Ride Report w/c 10th August

We met up at the Wilton P&R car park – loads of spaces, free parking and good toilets

The Route:

First road closure: In the middle of Broad Chalke at the start of the climb, a builder’s delivery completely blocked the road, but a quick turn round saw us attack the hill from a different direction.
The Climbs: A steady ascent from Wilton to Salisbury Race Course over Netherhampton Down and the longer climb to the top of Knowle Hill out of Broad Chalke – fabulous views of the Chalke Valley from the top then the long descent to Fordingbridge.
Lunch at Riverside Café in Fordingbridge: We sat at shaded tables in the garden overlooking the river, some enjoying the bargain bacon bap with coffee for £5 whilst the more sophisticated opted for filled flatbread and salad.
Fordingbridge to Salisbury: Following the National Byway through Breamore and the pretty village of Downton. After this was a section on the cycle path beside the busy A338 before a welcome diversion of on a quiet road beside the River Avon to Odstock. Cycle paths took us through the Cathedral Close avoiding the heavy traffic on the adjacent roads and into the town centre where we stopped in the Market Square for a welcome ice cream in the shade.
Last part: NCN24 to Quidhampton and back to the start for the drive home.

Riders: David, Elizabeth, Brian, Lin, Len, Mick, Carol. Alistair and new member, Sandra
Stats: 24 miles | 430m ascent | 10.9mph avge

Splits & Detours: Carol left early via Lasham due to knee pain. Lin and Elizabeth mistakenly rode ahead over Bradley Hill, prompting Brian to search for them, while Mick and Sandra continued to Bentworth.
Regrouping: The split groups reunited at The Ivy House in Alton and chose a shaded return route via Brick Lane to handle the heat.
Final Stretch & Mechanical Issue: At Herriard, the group divided further—Mick, Lin, and Len headed toward Polecat Corner, while the rest turned off toward Cliddesden. Almost immediately, Brian suffered a flat tire (a torn valve requiring a new inner tube) before the ride finally concluded at Cliddesden Pond.

Early Departure & Route: Mark, Simon, and Gary started early to beat the heat, picked up Martin, and cycled through Tunworth, Upton Grey, South Warnborough, Upper Froyle, and Holybourne before taking a refreshment stop at The Ivy House in Alton.
Climbs & Encounters: Leaving Alton, they tackled the steep 9.9% climb up Snode Hill and passed Mick, Sandra, and the rest of their group riding in the opposite direction along Childer Hill.
Puncture & Heat Detour: Gary suffered a flat tire from a stone, which they fixed in the shade at The Sun Inn. As temperatures reached 31C, they took a shaded detour through Bentworth via Burkham and Spain Lane.
Final Splitting Point: Gary departed at Berrydown Lane, Mark and Simon headed home via Garlic Lane, and Martin was the sole rider to complete the full route at Cliddesden.