Fast and rolling route for the brisks, starting from the white water centre a nice pace ensued. We caught up with Vicky and Hartley momentarily before passing at Cogenhoe only to meet Mr Weller. Taking turns on the front with James to hold pace in the wind we quickly arrived at Olney averaging 17 mph, café legs were in full swing after leaving Out of Office and the headwind had picked up. Pressing on we were back at the white water centre making good time.
Meeting Point: Nene Whitewater Centre, Bedford Road, NN4 7AA Time: 9.30am Distance: Brisk: 38mls, Moderate: 34mls Pace: Brisk 15 to 16 mph, Moderate ~12 mph, to suit riders Cafe Stop: Out of Office, Olney Estimated return: Around 1.30pm
Tomorrow’s ride will be heading out from the white water centre, onwards passing through; Little Houghton, Cogenhoe, Grendon, Bozeat, Harrold, Turvey and to a new and exciting coffee stop (Out of Office), once refuelled heading back via Yardley Hastings and Castle Ashby before retracing steps at Cogenhoe and returning.
It’s advisable to bring a bike lock with you, as the bikes will not be directly visible from the café.
As usual, it is very helpful to follow this link to book a place on Signup: Group rides
‘Spring has sprung!’ Well that is what it felt like when x6 of us met at the N.W Relief road building site that masquerades as our BVW club meet up point. Superb spring-like sunshine greeted us. It was a pleasure to welcome Richard, a friend and neighbour of Alex, along for the ride. Six of us gathered with the arrangement to meet up with Vicki, Hartley and John W at Ecton junction.
No particular problems en route as we slipped through Boughton and Moulton only to hear on the way to Overstone a faint cry of ‘I’m here’ from Mr Weller marooned on a roundabout!
We duly met up with Vicki and Hartley and were soon in the queue for coffee and cake at a somewhat mobbed Grounds Café in Salcey forest.
Lots of cyclists out, most of whom John seemed to know!
With the temperature climbing and the countryside looking great we whizzed through Hartwell, Roade and Blisworth before folks began peeling off for home destinations.
So a good ride out in the sunshine-thanks for your company folks.
This steady ‘circuit’ of Northampton skirts or circles the Borough boundary keeping the Express Lift Tower as our hub all ride.
All of it is on tarmac so a road bike is to be preferred.
The 1st part of the Boundary route takes us from BVW through Boughton, Moulton, Overstone, Ecton, the Houghtons, Preston Deanery and to Salcey Forest for a coffee stop at Grounds Cafe at 18 miles.
The return loop and 2nd half of the Boundary sees us pass through Hartwell, Roade, Blisworth, Gayton, Rothersthorpe, Kislingbury, Harpole, Harlestone, Church Brampton and back to BVW making 37miles.
Yesterday’s ride was a tale of two groups, each with their own mini-adventure. One enjoyed a foray into history, while the other dealt with punctures and wrestled sheep. Both groups seemed to enjoy the ride, despite the number of hills.
Nine riders gathered near the Windhover, but where were the other three registrants? Pete B texted to say Chris D had suffered a puncture, and they, plus Phil J, would catch us up. The Moderate group elected to wait for them instead, while the Brisks set off towards Holdenby, Cottesbrooke and Naseby via Haselbech Hill.
The Moderates followed the same route but entering Naseby, met a lady on a large horse (a “16-hand hunter”, Brian T thinks) who asked for help. A sheep was on its back and unable to turn over. The ever-helpful riders sprang into action and the sheep was soon trotting away.
The Moderate group proceeded directly to Sibbertoft, Welford and Cold Ashby (highest village in Northants at c. 200 metres, and location of the first trig point in England, erected in 1936).
In the centre of Clipston the Brisks went left, instead of right, which made all the difference. First, they stopped to admire the striking Georgian frontage of Clipston’s Baptist Chapel. A dedication in the porch is to Thomas Jarman, the church’s choirmaster in the 1830s and composer of the famous hymn tune, Lyngham (Oh for a thousand tongues to sing) (see links below).
Shortly afterwards, the group took a right turn up the narrow Dick’s Hill road. Some curious (but inaccessible) brick remains at the top turned out to be a former Royal Observer Corps post, which is also a vantage point for the Battle of Naseby locations (see links). This was a quiet, scenic road despite the extensive evidence of its use by cattle (!). Eventually the group reached the Sibbertoft road and turned back south.
The Mods were first to the coffee stop at Thornby Hall, where John W and then the Brisks all arrived a short time later. The Hall was busy but we had the usual friendly reception and good refreshments.
On leaving, the unfortunate Chris D discovered a second puncture (apparently a pinch puncture from low pressure after the first repair). The Brisks decided that eight or nine spectators was enough and headed off. Only one or two (actually at least four…!) hills awaited, but all made it home safely.
Thanks to all for their company and skills in various departments, not least sheep-righting.
Philip is leading this ride to Thornby and writes:
Meeting Point: BVW (Brampton Valley Way, Welford Crossing, NN6 8AA) Time: 9.30am Distance: Brisk 38 mls, Moderate 35 mls Pace: Brisk 14 mph plus, Moderate ~12 mph Café Stop: Thornby Hall Buddhist Centre Estimated return: Around 1.30pm
This is a slightly extended version of the ride originally planned for 10 December, cancelled due to cold weather. This Saturday should be a few degrees warmer. We go out anticlockwise via Creaton, Cottesbrooke and Naseby up a couple of nice hills to get us warmed up. The Moderates then go direct to Sibbertoft and Welford, while the Brisks proceed further north through Clipston and along Dick’s Hill lane before looping back to Sibbertoft. We all regroup for a warming teastop at Thornby Hall (25 mi for Moderates, 28 mi for the Brisks).
Please wrap up well and sign up on Signup Genius if possible.
My planned diversion around the circuit of Draycote Water once we had left the Solstice café didn’t materialise due to ongoing repairs on parts of the track. Added to that, my planned visit to the Solstice café didn’t happen either, due the simple fact that it was closed despite the advertised opening hours for Sunday. PlanB: Quickly over to Draycote on the perimeter, jostling among the hoards of walkers solved the problem.
A quartet of riders joined me on a surprisingly sunny day at Sixfields. Hartley, BrianT, Nick and ChrisD carrying a knee injury. The ride over was relaxed and no more than undulating through Althorp, Whilton and Welton. We diverted in Dunchurch at the crossroads for the aforementioned café only to find it well and truly closed. So the Waterside Restaurant it was and despite the numbers out walking around the reservoir didn’t seem particularly busy. Hartley was impressed with the service and we all sat down to refuel with coffee and cakes. Chris characteristically went for more than just cake. Egg roll in fact! And cake!
Which was a good idea because the ride back is more elevated and requires more energy and time. Nick and Chris showing no sign of a knee injury pushed on at times despite the terrain getting harder. Back over the gated roads soon brought us to the A5 and a quick burst towards Brockhall in the busy traffic. Flore gave us the last real climb of the day up to the canal bridge and we were soon heading for Sixfields after a decent days workout and a ride of two halves.
Meeting Point: TGI Friday’s, Sixfields, Northampton NN5 4EG Time: 9.30am Distance: 50 Miles Pace: Steady – Around 13mph Average Cafe Stop: Solstice Cafe, Dunchurch Estimated return: Around 2.30 pm
If you were on the last ride to the Solstice café at Dunchurch, you’ll recall that we skirted Draycote Water on the way back during their running festival, crossing the line along with plenty of fun runners!
This Sunday we’ll try the longer path around the reservoir once we’ve enjoyed tea and cakes at the Solstice. It’s a flat five miles all the way round and will bring us out at the regular exit of Draycote Water ready to rejoin the regular route back.
From Sixfields the outward journey takes us over to Whilton Locks followed by the gated road at Norton. Welton and Barby follow with Dunchurch then appearing on the road signs shortly after.
The Solstice is a quaint café at the garden centre with lovely teas, coffees and homemade cakes on offer.
The return journey is through Grandborough, Willoughby and Braunston. Then it’s up and over the gated road again which gets us back to the village of Norton. Brockhall and Flore then leads us onto familiar roads home.
The route below is pretty much the Draycote ride without the added circuit of the reservoir.
CTC Northampton 