Bronze challenge: Portsmouth

The Bronze challenge is a ride from Havant to Portsmouth - via Portsmouth Cathedral - and back.

We'll go out via Farlington Marshes and Hilsea Lines to Hilsea Lido, then down the West side of Portsea Island, round Portsmouth to Southsea and our coffee stop: The Tenth Hole.

We'll then continue along the promenade, back up Eastern Road via St James Hospital and the return through Farlington Marshes again.

It's a flat route about 6 miles longer than Bronze 2 and Bronze 3.

Ride leader notes

I ride an assistance e-bike which allows me to do most hills. I have a range extender that allows me to do 80-90 hilly miles or further for flatter rides.

My maximum comfortable speed on the flat without wind is 13mph at the start of a ride. I find, however, I can manage faster speeds after a few hours of riding. I struggle with balance when riding speeds lower than around 7mph.

Otherwise, I don't mind about pace when leading or joining rides. I'm out to enjoy the ride and speed is not part of that for me.

I get the biggest kick out of supporting new riders when they find out they can achieve much more than they thought.

About Cathedral Challenge rides

We're running a series of rides for people who are:

• New to group cycling
• Haven’t cycled for a while
• Want to cycle a bit further than usual

They start with a short, 'get to know you' ride that includes a free bike check and progress through longer distances, tackling a series of challenges on the way:

• Bronze: Havant to Portsmouth cathedral and back
• Silver: Chichester cathedral and back
• Gold: Winchester cathedral and back

There's more detail and a registration form here.

Note that the Cathedral rides are subject to change and adaptation as we learn more about the challenge riders.