The September offering of a challenge ride takes us out of the county and into Hampshire. Gather at The Fighting Cocks Pub in Godshill at 9am. (W3W ///spend.organisms.polo). The plan is to agree with the Land Lord of the pub to allow us to park in their car park. Possible small charge. The route takes us into New Forest National Park, a renowned area of outstanding natural beauty. There are a number of points of interest on the route, The Canadian War Memorial at Minstead, The Deer Sanctuary at Bolderwood, we will pass close to the Blackwater Arboretum, Bucklers Hard and Beaulieu, to name but a few. Possible refreshment stops; The Forest Deli at Sway (20 miles) a little off the route but facilities are few and far between on the route. At Bucklers Hard there is The Captain’s Table and Mr. Eddy’s Tea Rooms (31 miles). Beaulieu at 37 miles, has a number of options. The Woods Cyclery, on the Hight Street in Lyndhurst (46 miles), may prove useful, being a coffee and bike shop all in one, should anyone need mechanical support as well as refreshment. Open daily 9am – 5pm. To summarise the route “woodland and heathland” with ups and downs at each end. A note about Challenge Rides: All riders should be comfortable with the challenge of riding longer distances. It’s intended to ride the routes at a steady pace, so the group can stay together. If some people prefer to ride faster and/or if there are sufficient numbers we’ll split into separate groups. All participants should be competent and completely self-contained, carrying tools, tubes, spares etc, and enough food/drink/money to see them through the day. There is no ride-leader, no back-marker, and no route sheet. Everyone is advised to familiarise themselves with the route in advance and to carry relevant maps and directions (paper or GPS, or both!). Lights are recommended on the longer rides, in case it’s getting dark at the finish. Please note that attendance of this ride requires advanced booking. Please use this simple booking form. The form is a mandatory for all riders, so the organiser knows who and how many to expect and so we have a record of everyone riding on the day. Your cooperation to complete this in advance of the ride will be much appreciated. It also means we can email you if there is any change in the ride information or cancellation. There is no need to notify us if you subsequently change your mind and decide not to ride, but a short email to the address below will ensure your name is taken off the list. Experienced riders are asked to help keep the groups to a manageable size on the road. For any queries about this ride please email leisureride@chippenhamwheelers.org.