This report covers the road activities.
Le Tour de Purbeck
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| Mass start |
On Saturday Pete Beyer led us on a surprisingly hilly ride around the Isle of Purbeck, with lunch at a renowned pub, which I was unfortunately unable to visit due to the mutiny. But more about that later.
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| Chain Ferry stage |
Details of the ride were a closely-guarded secret. About thirty of us (estimates vary) set off along Bournemouth sea front, a few miles to Sandbanks and the chain ferry to Studland. A scenic route which we later learned was only 'undulating' took us west to within sight of Corfe Castle, then north to a nice cafe at the Arne RSPB reserve. Lovely.
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| Looking back towards Poole Harbour and Bournemouth |
Then it was on to the mountain stage of the tour. We headed south over several mountain ranges towards the fabled pub.
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| Hills |
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| Fossils |
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| More hills |
Eventually at a place called Steeple, our leader's intentions were revealed. We were to attempt the North Face of Swyre Head, previously untamed by road bikes. The climb was only short, about 1/2 km but with 100m of ascent, and an extremely rough stony track. Ahead of us, a long stream of bikes were being pushed up the mountain. The legendary pub was just over the mountain, reached by a 2km off-road track along the summit ridge and then a descent.
This is when the mutiny occurred. A group of six remembered that they didn't want to climb another mountain. I cannot reveal names in case of repercussions, but the mutineers plotted a flat route to the nearest pub instead.
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| Some of the mutineers |
The loyalists clambered up the rocky slope, to be rewarded by panoramic views from the top, before traversing the ridge, fastening safety belts and descending to the pub, the Square and Compass at Worth Matravers.
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| The Ridge route |
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| Summit photograph |
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| The pub is just round the corner |
Unfortunately, some others had heard about the pub, and it was packed. Worse still, it had run out of the famed pasties, the only food on offer. Julie and Daniel were lucky, the others, not.
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| The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers |
Shortly after this, Lilian punctured, and despite the assembled experts and many, many bike pumps, the replaced tube could not be inflated. A faulty valve was to blame. Time was now getting short, so it was every man and woman for themselves. The group scattered in the return to the ferry, showers, bar, and much appreciated evening meal. Not to mention the evening entertainment, which was incredible, but off-limits for this blog.
It was a memorable, adventurous, challenging and outstanding ride in all sorts of ways. Several people felt they had achieved something they didn't know they were capable of. What more can you ask for? Thanks to our leader, Pete Beyer for planning and leading us.
Sunday ride to Wimborne Minster
Sunday's ride was a complete contrast to Saturday's expedition. Steve had planned a more gentle route, to another excellent pub, but this time with food. While the Saturday ride had mountains, ridiculous slopes, sheep poo, amazing views from high places across the south coast, Sunday's ride had an intimate charm with gentle climbs through blossom-hedged lanes, quaint villages, and the odd deer in the fields. We set off through the expensive-looking West Cliff area of Bournemouth, and then had an extensive ride around beautiful Poole harbour.
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| Poole |
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| The Cowshed |
Just outside Poole we stopped in Lytchett Minster for tea at a craft café, The Cowshed. After a few purchases had been made, we meandered north and then back east to just outside Wimborne Minster before descending en masse on an unsuspecting pub, The Vine Inn at Pamphill, winner of a Camra award for the most unchanged pub interior.
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| Pub interior |
We were soon queuing out of the door, which wasn't difficult as the bar could only hold about four people. The sole lady serving calmly took our orders and served drinks, breaking off every now and again to serve the locals in the other room. We were given a number and took our drinks out into the garden. When food was ready, there was a knock on the window and a large number was put up the the window. Simple and effective.
After lunch we had a short ride around Wimborne Minster, meeting up with a few of the group who had opted for lunch in Wimborne. The return route was along a disused railway line, the Broadstone Way - nobody even blinked at the off road after Saturday's exploits - which led us back to Poole and a bit more harbour-side cycling before returning to the hotel along the sea front.
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| Wimborne Minster Minster |
The hotel was excellent, with superb food and great service from the staff. Apparently it was owned by a retired racing cyclist, and used to advertise regularly in the Vets' Time Trial Association (VTTA) magazine. Since changing hands it seems to have maintained standards and was very welcoming to us cyclists. Steve Gordon and Ann Bath organised the venue and bookings and it all ran extremely smoothly. Many thanks are due to Steve and Ann for making it such a huge success.
Thanks to many people who contributed photos via WhatsApp, and to everyone for making it such an enjoyable sociable weekend.
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