Monthly Archives: July 2017

On 3rd July 2017 my team mate, Lee Johnson (right) and I crossed the line for the “prologue” of the Alps Epic stage race in Hautes Alps, France. We decided to take on this 5 day stage race for Action Medical Research, a cause close to both our hearts. Action has funded research which proved to be crucial to the health of Lee’s son who was prematurely born and suffers with asthma. Also, research funded by Action into ultrasound scanners is key in checking on the function of my one working kidney. Along with the stunning alpine scenery, riding for a charity certainly kept us pushing when things got tough! Alps Epic is quickly gaining a reputation for being one of the most grueling stage races in the world, packing in climbing of nearly 15,000m in total over the five 70km stages. This relatively short distance means that the uphill sections are unbelievably steep…

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Afan is a brilliant trail centre for just about any mountain biker, the trails available from the visitor centre range from a gentle blue to an epic black loop for an all day ride. Meet at the services just over the Severn Bridge for about 09:00 before convoying over to the visitor centre together.

It’s the SRAMCC Summer BBQ so keep Sunday the 3rd of September free. We have hired one of the BBQs at Wilverley between Burley and Brockenhurst for a summer social. The club has paid the cost of the BBQ hire. In addition we will need a small contribution of £3-£5 per person to cover the cost of food, drink and the charcoal. We will plan a road route originating from Five Rivers on the Sunday morning meeting up at the BBQ site at around midday, plus hopefully a New Forest MTB route.  

Slightly longer route suitable for CX/Gravel riders as well as mountain bikers taking in mostly easy terrain. Take the boardwalks and farm tracks from Five Rivers leading on to the road at Avon Farm Cottages. Continue on past mile hill and turn left off of the road to pick up some single track up to the A36. Cross the road here and continue on the double tracks down into Great Wishford. Ride through the village to pick up the climb to Grovely Woods. In the woods, turn right along the main track and then turn left after a short spin to drop down into Burcombe. Take the steep chalky climb out of Burcombe to join the Shaftesbury Drove. Carry on along the drove all the way back into Harnham before riding back across town returning to Five Rivers via Waitrose for a cheeky post ride coffee. Strava Route  

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