Weekly Round-up: 22 Mar 2026
All the latest news, events, and results for NFCC Members from the previous week of two-wheeled adventures…
Gravel’n’GroggNothing bolsters the numbers like a spot of good weather, and after what feels like a thousand days of rain, the sun finally came out for long enough to begin drying out the trails and encouraging a few more riders from their winter slumber… Five riders left Lyndhurst at 6 pm and made their way to Brock without the need for any lights – BLISS! The group doubled in size at the mid-ride rendezvous, and 10 riders headed back out onto the trails… the wrong way! |
 A spot of miscommunication left the group improvising for a few kms and turning around mid-track thanks to a rogue Garmin alert, but finally getting back on to the planned route at Roundhills Campsite. One or two missed turns later, nine-tenths of the group was finally pointing back in the direction of Lyndhurst for the usual après-ride activities, but before we could all make it, a familiar self-ejecting mudguard decided it was its time to shine on the last section of road into the village. Nothing beats a thoroughly action-packed night on the trails. Cheers all. |
Saturday Club RideFirst ride post Spring Equinox and Vive La Difference! Shorts, short sleeve jerseys and pasty flesh the colour of mashed potato was the order of the day along with liberal doses of Factor 30. It was a little chilly early on, but the forecast was great and there were a dozen riders at the start. Volunteers for Group One were thin with only four stepping forward, Group Two split into two groups as a large group on a busy forest day didn’t seem a great idea. Turned out to be the right call as we picked up other riders en route. |
 We had to doff our helmets to an immaculately turned out Bus Pass Graham (BPG). Frequently barrelled for his “dressed in the dark” combos whoever got him ready this week did a fabulous job. Club jersey, tights with a bit of red to match the jersey, white shoes, helmet and hair all perfectly matching. So, with BPG not a candidate the barrel was sorted early on with Matt K, Ben G and David all turning up sans mudguards before the winter edict expired. Also in the elevated status was the tyre sealant used by David and Barry. Both had punctures and the sealant did its job with minimum disruption. |
 We headed north on our 118Km lumpy route with a plan to miss the New Forest traffic. The roads were surprisingly dry and apart from having a few patches of gravel and the usual pot holes to navigate a big improvement on recent weeks. The route that our hapless ride leader planned this week turned out to be a tour of all the Road Closed signs and temporary traffic lights owned by Hampshire Council. Shouldn’t moan though they might be making the roads better for us. |
 With three well-spaced groups on the road, it was thought that Group One would have left the café at Broughton in time to vacate their seats before the latter groups arrived. Not a bit of it, they were settled in the sunny seats and seemed to be going round again for seconds when the others arrived. Luckily there were additional tables, and we seemed to have a better turnout for coffee than we did for the AGM! The first half of the ride was predominantly into a northerly headwind so once we did a little loop north to Stockbridge the return leg was largely wind assisted. |
 Mechanical of the day belonged to Neil S. Neil does have a reputation for sweating his assets and not replacing anything until absolutely necessary and then giving it another six months! The grinding sound as we got to West Wellow was getting worse and a wheel removal was necessary to inspect the cause. His brake pads were metal on metal, so it was a softly softly approach on the brakes to get home and an appointment with the LBS this week. It was the usual peel off as riders got to home and another century for BPG.Chapeau to all for a great day out in the sunshine and looks like we’ve got a dry week ahead, so hopefully more dry roads next week. – Barry. |
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 The route promised a majority tailwind and, for once, delivered. Average speeds were respectable across the board. Group 2 was momentarily defeated by a well positioned (road blocking) tractor, almost certainly the reason for the gap to group 1, and nothing to do with legs. Group 3 had the only puncture. Given the numbers out, two minor inconveniences are close enough to a win. |
 The general uplift of average speed meant the arrival at Setley was more in keeping with a second breakfast than the customary avocado adorned lunch. Keen to get into the spirit of the club trip to Belgium, I ordered a new favourite of raspberry waffles. This briefly confused Stuart, who had squarely parked waffles in the savoury (potato) category. Rightly suspicious of what would be a monstrosity of a combination (raspberry yoghurt and potato) he was gently corrected. The waffles were excellent. |
 A great ride in good company as always. Roll on the consistent nice weather and the ability to be able to officially relax the mudguard position.– James A. |
Southern XC Rd.1: Matterley BasinA short, fast, and flowing course at Matterley Basin proved to be fun if a little too short. New rules for the open race mean that any previous podium finishers, and any new podium finishers, must move to their age category rather than riding in the novice category. This meant Graham Sharman was nearer the pointy end than usual at the start. He started well and enjoyed not only nipping past people in the single track but also keeping up and passing on the longer climbs that he usually lost places on. He had someone sit on his wheel for lap three, but all went quiet, and he finished lap four on his own. Graham was very pleased with P12 and is now looking forward to Crow Hill at the end of April. |
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. |
Sunday Club Ride
