Weekly Round-up: 26 Oct 2025
All the latest news, events, and results for NFCC Members from the previous week of two-wheeled adventures…
Gravel ‘n’ GrogThe final week of Gravel ‘n’ Grogg before the clocks change and the light batteries get a proper test attracted another solid group of riders this week. A new route for the group ended up with contrasting reviews; some enjoyed the gravelly descents of Royden Woods in the fading light considerably less than others, while some enjoyed the rooty ascents further along so much more than others – one rider even decided to lie down in the middle of the track to show their appreciation. The gravel track through Dilton Farm and on to Rounhills Campsite was enjoyed by all, with the knee-deep cow pats you previously had to trawl through thankfully being a thing of the past. Another fun evening riding bikes. |
Saturday Club RideDespite the threat of full mudguards and winter bikes being made by the great dictator, while the cat was away, the summer bikes came back out to play this weekend and with patches of blue sky and dry roads, quite rightfully so too! One large group left Brockenhurst to Matt Smith’s dismay, but a natural split in the group occurred on Bolderwood when Graham F and Dan S couldn’t resist chasing an innocent bystander who was just out for a leisurely Saturday jolly. In Barry’s absence, Phil H took the reins and enforced the split, with Phill G expertly herding Group 1 and leaving Phil H to maintain Group 2. The pace in group 1 was more relaxed than expected across Linwood, but after scraping up Phill B at Moyles court, he took the lead and heading back from Whitsbury, the group enjoyed the fast-flowing roads back towards coffee. Both groups met at the potting shed, and despite group 1 getting there significantly earlier than group 2, Phill B finds himself in the barrel this week for ordering hot food on a busy day that didn’t arrive until AFTER group 2 had all received their orders! |
 Refuelled and ready to go, Graham F was delighted nobody moved his bike this week, and group 1 got underway without any trouble. Heading south through Ringwood and skirting the edges of Bransgore, the rest of the ride seemed to go on without any drama after looping back through Burley and onto Brock. Despite the good deeds deployed all day in successfully shepherding group 2, Phil H found himself with an unexpected visit to Lymington Urgent Treatment Centre on Saturday Evening after becoming a victim of a rogue learner driver on his way home and landing awkwardly in a ditch – they must have seen his latest painting and finally decided enough was enough! Fortunately, no major injuries and the only damage was to his pride… fingers crossed for a speedy recovery, Phil. |
Wessex Cyclocross Rd.8: MoredonAnother trip over the cattle-grids this weekend for the NFCC cyclocross contingent, who headed to Moredon Sporting Hub in Swindon for round eight of the Wessex CX League hosted by Cotswold Veldrijden. The course makes use of the dedicated cycling facilities present, with a long tarmac start – luxury! – before dodging through a gateway and onto the rough stuff in the grassland surrounding the venue. Dipping and diving over the undulating terrain and crossing a few bridges in the process, the course really is an enjoyable place to race. First up for NFCC, Matt Knight managed to hold on to the lead lap for 24th place in the Master V40 category. |
 As the day progressed and the course got more and more chewed up, Emma Shepherd was next up for the Club in the Senior Women’s race. Despite not having the greatest start, Emma chipped away at the riders ahead of her and fought her way back up to sixth place. In the final race of the day, Joe Shepherd and Phill Brown were surprised to be joined by Jay “Fenton” T after he missed his planned MTB race due to traffic on the M3, which prevented him from arriving on time. The seasoned CX racer Fenton started at the back of the grid, but still showed the younger riders how it was done, finishing in 5th place, ahead of both Shepherd (14th) and Brown (6th) despite being on a mountain bike! Unlike the other two, Jay also managed to successfully hop the hurdles too! |
Gorrick Halloween XCInspired by the clubs Cyclocross team Graham Sharman decided to race at the Gorrick Halloween XC race in Frimley On Sunday: I was greeted with an awesome fast flowing course with two big jumps. In previous years I would’ve avoided the jumps but I flew over them both today. Luckily the photographer got a great shot. I started well and was second in a group of eight riders. I used my group riding skills from recent club rides (thanks all) and stuck to the lead Rider like glue. He was clearly fitter than me as he could gain a bike length as soon as the course straightened up or went up hill. The rope snapped and the rest of the group broke up over the lap with me dropping a couple more spots. On lap two I caught a guy in army kit. When he got the first of a double switch back wrong, I dived up the inside on the second and we proceeded to hand to hand combat, each of us leaning on each other elbow to shoulder. I got the better of him so I can celebrate beating up a soldier as well!! Fuelled with adrenaline I completed lap three largely alone with a rider in a Cavendish replica HTC jersey a steady 10 seconds ahead to keep me motivated before finally crossing the line in 12th place – right in the mix. |
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. |
