Yesterday’s Winchester Team road.cc ride-out was the biggest yet with almost 50 riders from Winchester, the New Forest, various points along the South Coast and as far afield as Bath (okay, that was me) enjoying a great ride along the western end of the South Downs.

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Team road.cc Winchester ride out – guess the shop we met at (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Start and finish was at Hargrove Cycle’s Winchester store where the team laid on pre-ride refreshment and tech support and some very much appreciated post ride drinks and sarnies too. Big thanks to Matt and Nathan from Hargroves who acted as lead riders keeping the pace sensible but not sedate.

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Team road.cc Winchester ride out – It’s nice round here (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

road.cc reviewer, contributor and ride-out ride leader, Mike Stead used his local knowledge to put together a route with something in if for everybody. No one got left behind, no-one got lost… well not that we know of.

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Team road.cc Winchester ride out – faster group prepare for take off (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

As you’d expect in the South Downs the ride itself was a rolling affair – a 35 mile loop with a great tea stop (Houghton Lodge if you’re in the area, fab lemon drizzle cake). A sociable workout along mainly quiet and remarkably smooth lanes that gave ample opportunity to enjoy the scenery on a beautifully crisp autumn day. We finished the day with a post-ride Schwag Grab – it’s good to give.

Team road.cc Winchester ride out – lilac lady.jpg
Team road.cc Winchester ride out – lilac lady (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
Team road.cc Winchester ride out – smiling for the camera.jpg
Team road.cc Winchester ride out – smiling for the camera (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Thanks to everyone who helped out on the day, and to everyone who came along and helped make it such an enjoyable ride. Team road.cc members can read a fuller report on the ride in the Member’s News Section.

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Team road.cc Winchester ride out – Tea stop parking (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Sheffield is next up on the Team road.cc ride-out schedule and that’s this Sunday coming – the 25th when Stu Kerton will be heading north.

Team road.cc members get first dibs on road.cc ride-out places but  If you’d like to join Stu next Sunday there are still a few places left – you can register here and you can find more details on the ride here (if you’re a member). It being Sheffield we’re guessing hills are going to figure…

Team road.cc members enjoy a range of benefits including  discounts in cafes and bike shops, 20 per cent of road.cc kit, special one off member offers + road.cc socks, stickers, and a membership card on joining. We also organise regular ride outs and member events; and if you’ve got a race licence you can race for us too. Members also have their own news, offers, and forum section on the site. Membership costs £14.95 and you can join here.