England : Buckinghamshire Willesden CC 300km Audax 6th April

[ian_oli]

Willesden CC's 3Down ride is on the 6th April. From just west of London at Chalfont St Peter, it goes across the Chilterns, the eastern edge of the Berkshire Downs and over the Hampshire Downs at White Hill. With the ups mainly out of the way, it's a flat and scenic run along the Test Valley and across the New Forest to Fordingbridge and, then back again by a different, gentler route. Breakfast is included in the price and refreshments/light meals available at the end with cafe/convenience store controls in between.

The fact that the return route has a following prevailing wind and the last 60k is fairly flat makes this a good first 300K and also makes it reasonably easy for fixies. You will need lights for the first ten minutes or so and even the slowest riders should get to around Preston Candover, near Basingstoke, before needing lights. You can get details of the controls, a draft GPX and the 3Down crossword at http://iansaudax.blogspot.co.uk/ and you can enter online at http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/11-417/

 

[frank9755]

I've ridden much, but not all, of the route before and some bits, such as the Test Valley, and the last bit over the moorland before the turn, are quite special. I'll always remember doing that moorland bit into a screaming headwind, with the setting sun in my eyes, en route for Lands End - a hard but deeply satisfying bit of the ride.

I've meant to do this in the past but always had a clash. I don't think I'll manage to do The Dean this year, so I am hoping to make this the year I do this. A ride out to the New Forest and back from London for £6 with free breakfast takes some beating on value grounds!