Sun 21 Oct Ride – Stonor Park, Henley and the Maharajah’s Well

Philip, our Chairman, is leading this ride and writes:

This Sunday, 21 October, CTC Northampton is offering a special, car-assisted Autumn ride through the Chiltern Hills, in an area of great natural and historic interest.

Further details to follow but the main points are:

• meet at 10.00 a.m. in Hill Road car park, Watlington, Oxfordshire – see this link for map
• ride of around 40-45 miles
• Tea stop mid-morning
• Lunch in Henley or Gallowstree Common (café or pub TBC)

This ride will take in two national Sustrans routes, the Vicar of Dibley’s village, the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang windmill, two ancient drovers’ routes and of course the Maharajah’s Well. And did I mention the hills, which give this area a special beauty – and challenge?

If you plan to come or would like further information please let me know (01604 720522; 07724 778215; chairman@ctc-northampton.org.uk. One or two car places may still be available.

Event report – Celebration of Cycling Festival – Saturday 11th August

David and Philip attended this event with other CTC members.  Words by David and Philip.  Photos by David.

This really was really rather special with a varied and unusual programme.  Beckett’s Park was a great venue to host the event.

Cycled over the new Connect2 bridge, opened by the Mayor of Northampton, with the Sustrans Area Manager.

There were guided rides led by CTC volunteers.Watched the Olympic mountain biking on the big screen. Plenty of interest at our CTC stall, which included a quiz with a prize donated by Pitsford Cycles. Warm enough for a ice cream. Saw Michael Ellis (MP for Northampton North) try cycling around a wooden platform named “the wall-of-death bomberdrome”. Tried a bike and fell of when the handle bars twisted round. Lots of people there.  Overall this felt like the best cycle-focused event held in Northampton for many years, and something that hopefully will encourage more people to participate in whatever way best suits them. The organisers are hoping to run the event again next year.

Many thanks to Iain, Brian, Rowan and Dave for their help in setting up and running the stall, and to others for dropping by.

Events in June

Sunday 3rd June

Iain Dawson led a ride to Fermyn Woods.  Report to follow.

Sunday 10th June

L’Eroica Charity Ride.  Report to follow.

Saturday 16th June – Explore Connect-2

Brian Tunbridge leads a leisurely ride as part of the Summer of Cycling.  Meet at 2.00 p.m. at Midsummer Meadow to discover the Sustrans Connect-2 Route alongside the River Nene.  About 5 miles.  Contact 01604 622073.

Sunday 17th June – Club ride

Brian Tunbridge leads a club ride starting at 9.30 a.m. from Hunsbury Hill.  About 55 miles.  Contact 01604 622073.

Thursday 21st June – The Summer of Cycling Breakfast

Philip Gray leads a ride to breakfast at Salcey Forest.  Meet at 7.30 a.m. at the Canoe Centre, Bedford Road, for a ride of about 20 miles.  An annual event, in previous years this has been called the “Bike Week Breakfast”.  Contact 01604 720522.

Sunday 24th June – The Daventry Cycle Festival

A Summer of Cycling event. Mike Hart leads a ride of about 45 miles to the Daventry Cycle Festival.  Meet at 9.30 a.m.  Venue to be confirmed.  Contact 01604 631965.

Wednesday 27th June – Annual Barbecue

An annual social event, in previous years this has been called the “Bike Week BBQ”.  Now it’s the Summer of Cycling BBQ!  Starts at 7.00 p.m. courtesy of John Dunkley.  Contact John on 01327 342588 to book places.  £7.50 per place.

Saturday 30th June – The Corby Cycle Festival

Details here.