HAMBLE CYCLE GROUP 23/24 WINTER PROGRAMME
1. WAKE UP WEDNESDAYS
Every Wednesday morning – we meet with bicycles at the ready in the Hamble Village car park (across from the Co-op by 09.00am ready to depart on the NETLEY /WOOLSTON CIRCUIT (approximately 10 miles, just over 1 hour).
For those highly tuned athletes who want a longer ride start at the same time in the same place and see what is on offer. There are likely to be advocates for the BOTLEY CIRCUIT (approximately 18 miles, about an hour & 45 mins).
Any serviceable bike will do. It is the same circuit for all each week, just do it at your own pace. Afterwards meet back at Jenny’s Café on Hamble High Street for socially distant gathering & refreshments.
2. THE MONTHLY WORKOUT
Every month from OCTOBER to MARCH - generally on the 3rd or 4th Sunday of the month we go “off piste”
This involves driving with bike to a designated meeting point from where we do a cycle circuit, (start in the same place – finish in the same place).
Get there under your own steam or share lifts. Meet at the rendezvous point between 10.00 – 10.15am. Give yourself time to prepare your self and your bike. Rides will start at 10.30am on the designated day.
Rides are approximately 20 miles and normally take 2- 2.5 hours on easy, sometimes slightly undulating minor roads in fabulous countryside.
Afterwards we go to a pub or café for lunch & refreshments.
2023/24 dates are:
Sun 22nd October 2023 OYB Route 10 (Variant) start Bear & Ragged Staff, Romsey 10.30
Sun 19th November 2023 Southwick Circuit - start at Golden Lion, Southwick, PO17 6EB 10.30
Sun 17th December 2023 Hayling Billy etc followed by XMAS PUB LUNCH - start at Ship Inn, Langstone PO9 1RD 10.15
Sun 21st January 2024 Alresford/Cheriton/Itchen Abbas circuit - Start at Tichborne Arms, SO24 0NA
Sun 18th February 2024
Sun 17th March 2024
3. THE BIG EASY CHALLENGE
Every year, around Easter, we plan a big easy Challenge, A 3 -5 day “away trip” involving transport, accommodation and social activities.
In 2018 we did The Wiggle New Forest Spring Sportive”
In 2019 we did “Hamble to Bristol”
In 2020 we were set to do “Le Tour” a 5 day circular cycle from Hamble to Hamble via The French Normandy Beaches – this has been postponed due to Coronavirus, and is to be resurrected at a later date.
In 2021 we were planning to resurrect "Le Tour". However, Covid prevented this due to quarantining etc.
In 2022 we did the 6 Ferries Ride (Hamble to Hamble via the Isle of Wight) A 3 day "Road Trip"
In 2023 we did the April Fools Challenge, Exeter to Hamble over 4 days.
In 2024 SAVE THE DATES: Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th April 2024.
We have a wonderful 2, 3 or 4-day flexible event lined up once again, with lots of variety for cyclists and non-cyclists. THIS EVENT WILL BE "Launched" at the BIKE PARTY on 14th November 2023. (See Below)
4. GROUP BLOGS
It is your turn to tell us what you have been up to on your bike this year. If you would like to write a blog on your adventures then get in touch with Pete who can give you the site log in.
Topics for 2022 so far include:
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250 mile Family ride from London to Paris, learn about the route, the team and the logistics for putting together this ride.
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6 Ferries Ride. This years "challenge" - on the road again.
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Coast & Castles, Northumbria & Scotland....Epic!
5. BIKE PARTY
Every November to kick start the winter programme we have our annual "Bike Party" fundraiser charity dinner. Not to be missed. Crazy prizes, Tall tales, Photo gallery, Big challenge announcement, Lots of fun & frolics.
5TH ANNIVERSARY - TUESDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 2023 - ROYAL SOUTHERN YC
18.30 Pre-dinner drinks in the South Bar
(place raffle prizes on the “Goodies” table)
19.00 Canapes & purchase of raffle tickets
from our raffle Angels
19.30 Welcome & Cycle Update
19.45 Buffet Supper
20.30 The “Big” April Challenge Reveal
20.45 Christine & Geoffreys Summer Tour
21.00 Robbies Famous Quiz
21.20 Cutting & Eating of the 5th Birthday Cake
21.30 The Darth Vader Award
21.45 Raffle Prize Draw