Alphabet ride to West Stoke

We're now up to W in out Alphabet rides. This month's ride will be a half day one to West Stoke and back.

I've altered the route as I recently saw a notice saying Downs Road (Kingley Vale car park to Funtington) will be closed July 8 - 21.)

Our revised route will be eastwards along, or beside, the A259 to Southbourne. Then along Priors Lease Lane, turning right to rejoin the A259. On reaching Bosham roundabout we turn left and go over the A27. Opposite a dark barn we turn left into Mouthey's Lane and Lye Lane to The Vale at West Stoke for refreshments.

After The Vale, we'll pause for our group photo at the West Stoke village sign near the church. Soon after this the road goes downhill and has a sharp left bend. Please be careful approaching this bend and keep speed down. Just on the bend is a nasty pot hole. Also approaching cars may not keep to their side of the road.

Right at T-junction & 1st left. Then 1st right to West Ashliing duckpond. We'll pause for a little while here to study the avian life. Next Woodmancote, Westbourne and so back to Havant.

Distance Spring to Spring is about 20 miles.

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.

This ride is currently full but we encourage you to ask to join the wait list. That will let the ride leader:

• Find out the demand for that type of ride
• Nominate you as a replacement if someone drops out
• Arrange to split the ride if there is sufficient demand

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

• A PCTC member
• A PCTC member
• A PCTC member
• A PCTC member
• A PCTC member
• A PCTC member
• A PCTC member
• A PCTC member
• A 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

I joined PCTC in 1986 and have enjoyed club rides ever since. I have two Mercian touring road bikes, a Trek hybrid and a carbon -fibre Specialized Ruby racing bike.
I am considering buying an electric bike, as I find hills a bit tiring now. My usual average moving speed is 10 to 11mph. If I'm riding in the urban environment and have to keep stopping, or if it's very hilly, my average may drop below 10mph.
Although I used to do a lot of long distance rides (Audax PBP & LEL, S.R. Le JoG, etc.) I generally prefer rides of 30 to 50 miles these days. A refreshment stop is a must!

About Wednesday rides

Wednesday rides usually start from Havant with stops for elevenses, lunch and sometimes tea. If you're unable to keep up or have a mechanical problem, someone will be available to help you - although we obviously cannot guarantee to solve all problems.

Wednesday rides usually provide a range of options to riders as we'll try to arrange multiple rides with different paces, distance and degree of hilliness.

On Wednesdays it is likely that there will be several riders coming back to the Havant area after an elevenses stop - although they might not include a PCTC ride leader. If that is what you'd like to do, please consult the ride organiser before the day of the ride to ensure someone knows and is able to bring you back.

This article describes what you should consider bringing with you on one of these rides.