Weekly Round-up: 18 Jan 2026
All the latest news, events, and results for NFCC Members from the previous week of two-wheeled adventures…
Gravel ‘n’ GroggThe weather Gods were kind on Tuesday night but despite the clement forecast, only two riders made it to the start point for G’n’G. It would have been four, but Luke G had an untimely puncture on the way there and with Phill B spectating his repair, they only made it to Beechen Lane before they were intercepted. The now quartet had a trouble-free ride to Brockenhurst where they pick up Stu, who greeted them with a forewarning of “it’s very wet down there…” almost being his last words with the group needing to paddle through knee-deep flash floodwaters on a number of sections of the route. |
 After the grinding climb to the Canadian War Memorial the group were greeted with the MTB riders who usually arrive after us at the pub at the end, struggling with an analogue pump and a soggy rear tyre. Fortunately, with an electric pump or two on hand, the group were gratefully back on their way in no time. It was at this point Matt K stripped down to short sleeve and three-quarter length tights, highlighting the favourable conditions. A quick descent to Lyndhurst and the beers and smoked salmon rolls were on the table without any hesitation. Hurrah. |
Saturday Club RideAfter what seems an eternity the club ride was back on this week after Jack Frost had caused postponements post-Christmas. An even dozen made the start line. Worried that the Order of the Barrel had not been awarded for some time Matt K made an early bid by in knocking his own bike over in the car park. Luckily no damage done but it’s always good to get some incompetence in early. But his efforts were not needed as the hapless ride leader turned up moaning about his legs hurting after a 10Km run with his pooch the day before. Proving the old adage there is no fool like an old fool he thought that he could casually hop onto a 100Km club ride with his legs in bits. So, it’s a mea culpa and Barry is 1 for 1 in the 2026 barrel league of dishonour. |
 Phil J also made the podium this week for missing the start but had the good sense to cut the corner and meet us as we left Brockenhurst. No excuses were offered but we can only assume he was still dousing his bike in WD40 after his pre Xmas squeakathon! It was one of those rides on the cusp of one of two groups, but we tend to prefer smaller groups and make ourselves a bit easier for traffic to pass so a split was agreed. With a bit of gentle prodding, we managed to get enough riders to “volunteer” for Group One and set off for a 100Km ride to the north. |
 Both groups rendezvoused at the planned coffee stop at The Potting Shed and also encountered Potting Shed habitue Richard there. There are pubs where regulars have their own tankard behind the bar and we have confirmed the long-held rumours that Richard has his own cappuccino mug and cake fork behind the counter there. It must be said that cyclists to have some strange eating habits on and off the bike. After some strong insinuations that Dan had stolen his scrambled egg on toast Phill B did receive his order. He then proceeded to devour the plate with the aid of a teaspoon. Who needs a trip to the zoo when you can go on a club ride! We’re looking forward to the summer rides where we can expect Phill to peel and eat bananas with his feet. |
 Replete we headed off for the second leg with a small diversion to avoid the ford in North Gorley which Bus Pass Graham advised was running high. The route had been planned with an optional 20Km loop from Milkham to Nomansland and Bramble Hill in case endurance levels were a bit low for the first ride of the year. Barry was grateful for the bail out opportunity and Matt M kindly offered a Care in the Community service to chaperone the ailing rider back to Brock. Thanks to all for the usual camaraderie, well turned out bikes and patience waiting for me.Now we’ve popped the 2026 club ride cherry, let’s hope for more of the same through the winter. – Barry. |
Sunday Club RideA rather damp and uninspiring morning nonetheless tempted 10 out of their beds for this weeks Sunday service, at least it wasn’t absolutely freezing. Not a bad turnout for the time of year considering that we were missing a few of the regulars and Budge’s bike saw fit to implode on route to the start. Two even groups set out on the ‘Auld favourite’ tongue-twister ‘St Leonards and Lepe double-looper. Both groups did well to avoid any punctures on some of the worst roads that the New Forest has to offer and in classic puncture conditions. |
 Despite the damp and dreich conditions we did occasionally glimpse the sun, or a pale imitation of it and made pretty good progress, especially group one which averaged a perky 30KPH. Group 2 meanwhile, rather satisfyingly set foot in the cafe averaging exactly 26KPH . Not too much else to report (which is a good thing) except that the ride offered me the opportunity to bag a couple of ‘volunteers’ (Andrew M and Stuart W) to lead group two whilst I am away lollygagging in Australia until mid April. Expect route postings and reports from James A who will be head-honcho until my return (unless you vote me redundant at that point).– Phil H. |
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. |
