Purbecks and Beer... Lone Raider report

Piperdave

Retrobike Rider
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Hi all,

Sorry i couldn't commit to this until Saturday. Anyway...the route was based on the medium route on this Singletrack World page

http://singletrackworld.com/trailguide/uk/south-west/the-isle-of-purbeck/

My outward route is here

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/354551

Return route here

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/354555

The day dawned fine

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but an early start, as the promenade bans bikes after 10:00 led to cycling into an annoying westerly headwind. I got to Sandbanks at 10:00, but both the sun and the ferry had gone

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On the Studland side ther were some nice tracks, but not many that i would call singletrack; a few too many roads on this route, though plenty of scope to deviate. I didn't push it to far as i was pacing myself, it would be a long day.

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The bike was feeling a bit lumpy, so i stopped to take a look. Not what i wanted to find so far from home...

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Carried on regardless, just didn't use that gear.

I only had two pushes, one going up onto Nine Barrow Down. Worth it for the views back to Corfe

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and over Poole Harbour

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The descent of off Nine Barrow Down was hard, and left my arms aching. Very bumpy, and with a small, unexpected rock garden to focus my thoughts. The mewling of a bird of prey lightened my heart though.

The other push was up to the obilisk on Studland

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From there on it was down hill all the way

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to Old Harry's Rocks

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From the rocks it was a short ride to the Bankes Armes and...

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Never tasted so good.

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Music was variable, beers were plentyful, as were the ciders.

I left the Bankes at 16:30, and made the ferry for 17:00. Scooting along the prom, a Special decided to just point out that although i wasn't actually riding my bike, i should still look out for children and dogs :roll:

A last beer was needed, although the bar wasn't that friendly...

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Thirty three miles, and a great day out. Visit Purbeck, it is lovely.

Dave
 
Have done a similar route a few times over the years ... a great day out and well worth the 200 mile round trip :shock:
 
That 3 mile constant descent from Barrow down to the Bankes arms on the hard packed chalk is sublime and super quick under the tires. Just watch out for the sharp-ish left at the bottom other wise you'll get dead/wet.
 
the 5th photo looks like the path that runs next to the burbake camp site, worth remembering if you have to come a long way
 
I did a similar route on Friday night.
There are a few hidden gems along that route that you didn't get to ride, but give me a shout next time you're this way and I'll gladly go over for a spin and show you.
No shame in walking up MMF1 and MMF2 ;)
 
I've done this route many times, although since I only have a road bike, it's always been on foot! Makes me wish I had a mountain bike...
 
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