Weekly Round-up: 2 Nov 2025
All the latest news, events, and results for NFCC Members from the previous week of two-wheeled adventures…
Gravel ‘n’ GrogAnother bad week not to be called Phil(l) on a Tuesday evening in the New Forest… Poor Barry was the odd one out this week, being the only non-Phil(l) of four, for a tour around the original Gravel’n’grogg route. A trouble-free ride leaves little to report, but a special mention must go to the phantom pot-hole that unexpectedly stopped Barry in his tracks through the woods, sending Phil(l)’s flying in all directions to avoid crashing into the back of him. Upon gathering themselves, it tuned it to be nothing more than a shadow which caught Barry’s eye, and engaged his emergency stop procedure. |
Virtual Chain GangSeven riders joined the first Zwift chain gang of the winter season. We rolled out at a steady 2.3 W/kg, gradually lifting the pace as the ride went on, with the group managing to hold together right to the finish. Sessions last roughly 45 minutes to an hour, and there’s often an optional race over the final 3–5 km for those who want to test their legs. Join us every Thursday at 19:00. Just search New Forest Cycling Club on the Zwift Companion app. |
Saturday Club RideDespite a decidedly iffy forecast of showers and wind, a good number of riders turned out for this week’s club ride which was a 105Km forest route. Not only that there was 100% compliance with the request for mudguards. (Thank you everyone). This was later downgraded to 99% after inspection of Ian’s “I’m all right Jack” mudguard that kept him dry and offered nothing to any following riders. To cap it all the whole group was beautifully attired in club kit, so the group aesthetic was very pleasing. |
 There were enough riders for two pelotons but as there was a dearth of Group One regulars it was Group Two A and Group Two B that headed east with a friendly tailwind. After taking the wind for the group for the first seventy-five minutes there was some tittering from the junior ranks in the peloton. As it was Barry and Paul doing this selfless work, they cruelly picked up the moniker The Chuckle Brothers from those who had plenty of time to think about this whilst wheel sucking! Both groups met up for coffee at The Potting Shed. It was even warm enough to sit outside. |
 We lost a few riders at this stage so decidedly to amalgamate into a single peloton for the second half. We consulted the Met Office weather app at this juncture, and confidently agreed that the forecast rain would not hit our route until after 1500. At about 1215 the heavens opened and gave us a good soaking as we went around Bransgore. For this disinformation, The Met Office are going in the barrel this week! We finished our route much like last week with some bonus hills around Sway before the remaining riders made up the Second Coffee Club at The Absent Pony.. |
 After the usual refreshments we headed out again for various routes home only to dumped upon by the downpour that had been forecast, so a soggy end for those staying out the longest. Despite the showers it was great weather for November and an enjoyable ride with quality group riding, well prepped bikes, no mechanicals and smartly turned our riders. Chapeau to all.– Barry. |
Sunday Club RideWith 11 signed up for this weeks Sunday club ride it looked like a straightforward split into two groups. One fast, one slow. However 19 turned up, two at 8.59a.m and only 5 of those were prepared to brave the fast group. After some highly complex last minute maths we decided to split the remaining 14 into two groups of seven. Needless to say more creative mathematical minds than mine meant that only 5 joined me in the middle group and 8 followed on. |
 Good to see that a majority of riders have donned the mudguards with just a few refuseniks risking the ire of whoever has the misfortune to follow them. As a previous mudguard sceptic I don’t have many legs to stand on on this issue but would be good as the weather gets uglier if folk could spare their clubmates from having to endure too much of the ‘Belgian toothpaste’. Start of the ride was into a pretty stiff headwind but apart from that we were treated to lovely autumnal sunshine all the way around. |
 Groups one and two made it back to the safety of the cafe unscathed this week but group 3 came a cropper thanks to Alan W’s brand new tyres springing a leek. Sunday’s real talking point came at the cafe when George , who had been pulling the group around for much of the ride was delivered the meanest slice of cake since the Great Tarte Tartin robbery of ‘76. The crime was exacerbated by the giant chunk of sugary goodness that his clubmate had received off the same piece of cake. A scandal indeed. Great ride as usual and lovely to welcome new rider Simon on his debut. |
Get Involved:If you find yourself out and about representing NFCC, don’t forget to jot down a few words, snap a few photos and send them over to press@newforestcc.co.uk. |
