The Gridiron 100k, New Forest, Sunday Oct 14th

[User]

 

[Tim Hall]

Can't make it, sadly. It really is a cracking ride though. Come on, all you ditherers, give it a go. Ooh look! One line entry here.

 

[Berties]

Might see what i am doing that weekend have been riding in the north of the new forest a lot of late,wild animals open heathland, top views,great place for a ride

 

[Baggy]

Anyone thinking of doing this one this year? I did it two years ago and it was a lovely ride, as long as you don't mind cycling over the cattle grids that give it its name.

Chuffy and I rode it two years ago, too...agree it's a lovely ride, though the grids might be slightly less lovely in the wet We're riding again this year with a couple of friends.

 

[Baggy]

We took it at a fairly relaxed pace! We're staying in Dorset overnight so we're 99% certain to make it to the start. Some of the fords might be slightly deeper than last time!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Not done it in donkey's years. Could be tempted.

 

[DRHysted]

Tempting, as I missed the New Forest 100 last weekend due to work. I've only done sportives so far, so this would be a change.

 

[oldgreyandslow]

Did it a couple of years ago, its a very nice ride, however with the weather forecast for Sunday being pretty awful I reckon there'll be a fairly low turnout. Riding for hours in rain is just not appealing these days.

 

[DRHysted]

Last local forecast I checked had it dry in the morning (but close to 10C), so weather may not be too much of a problem. I just wish that events could start latter in the day.

 

[Baggy]

We'll probably make a decision on Saturday, there is a severe weather warning in place for Sunday at the moment - if it was local the weather wouldn't stop us unless it was *really* bad, but it seems a bit masochistic to make a special trip for a six-hour soaking!

 

[Baggy]

Current forecast:

 

[JoeyB]

Really wanted to do this but busy this weekend.

 

[albal]

Did it today , glorious weather and lots of bikers, only downside was the lousy tea at Colbury and lack of biscuits.

 

[DRHysted]

Glad it went well. I was just too tired to get up early in the morning (13 12 hour shifts starting at 6am on the trot, took more out of me than I'd hoped).
I must keep more of an eye out next year.

 

[Baggy]

We did make it, though due to our not-quite-remembering where the start was, arrived fashionably late and set off at about 10.30 I kept my eyes peeled for @User13710 sized Orbeas at the cafe stops, without success. If anyone spotted a lobster Carradice en route, that would have been on my bike...

It was a beautiful day and both the route and forest were lovely. The terrain and clean roads made a very welcome change from Devon's zigzags, chevrons and gravel. Managed to score a malted-milk biscuit at Colbury and have to say the tea was an improvement on the last cup I had there!

The injured rider was unlucky and clipped wheels with someone as they moved over to let a car through Hope they are ok and soon on the mend.

Good to see so many people out enjoying themselves and to see so many donkeys snoozing in the warm sunshine!