2hr or so spare – ride from central Alton ??

Will be “marooned” in Alton (Hants, in case there are others) for a couple of hours next week so thinking I could take a bike and do some riding

Can be road or mtb but will only have 2hr or so

Anyone got any great ideas ?

#pleaseanthankyow

Firstly, I’ve never got around to cycling near Alton in the past 7 years, closest I’ve got is Ropley Dean and New Alesford.

But premium Strava map on popular routing rather than direct gives a loop including some nice hills I’ve done, including almost certainly the biggest categorised climb in mainland Hampshire.

Will try and add route links to this editted post before 15mins is up! 😉

https://www.strava.com/routes/3226204169402582388 (4 mile climb from Sheet to Warren Corner)

https://www.strava.com/routes/3226205446201132404 (lots of cat4 hills in Rogate-Milland hill area)

https://www.strava.com/routes/3226207041759923278 (to East Meon)

thanks notg – you clearly have a lot of faith in my potential pace! (but I see I can shorten any of those)

scaredy, there’s a number of options although a gravel bike may be better than an mtb. To the west of the town is Chawton Park Wood and there’s various bridleways and byways that would make a loop. Alternatively use some minor roads to reach Lasham Gliding Club where you should be able to get food or refreshments. Check their website though cos my info is old.
Bikes can be locked to the fence and you’ll be able to see them, they’re not permitted within the grassy area outside the building. If conditions are likely to be wet then there’s plenty of lanes to use.

No probs. I did wonder what sort of pace you had in mind on a hilly course, but if you’re not over that way often these days, maybe you can stretch the “or so” bit of your time allocation. 😉

Elliot from one of the Strava clubs I’m in, a bit of a training nutter, lives just west of Alton and might give you some ideas, including not heading south. https://www.strava.com/athletes/1979871

thanks both

I did wonder what sort of pace you had in mind on a hilly course

it’s just that they all seem to suggest 3hr+ on the ride details – d’you think those are “misleadingly” slow ?

For me, those three routes are listed as approx 3hrs6mins; 3hrs8mins; 2hrs50mins respectively. That will be based on my lack of average speed (approx 12-13mph moving speed since mid April), so long since I’ve paid attention to Strava routes I’m not sure how far back it averages from.

I thought Strava routes changed estimated time according to rider looking at link, maybe not?

ah – I think maybe it does look at my speed (times are slightly different) though I’ve not ridden outside much this year, and all been pretty leisurely.  I think it’s underestimating me a bit but obvz I don’t know the terrain at all.  Might try CG’s woods option as that seems v flexible for time

(or I might just do some neuromuscular sprints like Elliot !)