LFGSS Bikepacking Weekend 10: New Forest

My bikepacking trips return for 2020, timed to coincide with the official return of British Summer Time.

Route is likely to be a rerun of this: https://www.lfgss.com/events/4563/ promising sandy gravel tracks, rustling woodlands, and a glorious hilltop bivouac with some wild ponies to look at.

This ride is easy, you can attend on any bike with 35c or bigger tires. It’s always most fun on a mountain bike, so bring one if you have one.

More details to come soon.

Excited 😀

in.

First time ever it's a maybe from me. Clashes with other riding plans.

It’s always most fun on a mountain bike

How rude

glorious hilltop bivouac

Sounds luxurious.

Exciting! Hopefully I won't have to work that weekend!

hmmm

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I can't make this one unfortunately.

Hullo

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ahhh always before exams! staying tuned for any April/May excursions

interested!

Similarly interested

might be available, will keep an eye out for updates

I'm very keen for this - just have some tentative travel plans for the Sunday evening, but I think they'll be called off.

Also interested

yes I'm up for this, had a fantastic time last year. Will most probably be on some single speed 650b thing. And will be asking for advice on ratios here :-)

edit - actually, what would be a good single speed gearing for that sort of things?

Very tempting. Followed.

What do people think about 55" as a gearing? I can get down to that with 42x20 (which would allow me to not have to buy new cranks, only chainring & freewheel)

A quick google search brought back 42x18 (just above 60") recommended as a starting point for general SSCX, guessing on a chill ride with luggage I'll like the extra 5".

This is all assuming I haven't fucked off back to France by then, obviously.

Sounds good, I often run 42 on 18, 20 & 22

Good to know, thanks!

Hi everyone! Good reception for this so far, thanks all.

A bit more detail below and some questions answered. And the routes.

This will be running if the weather forecast is not terrible and trains are still operating. I am aware of the Coronavirus measures etc. If you have any symptoms please don't come. I'll leave it at that.

When: Saturday 28th - Sunday 29th March
Where: New Forest. Train to Brockenhurst on day 1, train back from Salisbury on day 2.
What: 50-60km each day of gravel, doubletrack, tiny roads, singletrack.
Overnight: Wild camping on a great spot.
Am I welcome: Yes, if you have a positive attitude and enough half-decent kit to come round
Mood: Open and supportive, stopping to chill often, making a grand old fire in the evening

Other Important Details:
I will post exact meeting and trains info in due course. Do not book trains yet, we only book for sure a week or so in advance to check the weather forecast is good. A weekend of rain ain't fun.
If you don’t have a tent you can probably share a tent/tarp with someone else, post in the thread. You will need your own sleeping bag and mat at a minimum.
You must be self-sufficient, so bring plenty of food, tools, tubes, and good attitude! We don’t ride fast at all, but you must be fit enough to make it round on a loaded bike. If you’ve never ever gone camping these trips might not be for you.

Routes for day 1 and day 2, these make more sense if you look on an OS map.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32151259

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32151260

Hi this is your Mum here. Not sure this is a brilliant idea.

Train services are to be reduced from next week. Might be alright for those who are London based but probably not feasible for the rest of us :/

Needless to say, this is postponed.
Stay safe everyone.