A bit on the cold side, but nonetheless, a lovely day to get out on the bike. This was the first chance, for a couple of weeks, to put in a decent distance. So, check the tyres and make sure they are around 100 psi and then off towards the New Forest. The only question is which particular part. It is such a lovely area whereever you choose to go. We are really very spoilt for choice here.

In the end, I settled for the usual B's to start with. Burton, Bransgore and Burley (not forgetting that I had started in Bournemouth and went via Boscombe). The picture (not mine - I always forget to take a camera) is Thorney Hill between Bransgore and Burley. Then left in Burley, up the hill and back down into Ringwood and up to Moyles Court. Next stop Fordingbridge and back to Ringwood via Alderholt. There is still a choice to make, but I wanted a bit more distance so along the back roads through North Ripley to Winkton and home via Christchurch and Hengistbury Head.

The first 50+ mile ride of the year (actually 55 miles). So I am feeling very pleased to have got a reasonable distance in before the Fens ride in 2 weeks time. And I'm not completed dead either.

But don't forget the reason for the training rides! Donate now to encourage me