The e-bike cycling group started with one idea, became two people, increased to three and now with a fourth looking to join in the New Year. Since the 11th September we have enjoyed five rides with destinations such as Chilton Candover, East Meon, Lasham, Cheriton and Tichborne, stopping for coffees at The Yard, Avenue Nursery, Josie’s, Long Barn, and my house! We’ve been lucky with the weather, only having to wrap up recently – but you soon get warm when you get those pedals turning!
Our rides have been between 20 – 25 miles and we try to keep on country lanes where possible. One ride was abit more adventurous with some woody tracks, open downland and grassy pathways – all very do-able though, nothing too taxing. The great thing about cycling is that you notice more and there is the delight of discovering parts of the local area that you didn’t know existed, aswell as understanding how the roads link up.
Generally, as long as it isn’t raining, or is icy, it’s always possible to get out, and great to be able to embrace the winter weather rather than shy away from it. There’s always a sense of achievement when you finish, and nothing nicer than settling in to a welcoming café for a reviver half way around. The aim is to complete more than half the ride before stopping for coffee. We start again in the New Year and as the weather becomes warmer in the Spring and beyond the plan is to go further to keep the rides varied and sense of fulfillment at the end of a ride.
If you are thinking of cycling more in 2026, and have an e-bike, please do join us. We’re very relaxed and would love to see you.
Caroline Bonney
A selection of images from recent trips:
