Saturday 13th August saw the first VC Venta gravel club ride organised by Jonnie Talbot-Weiss and Jorge Manso. Jonnie's report from the ride is here for you all to read:
"A mixed gender group of 15 gravel / off road aficionados of varying ability rolled out of Winchester and onto the sun drenched, dusty gravel roads and trails of Hampshire. The cool early start along the route created by Jorge took us north, through recently harvested grain fields, towards South Wonston. The ride conditions were just perfect and before long the peloton was diving through wooded trails offering much needed shade as we headed towards the River Test at Chilboton.
Cow Common is a unique natural environment and the timber pedestrian bridge over the Test crossing a rural gem. The Test was at its picturesque best and the crystal water of the chalk stream so inviting as the temperature soared.
The route then took us down the Test Way to Stockbridge and a well-earned coffee at Kudos Café. Refreshed we set off towards Mottisfont hugging the banks of the Test before heading back to Winchester via Michelmersh, Parnholt Woods, Farley Mount and Sparsholt.
It was great to meet and chat with everyone as we took in the delights of rural Hampshire at its finest. And yes, it sure was hot but the ride conditions were just what we all crave for during the short cold days of winter!
Thanks to everyone who joined us on the ride, we hope you enjoyed yourselves (we certainly did) and will join us on the next adventure into hidden Hampshire.
Jorge and Jonnie"