New Riders: Portsmouth Circular

This ride is for NEW MEMBERS, or for those THINKING OF JOINING our club. It is a follow-up ride to our RETURN TO CYCLING (RTC) series and is an ideal introduction to riding in a group to gain confidence on the road.

It is an easy paced fifteen mile ride around Portsea Island, on both off road cycle track and minor roads, avoiding traffic wherever possible. There are inevitably a few sections of busier road, but these are wide, easy to ride sections and a few quiet gravel paths as well.

The ride starts at Hilsea Lines Cafe, Hilsea Lido. It is suggested if driving to the start that you park at KING GEORGE V playing fields, Cosham as parking at the lido is very restricted.

The route starts by heading south alongside the sea on off road paths to Alexandra Park, before heading down minor roads and cycle paths of Stamshaw.

Exiting Stamshaw we use the underpass at Rudmore roundabout and cycle paths again down Mile End Road before circling Portsmouth Dockyard to Unicorn Gate. Another underpass takes us to Victoria Park and the short busy stretch crossing into Queen Street. In no time at all we are back on quiet back roads to St George's Church and square near The Hard.

Another busy crossing point at the car entry point to Gunwharf Quays and a short busy stretch before again the back streets of Old Portsmouth and onto Pembroke Gardens. Pausing to cross Pier Road, we head down to Clarence Pier and the new Seafront Cycle Path with views over to the Isle of Wight.

The Southsea Seafront stretch is a mix of cycle path, quiet road and a busy stretch in front of South Parade Pier, before again using the dedicated seafront cycle route to Eastney, where we stop for a well earned extended coffee (and cake) break at the Coffee Cup Cafe.

After coffee, we continue East along the seafront cycle route onto a short busier stretch of road, before again turning onto the permissive cycle route at Bransbury Park. A couple of minor roads takes us to the bus corridor onto the seafront of Milton Common and the new sea defence path north, eventually reaching the Anchorage Park entrance, where we follow the cycle path alongside the Eastern Road to the Farlington Marshes roundabout.

This is a busy and often noisy point, but we take the dedicated cycle routes safely across the roundabout and the combined walk and cycle path north until we turn left into Grove Road. This road continues getting quieter as we go until reaching Cosham High Street and the railway gates. A quick shortcut through the bus interchange brings us out at King George V playing fields and the final cycle paths back to Hilsea Lido.

Note: Ride numbers may increase if sufficient club support is available.

Bookings for this ride/event

Booking is required for this ride. Please let the ride leader know if you want to join. Please do not turn up for the ride unless you've had your booking confirmed or your name appears below.

The ride leader might increase the size of the ride, especially if they get support from another ride leader. Please don't be put off asking to join the ride if it shows as full.

There are 8 spaces available for the leader and riders. Of these, 6 are left.

Bookings recorded for this ride/event (Log in to see rider names):

• A non-PCTC member

To ask to join this ride, please use the 'Contact us about this ride' link above to send an email to the ride leader.

Ride leader notes

Riding a lightweight road bike (during better months) the faster day rides I lead are typically 100-130km (60-80m) and occasionally 160km (100m).

Routes are at best undulating, usually “lumpy” (hilly), sometimes with severe hills!

- Average GOOD speed on “Faster” rides: 23kph (14mph)
- Average TYPICAL speed on “Faster” rides: 21kph (13mph)

Morning only rides are scaled back versions of day rides, usually at the same pace.

I also lead moderate rides as well, where the terrain difficulty is reduced (not so lumpy!) and the speed is adjusted to those attending the ride.

When I lead Waterlooville Community Cycle Club (WCCC) or Return To Cycling (RTC) rides, which are generally easy relaxed rides, the pace is that of the slowest attending rider in the group.

About easy rides

Our easy rides are designed to be an introduction to club riding. You needn't be concerned about whether you can manage the pace or distance. The easy rides are leisurely and informal. They go at the pace of the slowest rider. We will not leave you behind. If necessary we will split the ride to ensure everyone enjoys it.

The ride is designed for people of average fitness and is open to everyone. There’s no charge for joining the ride. You’ll be riding for two to three hours with a break in the middle at a tea shop. We’ll be using dedicated cycle tracks and cycle lanes wherever possible. We’ll also be using country lanes and back streets.

Inevitably, though, you will be travelling in traffic for part of the way, so the ride is not suitable for people that are uncomfortable cycling on the road.

Cycling is a great way to improve health and well-being, and you’ll find we're a friendly bunch. We’d love to see you.

This article describes what you should consider bringing with you.

For more information contact Dee Warner, the easy ride organiser.