Ride report – Sunday 20th September

Our fourth recent ride saw five riders set off from Sixfields for the Severn Trent reservoir at Draycote Water!

One group of steady riders joined me as we headed out through Duston. PeteB, PhilL, Darryl and Miriam. A fairly undulating route took us over to Whilton Locks in the morning sun followed by the tricky descent on the gated road at Norton complete with gravel and cattle grids at the base eager to bring you down.

Safely over, a fast drop over the canal into Welton and on to Barby followed. The cycle paths alongside the Southam road towards Dunchurch proved invaluable in the busy Sunday traffic before we were forced to join the thoroughfare through the village. A short stretch later we were at a busy Draycote. Two tables on the balcony with great views over the water were ours. All totally compliant with current virus rules. Double cakes for some including the jam and cream scones which had just been made. Ideal preparation for the longer and hillier ride back. At this point Darryl decided to stay at the reservoir rather than ride home with us. His family were due over and he decided to wait for them and enjoy the rest of the day there. Make your own mind up about that one!

We set off with a more difficult ride back in prospect. After the flatlands of Grandborough we climbed in and out of Braunston. The second at Bragborough Hall back towards Welton. At the turning for Welton I heard that familiar sound of bike on tarmac which I had heard on my own fall last week. PhilL had come off behind me after hitting the kerb but managed to land on the grass alongside the pavement. Another grazed elbow was patched up for the second time in just over a week and we headed for the next climb over the gated road. Eventually we arrived back in Norton after negotiating the gravel deposits at the base once more and shortly after found ourselves racing down the A5 for a mile or so to get to Brockhall. Familiar roads brought us to Kislingbury and a safe cycle path journey back to Sixfields.

Thanks to everyone who turned out today.

PhilJ

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Ride to Draycote Water – Sunday 20th September

Please note, this ride requires pre-booking by emailing the ride leader.  Rides must comply with COVID requirements.  More details are at the end of the ride description.

PhilJ is leading this ride and writes:

Start time:  9.30 a.m.

Meeting point:  TGI Friday’s, Sixfields, Northampton NN5 4EG

There is some car parking in the country park nearby.

Distance:  49 miles

Refreshment stop:  The Waterside Restaurant, Draycote

Pace: Steady

Time Expected Back: 2pm

Next Sundays ride is over to Draycote Water near the village of Dunchurch just south of Rugby. From Sixfields we’re heading through Duston and Upper Harlestone before riding through the Althorp estate and up to the church at Brington. Whilton Locks is next followed by the gated road at Norton taking us over to Welton and Barby. The signs for Dunchurch appear shortly after and once through the village a short stretch along the Southam road gets us to the reservoir.

The Waterside restaurant has an excellent selection of food and drink including wonderful jam and cream scones. There is plenty of outdoor seating available both on the balcony and around the sides of the building. Draycote have confirmed that they will accommodate us as best they can under the present circumstances. Masks and hand gel would be useful. 

Once suitably refreshed we’ll continue the ride through Grandborough, Willoughby and Braunston. Back at Welton it’s over the gated road again to Norton and a different way home through Brockhall and Flore.

To book a place on this ride please email PhilJ  phjoh119@gmail.com

COVID REQUIREMENTS

We are delighted to start the regular rides again, however we will need some small changes in order to comply with the Government and Cycling UK guidance:
Maximum group size of 6 riders, including Leader This will require riders to confirm that they will join by emailing the ride leader within the week prior to the ride.  Cut-off will be 6pm the night before the ride. Places available on a first-come basis.Places may be limited because of the small group sizes, but wherever possible, we will try to organise additional Ride Leaders to cover the numbers, but the Leader may have to refuse riders if over-subscribed.

Social Distancing:We need to maintain at least 2 metres distance between riders, with 1 metre minimum abreast.

Café Stop: We will try to select cafes that adhere to Government rules on social distancing etc.

The Leader may decide to not stop at a café, or refuse to stay at a café if not satisfied that it is complying with COVID requirements. At this stage, we are recommending that we sit outside. We request that all riders carry a small bottle of sanitiser and probably best to pack a mask, just in case.

Philip Gray will act as our first COVID Officer, to help to ensure that we are working to the latest guidelines.  Feel free to contact him if you have any COVID questions or concerns.