New Riders: Lee-on-the-Solent Loop

This is the third ride in the new riders series, as an introduction to club riding and joining the club's standard rides. Again it is based upon utilising cycle paths whenever possible, with any road riding on quieter sections. Inevitably there are busy junctions to navigate, but these are kept to a minimum.

This is an 18 mile ride, which is a little longer than the two previous rides (the last was 15 miles), mostly gentle terrain and a coffee stop half way around.

You will need to make your way to the start at The Hard, Portsmouth. We will then catch the ferry over to Gosport High Street, where we will follow South Street west, turning off onto minor roads before joining the national Cycle network (NSN) route 224 north, to meet and join the Eclipse Busway (Henry Court Way). This is a traffic free (except buses) three mile straight route to Fareham.

Minor roads and cycleways take us out to wide open spaces, again on cycleways alongside Daedalus Way and the new Titchfield Road, before crossing the road into Titchfield where we will have an extended stop for coffee/tea and refreshments at the half way point. There is at least one coffee shop in Titchfield we will use, there is also a craft fare on in the adjacent hall for a quick visit!

With the out-bound route now complete, we now head south on the more scenic part of the ride on minor roads to the Meon Shore at Hill Head, before following the coast road to join the cycle route on Lee-on-the-Solent front, round Browndown Point into Alverstoke and Stoke Bay. The last stretch takes us on the quiet roads through Hasler, Hasler Bridge and back to the ferry where the ride ends.

Although only slightly longer, the advice is to travel light, but come equipped for the weather. There are no "short-cuts" as on other rides, so be prepared for the whole ride. It will be taken at a leisurely pace, with the coffee stop allowing time to recover. The expected return time is approximately 1.30pm.

Info - Gosport Ferry Return Cost: Adult £5.60 + Bike £1.80 = £7.40 (Senior 65+ £3.60 + Bike £1.80 = £5.40)

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.

The ride leader has not recorded any bookings yet.

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), Return To Cycling (RTC) or Easy rides, which are generally social 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.