Club Ride – Saturday 10th April 2021

Thanks to all those that joined the first club ride of the year last week. Hopefully we’re all getting used to riding in a group again.

One small observation from last week. Please remember that when riding in a group it’s vital that we keep communications flowing up and down the group, whether that’s notifying hazards, advising when to single up or split the group or if a rider is dropped on a hill or having a mechanical issue. This is everybody’s responsibility. It’s not always possible for a rider at the back to bridge to the front to advise of issues so essential that we pass messages though the group in a timely and clear fashion. 

Last week’s pace was a little lively for some first time out, it was more of a mid-summer pace. So, this week try and back off a little and ensure that we keep the group(s) tight. 

Please make every effort to be at the start for 0850 and remember the “Rule of 6” in the car park. Last week we had 11 riders at the start, took the decision to ride one group rather than 2 and shortly after the start we had 15. Which although within the guidelines approved by British Cycling was hard to manage. If we had that many at the start we would have made 2 groups. If you plan to join mid-ride please try and let me know in advance and I’ll factor that into group planning.

Going to increase the distance a little this week. Route will be a 93Km anti clockwise loop around the forest. Usual depart at 0900 from the main car park in Brookley Road, Brockenhurst. Please note that the car park has had its layout changed so we may need to congregate in different places now. Route can be downloaded from:

https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1499210?units=km 

No planned coffee stops but there may be an opportunity for a takeaway service in Burley near the end (make sure you’ve got a face covering handy). We will plan a short stop mid ride for those that want to take on some nutrition.

Please note that the level crossing in Brockenhurst has planned closures this weekend so watch out for more traffic on other roads and traffic jams on the A337. We’re doing our best to keep away from that area, but it may be disruptive at the start and finish and for getting to the start.

Hope to see another good turnout

Barry