Yesterday was superb, weather, company, banter....
Around 60 bkies of all sorts met in Basingstoke to be set off by the
Mayor at the the official launch of NCN23. There were roadies, MTBers,
shoppers and a preponderance of small wheelers.
The town was built around the motor car, but is slowly become more
attuned to cyclists needs. I grimaced a little when the Mayor mentioned
that there were now 10,000 miles of routes for cyclists to use, but I'm
sure she didn't understand the significance.
However, she did priofess to feeling she should have brought her own
bike along, something that she will certainly be reminded about before
the next cycling event . She is a nice lady who lives just down the road
from me in the next village, so I may be offering her some
cycle-training :-)
Anyhow, we set off in several groups, to take a winding route through
the southern edges of the town, following a young lady with a Sustrans
flag. It could certainly have been more direct and although some parts
were acceptable, the crossings when going around roundabouts were in
some cases positively scary.
But once out of the town we were into the lovely lanes that are rarely
appreciated here. The mile-long climb over to Ellisfield had many
struggling especially the brommies and sit-up-and-begs, but then it
became easier and with the sun out everyone was fullof happiness and
good chat.
Many of us know these lanes very well, but if this route encourages more
to cycle then it can only be good news.
Unlike many NCN routes this one uses lanes for virtually the whole
distance and is well signposted.
It will eventually be signposted through to Winchester.
Today, the sun shone and we enjoyed it.
I've put a few pics here:
http://www.velotree.co.uk/ncn23launch.html
John B