Ride to East Carlton – Sunday 3rd January

PhilipG is leading this ride and writes:

Start time: 9.30 a.m.
Meeting point: Moulton Co-op, Stocks Hill, Moulton, NN3 7TB
Distance: 42 mls
Refreshment stop: East Carlton Country Park
Pace: Steady

Please note, this ride requires pre-booking by emailing Philip – philip.g@ctc-northampton.org.uk

Rides must comply with COVID requirements. Please make sure that we don’t mingle in groups bigger than six at any time, even at the start of the ride. More details are at the end of the ride description.

The first ride of 2021, on Sunday 3 January, takes us to East Carlton Country Park for another outdoor coffee stop.

The weather forecast is currently for light cloud and a gentle breeze, but with fairly low temperatures (1 to 4 degrees C) so we’ll keep an eye on that.

Meet 9.30, Moulton Co-op for this 42 mile ride. Please bring a mask in case you need to enter the cafe to order, or indeed as a further precaution outdoors. An extra layer to wear at the coffee stop is also a good idea.

All rides currently need to be booked so please let me know if you intend to come along. Maximum group size is 6 so if necessary we’ll create more than one group.

You can find the route at ridewithgps.com/routes/34897855

As usual we look forward to welcoming all riders, and especially any new riders who may wish to join us.

For any further questions, please feel free to contact Philip.

COVID REQUIREMENTS

We are delighted to continue the regular rides, however we will need 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.

Cafe Stop
We will try to select cafes that adhere to Government rules on social distancing etc.
It is recommended that we sit outside at the cafe
We request that all riders carry a small bottle of sanitiser and a face mask (required to sit or pay inside the cafe)

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

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Ride report – Boxing Day

PhilJ went on this ride and writes:

A simple Salcey spin was on offer for those who managed to haul themselves out of bed on this overcast gloomy morning for the last ride of a difficult year for everyone.
Gurj returned for another ride which was good news and even better news that he will be joining us permanently very soon. PeteB and I split the leaders duties due to the numbers through a thoroughly damp and often windy route but it provided the opportunity to burn off the excess calories from Christmas day.
Four of us meandered our way through familiar roads towards Stoke Bruerne, Ashton and Hartwell whilst PeteB led four others close behind. The Grounds Cafe at Salcey was busy but an efficient pay and collection point worked well.
Stand up coffee, outdoors was the order of the day but it warmed us up for the short ride back and we were home before lunch.
That was it! Short and simple and home for your second roast dinner in two days!
Here’s to a better 2021 for us all.

Ride to Salcey Forest – Boxing Day

PhilJ is leading this ride and writes:

Start time: 9.30 a.m.
Meeting point: Overslade Close (near Hunsbury Hill Library), East Hunsbury, NN4 ORZ
Distance: 20 miles
Refreshment stop: The Forest Cafe, Salcey.
Pace: Moderate
Time Expected Back: Around noon.

Please note, this ride requires pre-booking by emailing Phil on phjoh119@gmail.com

Rides must comply with COVID requirements. Please make sure that we don’t mingle in groups bigger than six at any time, even at the start of the ride. More details are at the end of the ride description.

“Why not stretch your legs this Boxing day with an easy 20 mile spin out to Salcey Forest.
There’s nothing too difficult about this one and you’ll be glad of the fresh air I’m sure. We are starting at EH and once through Rothersthorpe and Milton Malsor we’ll find ourselves heading for picturesque Stoke Bruerne. Ashton and Hartwell then follow before we see the welcoming signs for the forest. A quick break at the Forest cafe will refuel us for the short and swift ride home along the Quinton road into Wootton and Hunsbury. Once home you can put all the calories back on with endless chocolate and alcohol.”

As usual we look forward to welcoming all riders, and especially any new riders who may wish to join us.

For any further questions, please feel free to contact Phil on 07927377191

COVID REQUIREMENTS

We are delighted to continue the regular rides; however, we will need 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.

Cafe Stop

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

It is recommended that we sit outside at the cafe

We request that all riders carry a small bottle of sanitiser and a face mask (required to sit or pay inside the cafe)

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

Ride to Harrold – Sunday 20th December

Peter Bayles is leading this ride and writes:

Please note, this ride requires pre-booking by emailing Peter – you can reply to this email or mail

fatgadgi@yahoo.com

Rides must comply with COVID requirements.  Please make sure that we don’t mingle in groups bigger than six at any time, even at the start of the ride. More details are at the end of the ride description.

Start time: 9.30 a.m.
Meeting point: Overslade Close (near Hunsbury Hill Library), East Hunsbury, NN4 ORZ
Distance: 40 mls
Refreshment stop: The Buttery at Castle Ashby at 28 miles.
Pace: Steady
Time Expected Back: Around 1.00pm

Sunday’s ride is 40 miles at an average steady pace between 12 and 13 mph, riding East of Northampton to Harrold before turning back via our refreshment stop at Castle Ashby.  

The hills are not too challenging, and as this ride has been largely stolen from one of Tim’s previous ones, it promises to be an enjoyable route.

We set off from East Hunsbury, riding through Quinton and on to Stoke Goldington  From there we ride near Olney and through Lavendon to our furthest point at Harrold, then back to Castle Ashby for our refreshment stop at The Buttery.

The Buttery has a good outside eating area, but not covered.  Fortunately, the weather is looking OK.

From there it is a short 10 miles back to Northampton via Chadstone, Horton and Hackleton.  Past Chadstone, we have to go along the A428 for a short distance, which is sometimes quite busy, however there is a suitable path beside the road that we can safely use.

As usual we look forward to welcoming all riders, and especially any new riders who may wish to join us.

For any further questions, please feel free to contact Peter Bayles on 07979850096

Route on RidewithGPS:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30941296

COVID REQUIREMENTS

We are delighted to continue the regular rides, however we will need 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.
Cafe Stop

We will try to select cafes that adhere to Government rules on social distancing etc.
It is recommended that we sit outside at the cafe
We request that all riders carry a small bottle of sanitiser and a face mask (required to sit or pay inside the cafe)

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

Ride report – Saturday 12th December

Peter B went on this ride and writes:

Nine keen cyclists met at the Canoe Centre on Saturday 12th December for Philip’s ride to Emberton.  The riders split into two groups from the outset, with six joining the Moderate ride led by Brian, and three joining the fast group led by Philip.

The weather wasn’t too bad as we set off, with a very slight drizzle.  But unfortunately, it never really got better, indeed the rain became more persistent as the morning went on.  Apparently, or so one rider told me, whenever I join a ride, the other riders expect rain. Well Brian, looks like it will rain for most of the winter then!

From the outset, Viki’s bike, recently expertly serviced by Harvey, was suffering chain problems, and she was unable to pedal backwards for fear of the chain jumping off. I seem to recall a similar story on a previous ride.  Fortunately, Viki seemed to avoid any technical mishaps and the ride went very smoothly.

At our cafe stop, the Moderate groups arrived first, followed by the Brisks, who had covered 5 more miles.  The usual COVID restrictions were in force, but was not too much of a problem as the outside area was covered and there were plenty of benches to sit at.  I can recommend the chocolate brownies, which were popular; very chocolately, but certainly packed sufficient energy for the return leg.

Thanks go to Philip for devising and leading this great route, and thanks to Brian for leading the Moderates.  

Cheers Peter

Ride to Emberton – Saturday 12th December

Please note, this ride requires pre-booking by emailing Philip at philip.g@ctc-northampton.org.uk

Rides must comply with COVID requirements.  Please make sure that we don’t mingle in groups bigger than six at any time, even at the start of the ride. More details are at the end of the ride description.

Philip is leading this ride and writes:

Start time: 9.30 a.m.
Meeting point: Nene Whitewater Centre, Bedford Road, NN4 7AA
There is some car parking in the lane outside the centre.
Distance: Approx 38 or 43 miles
Refreshment stop: Emberton Country Park.
Pace: Moderate and Brisk

I’ll be leading our next Saturday ride on 12 December to Emberton Country Park.

We’ll go through Hanslope and Newport Pagnell. Further details on the gpx files below.

Moderate route 36 miles

Brisk route 41 miles

COVID REQUIREMENTS

We are delighted to continue the regular rides, however we will need 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.

Cafe Stop
We will try to select cafes that adhere to Government rules on social distancing etc.
It is recommended that we sit outside at the cafe
We request that all riders carry a small bottle of sanitiser and a face mask (required to sit or pay inside the cafe)

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

Ride report – Sunday 6th December

Chris D led this ride and writes:

There are days when the circumstances are so much better than feared that all forms of smug self congratulation or ‘schadenfreude’ can be left for lesser mortals.

This was such a day – at least as far as the ‘not so esteemed leader’ was concerned.

Very cold and foggy start.  Seven riders came out to wrestle with the conditions – up for the challenge.

Gurj Sapa, new rider, found us (having come from Abington – just in time, no thanks to google maps).

Clearly unworried by the arcane technicalities of kit, he energised the group with his new found enthusiasm for cycling – reminding us ‘seen it all types’ just why we love it so much.

The pace was moderate but no criticism will be accepted by the ‘not so esteemed leader’ given that the conditions took a while to lift.

But when they did – wow.  Sunshine through mist, entrancing us as fog fit for the Victorians gave way to Celtic romantic mystery round every bend.

The ‘not so esteemed leader’ had underestimated just how knowledgeable, correct and pedantic his group of expert cyclists could be as they headed off in a different direction to him because ‘their Garmins told them to’.

At this point Elena V wondered just why leaders are necessary!

The ‘not so esteemed leader’ made it back in front again and the café was safely reached.

The café was welcoming – pleased to see cyclists ‘back again’. 

The scotch eggs were the best you can get and the coffee without compare. 

The back garden safe for bicyles and cyclists.

A convivial and bike friendly atmosphere all round.

Gurj reminded us all that the national sport of England is, in fact, cricket.

Then in lovely sunshine back home.  Faster now – although the chat and bonhomie persisted.

The hill after Farthingstone negotiated without complaint and soon we were back at Hunsbury.

The views were excellent.

The ride turned out to be an effortless 42 miles, 2,408 feet of ascent and a perfectly understandable 12.5mph average.

James C – who we have to acknowledge is a kit leader – put us all to shame with his generosity.

We also learned that Gurj’s family business makes curry sauces, they are called Punjaban (and they look very good indeed).

We will definitely want to welcome him back again.

Not least because we can look forward to regular rides to come.

Cycling enthusiasm can be renewed and reborn again.

With kind regards

Chris Duff

Ride to Culworth – Sunday 6th December

Please note, this ride requires pre-booking by emailing Chris at

Christopher@duff-family.net or Peter at fatgadgi@yahoo.com Rides must comply with COVID requirements.  Please make sure that we don’t mingle in groups bigger than six at any time, even at the start of the ride.    More details are at the end of the ride description.

Chris Duff is leading this ride and writes:

Start time  9.30am
Meeting point:  Hunsbury Hill Library, Overslade Close, East Hunsbury, NN4 0RZ

Distance: Moderate 40 mls

Refreshment Stop: Forge Coffee

Average Pace:   Steady ~12mph

Time Expected Back:  Around 2pm

The route is Milton Malsor, Gayton, Pattishall, Blakesley, Woodend, Weston and Culworth.

The café has great coffee and good storage for the bikes in the garden at the back.  The food is limited in range but should have good cake and some other snacks all local sourced with vegetarian options.

From Culworth the route back is Moreton Pinkney, Cannons Ashby, Adstone, Maidford, Farthingstone, Upper Stowe, Nether Heyford, Bugbrooke, Kislingbury, Hunsbury.

New riders would be very welcome.

For any further questions, please feel free to contact Chris Duff on 07770 976291 

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31283585

Kind regards, Chris

To book a place on this ride, please email Chris  

Christopher@duff-family.net

COVID REQUIREMENTS

We are delighted to continue the regular rides, however we will need 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.

Cafe Stop
We will try to select cafes that adhere to Government rules on social distancing etc.
It is recommended that we sit outside at the cafe
We request that all riders carry a small bottle of sanitiser and a face mask (required to sit or pay inside the cafe)

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