Social evening – Tuesday 1st July – “Pantani: Accidental Death of a Cyclist”

Next Tuesday is a social evening!

The Forum Cinema is showing “Pantani: Accidental Death of a Cyclist”.

Marco Pantani – Il Pirato

Here’s what the puff says: “Marco Pantani, the most flamboyant and popular cyclist of his era, won both the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia in 1998 – a titanic feat of mental and physical endurance that no rider has achieved since. He was a hero to millions – the saviour of cycling following the doping scandals which threatened to destroy the sport. Less than six years later, aged just 34, he died alone in a cheap Italian hotel room. The film explores the startling truth behind one man’s descent from being among the finest athletes on earth to a tragic end in a sport riven by intrigue. Combining scintillating race archive with contemporary news footage, stylised reconstructions and interviews with Pantaini’s family, friends, colleagues and rivals, including Bradley Wiggins, Evgeni Berzin and Greg LeMond. The story of the greatest climber of his generation, man vs mountain, athlete vs the system, Marco Pantani vs himself!” It’s a British film, directed by James Erskine.

The cinema is part of the Lings Forum Leisure Centre off Billing Brook Road at NN3 8JR. May I suggest we meet in the foyer at 7.45 p.m.? Last time (for the Armstrong film in April) the attendants locked any bikes in their office. Many bus services from the town centre stop in Billing Brook Road outside the Leisure Centre. There is a small car park but you’d probably be better parking in the large shopping centre car park on the other side of the road.

The running time is 1 hr 36 mins. Afterwards, we could enjoy a drink at “The Bold Dragoon” in Weston Favell Village (48 High Street, NN3 3JW) where bikes can be left at the rear. It’s the nearest pub with good ales (e.g. Timothy Taylor’s) to the cinema.

Any questions? Want to let me know you’re coming? I’m on 07960 302095!

Ian M

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Family ride – Saturday 21st June

Iain D, our Rides Secretary, will be leading this ride and writes:

I have just finished recce’ing the routes for this Saturday’s family-friendly ride. Leaving the Canoe Centre at 9.30 in the morning, we should be out for around two hours, no more. I have devised a couple of options to keep us entertained depending on the group make-up on the day; both routes are comfortably below the 20-mile mark, being twelve miles and ten miles respectively.

Both routes stick mainly to traffic-free cyclepaths and bridleways although we will be taking in the village of Hardingstone and, for those who opt for the longer route, the quiet lanes out to Rothersthorpe and Kislingbury. Some sections are gravel and/or dirt so leave the 23-section tyres at home unless you want a Roubaix type experience. The 35s I recce’d on were more than plush enough and so MTBs are strictly optional.

If you are bringing the family, an idea of numbers would be helpful, but not essential.

Likewise, if any of our more regular riders are likely to be joining us, I’d appreciate the help.

See you Saturday morning, 9.30 a.m. at the Canoe Centre,

Brisk ride – Saturday 7th June

Iain D, our Rides Secretary, is leading this ride and writes:

This Saturday we’ll be heading out on a brisk(-ish) 30*-miler with plenty of ups and downs but nothing too long or sharp for a Saturday morning.

We’ll head north from Moulton, duck across the Pitsford causeway then head across to Old before the long, gentle descent into Loddington, some hill work across to Broughton, Pytchley and Little Harrowden then a slightly flatter stretch back to the Beckworth Emporium (at 26 miles) for a comfort stop and an espresso (or drink of your choice). Then it’s straight back to Moulton.

There is nothing overly taxing on the route but there is plenty of up and down to keep the legs turning. It’s all tarmac so I intend to be back home in time for lunch!

*28 miles if we take the shortcut at Loddington, less another mile if we avoid Walgrave (which we may do if the roads are wet).

Ride Report – Sunday 1st June

Eleanor went on this ride, led by Ian M, and writes:

Eight of us arrived promptly at the Brampton Valley Way (BVW) near The Windhover for our ride, a loop around Daventry.  One new rider (Ken from Morecambe) who was visiting family in the area joined us.  We set off enjoying blue sky and sunshine – which lasted all day – along familiar and then less-well-known lanes taking in lovely views over a very green countryside.  After our coffee stop at The Willows in Barby, we left on schedule along quiet lanes dotted with gates and cattle grids to negotiate.  Our final obstacle was a flock of sheep we herded along and off into a field before arriving at The Windmill in Badby for lunch.

Eleanor discovers her inner shepherdess near Lower Catesby

With the few delays and after a longer lunch we eventually got moving and headed for home.  Four of us split just before Flore, the rest heading back to BVW.  I hope you all arrived safely home and like me enjoy a great day out.

Thanks to Ian M for his time in organizing and leading the ride.

The route is here on RideWithGPS.