Posted: 11/09/06

Autumn Road Route: a balmy September day

We have now sent out all the certificates to people who requested them but a few e-mails have bounced, probably because we couldn't clearly read the writing on the entry form! Please e-mail us if you haven't received yours yet and we'll send one back by return.

Summer reappeared right on cue to tempt many keen roadies, families, mountain bikers and even a few tandems out into the heat and light winds. The three routes took in a mix of terrain with the 100km ride reaching as far the New Forest, definitely a highlight of the day. The stunning scenery and smooth forest roads treated everyone to a fast ride over the Plains whilst making way for errant ponies, donkeys and cattle, plus the multitude of other riders on their Sunday club runs. Winding northwards via the Avon Valley towards Stockbridge the routes converged at a busy refreshment stop where tales and experiences were already being shared. The quiet country lanes became busy with riders as the final push through the Test Valley tested tired legs to the full along the rolling hills. We hope you enjoyed your challenge! We had promised that a photographer would be on the route, unfortunately he was unable to attend and we apologise for that.

Probably the luckiest and most surprised entrant today was Chris Hutchings from Winchester, shown above with representatives from Gorrick. On arrival at the finish he was presented with a Giant road bike won in the prize draw - supplied by event sponsor Pedal On. Chris and his wife had intended to ride at a charity event from Salisbury but stayed in bed too long to make the start on time, so plan B brought them to the Test Valley Tour. Definitely a stroke of luck.

Tom Pooley has contacted us to pass on his thanks to everyone who stopped to help him when he crashed after King's Somborne, no other traffic or riders were involved. He was taken to Winchester Hospital and released later in the day with the verdict being four broken ribs and a fair amount of lost skin. We wish Tom a speedy and successful recovery.

To round off this year's Tour we head to Andover for the Cool MTB Challenge on the 19th November. The route options of 30km or 45km promise plenty of offroad action including perennial favourite Collingbourne Woods. You can pre-enter now or on the day (at extra cost).

How was your Road Tour? Got a story to tell? E-mail us at