The Gridiron Challenge Ride is part of Cycling UK's Challenge Ride Series and takes place in early October when the forest is at its best. It's named after the many cattle grids that you pass over - they are there to keep the livestock that roams free in the forest due to ancient grazing rights from leaving certain areas, although you may often encounter them on the roads as well! 

This figure of eight route takes you near Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Fordingbridge and Ringwood before returning to the market town of Lymington, where you can enjoy fish and chips overlooking the harbour. There are spectacular views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight in the distance as you leave Lymington before turning inland onto quiet country lanes lined with thatched chocolate box cottages and rose-filled gardens. Ancient trees line to the famous Rhinefield Road and Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Drive, which wind up gently through the forest to the highest point of the route, before you turn west and head across heathland towards Godshill before heading south again and back to Lymington.