MEMBERS' INITIATIVES
Throughout the year members get together for a whole host of shared activities that they arrange for themselves, ranging from a morning's ride to a trip abroad. These are just a few examples of the many shared pursuits.
MIDWEEK RIDES
If you can't make it on a Sunday morning, or you'd simply like more than one group ride in a week, then perhaps a midweek ride is for you. The advantage of being in a vibrant club is that there are many of these rides arranged by members for themselves and most are on a regular basis. If this is for you then ask around - on a club run or via social media. You're bound to find what you're looking for.
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You won't be surprised to learn that many of these rides feature a trip to Stan's Bike Shack. We are fortunate to have a bike-centric cafe in our area. All part of the tradition of cycling and cafe stops!
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2019 GENT-WEVELGEM CYCLO
In 2019 a number of Excelsior riders organised a trip to Belgium to take part in the Gent-Wevelgem Cyclo. It is a sportive run on the same Flanders roads as the following day’s professional race being in an area that was a setting for the First World War 100 years ago and passing many war memorials along the way. Attracting many thousands of riders it poses a considerable challenge with steep cobbled climbs, unmade roads (known as plugstreets) and open windy sections.
Fortunately this year saw stunning weather and light winds. Nik Allen, Simon Steeles, Dom Maxwell, Trevor Leeding and Ian Leeding all tacked the 134 mile event. With over 4,000 feet of climbing they did well to finish in 6 hours and 40 minutes at an average speed of 19.8 mph. Paul Townsley rode in the shorter, but still arduous, 87 mile event.
Fortunately this year saw stunning weather and light winds. Nik Allen, Simon Steeles, Dom Maxwell, Trevor Leeding and Ian Leeding all tacked the 134 mile event. With over 4,000 feet of climbing they did well to finish in 6 hours and 40 minutes at an average speed of 19.8 mph. Paul Townsley rode in the shorter, but still arduous, 87 mile event.
2016 EPIC ALPS/MONT VENTOUX TRIP (Simon Atkinson June 2016)
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All the photographs and action recounted from a truly awesome journey with cols and climbing by the bucketload.
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2016 GRAN FONDO INTERNAZIONALE FELICE GIMONDI BIANCHI (15th May)
A mega Italian challenge for Paul Townsley as he rides in the wheel tracks of past Giro D'Italia stars.
For a report of the day just click on the chart
For a report of the day just click on the chart
2016 WIGGLE JURASSIC BEAST SPORTIVE (8th May)
Nicky Carsons is at it again. A real glutton for pushing herself (a.k.a. punishment) this time she tackled the "Beast".
For a report of the day just click on the photograph.
For a report of the day just click on the photograph.
2016 HAMPSHIRE HILLY HUNDRED SPORTIVE (8th May)
Our club president Robert Downham rode this one in May 2016.
For a report of the day just click on the photograph.
For a report of the day just click on the photograph.
2016 WIGGLE SUPER SERIES NEW FOREST SPRING SPORTIVE
Two of our members, Nicky Carsons and Ken Gormanly, rode in this sportive in April 2016.
Ken reports: The venue for the Sportive was Somerley House near Ringwood. Starting just outside the New Forest National Park we rode to the south-west corner of the Forest and headed east first of all, completing an anti-clockwise loop of the woodland area on unspoilt and quiet back lanes with picturesque views. The standard distance was 67 Miles and elevation gain of 2030 feet. A typically good Wiggle event…well organised, good direction signs, mainly pothole free roads, lots of energy food and drink at the feed station ….and a tee shirt and medal at the finish. The weather was good to start, but after about 3 hours a weather front came through bringing light rain and cold winds. One minor drawback was that on the standard route the first and only feed station was at 46 miles….a long time to ride before the first fig roll of the day!! Nicky - Gold Award 4hr 32mins Ken – Silver Award 4hr 33mins |
BRECON BEACONS TRIP
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A three day trip to the Brecon National Park organised by four of our members. The hotel was situated in the heart of the park near Pen Y Fan, the highest peak in the area at 2907 feet. Nearly 200 miles of riding in absolutely stunning scenery.
To see the photographs and a report of the trip click here.
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TOUR DE FRANCE TRIPS
A regular trip to the Tour de France, complete with bikes is organised each year. One of our members, Pete Logan, has a property in Saint-Aubin-Des-Bois in Calvados and hosts a group of members.
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LONDON REVOLUTION VISITS
A number of trips to see star riders action at Lee Valley have been organised. Andrew Lock hires a mini-bus and gets us all there and back safely.
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