Breeze Winchester Improvers' Chilbolton Circuit

Winchester Breeze Improvers
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, or you might be training for a sportive and want to build up your distances. If the answer is ‘yes’ to any of these, then these improver rides are 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, we are working towards an average pace of 13 mph (similar to the CTC intermediate/moderate pace), which is roughly equivalent to two hours on a 25-mile ride – excluding the coffee break. Distances vary from around 25 to 40 miles and there is always a welcome stop for coffee and cake. As this is Hampshire, be prepared for some hills, although you will get plenty of encouragement to help you.

This route takes us out through Stoke Charity towards Barton Stacey and Leckford, then Chilbolton and Crawley before we stop at the Little Kitchen Bistro at Winchester Golf Academy for some delicious cake and a drink (around 21 miles). After that, it's only a short run back to the start.

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 but if the forecast is concerning, I will cancel the ride as a last resort. Please provide a mobile number when you book so that I can send a text in addition to messaging via the forum, should this be necessary.

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!

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!