Ride report, Saturday 11th May

BrianT led this ride and writes:

Ten riders met at East Hunsbury on a glorious sunny morning with a slight breeze and a freshness in the air. We split comfortably into five riders for each group, brisks and moderates.

The brisk race group ‘oops’ ride group set off promptly at 9:30 and were soon seen riding away into the distance as the moderates set off at a more leisurely pace. The ride took us in a more or less straight line to Westbury in a south westerly direction with just the hint of a tailwind. The ride was on very quiet country lanes which were a bit lumpy at times. Chris H was leading the brisks which had an extra seven mile loop through Weedon Lois and a few more hills. Just after Biddlesden they overtook the mods, their heads down smelling the coffee ahead.

There were several cycling groups at the Westbury village hall but when the mods arrived the brisks had been served and were sitting at a table outside the village hall adjacent to the cricket ground. We quickly got our coffee, pastries and sandwiches and joined them on an adjacent table glad to relax in the warm sun. With precision timing Geoff from Kettering CTC arrived to join us for coffee and then stayed on for his lunch as we left. Chris H who was leading the brisks mentioned to me at the cafe that the brisk route had been quite hilly but they still managed a good 28 km/h average speed over the 27 miles from the start .

The mods group took a more leisurely pace (sub 13 mph) enjoying the sun and the views and the very quiet roads. Subtle change of units to protect the mods.

Suitably refueled the two groups left the village heading south to Finmere before turning north back towards Stowe House and a series of straight roads with rolling hills into the distance. Just before Chackmore the road crossed a ford and a cooling dip of the feet.

The way back continued through rural lanes with a slight breeze to make it ideal riding weather.

Thanks to Chris for leading the ride and for Philip G for most of the images. I’m not sure how he managed to take his hands off the bars and not lose the pace.

Ride to Westbury, Saturday 11th May

BrianT is leading this ride and writes:

Meeting point: Hunsbury Hill library, Overslade Close, East Hunsbury NN4 0RZ
Time: 9.30am
Distance: Moderate 45miles, Brisk 52miles
Pace: Moderate 12 to 13mph, Brisk 14 to 16 mph
Cafe Stop: Westbury Village cafe. https://www.facebook.com/westburyshopandcafe/
Estimated return: Around 1.30pm

This is a ride to the Village cafe in Westbury which is not far from Buckingham. The route for the moderates takes us from EH out through Tiffield, across the A5 and on through Greens Norton, Slapton, Wappenham, Syresham to Westbury all on generally quiet roads. The cafe is in the village hall complex and has bike racks behind the cafe.

On the return we follow quiet roads through Finmere, Water Stratford, Chackmore, Lillingstone Lovell to Paulerspury where we cross the A5. The last section through Alderton to Stoke Bruerne has a short stretch along the A508 which is quite wide at that point. Finally the ride is through Blisworth and back to EH.

The Brisks take a detour at Wappenham to Weedon Lois, Helmdon and Astwell before joining the other route at Syresham.

The ride is slightly longer that usual but it is not particularly hilly, so hopefully we will return at about the usual time.

Hope to see you there.

More details from Brian T on 01604 622073 or 07722 055149

If you can sign up for the ride it helps in planning the groups. Please follow this link to book a place on Signup: Group rides
CTC Northampton: Group rides (signupgenius.com)

Links to the routes on RWGPS:

Moderate https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44883357

Brisk https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44883407

Ride report, Sunday 5th May

Philip led this ride and writes:

Things were looking good as five of us departed the Brooke Road car park in Oakham shortly after 9.45 am, in promisingly pleasant weather. Peter and Phil had car-shared from Northampton, while John, Dennis and I came from different directions in our own cars. I’d brought my “second best” bike, which in theory suited the terrain. Sadly, this wasn’t the best choice.  

After winding through suburban streets, we emerged at the base of the first climb, where Dennis’s e-bike came in handy. After regathering at the top, John sped ahead. In a couple of miles, we turned left towards Launde Abbey, while John stayed on the direct route (we tried shouting, but he was too far ahead). Never mind – the two roads were due to meet up… Unfortunately, we never made the junction. 

Going down the steep descent to the small stream crossing before Launde, there was a sudden, huge BANG! and someone’s front wheel – which I realised was mine – started shimmying around. I managed to keep it under control and gradually stop in the dip. I turned the bike over on the verge and began removing the tubeless tyre. Peter and Phil, not wanting to crowd me, said they’d wait ahead. Then I realised I didn’t have a spare tube. Strange. Luckily the far better organised Dennis immediately proffered a lightweight TPU tube. Fitting this, I discovered my own spare was already in the “tubeless” tyre. I’d clearly used it after a tubeless failure a few months ago, and completely forgotten…doh!   

Tube in, we set off. About 15 metres later, BANG! (#2) and the tyre was completely flat again. I carried the bike to a sunnier spot and Dennis went to find the others, as we had no further suitable spare tubes. Peter returned and provided a tube, while we all checked the rim and tyre for stones or thorns. Nothing there. New tube in, set off again and….BANG! (#3). We’d made it 100m this time, to the pond near Launde Abbey. 

The tube again had a large hole – like the others, apparently on the underside. Dennis provided a “wonder patch” for the tube, while Peter and I checked the rim. Nothing obvious, but possibly a slightly sharp edge on a spoke hole. We put a patch over that too and refitted everything. 

This time I made it another 75m when BANG! (#4) sounded through the terrain. Now we admitted defeat and I contemplated a long, expensive wait for a taxi. But Peter immediately insisted he would ride back to Oakham, put his own bike in the car and come and pick me up. Meanwhile Phil would ride back to Oakham. Needless to say, I was immensely grateful for this proposal.  

The silver lining, for three of us, was that we could walk a short distance to the cafe at Launde Abbey, sitting outside in now warm (verging on hot) sunshine. This seemed providential, and we had a very enjoyable chat about bikes (e and non-e), the amazing opening to the Giro yesterday, sportives and old maps (Dennis’s trusty pre-Rutland Water OS map, which he is still using!).

Peter turned up after our second round of coffee and we travelled back to the start in his car, pausing only to heckle Phil on a hill! He made it back before long and we all eventually departed after a brief post-mortem on the ride.

“What about Dennis and John?”, I hear you ask. Well, hopefully John made it back OK… Dennis meanwhile actually went on and completed the ride, and says he had a great day! 

I can only apologise to the other riders for the curtailed day. You were all brilliantly supportive and took it with good humour – many thanks (updates on the ongoing incident investigation in due course!). I’ll definitely re-run this ride – provisionally in August (with fully serviced tyres!). 

Cheers

Philip

Oakham Adventure – car-assisted ride, Sunday 5th May

Philip Gray is leading this ride and writes:

Meet by: 9:30am
Ride departs: 9.45am
Pace: Steady Brisk 13 to 14 mph
Surfaces: entirely on surfaced roads but there may be some mud, gravel and even minor floods.
Recommended bike: gravel/ touring/ winter, mudguards helpful.
Cafe Stop: Ferneley’s Dairy Ice Cream Barn
Return to start: approx: 1:45 – 2.00 pm

Next weekend’s “Oakham Adventure” car-assisted ride (rearranged from Nov/ Dec) takes us on a loop around England’s smallest county. The route includes some memorable climbs, remote and attractive parkland, and a fascinating memorial to wartime bravery. There’s an attractive café stop at 22 miles and the option of a second one later. We finish with a lovely run down to Rutland Water and back into Oakham on a smooth cycle path. 

The full route is 42 miles with 730m of climbing, the vast majority (9 out of 12 climbs) in the first half of the ride. Some climbs are steep. The shorter 38-mile route saves about 100m of climbing. A further shortcut is possible, saving another 4-5 miles (details next week or on the day). I recommend downloading both routes for flexibility on the day. 

Meeting point: Brooke Road car park, Oakham LE15 6HH (free on Sundays; approx 60-70 mins drive from Northampton).

Weather forecast (BBC): Drizzle then intermittent light showers/ sunshine, gentle SW breeze (with us for middle section of ride). Slightly milder than this weekend (11-13 C).

Routes: 

Full route 41.5miles / 2,403ft (732m)

Short route 35 miles / 1,753 ft (534m)

Although the road surfaces are generally very good, you may prefer a gravel, winter training or touring bike for this ride. 

We meet in Oakham by 9.30 for a 9.45 start. Car-sharing is encouraged, so if you wish to offer/ take up a lift, please contact each other directly or by replying to this email. I can offer one place (with bike) in my car, from Kingsthope / north Northampton. 

The forecast is currently for a cold, dry start with the possibility of drizzle from mid-day. The previous day should be dry. I will monitor this and issue an update on Friday/ Saturday.   

If you intend to come along, please use Signup Genius and/or let me know directly. (Spond app to be updated next week).

Please let me know if you have any questions. 

Hope to see you there, 

Philip

Ride Report, Saturday 27th April

Viki went on Brian T’s ride and writes:

Six riders met at Moulton Co-op on a distinctly cool April morning. Brian H was persuaded to join Chris H on the Brisk ride out to the Milking Parlour at Wilbarston. Brian T led the Moderates avoiding the now renowned / feared ‘Ashley hills’. The weather turned out to be slightly better than the forecast, though we never did get the expected tailwind on the return leg.

On the outward journey, Pete took some photos (attached) of the motley crew cycling three abreast. Great idea on the face of it had it not been for the fact that we arrived quicker than he could get into position and what with taking gloves off, and getting the phone at the ready, he had to lay his bike on the ground, which set all the alarms off alerting loved ones that he had come a cropper. Woops! Sorry Paula! 

The Moderate group arrived a few minutes before the Brisks and quickly bagged a table inside. Some fellow cyclists then kindly offered us their bigger table, which we put together with ours so that Chris & Brian could join us. Brian just about mustered up enough energy to move the chairs. He was soon back to himself after the apricot & pecan flapjack. John W went for a savoury option of eggs on Beigels, while Pete B and Brian T indulged themselves on scones with ‘Stilton cream’. 

Meanwhile Chris and I had both opted for the pear & almond cake, which was huge. Clearly not wanting to be outdone by Hartley who couldn’t finish his BLT sandwiches last weekend, I waded through the wedge of cake, washed down by three cups of tea, whereupon I could have done with a lie down to recover. 

Still, we were spurred on by the plain clothed fellow cyclist to get going again. We all rode back together until John W was on familiar territory and could head off back towards Earls Barton. To be fair, that was most of the way. The rest of us reconvened back at the Co-op just past the scheduled time of 1.30pm and still more or less dry to boot. 

Thanks everyone for a wonderful morning’s cycle ride and a memorable cafe stop! 

Viki

Ride to Wilbarston / Stoke Albany, Saturday 27th April

BrianT is leading this ride and writes:

Start time: 9.30am
Meeting point: Moulton Co-op, Stocks Hill, Moulton, NN3 7TB
Distance: Brisk 43 miles and hilly. Moderate 37 miles not too hilly.
Refreshment Stop: The Milking Parlour Cafe at Wilbarston
Pace: Brisk 14+ mph Moderate 12+ mph

The ride goes out through Holcot, Walgrave, Draughton to Harrington. After Harrington hill the groups split with the Brisk continuing north on a very lumpy section often on single track roads (all metalled) in a series of climbs to be rewarded with long fast descents, especially in Dingley. To cross from one quiet lane to the next there are very short sections on main roads. At Weston by Welland there is a flat respite then across to Ashley and down to Wilbarston for a coffee stop at Wilbarston.

The Moderate pace group split after Harrington hill and skirts Desborough on a flatish section all the way to Stoke Albany and the cafe at Wilbarston.
The Milking Parlour Cafe at Wilbarston (seating and bike parking in the courtyard).
https://www.facebook.com/MilkingParlour2020

Suitably refreshed we return via the quiet lanes of Pipewell and Rushton then through Rothwell to Loddington, Walgrave and Moulton.
Back by 1.30pm at latest.
More details from Brian on 07722 055149

You are welcome to sign up on CTC Northampton: Group rides (signupgenius.com)
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4da5ae23a3fdc61-group

This will help planning.

Ride with GPS routes:

Moderate MCP-37m Wilbarston
MCP-37m-Wilbarston-mods -2024 · Ride with GPS

Brisk MCP-43m Wilbarston

MCP-42m-Wilbarston-brisk -2024 · Ride with GPS

Ride report, Sunday 21st April

Peter B led this Steady ride and writes:

Six riders met at East Hunsbury for a steady ride to Olney.  Weather was pleasant; cold, but bright and dry, and as good as we could expect, considering all the rain we’ve had of late.  The route was a clock-wise loop and managed to avoid most of the roads that Philip had used the week before, but it did mean that we experienced the full force of the northerly headwind on occasions.

Milton joined the group at Preston Deanery, and John C was hoping to meet us before Castle Ashby, but somehow we missed each other.

Coffee was at the Courtyard Brasserie at 31 miles, and we arrived at the same time as John C and sat in the conservatory to avoid the cold wind.  John W had also been to the cafe one hour earlier apparently, doing an early ride before going to Wembley to watch the FA semi-finals.  Sorry about the result, John.

Teacakes and bacon sandwiches were the popular choice, although Hartley, not having Viki’s moderating influence, pushed the boat out and ordered a huge round of BLT sandwiches.  Not surprisingly, he didn’t manage to finish them – that’s the first time anyone has ever witnessed Hartley giving away food.

The return leg was a more moderate 17 miles, and with the wind more generally in our favour, seemed much easier.  Milton and Hartley peeled off at Quinton, leaving Brian H, Phil J and me to ride back to Hunsbury, although none of us needed to climb Hunsbury Hill again, which was a relief.

Thanks everyone for a wonderful morning’s ride as usual.

Cheers Peter

Ride to Olney, Sunday 21st April

Peter B is leading this ride and writes:

Meeting point: Hunsbury Hill Library, Overslade Close, East Hunsbury, NN4 0RZ
Time: 9.30am
Distance: 48 miles
Pace: Steady – Around 13mph Average
Cafe Stop: Courtyard Brasserie, Olney
Estimated return: Around 2:00pm

This Sunday’s ride is from East Hunsbury to Olney.

We will ride out via Quinton in a clockwise loop towards Horton, Castle Ashby, Harrold and Olney.  Our coffee stop is the Courtyard Brasserie in Olney at 31 miles, so you may wish to take some energy.

The return route is much shorter, past Gayhurst and Salcey, retracing our steps through Quinton.

Riders closer to the Canoe Centre side may prefer to join at Preston Deanery and chop a few miles off the route – just let me know.

Weather is looking dry, so fingers crossed!  New riders are always welcome.

As usual it is very helpful for our planning to follow this link to book a place on Signup:  Group rides

Link to route on Ridewithgps:  

EH/Olney/48 miles

Cheers Peter

Club ride Sat 13 April – Gucci’s ride to India – Final leg via Carlton!

Our ride on Saturday 13 April is a special one, to support Gurjeet (Gucci) in riding the final leg of his virtual charity ride to India. We’re looking forward to being joined by some of Gurjeet’s cycling friends from other parts of the UK.  

Gurjeet (aka Gucci Sapal on Strava) began his massive ride of 5747 miles – the distance from Northampton to Ludhiana, India – in January to raise money for the Stroke Association. To find out more and support Gurjeet in this good cause, please visit his JustGiving page at the address at the bottom of this message. 

In view of potentially larger numbers than usual, I’m suggesting a slightly earlier meeting time.

There are two routes to choose from, but we’ll split into appropriate sub-groups as required (max 8-10 per group). As always, if you’re planning to come along, please use our Signup Genius page if possible (not required, but helpful). 

Leader: Philip G

• Date: Sat 13 April
• Meet: 9.15 for 9.30 start
• Place: Nene Whitewater Centre (Northampton Active), Bedford Road, NN4 7AA

           NB: if arriving by car, do not park in the Whitewater Centre (use entrance road).  

• Refreshment stop: Emmaus Centre, Carlton, Bedfordshire. 
• Routes:  

Brisk route 43.8 mi/ cafe 27.4 mi/ 609 m ascent

Brisk pace: 15-16mph (25kph) average

Moderate route 39.1 mi/ cafe 22.2/ 502 m ascent

Moderate pace: 13-14mph (22kph) average

Gurjeet’s fundraiser for Stroke Association 

Please come along and help Gurjeet celebrate completion of this epic ride!

Let me know if any questions and hope to see many of you there,

Philip

Ride report, Sunday 7th April

PhilJ led this ride and writes:

Storm Kathleen was putting this ride to Banbury in doubt and despite the intense winds on Saturday I decided to go ahead with it feeling that we had often encountered more challenging conditions in the past. The morning started on a positive note with decent sunshine and the possibility that we might have escaped the worst of the storm anyway as it moved above the UK.

Only PeteB and JohnW were along for the ride and after they returned to Pete’s house to retrieve John’s glasses we regrouped at the bottom of the hill, which was the first indication I had of the strength of the wind. I seemed to have gone up quicker to EH a brief time earlier!

Heading towards Milton Malsor and experiencing the headwinds, Pete and I started thinking about alternatives to the scheduled Barn Farm Cafe in Banbury. Salcey, The Forge and The Old Dairy Farm at Stowe on the A5 sprang to mind. Not much further into the ride and already feeling that this was going to be a massive effort to reach Banbury and back, it was a done deal. The Old Dairy Farm seemed a sensible option. Banbury was possible but would have been a much harder proposition in today’s conditions and could wait for another day.

Once at the A5 at Pattishall we decided not to ride along the busy A5 and opted to find our own way to the Dairy Farm instead and crossed over the junction taking the first right turn after that. At Litchborough Pete encountered a puncture and set about the job whilst the wind swirled all around us taking our gloves and belongings with it. With a new tube installed, Pete soon realised this one was going down as well and he set about using old school methods with a patch and glue to repair the puncture, even refusing my offer of self-adhesive patches. Kudos Peter!

John had circled for a while and rejoined us at our location before taking off again like a free spirit. With Pete engaged with bike issues, I checked the possible routes to the cafe and concluded that climbing the hills at Farthingstone was the only option for us. The wind was kind to us whilst ascending but reminded us it hadn’t gone away whilst riding along the scenic ridge at the top heading for The Stowes.

The cafe and surrounding area were busier than usual due to an organised opportunity for the public to view lambs in the adjacent fields, but we found a table indoors and settled down for a well-earned coffee and cake. John arrived a little later and joined us.

Resuming the ride again put us straight back into a vortex but we battled on towards Nether Heyford and the ride back along Banbury Lane towards Hunsbury to conclude an adventurous days riding.

Thanks to John and Pete for your company and braving the elements.

Chapeau gents!

PhilJ