Whitchurch Social Cyclists

The Whitchurch Social Cyclists have sent this information about their activities in the Whitchurch area.

It’s the new year and a chance to begin a new healthy regime. 

Why not join the Whitchurch Social Cyclists (WSC).
This is not a club and has no constitution, no subscriptions and no commitment. You just attend when you can.

We are a small bunch of older (but active) folk, most of us are in the 50s and 60s with a couple of exceptions.

We tend to start our rides in Whitchurch but this doesn’t mean you have to live in Whitchurch.
Some of us live in the surrounding villages like Hurstbourne Priors, St Mary Bourne, Stoke, and Crux Easton.

It’s also a social club. That means we always plan our routes to either stop at a cafe (daytime rides) or a pub (evening rides).

Is this the Group for you?

We are a fairly fit and healthy bunch and ride at a steady (but not a race/club) pace. To be specific, we tend to ride at an average speed of approx. 18-21kmh (11-13mph) on flat tarmac.
If you are not sure if this is the right speed for you, that speed usually requires a modern road bike (lightweight Road or Gravel frame) and suitable clothing.

If you cannot maintain 17kmh (10 mph) on flat tarmac, then this group is probably not for you. But if you can, then please read on.

We ride non-electric bikes generally but will allow electric road bike use if it means it’s the only way you will ride. However, you would have to ride your electric road bike at our non-electric pace.

WSC members wear lycra cycling padded shorts, helmets and clip in shoes etc. Lycra clothing is the most efficient way to cycle and offers lots of back pocket storage etc. There is nothing stopping you wearing other forms of clothing, but you might stand out and feel uncomfortable if you do.

Meet Ups

Its mid-winter so a great deal depends on the road conditions. If the roads are likely to be icy or slippery then we won’t ride. But if the roads have good traction and the air temperature is not too cold, then we will ride. 

We don’t tend to set off in the rain either but it is ok if it rains whist we’re out. A decision about whether to ride or not will be made via our WhatsApp group in the days (sometime hours) leading up to the meet time. 

Evening rides are usually on Thursdays (normally meet at Whitchurch Town Hall (WTH) at 6:30pm). Thursday rides are usually around 25-30km in total and common destinations include the Wonston Arms, Fox Tangley, Jack Russell Faccombe etc. 

Sunday rides are longer (50-60km) and we usually set off from the Longmeadow Sports & Social Club (LSSC) at 08:30. 

Remember that this is a social group, so you will be expected to bring a means to pay for your cake, coffee/tea, bacon butty or pint etc at the mid route stop. We use What3Words a fair bit to pinpoint meeting places. The W3W addresses of the 2 principal WSC Meeting locations are below:

Sunday Mornings at 08:30am

Longmeadow Sports and Social Club (LSSC)

https://w3w.co/awakening.volunteered.logbook

50-60km

Thursday Evenings at 6:30pm

Whitchurch Town Hall (WTH) 

https://w3w.co/activity.rungs.extremely

25-30km

IMPORTANT: 

ALL RIDES SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION AND CAN BE CANCELLED AT LATE NOTICE. UPDATES ARE PROVIDED VIA A WHATSAPP GROUP


Organised Rides and Events

The WSC occasionally organises longer distance rides with overnight stops. So if you’re the adventurous type and have the necessary paniers/carriers for your bike, then you may be interested in our Wiltshire Brewery ride or our rides in France. 

We also inspire/encourage each other to participate in Sportive rides or even Audax rides. Riding in pairs or as a small group in a Sportive is much more enjoyable than riding alone. It’s a social group so we support each other.

What you should bear in mind?

This is a Group and not a Club. 

What does that mean? 

It means that you join the group for a ride under your own steam at your own risk/responsibility. If you fall off or injure yourself whilst riding with the WSC, the WSC is not liable.

 

Similarly, navigation to the start and bike maintenance is your own responsibility. The group will tend to meet at the same places at the same times with any timing/venue changes and route details notified via a dedicated WhatsApp group.

 

You will need to bring your own suitable clothing (waterproof, warm layers, gloves etc according to the weather) and bike repair/puncture kits etc and be prepared to repair your bike yourself. In practice, someone in the group will often step in and help you with a puncture repair etc but they are not obliged to. If you get really stuck and need recovering, you must be able to call someone who can come out in a car and recover you (admittedly these instances are rare).

 

In effect, you are riding solo but in amongst a social group. That said, the WSC will not leave you behind if you are riding slowly and we will stay with you if you have a mechanical failure (unless recovery is required). We stop at junctions or the tops of hills to let people catch up, have a drink and a breather.

What’s Next

If you are interested in riding with the WSC, then contact Grant Alexander (preferably via WhatsApp) using his mobile number: 07818 057588. He will arrange your first meet up and if that goes well, you will be added to the main WSC WhatsApp Group. 

Please don’t just turn up at one of the meet up sites on a Thursday or Sunday without agreeing your first ride with Grant. You may find no-one there if you do!

It’s also ok to show a general interest now but not ride until the Spring when the temperatures improve. If you are in that category, no problem. 

Let Grant know and he will be in contact in March/April.

Happy cycling and Whitchurch Social Cyclists (WSC) looks forward to hearing from you.

Top cyclocross comes to area

Top cyclocross racing comes to the area when the Wessex League Andover Supercross is held at Charlton Sports and Leisure Centre on Sunday 4th January.

These events are full of excitement and spectators can walk around the course to watch competitors tackle the various sections.

Organisers say this is a:

"classic cyclocross blend of road, flat grass, steep banks, tracks, sand, plus a bit of BMX track!"

There are categories for all ages and abilities from Under 8s to 60+ male and female, with racing throughout the day. 

There is often lots of support for families wishing to learn more about this sport, with racing for youngsters always a popular activity.

The course is expected to be fast, requiring good handling skills.
Coming just one week before the National Championships the racing will be fast and furious as riders hone their techniques.

Full details are here:
https://howtorideabike.co.uk/andover-supercross/

Cycle route improvements in Andover

A section of the National Cycle Network (NCN246) that passes through Andover is planned to have improvements made.

Hampshire County Council is planning to make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel (use a wheelchair or mobility scooter) and cycle in Andover and have launched a Survey (details below).

The proposed scheme will improve the route connecting Western Avenue, Folly Roundabout, and Charlton Road, helping people travel more safely without needing a car. This is also part of National Cycle Network Route 246.

It comprises of:

New walking and cycling route

A grade separated path will be built for people walking, wheeling and cycling from the Western Avenue underpass to Folly Roundabout and linking to Charlton Road.

This will help keep everyone safer by keeping them away from busy traffic.

Safer road crossing

A new parallel crossing for walking, wheeling and cycling will be created on the Charlton Road arm of the roundabout and there will be improvements to the crossing of Western Avenue, by the roundabout.

This will provide facilities so that people walking, wheeling and cycling can cross more easily and safely.

Better local connections

The route will make it easier to get to schools, shops, and bus stops, helping more people choose walking, wheeling or cycling instead of driving.

It will also link to existing routes north of Andover Town Centre and complement Test Valley Borough Council’s Riverside Park regeneration scheme.

It supports:

• cutting carbon emissions by encouraging walking and cycling
• helping people live healthier, more active lives
• making it easier for everyone to get around, especially without a carIn the majority of cases funding comes from external grants and / or Section 106 contribution from developers.

Full details including the SURVEY are here:
https://sway.cloud.microsoft/5bsbiGWuxXJaZ3Qr?ref=Link

Route 246:
https://www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-246/

Tour de France – Inside Stories

Inside Stories of the Tour de France

The Lights, Andover, Thursday 29th January 2026, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

ITV Tour de France commentator (and acclaimed author) Matt Rendell shares stories and reflections from his 25 years’ covering cycling – and his dealings with the sport's big names from Eddy Merckx to Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish to Chris Froome.

In an illuminating and entertaining evening for Tour fans old and new, Matt will reflect on his first-hand experiences of the biggest races on the calendar, recall bizarre/hilarious personal stories from his maverick career and serve up thought-provoking ideas about the future (and history) of the sport.

Matt Rendell will be in conversation with former Procycling writer Duncan Steer. 

There will be a chance to ask your own questions. 

Tickets are £18.

Details and Tickets:

https://thelights.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173671257

Massive Plans for Popham

Plans for a major logistics centre at nearby Popham on the A303 have taken a step forward. 
The 200 hectare site known as the Popham Logistics Park is planned to provide up to 3 million sq ft of employment space and around 4,500 jobs. An intention is to also include community meeting places, sports facilities, facilities for eating and drinking, and early years care.

The proposals are claimed to 'complement' the plan for up to 3000 houses that is being controversially promoted at nearby Popham Airfield. 

In the recent round of consultation Cycle Whitchurch along with other partners in the Cycle Hampshire group have submitted concerns over the effects on the local road infrastructure and on the surrounding countryside. The proposals do not contain any details to support Active Travel nor of any infrastructure to support access by sustainable travel, while the increase in vehicle movements and densities, particularly HGVs is certain to place enormous pressure on our countryside.

The consultation is one where the developer is firming-up their plans prior to submitting a formal planning application hence it is essential to ensure that any proposals includes taking into account existing planning policies and strategies that protect our local area. Once an outline application is approved it can be very difficult to make additions.

The Town Council has been asked if it too has responded to the consultation.

NEXT STEPS
A planning application is expected to be submitted in January 2026.
Plans are for work to commence in early 2027. 

Whitchurch BMX Track update

Work took place as expected in September to improve the 'BMX' pump track adjacent to the skatepark at Daniel Park, Whitchurch, which comes under the responsibility of Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council.

Public reaction
The public reaction on local social media erupted with a surge of disappointment when a resident posted photographs of the work that was due to cost £20,000. When such public funds are used it is expected they will be used wisely and work carried out to an acceptable standard.

Comments on social media from local residents had included:

"Oh my god, that’s worse. Clearly whoever decided this was better didn’t consult with anyone who knows anything about bikes or bmx tracks!! Can we ask them to change it back as this is ridiculous."

"That tarmac will be crumbled and it will be so gravely by the summer kids be falling off all the time"

"Is this a joke? Who signed off on that?"

and

"As a community what can we do about this?

Basingstoke Council approached
Basingstoke Council had also been asked if they had consulted with users, cycling clubs or national bodies, but it seems not. This is a major oversight and very disappointing. Sending letters to a few nearby residents is not consultation.
This omission has not been explained.

Concerns have also been raised in a meet at the site with BDBC with these and other issues raised.

Smoother and safer? 

Parts are better, others too narrow
The main 'improvements' at Daniel Park have consisted of an asphalt surface being been laid on top of the existing dirt track to provide a smoother and safer facility for the users.

Although the surface is now less rough, in places it is quite narrow though it widens out on the turns. 

In some places it is less than 2ft wide, far below what is considered the minimum for such pump tracks. This can cause problems for inexperienced users as concentration on the narrow line to follow will overshadow the learning of skills needed in riding the course. 

Some construction techniques also seem questionable with a drop off the asphalt to lower surrounding ground creating a step to deal with, and there is also risk of pedal strike on some of the 'humps'. 

However, the surface is better and maybe some fairly easy 'tweaks' could answer these concerns. It is hoped so.  Certainly some young people have been seen happily using the track since the work was undertaken with lots of laughs and smiles. 🙂

Comparisons have also been made with a recent pump track in Newbury which is very much wider and has gained much critical acclaim. However the costs there were far higher. 
But the question remains – was the wider unsurfaced track better than this narrow smoother path.

Next stage?
It had been suggested that a launch event might have been held at Whitchurch similar to a SkateFest held some years back which was extremely popular.

However the negative publicity has currently deferred that idea and an official response, and action, is awaited from Basingstoke and Deane on the recent concerns. It is also good to have a local councillor now involved in this.

Despite some concerns young riders have been enjoying the course.

Let us hope the concerns raised are resolved soon so our youngsters (and some not so young!) can safely enjoy improved facilities that Whitchurch so badly needs. 

 
It should not take too much effort and we should welcome the fact that the need for improvements has at least been recognised. 

 

Whitchurch BMX Track improvements

BMX track work soon to begin

Work is soon to start on improvements to the Whitchurch mini-BMX track at Daniel Park. The site, adjacent to the Skatepark and the QEII Field, is mainly popular with younger children many of whom have used it to hone their bike handling skills, riding from beginner balance bikes upwards. 

Families have also used the area for picnics while their youngsters play on their bikes in a safely enclosed area.
There have been lots of wide smiles.

Funding allocated
Basingstoke & Deane has acquired funding for the improvements which will include laying an asphalt surface. The current surface is rough with some rocky patches and can, in places, cause potential loss of control. 

The overall costs are believed to be in the region of £20,000.

This will be a much needed improvement which will be welcomed by many.

The Skatepark
While this is very positive news, especially for the younger members of our community, regrettably the adjacent skatepark is still deteriorating leading to major concerns over its safety. Basingstoke has taken note but sadly has no current plans for refurbishments. 

There have also been several calls for the Town Council to request that development funding is used for improving the Skatepark. A local group was formed to support this aim which would restore a much needed facility for the town.

 

Ride & Stride 2025

  Ride + Stride is back for 2025 on Saturday 13th September when you can join in the enjoyment of visiting the historic church buildings of the area.

It makes a wonderful day out, especially if cycling.
For example there are currently around 30 churches in the Whitchurch area but there are churches throughout the county and elsewhere.

People all over Hampshire visit as many churches as they wish on foot, bicycle, scooter, horseback, canoe, bus or classic car, exploring and enjoying the countryside.

As there are over 400 churches you can have fun choosing which will be part of your itinerary. Many will have refreshments, some will have loos open, and all should offer you a warm welcome.

Funds are raised through sponsorship that helps fund repairs to historic churches.

There is a good map of the churches here:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1iuJvfuoTnn4go5zsqnA7Z61RiSc&ll=51.24855959294167%2C-1.622205541992221&z=10

Full details of the event are here:

https://hihct.org.uk/ride-and-stride/ 

Recreation Ground Cycle Racks repainted

The cycle parking racks at the Rec (Alliston Way Play Area) in Whitchurch, which were installed a few years ago with the support of children from Whitchurch Primary School, have been repainted.

The 'hoops' had been relocated from the town centre and had been decorated in bright colours with 'fun' ladybird motifs by a local artist.
Sadly these have been now covered with a plain black paint.

School children helped with the original installation, digging the holes and pouring the concrete, under the guidance and watchful eyes of popular Town Mayor Barry Jackman and Mayoress Sandra Jackman.

It was a lovely day and memories of it will remain for a long time.

The Council have been asked if they will be reinstating the children's work.

Local children install the colourful cycle stands

Proud children with the Mayor and Mayoress with the cycle stands they installed

They are now an unexciting black.
Can they be redecorated?

The Sun comes out – and cycle parking is needed

As spring flowers start to appear with snowdrops lining the lanes crocuses starting to show and days getting longer, many people are now getting out on their bikes. Whitchurch is seeing more cyclists visiting the cafés and shops and enjoying the improving weather.

Here we have often mentioned the distinct lack of cycle parking in the town centre and already this is again becoming a matter of concern. 

Arguably the Whitchurch Silk Mill is the most popular refreshment stop having good parking at the front.
rides from other areas such as Go Ride, ladies Breeze groups, and numerous Cycling Clubs from other towns visit regularly. But it is the town centre where the greatest problems arise such as on the pavements outside the Co-op and Kudos. Some cyclists have said they won't stop in Whitchurch, preferring other nearby localities that do provide facilities. Visiting cyclists need to know their often very valuable machines can be secure and unlikely to be stolen, hence they need parking to be in sight. 

Cycling provision improves trade
Even in a locality like Whitchurch which suffers traffic congestion it must be recognised that for every cycle journey made it is very often one less journey made by car, thus easing the roads for those who have to drive. 
Everyone benefits those who cycle, walk or drive.
We have covered this before.

Need for Council support
Quite why our local councils are not supporting the provision of cycle facilities is bewildering, given the proven benefit cycling provides in providing trade to businesses. The lack of adequate cycle parking simply results in more cycles leaning against shopfronts or obstructing pavements which cause annoyance and doesn't help anybody. Suggestions had been made for the use of Plantlock planters but there was not even a response.
https://cyclewhitchurch.blogspot.com/2024/08/use-of-community-infrastructure-levy.html

Platitudes and reports made about supporting sustainable travel, having climate change policies, and supporting green initiatives are a waste of time unless backed up by real actions.

•

 

'Barriers' to Walking and Cycling – a Survey

Hampshire County Council has launched a Survey to determine what issues are 'barriers' to walking and cycling in local areas.

The kind of 'barriers' they are seeking that put people off from walking or cycling include:

• Locations for new cycle parking, or places where existing cycle parking is not meeting demand;
• Staggered or chicane barriers;
• Bollards placed too closely together.

Well-used cycle parking
removed by Whitchurch Town Council

WHITCHURCH has a number of the above 'barriers to cycling' and in particular has suffered from removal of cycle parking and a reluctance to deal with staggered railings on cycle routes.

 
In the town centre, because of parking removal by the local councilpartly to allow motor vehicles on to the pavement (!!!) cycles are again regularly leant against shopfronts causing annoyance to shopkeepers.
This can also make the town unattractive to visit and creates a safety hazard for pedestrians and the mobility impaired.

The town also suffers from excessive congestion, narrow streets and pavements, HGVs and speeding traffic. This is likely to worsen with planned expansion of housing areas.
There are also very few off-road routes with only one bridleway leaving the town that heads northwards.

As a small rural town in the Test valley that attracts a considerable number of cyclists and walkers, facilities need much improvement.

Whitchurch
has several of these

Other examples sought by the Survey are:

• End of route/cyclists rejoin carriageway signs (these are often used interchangeably) and no cycling signs. There are no current plans to remove these, but knowing where they are will help plan better in the future – for example, showing people cycling and where to go when a route ends;
• Crossings that are difficult to use because they don’t have dropped kerbs and tactile paving;
• Dropped kerbs which are not flush with the road; these can make travel difficult for wheelchair users;
• Items such as guard railing, lampposts and signposts which make the pavement too narrow.

The Survey runs until 11:59pm on Sunday 22nd December

The SURVEY can be accessed HERE:
https://www.hants.gov.uk/barriers-walking-cycling

Below

Staggered railings on Council land restrict use
for users of many types of cycles and mobility vehicles.
This is discriminatory and goes against national and local policies.

Below
Cycle parking was removed in the town and cycles are now parked against windows, causing difficulties for cyclists, pedestrians and those with mobility issues:

Below

A suggestion for a combined planting and parking installation was made to the Town Council.
SEE: 

https://cyclewhitchurch.blogspot.com/2024/08/use-of-community-infrastructure-levy.html
A response has not yet been received.
See below, as used in many other heritage locations:

•

A Tour de France Show at The Lights

The Lights in Andover have a new and exciting cycling related show in October: Ned Boulting's Marginal Mystery Tour: 1923 And All That (Warm Up Show)

Wednesday 16th October 2024, 7.30pm


It’s all about the Tour de France...

In his latest celebration of the greatest race on earth, Ned delves into the hidden mysteries of a mysterious roll of film from the 1923 Tour de France that fell into his possession during the Covid pandemic, and inspired his bestselling book "1923!"

Part detective story, part murder mystery, part costume drama, part French farce, Ned weaves his own typically ridiculous story into the astonishing discoveries he makes about the hidden world of the 1923 Tour de France, its characters and tragedies, and ties it all together with the wild upheavals of Europe in-between the wars.

And along the way, in an evening's odyssey, he draws a connection between the heroes of yesteryear and the champions of today, from Cavendish to Pogačar and beyond! It’s a touching, hilarious, fascinating journey that bounces between the centuries, but always has Le Tour at its very heart.

DETAILS and TICKETS:
https://thelights.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173650792

Ride and Stride 2024

 Ride + Stride is back on Sunday 14th September when you can join in the enjoyment of visiting the historic church buildings of the area.
It makes a wonderful day out, especially if cycling.
For example there are currently over 30 churches participating in the Whitchurch area.

People all over Hampshire visit as many churches as they wish on foot, bicycle, scooter, horseback, canoe, bus or classic car, exploring and enjoying the countryside.

As there are over 400 due to be open you can have fun choosing which will be part of your itinerary. Many will have refreshments, some will have loos open, and all should offer your group a warm welcome.

Funds are raised through sponsorship that helps fund repairs to historic churches.

Full details are here:

https://hihct.org.uk/ride-and-stride/