A day of heavy rain but it did not deter a total of four riders for Paul’s lead out in to the New Forest. We welcomed back Gordon for his fist ride since December.

We headed out through Totton, Netley Marsh and Bartley to Minstead. We called in to Furzey Gardens expecting them to be open but we were a week too early. Then we remembered that the Trusty Servant in Minstead were now open for breakfasts so we headed there instead. The refreshment options were thought were rather limited but it was good to get out of the rain and to have a hot drink – and for Alan and Gordon to share warm scones, cream and jam. Sam entertained us by telling us that his his phone app had said sunny periods for the day. We looked out and saw the rain continuing to beat down.

We were unanimous in deciding to abandon the planned ride and to head for home. A slight navigation error by Alan led us to the main Cadnam – Lyndhurst road for a short stretch but we soon picked up the quieter roads again going through Pikes Hill before Lyndhurst and then on the bike path back to Ashurst, Foxhills and Rushington.

L-R: Alan, Sam, Gordon, Paul.