An East Hampshire Ride

Introduction

After struggling for a mile through deep mud, carrying rather than pushing our bikes most of the way (never mind riding them), the relief of joining a tarred surface was tremendous, but short-lived. All too soon we turned off onto another track, well-made this time, but steep and curving. Then, as we followed it round the bend, the gradient suddenly increased to an angle that would have discouraged a few walkers, never mind anyone with a bike to push as well. We toiled our way onwards and upwards, only to find that as the slope eased, so did the surface of the track. My companion, Keith Dean, turned to me: “I've thought of a name for this ride,” he groaned.

This is, without doubt, the toughest ride in this book. It's very hard work at the best of times and after wet weather parts of it will be extremely difficult. It's certainly not for the novice rider, but for those with experience and stamina, the right type of bike, and sensible clothing and footwear, you'll enjoy some superb scenery and little-known countryside, some of the best in Hampshire. It's a marvellous challenge and to complete it will give you an immense feeling of well-being and achievement.

In places where conditions can be particularly difficult we've set out alternative routes, though not all of the problems can be bypassed in this way. While these diversions are intended mainly for bad weather, they may also help to make the ride a little less daunting to riders who are not so experienced.

Starting Points

By car: The ride starts in Liss village where there are a couple of free car parks, one on Station Road (heading towards the A3 – grid reference SU775279) and another on Hill Brow Road (the Rogate road – SU777275). There's also a pay & display one at the railway station.

By rail: The station at Liss is served by the South West Trains' stopping service on the Waterloo–Guildford–Portsmouth route. An hourly service is provided most of the time.