Weekly Round-up: 1 Feb 2026
All the latest news, events, and results for NFCC Members from the previous week of two-wheeled adventures…
Saturday Club RideAfter a miserable start to the year weather-wise for the club ride this week looked like more of the same as we gathered in anticipation for some wet, muddy, possibly blocked roads around the forest and beyond. Some of the feebler members of the peloton had already fled the country for warmer climes. Predictably, some of the well known hydrophobes also cried off when they saw the forecast. Despite this a decent number of riders turned up. Some sporting new club Gabba jackets courtesy of Sean’s recent delivery which were definitely the right option for the day. |
 We headed towards Burley and Bransgore. Eloise joined us for the first part, and we then rendezvoused with Paul H at Winkton. Heading north Phill B picked up a puncture, told us to ride on and still managed to repair and catch the group before we got to The Potting Shed. Impressive stuff. However, the jury is still out as we do need to check his credit card to ensure there was no Uber or taxi hired to make the connection. Coffee and cake were taken. As we were leaving who should arrive? Richard P, who’s motto “a ride without cake, what’s the point?” turned up. Having not read the ride plan properly and not seeing that the coffee stop was just 42Km into the 94Km loop he made a schoolboy error, missed his cake and earns a week in the barrel. |
 Heading north through Fordingbridge, we crossed the Avon, which was still really high four days after the peak on Tuesday. Similar conditions were encountered when we crossed the river at Wood Green. Thankfully, the road conditions, although filthy, were not as bad as feared and the level of bike prep was excellent. We completed a loop to the north and then headed back across the airfield at Ocknell’s Plain. Mentions in Despatches to Phill, Phil J, Neil S and Paul H for taking the headwind on that 4Km stretch that is always a challenge. The road here was still wet with Richard’s tears as he told us how hard it was solo as he embarked on his long solo mission a couple of hours earlier for his fruitless search for coffee and cake. |
 Despite the forecast, the brave riders who turned out were rewarded with fine weather and a very pleasant days riding. Small but welcome recompense after the conditions endured over the last five weeks. Let’s hope for some more good luck in February.Remember, it’s ‘Winter Miles for Summer Smiles’ so get those base miles in early! – Barry. |
Sunday Club RideDespite a forecast that looked like the weather gods had it in for us, the rain kindly clocked off just before 9am. Six brave souls for Group 2 rolled out, including both interim ride leaders (a collector’s item, especially after one was MIA last week). Spirits were high, puddles were plentiful, and numerous water-filled potholes were avoided. It was noted that Stu’s bike was finally quiet, now that the infamous “metal-on-metal remix” brake pads had been retired. A peaceful ride at last. |
| We cruised past Beaulieu before deploying our tactical masterplan: send the young-uns to the front and let their fresh legs tow us up to Bartley. It worked beautifully, like a budget version of a pro peloton. Drama was in short supply: no mechanicals, no punctures, and only a couple of rogue pigs out continuing their panage-related mischief. The group held a beautifully tidy formation, the kind that would make Phil H shed a proud tear; right up until the cafe approached and the group of six split down to three, as various riders peeled off for lunch, naps, or both. |
| Over coffee, Jane regaled us with tales of Cuban escapades: lost bikes, lost riders, cigars, rum, chandeliers, and the unforgettable ketchup-and-cheese pudding. (We all agreed Hampshire is probably not ready for that culinary revolution.) Plenty of laughs, plenty of banter, and all-round good vibes, just another cracking Sunday social spin. – Stuart W. |
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. |
