Saturday 17th November 2018 9:30am

Starting from - Next to the Pavillion at Potterne Park, Verwood, Dorset. Please note height restriction for car with bikes on the roof due to barrier on the entrance of the park.
Parking is free but changing facilities and toilets are not available, BH21 6RS

  • 35 miles
  • Mountain Bike, Hybrid (off road tyres)
  • 4 hr

Free, women-only bike rides led by experienced Breeze Champions. They are a great way to get started in cycling or to improve your skills, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned cyclist.

Starting point




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BH21 6RS

'The Spurriers Ride' Off Roader!
Fancy a tea in Upton Manor House?
Ride off road from Verwood to Upton Manor House on the edge of Poole Harbour mainly on paths and the Castleman trailway and you could be joining us for a cake and a natter! You know you want too!
Starting at Potterne Park in Verwood we will ride the forest tracks and pathways joining the Castleman Trailway, named after a Wimborne solicitor who was responsible for the building of the railway, near to Ashley Wood. Travelling onto Westmoor’s we’ll cross the road and continue through the Ferndown Forest on traffic free forest paths, negotiating our way through to Wimborne famous for its Minister and original chain library. In Wimborne we will take a short piece of road to the Bridge over the River Stour joining the cycle path on the old Wimborne to Broadstone railway line at the edge of Merley by the Willet Arms, the railway, formerly part of the London & South West Railway (LSWR), linked Poole and the rest of the South.
Riding through the woods along the edge of the Golf Course entering Broadstone from the north by the entrance to the old station and sidings, all off road, we go under the roundabout in the centre of Broadstone riding wooded cycle pathways down through Creekmoor into the edge of Upton Heath mentioned in poems and songs, go to the web and listen to 'Big Big Train’s' ‘Upton Heath’ for a taster! From here we cross over the road on cycle specific paths to Upton House, part of Upton Country Park, built in 1818 by the Spurriers family whose wealth came from the Newfoundland trade, the house was sadly lost in 1828 due to the sons gambling debts. For us however the The tea room beckons and it is here we will feast upon the obligatory tea and cake, you'll need it!, with views of the old walled garden and lawns… lovely!
Returning the way we came along traffic free tracks and pathways powered by those tasty cakes!

This ride is more suited to off road, hybrid or gravel, road worthy, bikes not pure road bikes, but as always you must have good tyres, pumped up correctly, and carry either a spare tube and or puncture kit and pump. The tracks and pathways could well be wet and a little muddy in places so keep this in mind.
The ride is approx. 35 miles long and while there are no major hills riding off road is more tiring and challenging than on road so make sure you are OK with the distance. I also recommend you bring a drink and an energy bar or snack.
A great 'off the road ride'… come and join us!

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