Over the last weekend Willesden riders took part in Audax rides in two quite different parts of the country. The first report is from Sylvene, who rode the sell out “New Forest Onshore ” Audax, which started from Lymington on the south coast. This was a very popular ride that explores the heart of the forest and quiet lanes on Cranborne Chase. There were also a few cattle grids to test your nerve, teeth fillings and your bike fittings! The second report is from Miles Back, who with Mrs Back, struck out for new roads and routes in Norfolk.
“New Forest Onshore ” 100km Audax – Sunday 1st September, 2024
Marianne, Paul and I rode the New Forest 100km Audax. There were many cattle grids and a couple of fords with water in them, but crossing was still possible.
It was a lovely time of year to ride through the New Forest as the leaves start to fall. There’s lots to see including the blankets of glorious purple heather; ponies and their foals along with some cattle. No pigs unfortunately – they’re not usually let loose until the Autumn to scoff on the fallen acorns.
This little guy decided to settle himself in the middle of the road managing to hold up the traffic for a while. I was able to sneak past without spooking him and catch up with the others.
The ride is lumpy on the way out to the lunch control stop at Cranborne Garden Centre Cafe at 54km. Of the 12 recorded hills, 10 of them come before this stop! The remaining two are almost straight afterwards. It’s then back to the Solent coast where a heavy mist had descended over the sea, almost covering the view of the isle of wight.
We were rewarded at the end of the ride with Chilli, rice pudding, peaches and cake.
Lovely people running this audax, providing great sustenance at the end of the ride. We didn’t go home hungry.
What a great day!
Sylvene.
South Norfolk Loop – Brevet Populaire Audax – 31 August 24
Mr and Mrs Miles Back were too late to join their Willesden clubmates on the “New Forest Onshore” audax, as it had completely sold out. So instead we opted to enter the South Norfolk Audax. This turned out to be a most serendipitous choice, it was an excellent ride through countryside that we have never explored before. This ride starts in the lovely village of Carbrooke, which is SW of Norwich and then heads over towards the East coast.
It was one of the flattest Audaxes we have done. It passed though scenic wooded lanes of the Breckland area of Thetford forest and plenty of attractive villages (with one called Eccles) and the wonderful market town of Harleston. The route was very enjoyable despite the block headwind coming in from the North Sea.
Who knew he even had a Driving licence!! Does Bluebottle drive a HGV?!?
The excellent cafe stop at Chestnuts Camp was deep into the ride at some 82km from the tea and biscuits at the start HQ. This meant it was an hours ride back to the finish, with a tail wind to boot us us along.
No New Forest ponies, but we did chance up some horse-power!
Wherever we stopped our Willesden jerseys stirred friendly and charming curiosity from the locals. All wanted to know if we had ridden from Willesden. It surprised us that so many people seem to have heard of the place. Perhaps we need to organise a Harlesden, London to Harleston, Norfolk ride in the future….?
The real highlight of the trip was the impressive Wymondham Abbey, which we had time to look around. I learnt a new word – Reredorter, which is the word used to describe a monk’s toilet! I shall now be using this word on all my future rides.
The mighty Wymondham Abbey
The day was rounded off with fish and chips and a couple of pints – a belting day out!
Miles Back
