Cycling Group
News and news archive

Some general notes for safe cycling

1. If you have a mobile phone with you, please switch it on!

2. Ride leader today is: WW and the Ride leader's mobile number is: XX

3. The 'last rider' for our ride is: YY and the last rider's mobile number is: ZZ

4. Please switch on your mobile and have in it the numbers for the ride leader and the 'last rider'. Telephone 'last rider' if you're in trouble and you think no-one has noticed.

5. Please let the ride leader ride at the front. Please don't overtake him or her especially when he/she decides we need to stop to make sure the rest of the riders can see the way we're going at a junction.

6. Lets try to set an example of how considerate cyclists behave. We can do this by riding in groups of four or five with a distance of about 100 yards between each group. This allows motorists to overtake each group and safely pull back in before overtaking the next. If we don't give them this courtesy and a vehicle comes the other way unexpectedly, remember - the cyclist is the soft option and you may get hurt!

7. On the same subject, if a motorist approaches from behind a group on a very narrow lane, please use any opportunity to pull in and stop in a passing place or gateway to let them pass.

8. By adopting courteous behaviour, we'll hope to we'll give motorists a better opinion of cyclists. It will take some time and we'll come across aggressive and abusive motorists. Remember, if you shout at them or gesticulate, they'll take it out on the next cyclist they come across!

9. Give parked vehicles a wide berth! Drivers sometimes don't look in their mirrors before they open the door and this could mean that you ride into the edge of a door or take avoiding action into the path of another vehicle!

10. These are the rides today: (description)

11. Something to think about for ongoing discussion. Some Chiltern Cycling Group members are generous enough to buy a round at the pub and that can be expensive! It's been suggested we have a kitty but this has been found to be equally inequitable in the past. Would you have a think about it and see whether it mightn't be better if we each bought our own food and drink and thus make sure that it's fair to all? If you wanted to make some contribution to petrol for shared transport, that could be a separate thing.

 

MARCH 2010

Ride Report 4 March

A chilly but sunny morning greeted no less than 18 riders as we met ( for the first time I think) at The Peacock Bolter End. Present were Jan, Sue, Mandy, Roger, Ken, Peter H, Peter A, David R, David K, Mike B, Mike P, John D, Bob, Chris F,Tony B, Alan P and out on his first ride with the group Clive Knapman.

Before we left the car park Peter H shook me somewhat with the chastening news that my route included no less than 660m of hill climbing. I knew there were hills on it but that was a bit of a shock!

Away we went down hill to Fingest and then the long ride through Turville and up beautiful Holloway Lane. The last hilly section of this was indeed a long and nasty hill that reduced some of us to pushing, but eventually we all paused at Northend at 208m above sea level, the highest point on the ride. Several undulating miles followed down very quiet lanes past Southend and then a long descent through Fawley Bottom until eventually we arrived at Middle Assenden. A short ride down to Lower Assendon and then another severe hill with more pushing for some of us to regain the high ground. Past Fawley and the long defunct and boarded up pub the first and only puncture occurred,Chris being the victim this time. Puncture mended we continued past Luxters Vineyard and had the unexpected sight of a large flock? herd? of deer crossing the road ahead of us at speed.30 or 40 I would say. Then came the very long and steep descent down to the Hambleden valley. Heading north to Skirmett I unfortunately elected to take the road from there to Frieth rather than going via Fingest to the Frieth crossroads which is somewhat lower than Frieth itself. The trouble with the Hambleden valley lovely though it is, that a significant hill has to be climbed to get out of it and the hill up to Frieth was certainly another punishing one. Having eventually reached Frieth and then descended somewhat again the remaining more modest pull up to Lane End didn't seem so bad at all after the previous ones.

So we reached the pub at about 13.15 where Barney awaited us. I made it 20.3 miles and so did Peter Hawkes so it must be right.

Even in March when the countryside is at its most drab I still thought the Chiltern Hills looked splendid in the spring sun. I hope you agree and enjoyed the ride despite my miscalculations about the hills. Perhaps next time I will have to choose a ride along the Phoenix trail or canal towpaths!

John Newman

Ride Report 2 March

Can you believe it, a blue sky, no rain and so it remained all day. Eleven of us gathered at The Cricketers by the green in a lovely quiet oasis just off the A4. Les, Brian, Steve and Pauline, Jim, Russell, Ray, Richard, Paul, Robert and myself set off just after 10.00am. This only occurred after partially sorting out Les's front axle problem, at least it was now safe to ride although the axle was still seized in its housing. Out the end of the village on to the bridleway and within half a mile I realised that I had left the car unlocked, Doh!

Eventually it was onwards and it wasn't long before we found the proof that it had been raining in the not too distant past, mud and it kept on re-occurring, all morning. some may be familiar with this area but if not it is very flat and low lying had has a tendency to flood, and some of the standing water had obviously just retreated off the bridleways, it could have been worse. A winding twisting route eventually took us over the M4, I think that at that point this was the highest hill so far. Because the motorway had cut through a Bridleway we could join it by lifting our bikes over a metal road barrier and cycle down a path to the bridleway. I was following the three in front me even though it seemed to be the wrong way and no others were in sight, then we were lifting our bikes over fallen trees, ditches and we did find the others waiting while our leader, Robert had cycled off to find us. Reunited we carried on but my legs were feeling weak as they had been most of the morning so I elected to head back to the pub. So they carried on and I arrived back at the pub at 1.00pm, where the others turned up at 1.20pm and bit more muddy than when I had last seen them. The mud had made it quite a tough ride even though it was generally flat.

The pub was welcoming but a bit cold in the room allocated to us, the beer, Badger beers, were good but the food was very slow.

What a change, no rain and as far as I know no punctures and for some a new area.

iain.w

FEBRUARY 2010

Ride Report 25 February

I had so many riders bottling out ( in fear of bad weather? ) that I thought it would be Mandy Dave and me. But at maximum strength we were up to 10.

There was Pete Anderson, Mike P, Rog, Chris F, Les, Dave Rose, Mandy, Jan, and Jenny. The forecast was for rain in the afternoon but OK in our riding hours. We set off from Weedon Lane down Fullers Hill to Chesham and there waiting for us was Tony Butcher who very wisely thought what was the point of cycling up only to ride down again. On to Pednor through that beautiful valley, up West Dean Lane to Chartridge and through Swan Bottom to Kings Ash and 202 metres above sea level our highest point. There beside The Kings Ransom we took a look at the view of the Misbourne Valley before continuing to Hunts Green and Ballinger where Jenny left us to give a pill to a diabetic dog in her care (nobly sacrificing her pub lunch, but also avoiding the steep climb back ). Down Frith Hill into the churchyard past St Peter & St Paul's church, over the bridge into Great Missenden entirely missing the roadworks in Missenden High St. , along to Nags Head Lane and Barneys House where we arrived to be greeted by a beaming Barney and welcomed into his house and onto his mega expensive wood floor.

We were served coffee and I suppose we lingered for half an hour before thanking Barney and carrying along Nags Head Lane to Peterley, Great Kingshill, Holmer Green and down another beautiful valley into Little Missenden where we had lunch at the Red Lion.

After lunch we lost Chris who cycled directly home, and rode up Chalk Lane into Hyde Heath past ' Starving Horse Farm' and back to Weedon Lane, in all 22 and a bit miles in very good weather. Soon after arriving at Weedon Lane it started spotting with rain and Dave and Tony kitted themselves up in waterproofs for their ride home. Dave is trying to do 3,650 miles before the 1st anniversary of his new bike, let's hope that he does.

Cheers

Rog

Ride Report 23 February

The gods were on our side with the weather yesterday. I arrived at the Malster's at 9.40 ( had been there an hour before - so used to leaving early to get to rides left at normal time - thank goodness I drove, so returned home) to find Steve and Pauline, Dave MH, Dave C, Richard, Ray, Bob, Russell, Iain, Robert and Frank all waiting for me. Got a bit of ragging having driven - I only live 15 mins away on the bike - but had to go out after the ride and the weather forecast was, let's face it, pretty grim as well!

We left on an all too familiar road ride riding towards Henley past Greys Court and through Broadplate across the Fairmile and down the lovely long hill from Bix towards the Stonor Valley. I had warned all the group there was a short section at the bottom which was flooded which they should ride through the middle of due to large pot holes on each side. I found out when arriving at the end of the ride that one of our group had one very cold foot due to cycling down the side and getting stuck in a pot hole!!! No comment! We continued along the Stonor Valley up to Maidensgrove and across the common towards Russell's Water. Here we turned towards Cockley Green and down another good, even longer hill past Swyncombe. The debate at Ewelme turnoff re coffee or not was short and decisive - we continued on through Nuffield, Checkendon, Stoke Row and Shepherds Green arriving at the pub at around 12.45. Pleasant ride, nearly 23 miles, great views even on a dull day, fewer hills this way round than the other way which I had originally intended, but I certainly knew I was riding up them! The weather behaved beautifully, cold all the time, but only a fluttering of snow on a couple of occasions but it rained once we were in the pub! No punctures!

The food was a little slow arriving but well received and we all left to return home in the rain. It was good to get in the car and even better to find a parking space outside the house.

Leslie

Ride Report 18 February

Eight people braved the rain and met in Sandridge for the ride today - Jeremy, John N, Roger, John D, Mike P, Jan B, David K and Sue A. We set off in the rain up the bridleway through Heartswood Forest and saw some of the new planting - six inch high trees! We then cycled through the lanes to Ayot St Lawrence and saw George Bernard Shaw's old house and the ruined church. The rain had eased off by then, and no-one elected to take the short cut back to Wheathampstead. The prospect of the ride on the Ayot Greenway was too great to miss!

We continued round to Ayot St Peter and picked up the Ayot Greenway back to Wheathamstead. This cycleway has a very good surface and we made good speed along it.

We arrived at the John Bunyan at 12.45 where Gordon met us for lunch.

When we came out of the pub, it was raining again and we all agreed to take the shortcut back to Sandridge. From the John Bunyan it was a straight forward downhill run to the car park in Sandridge. We had cycled a total of 17.5 miles.

An enjoyable ride, to be repeated in fine weather!

Regards

David Kealey

Ride Report 16 February

A rather damp day saw your leader arrive somewhat mud splattered at the, as it turned out, apply named Valiant Trooper. By 9.45 we numbered 10 Dave M-H, much recovered, Dave C, James, Keith, Ray, Steve, Pauline, Robert and Bob. Having cleaned up my face thanks to the loan of a towel by Pauline & Steve we set off for the canal, along to Marsworth for a coffee after a whole 4.5 miles. Returning to the task we continued along the canal, as we approached the last section Jim said he'd had problems with hedge thrashing and consequently punctures along the next bit. Arriving at Ivinghoe bridge a call from Bob announced a puncture; that repaired we were off over the bridge when a call from Keith brought us back for our second puncture. Everyone checked their tyres and both Robert and was it Ray also needed to change tubes.

At this point I wish to claim the first of a number of entries in the "Chiltern Book of Records" this one being the first ride to have three simultaneous tube changes.

We're off!! One mile up the road and Robert calls for his second puncture, front tyre. That fixed and, guess what, his back tyre is flat. Now he's having to borrow tubes. Well that's done but Oh No his front tyres flat again; Oh dear.

Second and third entries for the record book. Seven flats on one ride and, an individual award for Robert of four flats on one ride.

We now just had time to head straight along the road back to the pub arriving at five minutes to one.

Final two claims for records. Ride length 12 miles, total time actually cycling one hour fifteen minutes.

Finally the pub, warmth, drinks and food. The very cheerful staff did a quick change of chairs to remove those with any upholstery. The final hiatus with the bill as, unnoticed by us they had added a service charge to both food and drink. Again it was the staff who saw our difficulty and said not to bother.

I must thank everyone for the excellent spirit shown throughout, no-one even took up the offer of going ahead to the pub when Robert was having his multiple punctures.

See you next week for Les' ride. Thanks again, Russ

Ride Report 11 February

Seven brave souls met on a cold, frosty morning outside The Leathern Bottle in Lewknor, not sure whether we would find ice on some of the quieter roads. These were Roger, Tom, Peter Anderson, Dave Rose, Mike Pullen, Richard and Ken.

We set off at a brisk pace along the B 4009 towards Watlington (the wind was behind us) and turned off after a couple of miles towards Pyrton. This was the only stretch of main road we had to use. The route then took us through Cuxham and Brightwell Baldwin to the cross roads in Ewelme. As we had made good progress, a decision was taken to extend the planned route by a couple of miles and we set off towards Benson before turning north through Rokemarsh and Berrick Salome to Chalgrove where we stopped for a while to read about the Battle of Chalgrove Field in 1643 (pictured). After a photoshoot (compliments of Roger) we set off on the final part of the ride and discovered the strength of the wind that we had benefited from earlier. This was particularly evident up the couple of small hills we found in our way. This route took us back to the cars via Stoke Talmage, Adwell and South Weston. Overall distance was just short of 20 miles at an average speed of 10.9 mph – maybe a record for a Thursday?

The roaring fire in the pub was very welcome and we were joined by Barney who is still awaiting permission before he takes his tricycle out again. The bar lady was very welcoming and we enjoyed good food, beer and conversations. Those of you who had decided the weather was too risky missed out on a free pint provided by Ken as somehow he had selected himself to lead a ride on his birthday!

Despite the cold and the northerly wind, the sun was bright and it turned out to be very good cycling weather and everyone enjoyed an exhilarating ride on quiet roads with some very pleasant countryside.

Ken

Ride Report 9 February

Well despite my opt out, which in hindsight I should have exercised, we all met up at a cold, snowy, icy and bleak Wendover Woods a little after 10:00am as I had had a puncture (one of many that I and the group had to endure throughout the morning). The group included Steve and Pauline who brought me a lovely cup of coffee while Steve and Paul were helping me to repair the first of my punctures, Russ who also rode to the start, Ray and Richard, Bob C, Robert and Iain Wallace, and Paul. Apparently John S. also drove to the start intending to leave his car at the Full Moon and to cycle to the start point. It was rumoured that when the first of many cold, snowy blasts from the east arrived John suddenly decided that he had forgotten his cycle shoes - good one John I wish I had thought of that.

However, that was very unfair of me because John did return with his shoes just before lunch and must have cycled all of 3 miles and a bit. But I did cadge a lift home from John - much to my relief as after lunch I had discovered another puncture.

So enough of the prologue as Frankie Howard used to say. We decided because of the conditions we would stay local instead of following the original plan which would have taken us some way north. This also meant that the group would miss out on meeting my sheep. Perhaps another day. We headed down through WW to the Wendover Arms and cycled along a firm tow path all the way to Wendover. We cycled through Wendover and headed for the Ridgway section, a section that I had had problems with in the past, but not this time we all made it up the hill where another puncture arose. Thanks again Steve and Paul. It was decided at this time that I needed new tyres preferably with some tread (in fact coincidentally such tyres had been ordered and had just been delivered that very morning).

It was now 11:45. I suggested a quick whizz down to the Grand Union Canal and back via the Cow Roast to the pub but that went down like a lead balloon so the compromise was another whizz around WW. However, when we got back to WW and after we had met up with John the mother of all snow storms arrived and with no exception we decided to forego a swing in the trees and head for the pub. There we met Jim who wisely had forgone the morning's torture.

We had a good meal with excellent friendly service which deserved the £7 or so tip we extended to them.

John kindly dropped me off home where over the next 12 hours I slowly warmed up.

Regards Dave

Ride Report 8 February (the first Monday ride)

On a very cold sleety snowy rainy day 9 of us met at Cholesbury Common, Tom, Les, Jeremy, Dave Rose, Roger, Chris F ( 10 minutes early ), Ken, Peter Hawkes and Mike Pullen.

Chris called us all to order at 4 seconds past 10 and off we went through Hastoe and down the long cold descent to Tring where Chris stopped to buy some gloves as his hands were frozen.

It would seem that after trying every shop in Tring the gloves Chris chose above all the others were some for taking hot dishes out of ovens. These Cooking Mitts were magnificent and we were able to examine them at our leisure when Chris had a puncture just outside Wilstone. They were in the form of fishes with magnificent dorsal fins on the backs of his hands and 2 others underneath and when he opened his hands revealed very realistic red fishes mouths; e'll do owt for a laff.

Just before the puncture we had tried to cross the bridge over the Grand Union Canal which has been signed as closed for some months however on this occasion we were unable to cross as the bridge was blocked by a large truck with a crane on it. There were actually 3 men working with hammers and chisels knocking down the bridge abutments with 7 other individuals watching them.

IT WAS MADE CLEAR TO US THAT WE COULD NOT GET ACROSS OR ONTO THE CANAL WHERE WE COULD HAVE CROSSED OVER THE LOCK GATES. SO MIKE LED US ON A ROUTE TO BYPASS THIS AND BRING US TO MARSWORTH. THE SNOW WAS NOW QUITE ALARMING AND MELTED ON US INTO A GOOD DEAL OF VERY COLD RAIN AND WE EXPECTED FROM THE WEATHER REPORT THAT THINGS WOULD BE WORSE AT THE HIGHER LEVEL WE HAD TO RETURN TO. BUT WE SOLDIERED ON FOR A COUPLE MORE MILES AT WHICH TIME JEREMY SAID THAT HE KNEW A WAY STRAIGHT BACK TO THE PUB, WITHOUT FURTHER DISCUSSION WE FOLLOWED HIM.

At New Ground there was a choice of routes, either up Wiggington Hill or by a slightly less steep hill which we chose. It was a good workout and we passed Champneys and back to the cars at Cholesbury. 17.25 miles, Jeremy still had to ride home but the rest of us changed in the cars for the pub which we reached at 12.15.

Les decided it was his birthday round and this was the start of a very good lunch at the Full Moon.

Cheers

Rog

Ride Report 4 February

Let the official record show that the following eleven souls did brave the ever worsening drizzle:

Jeremy, David K, Mike B, Roger, Gordon, Mike P, Tom, Ken, Peter, Chris; and, let joy be unconfined, a new lady cyclist, Trish Sale. Please do not hold it against Trish that she is known to Gordon.

We walked [appropriately] through a few yards of Cassiobury Park before riding up the historic Lime Avenue that crosses the West Herts Golf Course. Along the recently laid new track at the top of the historic Whippendell Woods [timber from which was use to build the Mosquito]. Around the back of The Grove [any suite for £1,000 a night] and past the secret football pitch where our brave England Footballers train before matches at Wembley.

Drawn to the lanes of Bucks Hill Bottom and Belsize where we encountered the cavalry - well six horses. Since we were going the same way, they kindly let us 'play through'. Thereafter they decided to canter the horses, but Gordon, as rear gunner was not going fast enough up hill to keep ahead and was soon shrouded in steam from the adjacent flared nostrils.

A pleasant and uneventful phase brought us back down into Kings Langley whence we used the tow path - not an entirely good idea as it was getting quite slippery and rutted. We bravely survived and used some back doubles back into Watford.

There we concluded our morning's activities with Lunch in The Essex Arms, which, despite its 1950 architecture, did us proud and reasonably.

Gordon

Ride Report 2 February

The day welcomed us with some light rain as we were driving to Chazey Heath, but this didn't stop Bob, Richard, Frank, Dave C, Russell, Jim, Keith, and the 'just in time' arrival of Robert, Paul, and Iain fresh back from (another) ski trip making 12 in total.

By the time we set off it had stopped raining but was threatening. Heading towards Mapledurham via the outskirts of Caversham on to Whitchurch. Along the Thames just short of Goring the path was very greasy, making progress difficult. Onto the road, through Goring we turned up towards Woodcote, part on road and part off. The rain had started now but we were almost there, through Common wood, always a bit wet on the best of days, and on to Nuney Green, which despite earlier comments of too much mud, everyone seemed to enjoy the slippery conditions, before the last mile back on road to the pub.

No punctures or dramas we arrived back at the Packhorse at 12.50 with 18 miles under our belts!

Lunch was good although a bit slow with the service but it did all arrive at the same time!

Thanks to all for joining us

Steve & Pauline

JANUARY 2010

Ride Report 21 January

Due to the forecast of snow, I was not certain up to Thursday morning whether we would be cycling or walking.

However the day dawned dry, very overcast but above freezing point and 15 of us set out at 10.15hrs. We had assembled at the Red Lion at Milton Bryan in the north of our area and the ride took us mainly along quiet lanes to Toddington, Tingrith through Eversholt, Witts End and Church End to the road that bisects Woburn Park We saw some deer in the distance in the park but no other wild life. In Woburn three of the group decided on a shorter route back to the pub whilst the rest had a pleasant cycle through Apsley woods and past Woburn Golf Club to an allegedly busy main road. Carrying out a Health and Safety Risk assessment we decided to leave gaps between members as we cycled a mile along this route. It certainly worked as we were spread over several hundred yards by the time we turned off to Potsgrove. The lane to Potsgrove was a complete contrast to the woods it was an open road no hedges and the sun had come out and it was wonderful. We arrived back at the pub after 18.7 miles somewhat early but the Red Lion treated us very well.

Only one problem, Sue had a puncture 0.5miles from pub, it was apparently quicker to get to the pub by pushing her bike as opposed to mending the puncture!

My thanks to all who rode who were (in no particular order) Roger, Sue, Mandy, Dave x2, Peter, Ken, Gordon, Jeremy, Richard, Chris, John, Tom and Mike B.

Mike

Ride Report 19 January

As I rode to the start today I encountered at least 3 of the group driving in different directions but we all got their on time me being the last to arrive on the dot. Russell, Ray, Richard, Frank, Steve, Pauline, Lesley, Keith, Bob, Robert, Bob and myself. The first bridleway set the tone, earlier last week in the snow and ice it was fine but now the mud had set in, anyway it wasn't that bad through the woods, then the first climb of the two I had stated. On to Shepherds Green, where I caught sight of members of my road group. Through the Fleming Estate to Bix, then a thrilling long downhill, dodging branches and patches of ice to the Fair Mile. Shortly afterwards our first faller, but it turned out to be a roadie on thin slick tyres skidding on ice. Then up the hardest climb of the day to Henley Park, up to Fawley, past the closed down forlorn looking Walnut Tree, to Upper Woodend Farm, followed by a long descent to the Hambleden Rd.

On over the locks, then following the Thames Path which at times had enough water for ducks to float on. I got wet feet along with others, into Henley, along the towpath to Marsh Lock, a tricky ride up the plank and some dirt road before crossing the Reading road for the last climb of the day back to the pub at 1315, 22 miles, no tumbles or punctures a fairly hard ride but for me the new £200 bike made it a lot easier. The pub gave us a nice back room and egg, chips & Ham seemed popular. I'm off on holiday to recover in the sun for 2 weeks ,see you when I get back

Brian

Ride Report 14 January

Richard Henry led a walk on Thursday, 14th January 2010, because most lanes and minor roads were covered in ice and snow. He was joined by Paul, Roger, Ken, Peter, Barney, Jeremy, John Driver, John Newman and his wife, Joan.

Walkers met at the car park in Cassiobury Park, Watford and set off over the River Gade to Iron Bridge, across the West Herts Golf Course, in an arc through Whippendell Woods to the Grove Mill Lane car park, beside the golf course and down to the canal, across the lock gate and on to the sports field. Thereafter, the route went through the Nature Reserve to Conningsby Drive and up the hill to The Essex Arms for lunch: a walk of just under two and half hours through snow covered woodland. An Egret and Kingfisher were sighted in the Nature Reserve. Gordon and Mark Davies joined the Group for lunch. Richard

Barney

Ride Report 12 January

The ski party had, we understand, made it safely to destination despite all the rigours of air travel in these conditions, so only a small select group were expected today.

Concern regarding potentially treacherous conditions under wheel on the planned ride led to a radical change of plan for a country walk in the snow. Biting wind with some weak sun had been promised but neither materialised. Yes, it was dull and not a breath of wind, in fact some felt slightly overdressed for the relatively mild conditions! The first hurdle was to drag one and all from the warmth of our house and coffee with hot mince pies! Everyone had arrived punctually at 10.00 am but it was nearer 11.00 am before we ventured out with Keith, Richard, Russ, Jim and myself. We soon entered the footpath above our house which led to the Common. Across to the Chorleywood House Estate we diverted past the Summer House to the Regency mansion that at one time was owned and managed by Lady Ela Russell from the Duke of Bedford's family. In 1940, the house and estate were purchased by the Chorleywood Urban District Council but now it has recently been converted by a private developer to luxury flats. The estate grounds remain public property and we returned past the front of the house to admire the snow covered Victorian Sunken Garden and the Wisteria Circle, both of which are being restored by a volunteer group

Perambulation continued through various parts of the estate at times affording fine views across the snow blanketed Chess valley with a glimpse of the John Le Carrie famed radio mast which is near to Flaunden. Descending, we crossed the Chess and up past Goldingtons house to Sarratt church, both of which featured in Four Weddings and a Funeral. A steady descent followed along parts of the Chiltern Way leading eventually to the Watercress Beds. Now uphill again, steeply across a field to find two rather forlorn looking horses sheltering in the corner blocking access to the stile. No, they were not going to move unless we could tempt them, carrots perhaps? Sadly, no one had the foresight for this eventuality but somehow we managed to get around the docile beasts to continue on the path taking us to the Red Lion in Chenies. Before then, we crossed over the drive to Mountfield farm. Now, as Michael Caine would say "not many people know that!" but Mountfield farm is home to classic car engineering company. If you want to be tempted, take a peek: The workshops for DK Engineering are actually in the farm at the end of our road yet no one passing would have an inkling of their business.

So did we stop at the Red Lion? No,on this occasion I planned to introduce the hospitable delights of the Bedford Arms Hotel, arriving just after 1.00 pm. A round table in the window for five was very civilised and comfortable as we settled into excellent sandwiches and a drink. Only £10 each which confounds any thought of a luxury hotel being too pricey. When we ventured out again after lunch, that biting wind expected earlier was just arriving. We left Chenies going down the bridle way (of bike rides) to cross through the railway tunnel turning left through Carpenters Wood until we arrived in the village. A short walk on roads now through the village centre passing Richard's Barber's shop and then back up Green Street. Margaret had left for a NADFAS meeting when everyone assembled but was now at the door to welcome us with a "Hello, I am just going out"! However, she did put the kettle on for us. I assured the party that no slight was intended and this was just the consequence of a full social diary! Anyway, yours truly is moderately competent in brewing tea to drink while reviewing our adventures of the day. I was much reassured to know that all had enjoyed our alternative Tuesday activity! No accurate measurement of distance was made but I believe it to total around 7 miles.

Ray

Postscript - After everyone had departed, I received a phone call confirming that I have a hospital admission for 25th January so I will not now be able to lead the ride on 26th January as previously offered. Many will have observed my rather blocked nose of late and hill climbing has required a lot of puffing and panting through the mouth. Polyps are the problem and a polypectomy should sort it out or, in other words, a re-bore of the nasal passages! Only one night in so should not be away from the action for too long but in any case, will see you all next week.

Ride Report 5 January

Nine brave souls namely Jim, Iain, Robert & Dave M/H. plus Ray, Russell, Paul, Frank & Myself who rode to the start were rewarded with a very bracing ride. We were joined in Denham by Keith which made the group a respectable total of ten given the frosty conditions. Unfortunately we managed to lose Iain as we crossed Gerrards Cross common when he stopped to adjust his clothing; a search party of Ray & Paul failed to locate him, so the remainder of us continued on to the Denham Country Park via a very icy Broken Gate Lane, where we met up with the search party, but still no sign of Iain, so the remaining nine of us were treated to a warming cup of coffee in the Café, courtesy of Jim who was celebrating his big birthday, thanks Jim!

After this welcome break we continued through the park and on to the Colne Valley & Quarry trails to Springwell Lock, where we had a steady climb out of the valley via Heronsgate village and then back to the Fox & Hounds through Ray's well managed Philipshill Wood.

On arrival at the pub there was still no sign of Iain, but fortunately 10 minutes later he turned up, having had his own ride in a completely different area. I can only apologise to him again; I can sympathise having been in the same position myself on a previous ride.

Apart from this mishap, it was a fairly trouble free ride of 17 ½ miles with no punctures or fallers.

Regards

Richard

 

 
The Chilterns Cycleway is launched on 18th June 2010

This new 170 mile (274 km) circular route in the Chilterns, links attractions, market towns and places of interest. The route is on-road, mostly on quiet lanes, mostly in the Chilterns AONB and will be clearly signposted.

Click here for details.

Re-cycle it!

Sustrans is the leading sustainable transport charity. It has developed more than 1,100 miles of cycle routes in the UK and organises ‘Active Travel’ to encourage people to make more journeys by bicycle.

They need used bicycles (in reasonable working order if possible). Ring Jeremy on 07836 208752 or Chris on 01525 22105.