2025 is on us. A new year, a new gravel ride, and a new VCV gravel team!
Sadly for us, Jorge has decided to step away from gravel ride planning to focus more on Go-Ride. He has made the mistake of offering his time and local knowledge if we get stuck, so I suspect we will see more of him this year than last! Huge thanks for everything Jorge. But we also welcome Ysarn Higgins, known to most you. Ysarn will be leading several rides soon.
The 11th Jan sees the first outing for this year's club gravel rides, or more accurately mixed terrain rides! Each ride will vary in style from the more Gravel roads of Salisbury Plain and the New Forest, to some more Single Track Bridleway/Green Lane style routes in and around Winchester.
The rides in 2025 will always be on the 2nd Saturday of each month starting at 9am generally. Yes, even if it rains! And look out for a few extra rides, a bit longer, a bit further away, and a real challenge. This may include such things as a South Downs Way ride, and others! Details soon.
The rides will cater to all abilities, including those new to gravel riding. The routes will be between 40 and 60 Km, and we aim for about 3 to 3 1/2 hr loops. These aren't 'race pace' rides, we won't leave anyone 'in country' and the emphasis is squarely on exploring the off road world in a fun and enjoyable manner. The pace will be that of the slowest rider.
Any well maintained off road bike will do the job – a gravel or cross bike will be the go-to ride, but hard tail MTB and even the latest breed of light full suspension XC MTB's will find the routes good going. We try and minimise time on the tarmac! Please bring your usual puncture repair, pumps and tools. We may be a long way from any shops!
Plan to bring food and drink for on-bike consumption but we do stop at cafe's when we can.
The first ride of 2025 on Saturday 11th January has been put together by Paul and takes us back to Salisbury Plain where good riding is assured. Starting and ending in Ludgershall, the ride starts and ends in the St James Street Car Park, which is free. But has a height limit of 2m. Be aware!
If you use 'what3 words' app: festivity.conjured.pines is the start.
The ride starts at 9am so please arrive in plenty of time to set up bikes and kit ready to roll for 9am.
The route is 52km long, and 80% is on gravel roads in and around Salisbury Plain, including a close brush with Stonehenge, Woodhenge (Stonehenge's smaller less famous brother) and maybe a tank. We think it will take about 3 1/2 hours to cover the route in riding time. It may be wet, it may be windy, it may be very muddy but we may have great views!
You can download the route from Strava here, January Gravel Ride
We hope to see a healthy enthusiastic bunch for this first gravel ride of the year!
Cheers
Neil, Paul Nath and Ysarn
