We are lucky that we have the New Forest and the South Downs on our doorstep – many many bridleways and country roads for an enjoyable cycle and plenty of single track so Mr P tells me if you want a little more excitement!
Our favourite routes tend to start either at Hatchet’s Pond near Beaulieu or at Cheesefoot Head just off the A31 – lovely cycles from there with enough hill to give you a workout but not so much it is unpleasant! We know there is a great choice of lunching locations at both and its easy to get to some of our favourite spots as well as have a good stretch of cycling away from busy parts. We’ve found some lovely pubs on the South Downs as well as some real gems in the New Forest (including some simple ride suggestions).
The streets of Southampton have just been branded with signs encouraging cycling! This is good. But personally I don’t enjoy road cycling in the city as the roads are terribly full of pot holes, but a great bit of marketing nonetheless. I had a nasty fall in the town centre when I was avoiding a badly driven car and a hole at the same time and ended up crashing up the pavement as the route of least resistance for everything apart from my arm…
Much as I enjoy cycling there are a few things that really frustrate and worry me.
So many people don’t wear a helmet – that has to be dangerous, I truly think the likes of Halfords should only sell a bike with a helmet? So many more people cycle aggressively on the pavements, not good? I cringe when I see parents cycling along with no helmet but a child on the back with a helmet on. Both need helmets… Oh – and one more thing, please don’t wear headphones and listen to music when cycling – so so dangerous…
Good #cycling marketing in #southampton – yes I am, but shame about the number of #potholes
Cycling is a fab sport, great exercise and fresh air even if just on your commute – enjoy it and take care! It is great to do with friends and is also good for me and Mr P (who is much fitter) to enjoy together as it is non-competitive and based mainly around a tasty food stop!
Apparently my bike (vastly too good for my ability) is coming back from its service with lots of spangly new parts – so now spring has sprung we’ll be back out at the weekends making the most of what’s on our doorstep.
Stunning South Downs evening riding
Its been too long since I’ve gone on a cycling trip, looks like fun especially with amazing views like that!
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Cycling and walking – great for a weekend near home or for seeing a new place!
Gordon loves cycling and I can’t ride a bike. I can ..but I aim for inanimate objects like trees and cars. This looks like a great trip though.
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We have lovely days when Mr P cycles some massive route himself and I just meet him for lunch! Works very well too!
I live near the Southdowns too and not that far from the New Forest either and I’m hoping to get out there more this year, weather permitting. Feel lucky to live so near such wonderful countryside and lovely villages.
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Some weekends we won’t get out to either place even though it is on our doorsteps! Forget to quickly how pretty the areas are!
Brings back great memories of cycling along the south coast of England in my youth. Perhaps it’s time to do a 30-years later repeat of the route? Hmm, on the other hand…:-) The New Forest is such a beautiful area, I’m often surprised how few visitors to the UK get to see it though
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Hopefully now that it has its national park status it will welcome more visitors – there are some incredible hotels down here, it’s a great escape from London!
I remember your New Forest article! 😉 That is an area I’d still like to explore, having only passed through on the way from Surrey to the Isle of WIght.
Hear, hear about the helmet comment! I’m not sure you can get Halfords to insist that one is bought with every bike (the buyer might already have one!), but if we can legistlation about seat belts, lights, etc. … why not introduce it for helmets?
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I agree – something should be done, The Times do a lot of campaigning but there are still so many people cycling dangerously…
Cycling looks like such a great way to get to know a destination-your post certainly demonstrates that. I have a fantasy of cycling through Viet Nam in the neat future. I love riding at home, but have never tried when traveling. Time will tell.
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Oh gosh – cycling through Vietnam, now that would be stunning…