Calling all VC Venta off roaders!
Jorge Manso has set up the route for this month’s Gravel Ride and he’s brought us back home with a route that starts and ends at our spiritual home (from a club ride perspective) the Winchester Hotel! No need for What3Words this month!
The Route heads out of the city towards Chilcomb and takes us down tracks towards Cheesefoot Head and on out to West Meon before turning back and bringing us into Alresford and across to South Wonston before dropping us back into Winchester. A mixed trail and terrain route with a couple of hills – up and down – and adds up to 57km or so of fun!
Ride starts at 9am so please arrive in plenty of time to set up bikes and kit ready to roll for 9am.
The route is 57km long, and 60% is off road. We think the ride will take around 3 hours riding time although you should allow a little extra time in your schedules for pit stops and coffee stops if circumstances and conditions dictate!!
The route looks to be in good condition at the moment; we’ll keep an eye out and change route if needs be but will give plenty of notice.
You can download the route from Neil's Strava here,
We're also putting the rides onto a new ride app called 'linkmyride'. The app will show all the details of the ride and will let you indicate that you're coming to the ride, to ask any questions and download the route if you didn't get it from the VC Venta site. You can find Neil, Paul, Nath and Jorge all on the app already. (click the link below on your phone to take you to the app site).
Link to 'linkmyride' app – Link My Ride - Venta April Gravel Ride
Looking forward to seeing you all, mountain bikers, gravellers and all types welcome!!
Neil, Paul, Jorge and Nath
General Gravel Ride info:
The rides will cater to all abilities including those new to gravel riding. The routes will be between 40 and 60 Km, and we aim for about 3 to 3 1/2 hr loops. These aren't 'race pace' rides, we won't leave anyone 'in country' and the emphasis is squarely on exploring the off road world in a fun and enjoyable manner. The pace will be that of the slowest rider.
Any well maintained off road bike will do the job – a gravel or cross bike will be the go to ride, but hard tail MTB and even the latest breeds of full suspension XC MTB's will find the routes good going. We're looking to minimise any time on the tarmac! Please bring your usual puncture repair, pumps and tools; We'll be on hand to help and coach but make sure you have your gear. We may be a long way from any shops!
We may stop at a café for coffee and cake, but that's route and weather dependent. So you should also plan to bring food and drink for on-bike consumption.