Easter 2012 UK Tandem Rally

Avon Tyrrell Activity Centre, Bransgore, Hampshire, BH23 8EE, England

Friday, 6th. April 2012 - Monday, 9th April 2012

The 2012 Easter rally will be based at the Avon Tyrrell Activity Centre in the New Forest National Park, Hampshire.
O.S. Map 195/186004 ~ Sat. Nav. info: Braggars Lane.

Avon Tyrrell is some 10 miles North East of Bournemouth in the New Forest. The New Forest is an excellent area for cycling offering Forest trails and quiet country lanes. Ideal for families with the opportunity to see a variety of wild animals including New Forest ponies and deer. The area is rich in its landscape and ancient villages. The Activity Centre is the Headquarters of UK Youth in its own grounds of 65 acres near the villages of Bransgore and Burley. There is a play area for small children adjacent to the camping field.

Accommodation
We have the use of several of the the sites Scandinavian style wooden lodges which offer a mixture of 2 - 4 bed/bunk rooms with self-catering facilities and lounges. Included are a Fridge/freezer, cooker, microwave and toaster. Lodges are equipped with Duvets and pillows but you will need to bring your own bedlinen or sleeping bags, personal towels and tea towels. The lodge accommodation is only available from Friday 3.00 pm. to Monday 10.00 am. However you may arrive earlier, park your car on site, and join one of the rides. The same parking arrangement applies on Monday when you vacate the accommodation.

Camping
We will have the use of two camping areas within the grounds with toilets, showers and laundry facilities. A small one restricted to units under 15ft. with electrical hook ups and a larger area for longer units but no electrical hook ups so book early if you need one. Campers should book their pitches directly with Avon Tyrrell Tel: 01425 672347. Say that you are with the Tandem Club so that you are directed to the appropriate area. You can book your pitch for a longer stay before or after the rally. Then make a booking for the rally in order to receive the rest of the Rally information and special offers. The cost is 6.60 per person per night. Payment for camping is due at the time of booking and is non-refundable. (Check your travel, bank and home insurance policies). A Fridge/freezer is available for campers.
Alternative sites within 2.5 miles are :
Harrow Wood Farm Caravan Park - Poplar Lane, Bransgore, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 8JE Tel: 01425 672487
New Forest Caravan Club Centenary Site, Forest Road, Bransgore, Hampshire, BH23 8EB Tel: 01425 673638 (Members only)

Meals
Breakfast, lunch and evening meals will be available in the dining room situated in the main house. These must be pre-booked and paid for with the booking form. We are asked to meet as a group for meals with breakfast at 08:00 and dinner at 18:30.
There is also a take away menu which can be ordered from reception the day before. (See sample menu). Packed lunch bags are available for 5.90.
Basic supplies can be ordered from the kitchen on a group basis. (See list)
Weather permitting a campfire/barbecue will be held on Sunday evening.

Dogs
It is regretted that dogs can not be accommodated on site. Guide dogs are a;;owed with prior permission.

Tandem Parking
Covered storage facilities will be available for tandems.

Local Youth Hostel
The nearest Youth Hostel is in Burley just 3 miles away.

BB Accommodation
For those who wish to attend the rally but stay in local accommodation, please contact the tourist board for details of hotels, guest houses and BBs.

Rides
Rides will visit the New Forest, South Coast and Wiltshire Downs with the possibility of a trip to the Isle of Wight. Leaders will be available each day for the medium routes.

Annual General Meeting
As usual, the AGM will take place on Saturday 7th. April at 5.00 p.m.Details to follow.

Mountain bike trails
Avon Tyrrell has three off road trails ranging from one suitable for all to the gravity and pump track for experts only. The expert track requires a short induction course which must be booked at reception. Bring your own MTB or suitable mountain bikes, including tandems, can be hired from Forest Leisure Cycling in Burley who may be able to deliver them to the centre. You can see a video of one of the trails here.

What to do if you want to take a break from cycling ?
There are many places to visit should the weather turn inclement including Beaulieu Motor Museum, Eling Tide Mill and Bucklers Hard Maritime Museum. For a full list click here.

Routes
Route sheets will be sent out or e-mailed separately.

Bookings
Campers: Book for Rally and meals only. Camping pitches should be reserved direct with Avon Tyrrell Tel: 01425 672347. Please give them the length of your van and mention the Tandem Club.

Last Date for booking: Monday 6th. February.

Please complete the booking form and post, with payment cheque made payable to 'The Tandem Club' and return to Barbara Moir, 119 Fairway Avenue, Tilehurst, Reading, RG30 4QB. Before Monday 6th. February 2012. If you do not provide an email address please forward a Stamped addressed envelope.

Booking form in Word format.

Booking form in pdf format.

Contact Tony Prichard or Sheila Ward for details: