Winchester New Year, New Challenge (1/4): Breeze to Braishfield

New Year – New Challenge!<\b>
Have you been riding for a while and are wondering whether you can push the pace a bit? Are you keen to try but don’t want to go out on your own?

Perhaps you are an experienced – but lapsed – cyclist and have been thinking that it’s about time you dusted off your wheels. If the answer is ‘yes’ to either (or both) of these, then this series of rides is definitely for you!

Designed to encourage those who want to go a little faster, or who want to work at regaining previous form, without any pressure, these rides are aiming for an average of 13-13.5 mph (similar to the CTC intermediate/moderate pace), which is roughly equivalent to two hours on a 25-mile ride – excluding the coffee break.

If you’d like to give it a try, then there’s only one way to find out if you can do it – sign up to one or more of these ‘New Year, New Challenge’ rides. Distances vary from 25 to 37 miles and there is always a welcome stop for coffee and cake. There are currently four in the series, alternating from shorter to longer. Depending on demand, the series may be repeated or extended. As an added incentive, if you sign up for all four rides in January and February, you will qualify for a free HSBC Breeze goody bag!

The first in the series goes out to Braishfield, where we’ll stop for a coffee. This is around 19 miles into the ride, so not too far from the finish.

Please ensure you have a roadworthy bicycle and don’t forget to bring a puncture repair kit, pump and spare inner tube(s). Although we will be stopping for a coffee break, do bring a drink and something to eat to keep you going. Ensure you have clothing appropriate for the weather conditions, especially at this time of year. Should the forecast appear to be of concern, I will cancel the ride, so do ensure you have provided a mobile number on your booking so that I can send a text, which may not be until the Friday evening prior to the ride – cancellation is a last resort!

Please also note that although the ride has been advertised as suitable for women only, confident teens (accompanied by a responsible adult) who are able to maintain the advertised average speed may also come along. E-bikes welcome but be prepared for a few grumbles when you shoot off up hills ahead of the rest of us! Although the details above indicate this ride is suitable for all bikes, this is a system error. Just to be clear, this ride is for road bikes. The system keeps overriding my selection.

If you are unsure whether this ride is for you, please get in touch using the 'conversation' link below to find out – if you have read this far, then you must be keen to have a go!