Gosport District Scout Council

Explorers Ride Around The Harbours

By Fiona Durrant

On the morning of Sunday 8th June 2003, a group of around 10 bleary eyed Explorers scouts and a couple of enthusiastic leaders gathered at bay house school with their bikes and armed with food and drink to keep them going. It was going to be a long day for some! The reason for this phenomenon of Explorers being awake on a Sunday morning was the "Ride Around The Harbours" bike ride. The ride is organised each year by the British Heart Foundation as part of National Bike Week; "A ride around Portsmouth and Langstone Harbours through Hayling, Fareham, Gosport and Southsea taking in some spectacular views and places of interest." The route is 32miles and includes trips on the Gosport and Hayling ferries. The ride is primarily a way to raise money and to get fit. The Explorers agreed with the British Heart Foundation that we would split our sponsor money and share it between "The Guernsey Fund" and their charity.

The Explorers were set off on their way by the mayor of Gosport. The first leg was fun and easy going, taking us over the ferry round Southsea to Clarence Pier. Naturally some were quicker than others, and I found myself at the back of the Explorer group, quite a way behind everyone else. However, I had two friends there to support me all the way, and so that we didn't get lost we had a leader with us too, who had done the route before. Before we knew it, we were queuing up to cram onto the tiny ferry that would take us to Hayling Island. Whilst cycling through Hayling we took in some amazing views and got extremely muddy! We came to Havant and by now were nearly half way through the journey and still smiling and happy. After a quick drink in the café, it was time to go again. This third leg, would be the hardest. It involved cycling the stretch of Portsdown hill, 9 miles doesn't sound a lot but when it is mainly uphill and the wind is against you, then it really is! We made it halfway along the hill before the numerous burger bars tempted us off our route for a quick snack and the chance to absorb some stunning panoramic views of our local area. By the time we had got to Fareham, I had had enough and was seriously doubting whether I could physically or mentally take the strain and carry on, but with a lot of encouragement from a close mate, I built up the will power to go the distance. It was a hard journey and it took it out of me but I was so proud of myself when I crossed the finish line. It is not yet known how much money was raised by this event but a good time was had by all.