Hill climb & freewheel competition

The hill climb event will take place near Lovedean, starting at the Bird in Hand public house shown on OS Landranger Map 196, Map reference (684134). The ride is approximately 1.5miles (2.4km) long having a climb of approximately 187ft (57m). From the Bird in Hand the climb goes up Day Lane and goes right at the first road junction Map reference (673134) into Broadway Lane. It then continues straight on at a crossroads and past the next road off to the right. It finishes at a field entrance near the top of the hill Map reference 681154 where the finish timekeeper will be.

Click to see the hill climb route

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The freewheel event will be contested second. To get to the start continue up Broadway Lane from the hill climb finish round a sharp bend and the start is at a field entrance at the next bend: map reference 680150. The drop is about 115ft (35m) with one sharp bend about half way down. It ends in a steep uphill slope.

For the hill climb competition, you state your anticipated time to complete the course. You then ride the course without a watch in a visible or easily accessible position and without a cycle computer. You will be timed over the course and the competitor with the time nearest to their estimate is the winner.

For the freewheel competition, we will secure your bike's cranks to prevent you pedalling. You then start down the hill from a set point. We mark where you put a foot down. The winner is the competitor who has travelled the furthest distance before putting a foot down. If the pedal securing is found to be broken at the finish you will be disqualified.

The entry fee again is an inflation busting 50p per event. You can enter more than once (by paying additional entry fees).

You can either meet at The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre in Havant at 19:00 and cycle to the start with a group; or meet at the hill climb start point (click hill climb route link, above) at 19:40.

On completion we will visit the Bat and Ball at Broadhalfpenny Down for refreshments and / or socialising where the results will be announced.

These are fun events with trophies for the winners. Usually the fiercely competed downhill event is very entertaining. Come and join in. If you feel that either event may be too strenuous, come and watch and enjoy the pleasant socialising afterwards.

About evening pub rides

Thursday evening rides in the summer from Havant or Farlington Marshes depending on direction. Destination is a pub for a drink or a meal.

There's a good chance you will arrive home after dark so you should bring some lights with you.

This article describes what you should consider bringing with you.