Weekly Round-up: 8 Feb 2026
All the latest news, events, and results for NFCC Members from the previous week of two-wheeled adventures…
Gravel’n’GroggSome continental Europeans say Brit’s are boring because all they ever talk about is the weather… So, ignoring the forecast rain was number one on the agenda for this week’s Gravel’n’Grogg, but it seems all but four riders missed the memo. With only riders from the southern half of the Forest signed up, the ride officially started from Brockenhurst, where Barry made it three hundred and fifty-three meters along the planned route before he was immediately upside-downed by a water-filled crevasse where the track used to join the road. With a few hundred meters more in the bank, a “tactical” diversion to avoid the water at Bolderford Bridge meant we missed a roving Phill Grant, who was out to try and intercept the bunch. It also meant we missed the correct turn onto the correct track we were aiming for, and with a bit of expert local guidance from Stuart “I walk my dog down here” Woodward, we ended up knee-deep in a bog… |
 Barry’s choice to turn back for home turned out to be a wise one, not only for safety after hitting his head, nor the chance to miss a nice walk through a bog with his bike, but also to avoid the two sections of trail we’d usually use being closed for forestry works. Despite everything absolutely not going the way the three intrepid riders intended, they still made it to the pub at the end for a beverage and a bun… and a quick catch-up with Phill G, who made it back before them! Sounds like your kind of adventure? See you next week, 1800 from Lyndhurst… Bring your waders. |
Saturday Club RideA dozen riders showed up for this week’s tour of the local potholes, floods and muddied roads. This week’s route was just 95Km and within the forest, so we had options to change plans if bad weather materialised. Thankfully it didn’t and we stayed dry apart from when we had to ride through puddles. We welcomed back Smithy for his first club ride for a while. He was on usual form having missed the start due to hydrophobia and joined us at Milkham which was also a severe case of his Bolderwood Aversion Syndrome recurring! We also welcomed Mike for his first club ride. We extended the welcome by taking him on stony roads that resulted in him having punctures in both tyres before we reached the coffee stop. He dealt with them swiftly and we hope this doesn’t deter him from future rides. Extra kudos to Ian for carrying a full-sized frame pump. I’m sure he’ll get bought a number of coffees in the future by lending that out in times of need. |
 Coffee was taken at Steff’s in Beaulieu. It was a pleasant enough day to sit outside but the first six that arrived being a bit soft nabbed one of the inside tables. After coffee it was a ride west and opportunity for riders who were close to home to peel off. Nothing barrel worthy this week. Well turned out riders, bikes well prepped, good group riding. Even this picky and pedantic author cannot find fault with the brave souls putting their noses out into the wind for another winter ride.Thanks all, – Barry. |
Sunday Club RideThe forecast finally stopped pretending it was November, so we had a decent turnout. Group 2 rolled out with eight riders, while the watt‑bomb brigade had a few more because, apparently, some people enjoy suffering. Everyone was looking extra sharp thanks to the freshly collected club kit. Group one set off slightly lighter in numbers but collected Ed and Sean as they headed out of Brockenhurst. What then ensued was a rare, entirely civilised Sunday-paced ride for Group 1, with people taking turns to join Ben at the front of the peloton. This pace was helpful as barely a few yards would pass before shouts of ‘hole’ were required, such is the state of the roads. By the time Group 2 clipped in, Group 1 were already halfway up the hill to Burley, probably discussing marginal gains or protein shakes. |
 Group 2 held it together nicely up the first climb, but on the second one, things got a bit… interpretive. With Phil H’s motivational shouting echoing in our heads, we regrouped and swooped down past Wootton Bridge like we almost knew what we were doing. The roads were decorated with the usual New Forest collection of potholes, mud, and mysterious gunk, but we dodged them with ninja‑like finesse. That is, until Pilley, where John’s vintage steel steed decided it had had enough and let out a sad hiss. “Puncture!” echoed through the group like someone had just announced free cake. John went full F1 pit crew and had the wheel off in about 0.3 seconds. He was reaching for his tyre levers when Andrew announced, “Hang on!” and whipped out his new tool. Jane immediately grabbed her phone because obviously, this moment needed documenting. We all breathed in, tidied our hair, and posed like it was prom night. John inspected the strangely shaped contraption with suspicion, but soon had the tyre off, tube swapped, and we were back rolling in no time. |
 The rest of the route was drama‑free. We cruised past Hatchet Pond, through a light mizzle, and headed straight for coffee like homing pigeons. The resultant puncture delayed Group 2’s arrival at the cafe, meaning they missed the now customary friendly ‘discussion’ Dan had with the waitress about a missing item that was definitely unrelated to the fact he hadn’t ordered it. That disappointment aside, and menu-related education complete, as Group 2 arrived, Group 1 promptly left. We assume it was because they were getting chilly and not because they heard them coming…. Coffee chat, as always, did not disappoint: Shove ha’penny, Space Invaders, ancient surnames, and a pressing question for the ages—who exactly is Gary and why does he have so many awards?!All in all, another cracking Sunday social with plenty of laughs, good chat, and only one questionable tool‑related photoshoot. – Jane H & James A. |
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. |
