Well I failed dramatically in my attempt to get to QECP! Alarm went off at 5.30 I put it on snooze, or so I thought, and the next thing I know it's 7.30 and I have missed my opportunity as H has his rugby at 10 which requires a 9.20 set off. This weekend it will happen I promise 🙂
Hi CG remind me agin where it is you ride, see if we can get something sorted out your way?
I did my first Hampshire based ride on Saturday, a quick spin around the Hamble and ferry back over. Lovely sunny morning 🙂 Will keep an eye on this and will be up for a QE trip and Lordswood ride too.
Flickr image embedding seems to be unavailable these days ..
[url= http://flic.kr/p/krqZx8 ]Hamble Ferry[/url]
Got it now, cannot seem to get correct code from mobile devices.
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Awe... My Home!!!!
Cracking place 😀
Lovely pic. Use that ferry a few times in the summer months, QE this weekend!
Hi CG remind me agin where it is you ride, see if we can get something sorted out your way?
Hi John. Unfortunately health is rubbish again but thank you anyway.
Up to you chaps to keep this thread going but don't think that will be a problem!
Sorry to hear that SG hope things improve soon.
Made it to QECP at last! My lord it was tough due to my current lardy and unfit state. Still, once I had dragged myself through the mud and up the hills I got a chance to try out the new skills taught in the coaching session a few weeks ago. Cleared the small table tops and flew off all the drop offs, yes, I know they are not huge but last year I fell off trying a tiny one and have bottled it ever since. Went back and rode the section over and over again, great fun.
[img] http://www.flickr.com/photos/14440616@N03/12860520975/ ][img] http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/12860520975_0276fc8af4.jp g" target="_blank">http://www.flickr.com/photos/14440616@N03/12860520975/ ][img] http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/12860520975_0276fc8af4.jp g"/> [/img][/url] [url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/14440616@N03/12860520975/ ]QECP drop off[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/14440616@N03/ ]Caffinefree[/url], on Flickr[/img]
Thing about QECP is in photos it doesn't look at all steep, as we know it is very steep in parts..
Good effort.
I hacked my new roadie up and over the Downs today, blimey. Some lanes are in a right mess and still flowing rivers rather than roads.
Proper sunshine though 😀
That particular drop, looks like the one on Snakes & Ladders. Just after a pair of table tops. Leads into a left hand berm?
If so, it is a fairly tricky one as if you hit it at the wrong angle it can send you into the berm all wrong.
Off up there for a spin tomorrow morning, think I'm going to do the Red & a bit of SDW slogging.
Also, your bike looks very tasty. X
I remember that drop, gingerly nosing the front wheel off it after a few bigs falls in 2012
Then after a jedi session I'm happily popping off it (and equally happy taking a B line if I'm not "in the moment" so to speak)
Yes, that's the one matbee. It's a right slog getting to that point t the moment, think next time I will miss out the first mile or so.
Sunshine was nice wasn't it bikebouy 🙂
Mork, it's amazing the difference a session with him makes to your confidence, I am going to go back and take my daughter later in the year.
Cheeky way is to do first climb then start Electric Avenue, the bit after the fire track at top of climb. When the singletrack crosses a bridle way turn right steeply up hill on b/way then left at junction 20-30 m along. Follow that, with car park to your right & it brings you to where the climb out of a Snakes & Ladders (the bit you were sessioning) crosses the fire track. I didn't tell you that though, and if it's busy walker wise you'd be better off pushing the bike to avoid conflict.
As I understand it, the A3 section of trail is due to be destroyed by felling works at some point soon so no maintenance is being done to it, hence the poor state of that bit of trail.
... or first climb to the top, turn onto the road, up to Juniper car park and take the fire road over to session Snakes and Ladders.
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Good stuff thank you both.
@johnj - nice bike ! Look forward to catching up sometime, might not be back in UK till late March though.
Great ride this morning, QECP red trail was sloppy and slippy but good fun, Head Down (if I'd ridden there, which of course I didn't as just like all the other riders who were over there I know I shouldn't) was great, barely any mud on some of the trails but where there was mud it was hellishly greasy!
Mini Transition owners meet at one point, me on y Bandit plus another Bandit and a Covert, most I've seen in one place!
Thanks to the guy on the 456 who I had a chat with & who directed me to some trails I'd not ridden before too.
Now off for a nice pub lunch to replace the calories burnt off....
@matbee - as I said before I am up for being shown around and I'll bring the Covert for a re-union (although it shows me up for the mincing rider that I really am). Happy to exchange info re Surrey Hills and organise some rides there if there is interest.
Jambalaya, that would be cool. Not ridden Surrey hills for years.
Where is this place called 'head down' that nobody rides? I always thought there must be more at QECP but don't know where to find it.
@jambalaya thanks, it's a nice bike I can't use it how it should be used due to lack of skill though. It's the benefit of becoming 40+ and choosing not to have the massive party that my wife had, more money to spend on a new bike 🙂
By the end of March it might actually have stopped raining if you're lucky
Just to add that I've actually been riding today! Ma boy was dahn from That Lahndun so we provided the entertainment in the Stockbridge vicinity.
I was on the cx whilst he was on his ss commuter leaving me a whining blur in the distance. 🙂
He was amazed at the friendly roadies we came across, loved the scenery and has promised to return. 8) I did tell him that Hampshire is ace for road riding!
Great to be out with some blue sky isn't it CG
No blue sky around Stockbridge John! Got back to the car just as the drizzle started, so good to be out. 🙂
Hi Mattbee
not a problem always glad to help but remember I didn't tell you anything right 😉
(Chap on the 456)
I've been riding today. 8) A little jaunt on the new cx saw me again in the Test Valley but a new to me route. Followed the River Test for a little then followed the Wallop Brook which was nicely full. Visited a 13th century church that was actually open.
If anyone wants some nice quiet roads where hardly any cars were seen then starting from Horsebridge gives access to plenty. Stockbridge is another starting point. The roads were fairly flat so could be ideal for a family ride. Not suitable for 23mm tyres though!
There is a pub at Horsebridge and noticed around 20 road bikes parked up outside!
Will be returning to this area as I'm trying to regain confidence on the roads after an accident.
Check out bobmbc.com
Good club based down in Crowthorne - ride lots around Surrey/Berkshire/Hampshire border
4 or 5 rides a week covering all fitness levels
Cheers
CG how was the road out from the John O'Gaunt? I was up there last week and the river was still over the road in 3 or 4 places, pretty deep too.
Cheers
Andy
Andy - yes, water covered the road in a couple of places although not deep. The road surface was not too clever near those places and gravel had spread across the road.
Edit: I did actually watch a sporty car drive very sheepishly through but made it.
I am going to try and get back to QECP this weekend again. Feeling the love with my new found nerve on the drop offs, need to keep practicing.
Nice around those parts CG I love Stockbridge, want to live there.
My parents live in Kings Sombourne, actually just outside village itself on the Horsbridge Road, my sister is quite a keen roadie and rides the area fairly regularly on visits from her home in Devon. Stockbridge is indeed ok too 🙂
John I'll be about at the weekend and probably riding Saturday morning but probably won't have a car suitable for QECP visit unless I rent something but if you are going up there please post here and if I can join I will otherwise it will be another spin from Hamble but towards Hill Head and beyond.
Bit relevant: http://www.qecptrailcollective.co.uk/2014/03/red-trail-night-dig/
QECP trail team keeping the trail going thought the winter 🙂
Worked on a new end to the red trail to make the steps run out much easier and a cool new 180 berm. Also drained all the puddles near the end.
P.S What a turn out for a Wednesday evening. We will be doing another one in couple of weekend to get the New section open.
I'll be at home this and next weekend but I'll be hacking the roadie through my end of the Downs.... 😀
Jambalaya, if I go Saturday it will probably be early morning, I am happy to give you a lift if you like assuming you are near Fareham? Let me know if you are interested and if so I will firm up a time and day one way or the other.
@johnj - it's very kind but I'm not near and also it would mean heading the wrong way for you.
Who's enjoyed the sun today? 😀
I was put to work in the garden cutting back trees! Far more dangerous than mtbing as I cut through the electrical cable on the hedge cutter!!!!!! I didn't die, obv!
Going to try and get out tomorrow.
Great ride in QECPand beyond this morning. Couple of hours, very little mud and a short sleeved jersey on!
New end to Red trail looks like it will be fun & the work done on & just before the big berms has made them mega quick once more. Great work as always from the Collective.
Heading back tomorrow morning for some more fun in this lovely weather, got to make the most of it.
Another coastal ride, even a token amount on beach before deciding that sand and salt water wouldn't be good for mechanicals ! Lovely. Gratuitous bike love photo to follow.
Right! Yesterday was tree felling day so no riding. Today has been a 4 mile run at 7 am rugby with the boy until 12 and the last hour spent cursing at the broken hard drive in my laptop. I think it's time to head to QECP and try to hurt myself.
Brilliant late afternoon ride at QECP. Spent a good while sessioning snakes and ladders(I think that's the name of the section) but still couldn't get my landing right of the drop off into the berm, good fun though. Then did the second half of the trail and nearly came off a couple of times on final descent and that other section with a downhill bermed bit. Looks like the new end to the final descent will be good. I then went and did another loop around snakes and ladders before returning to the car which I stupidly parked in juniper as opposed to the lower car park.
The weather was amazing, so warm for this time of year, brilliant!
Sounds as though there's been plenty of riding going on. 8)
This is looking towards King Somborne, a real rattley descent on an unclassified road from a dizzy height of 115 metres.
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cg, there appears to be something wrong with your bike!!!!! Someone must have broken into your garage at night and whipped of a load of components such as forks, bars, tyres etc and replaced with funny rigid road stuff 😉
Sorry! 😳 Haven't been off road for a while so let's have some Hampshire bluebells. 😀
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What are those strange things on the end of your bars? 😉
More giggles for you PJ. 😆
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QECP tonight, can't wait for those dry trails 😀
Gahhhh not fair Scott! By the time I arrive home from work it's dark 🙁
another spin from Hamble
jambalaya - i'm quite interested in routes from hamble. I've moved to bursledon but haven't found a lot of off road yet - any pointers...
johnj2000, we dont start riding until 18:45 at least. WellScott might get there earlier, but I cant.
More giggles for you PJ.
Thanks. 😆
ooooh 6.45. Doing it in the dark? I am a danger to my health in daylight let alone dusk/dark. Have fun you loons 🙂
Cheeky QECP and nearby ride after work, it's so dry and fast it's silly!
I was up there at around 1300. The trails are running perfect. Best they've been since just before Christmas.
What are these trails you talk of?
I'm having too much fun on the road. 😀
Never mind "what are these trails you speak off" more like what are these times you speak of? 13.00 do you not need to be tied to a desk at that time? 18.45 do you not have to be bathing the children or running them to cubs? 🙂
"Grabs tin hat and runs for cover......"
John - I know it's tough with kids, been there, done that. Enjoy them whilst they're young cos when they become teenagers your work will really start! Mine flew the nest many years ago but my son is now into road riding and he recently came down with his bike to enjoy the Hampshire roads.
I do look back on that time fondly but it was bloomin' hard work especially with one that was in hospital regularly.
Keep smiling. 😀
Wow what a ride! 0% mud, 26.3km ,756m of climbing/decent & first non-stop lap of the red since last summer.
@tomthumb Burseldon nice ! I've just been riding up/down the river and coastal trail (solent way path - yes there are no biking signs but a few riders and I always and very courteous to the walkers) I tend to take warsash ferry one way (£1.75) as its quite fun and helps support it. The bridleway in the woods between Hamble and Burseldon has a couple of "roll ins" you can play on but you have to push/climb back out. Other stuff I read on here from @bikebouy and @john I will try out (Alver Valley Browndown looks to be about 45 min ride away with ferry or 75 mins without) it all seems to be a mix of small road, bridleway and paths but I have no bike friendly car at the moment, so just glad to be out and about. When I can I'll get to Lordswood and QECP.
Living in Ryde I quite fancy a trip to QECP. Worth the ferry trip?
Yes if you catch it while its still dry Pimp, riding over or driving?
If riding:
http://documents.hants.gov.uk/ccbs/countryside/ShipwrightsWayLeaflet-Section10-Havant.pdf
http://documents.hants.gov.uk/ccbs/countryside/ShipwrightsWayLeaflet-Section9-FinchdeantoStauntonCountryPark.pdf
http://documents.hants.gov.uk/ccbs/countryside/shipwrightsway-section8.pdf
Thanks for those.
While riding would be a lot cheaper, I'm not sure how much energy I'd have left once getting to QECP... Google reckon it's 17 miles each way, so doable. But I think I'd probably drive. 😉
other option is train from Portsmouth to Petersfield its about 2 miles to QECP from the station.
Or ask very nicely if one of us is going past.... 😉
Now we're talking. 🙂
Ditto! If it coincides with one of my trips I'm happy to give you a lift
Jambalaya, I travel from Bedhampton to Lordswood for the Thurs eve rides, if you fancy it one eve & I'm going I'd be happy to pick you up on my way past, I tend to leave Bedhampton at 5:45/6ish and am back home for half 9/10.
Got a van so can easily fit another person and bike in.
QE was amazing today. Get up there whilst it's still dry.
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^^^ oooooh lovely 😀
Anybody know how the Hangars in NE Hants are riding at the moment? Guessing thick, ankle-deep mudpits in the shade but I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised!
Well, the roads around the upper reaches of the Test are a mess. Seems the floods and frost has ruined them. Nice couple of hours earlier, though. Looking like the waters are subsiding as well.
Oh, and why do so many new roadies insist on wearing all black? Virtually invisible on some of the lanes around here! FWIW, I had a red top and a light on both my helmet and bike. With the low sun, it's pretty hard to be seen!
Off to QE tomorrow afternoon 🙂
@mattbee thanks for kind offer, I'll stay in touch.
@timthumb - if you want to mail me you're welcome, I spent some time exploring tracks around Manor Farm country park on Thursday some quite nice scenic xc ridding mix of woods and open ground. With the hambke/warsash ferry link (note it doesn't run all the time and last one in winter is 4pm I recall) you can do quite a nice loop around 2 hours. Or 1 hour spins in Manor Farm from Burseldon, a bit of portage over a few (cough) styles or similar down to Hamble and back via Netley side, it's a mix of trail, track and road.
There are some great trails up this side of the Hamble, take the path right over the M27 past Bursledon Brickwprks and into the lower section of the River path then pop out at the top of the hill and roll down to the tennis courts, turn right into the woods that take you out at the Pub then turn right on to Botley road and turn left into Botley Woods then just play around in there. I'm around this weekend but road riding in the Downs.
Is it worth me making the effort to find botley woods bikebouy or is it similar to bere forest? Also is there anywhere to park the car close by in case I have a free hour suddenly appear one evening.
QE yesterday, couple of laps of the red loop one of which saw me get a little too close to a tree trunk with my face for my liking. Think I was about an inch from disaster, made me rather aware of my mortality for a while. Found myself slipping a lot on the first twisty downhill section and today decided to invest in a new front tyre, got myself a purgatory control to try.
Today has been searching for headset bearings without any luck and then a strip down, degrease, wash, polish, and helitape of the bike as I can't ride it until the headset is sorted. Looks very shiny now 🙂
Well done for getting out! How were the conditions at QEP?
Have a giggle: was out this week on the cx (sorry!) and stopped beside a grassy bank to eat an energy bar. A 4x4 stopped, wound down the window and asked if I was OK. Replied that I'd just been eating and they said they thought that perhaps I'd taken a tumble!
How amazing was that?? 😀
Botley Woods is a good place to hack around, you have a large fire trail that runs through the middle of it which I use to link laps of the footpath/singletrack up and over the hill in the middle. You do have to explore the singletrack to get to know the place but there are trails that run up and over the hill and following down to the railway line then it cuts back through the ferns back up the hill. I use the Woods as part of a few loops ( including Manor Park Farm ) and then linking back down the old railway line running into Wickham then cross the brook and back up through Knowle Woods then back home via the myriad of footpath/bridle ways heading back to Warsash. If you want to park head over to the Wickham road that runs north out of Tichfield Mill past the Garden ctrs and follow the road up and over the hill and near Hampshire Clay Shoot, just there on the left is a small layby that gets used for dog walkers or you can park at the bottom of the hill at the entrance to the Electric Sub Station, failing that park over Whiteley near Tescos and enter the woods from there.
You can have a lot of fun hacking, once you get to know it well you will find all sorts of singletrack that we use, look for tell tail tyre tracks....
Have fun.
