To(wards) the Coast!

Will the C & M finally make it to the seaside for the first time for several years?  We'll have a stab at it, anyway!    If you do the whole ride, we'll be heading south-west across the unfamiliar pine forests and sandy heathland of west Surrey and east Hampshire.  After a scenic detour around Petersfield lake, we'll climb the wooded slopes of the South Downs and pass through Queen Elizabeth Country Park before free-wheeling down the lovely dry valley to Rowlands Castle.  There'll be a few miles of urban grit to endure then through and around Havant before we cross Langstone bridge and take the Puffing Billy Trail to finally reach the sea!   There are flatter sections here and there, but the ride is fairly hilly as a whole, and the steepest climb (Kiln Lane, Buriton) is in the final (Liss to Hayling) section, so features in all the options!

Please note that pre-booking is required for this ride - see small print at the end.  If numbers exceed about 10 then I will be putting out a call for a volunteer sub-leader.

The main ride (59 mile option) will leave West Byfleet traffic lights (close to station) at 08.30 am sharp, and continue 18 miles to Tilford for a brief coffee stop.   At 10.30 am sharp the ride will set off again reaching Liss after 15 miles.   Late elevenses/early lunch will be taken here, aiming to leave by 12.30 pm, and then continuing for a further 21 miles to Hayling Island via Petersfield and Havant, arriving approx 2.30 pm.   It is then 6 miles back to Havant for a choice of trains home.

For a shorter ride (41 miles + 5 option), you can travel by train to Milford station, then ride 5 miles approx to the Tilford coffee stop, but ensuring you arrive by 10.30 am in order to join up with the main ride.

For an even shorter ride (27 miles +2 option), you can travel by train to Liss station and ride approx 2 miles to the elevenses/early lunch stop.

The route and details of the refreshment stops/meeting points will be sent to registered participants after the deadline.

Please let me know by e-mail (to cycledave23@gmail.com) by 5.00 pm on Friday 26 July at the very latest if you would like to join the ride, and tell me whether you are opting for the 59, 41, or 27 mile ride.  No bookings by WhatsApp, please.