Wednesday Wanders & Other Rides

Another Wednesday Wander ~ 10th June 2026

Our wander today took twelve riders up through Nursted Rocks in two groups, where we paused part way up to let the trailing traffic get past. The first group only held up eight cars, whilst the second group accumulated sixteen! We wended our way through the lanes in the sunshine, passing Quebec and the lovely view across the valley. We journeyed on down the lane waving to the deer at Sky Park Farm and onto the Durleighmarsh Tea Barn for refreshments. Once replete we travelled back in the sunshine looking at the big black cloud coming in from the West. It didn't rain, unlike last week, and we all returned safely and dry. Thanks to Brian for leading the second group and to the back markers, all in all a splendid morning jaunt.

Wednesday Wander ~ 3rd June 2026

Eleven riders mustered at Sheet Green hoping the weather would be kind and not as the forecast had predicted. We set off in two groups to Liss and on towards Rake. In between we picked up another rider who was waiting patiently for us and unfortunately we lost one of our number as a slow puncture curtailed the adventure. The promised rain slowly increased in intensity as we approached Milland, where refreshments were enjoyed in cramped circumstances. As we were leaving the heavens opened up, but being hardy souls we soldiered on up and through Borden Wood, onto Hillbrow and then back to our starting place. Many thanks to all our members who enjoyed our wet adventure, especially the backmarkers Barry, Trevor and Julia and to Daph as the leader of the second group.

Tuesday Toddle ~ 26th May 2026

Well this could almost be titled "Ten Green Bottles" as the intended participants grew quickly despite the warning of the climb UP Kiln Lane. In the event the forecasted excessive heat resulted in a number withdrawing for valid health and safety concerns. So 4 of us equipped with electrical power enjoyed the climb and waited but only a short while for Rodney, the only one on a naturally aspirated machine, to join us. The gentle run down to Finchdean was enhanced by shade and then more open sun through Rowlands Castle and , via quiet lanes, to Crookley Park. Jenny & Greg retired inside for the break so I cannot comment on their refreshments but the rest of enjoyed delicious cakes on the terrace. A run out on the old A3 from Horndean, with a cycle path led us to the Hampshire Hog where it was agreed that the leader and Audrey would leave the group to return to the starting point, climbing the Butser Gap via QECP. Temperature of 31.5 recorded up the road at Kew.

Along the flightline ~ 22nd May 2026

Nine of us headed through East Lavant & on to the Goodwood estate, past the house to the Waterbeach side, through Boxgrove, to our coffee stop at Tangmere Aviation Museum, sadly things were not so efficient as on previous occasions. Using the cycleway across to Oving, we headed to Nyton, at Eastergate/Fontwell Avenue we were bedevilled by road works & traffic volumes, eventually we accessed Eastergate Lane to head to our lunch stop at Walberton, like other pubs in the vicinity things seem up for change at The Holly Tree, but eventually our food arrived & was generally enjoyed by all. To avoid the outward traffic snarl we headed down the Barnham cycleway to give a more pleasant ride back to Eastergate, leading to Easthampnett & the bridge back on the A27 to our outward route, hoping for ice creams on this glorious afternoon we diverted to the Goodwood Farm shop in anticipation, but other than a fine display of Goodwood Farm meat & their organic milk machine there was not an icicle in sight. We arrived back at out starting point with 24.5 miles each under our belts. With thanks for everyone's company & Sue for leading the second group, I think we can say an enjoyable time was had by all. Brian

Wednesday Wander to Crookley Park ~ 20th May 2026

Five jolly cyclists met in at the Causeway Layby and set off in the sunshine up through QEP , down, through and then under the A3 for another climb up towards the Hampshire Hog. Then we had a nice drop down hill into Chalton and then onto another climb up towards Blendworth and Crookley Park, formerly known as Blendworth Fabrics, and their Cafe for refreshments, where we were met by Philip. Now a group of six, we headed homewards via quiet country lanes to Finchdean, on through Idsworth, into New Barn Lane, where we said goodbye to Philip and Audrey. We proceeded along New Barn Lane and then down Kiln Lane into Buriton.before returning to our starting point. A round trip of 17 miles was enjoyed by all.

Another Hilly Wednesday Wander ~ 6th May 2026

Thirteen enthusiastic riders gathered in the Causeway layby and set off in three groups towards the Old Dairy at Privett, avoiding the potholes in the Ramsdean Road and other places along the way. After two challenging hill climbs we arrived at the Old Dairy for well earned refreshments. Being replete we set off back to the starting point via Burleigh, East Meon and Frogmore. A big thank you to Rodney, Sue, Paul, Lynda and not forgetting Deanna, in her orange jacket; for leading and back marking duties in the various groups. Thank you to all riders for their company on the ride and at the Old Dairy, it made for a very pleasurable outing in the sunshine.

Wednesday Wander (without Chris) - 29th April 2026

12 Cyclists (Paul, Bill, Chris, Chris, Christine, Deanna, Flik, Jenny, Ken, Lynda, Rodney & Sue) left Sheet Green in two groups on a glorious morning for this very special Wednesday Wander - No Chris – our leader – a very rare sight! We did however have Bill for his very first ride with the group – Welcome Bill. We wandered to Liss Forest (via West Liss & Greatham) where Julia joined the ride but unfortunately Flik had to leave us at that point so we were still a 12. We continued to Rake & Milland Stores where we enjoyed drinks & treats. The return journey went back to Petersfield via Borden, Rake & Liss Centre although 3 cyclists sought a quicker way home & left us at Tullecombe. My thanks to Chris Bucks for leading the second group. To Rodney & Ken for back marking duties and to everyone else for coming & their lovely company. See you all again soon.

The Hayling Islander April 24th 2026

A small but select group of four departed Havant station for the 'tour de Hayling', commencing with coffee at The Spring, then over Langstone Bridge to the recently refurbished Billy Trail, in perfect cycling weather. On to Beachlands & the beach trail to Eastoke, joining the sea wall path, with sparkling views towards the Isle of Wight, returning via Southmoor Rd., to join the beachfront road to the Ferry Boat inn for a splendid 'good value' lunch, wending our way back via West Lane & an 'ice cream' stop at Northney Tea Room to return to our starting point having completed 19 miles.