that. One of the wee foals tries to head me off the road on a tight downhill corner, I out turn it but the foal strays rapidly to the other side of the road to repeat its manoeuvre. Slowing, I try to brush past the stubborn creature without scaring it. Eventually I give up and unclip and just as I do, the damn animal walks away.

What is staggering about the new forest is the way that the heathland suddenly opens up from behind dense wooded areas. Long straight roads in open plain. A cross wind is thrown in for good measure; the road turns and were into a headwind. Someone else takes the lead and is quickly pinned back. We're making staggeringly good time however and soon its time for a cup of tea. As most people in the group, actually everyone, has or does work in the sports nutrition world, the talk turns to energy gels. Nik has a cigarette; to increase his lung capacity. Its hot, so most people are glad to have a rest and a drink of water. Looking at the map, we're were very close to the turn off for Bucklers Hard. This represents about two thirds distance ridden. The route is virtually flat from here. Flat but with strong on shore sea breeze to put you off your stride. The Isle of Wight looks lovely in the sun however, all white cliffs, blue shimmering water and shiny yachts. 

"The wind will be behind us in a minute". its a long minute bu eventually we turn for home. Over the bridge at Lymington, up the hill out of town and back out onto the vast heathland. There are a couple of good downhill sections here. Time to get some free motion. Its over too quickly though and soon enough the Red Shoot Inn passes us by. Another ford to cross, past the rather splendid Moyles Park School and onto the flat section home. The pace goes up and people are dropping out the back, the front group eases off. I'm still shadowed by a couple of riders but people are getting tired as we only have 8 miles to go. I can almost smell the chips; I always get a craving for chips. The final sections are very flat with minimal traffic; very straight too, interspersed with the odd roundabout. We turn off the A35 and head for the open moor again.

Rhinefield drive is upon us again as the loop is starting to close. A nice downhill section to finish. Time to really go for it. I can hear the clunking of a Colnago behind so someone has come with me. we hit 63Km/hr and then the brakes. A sign for Brockenhusrt whizzes past. Left turn into town and through the ford once more. The finish line. Everyone is still intact and hopefully pleased with their effort.