Cycling

This page includes details about forthcoming rides and the latest news from the cycling group.

Rides are open to both Society members and non-members. All riders ride at their own risk and should be 14 years or older unless accompanied by an adult. Bring your own drink for roadside stops. It is strongly recommended that all riders wear a helmet for all rides and carry their own first aid kit.

Enquiries about the rides should be directed to the ride leader; telephone numbers given below.

Date Description Leader OS ref.
March 2010
Thursday
4 		10.15 for a 10.30 start. Meet at The Peacock pub at Bolter End. Following quiet lanes through Turville, Northend, Assendon, Bix, Skirmett and Frieth. Overall about 24 miles.
 John Newman 01494 869954 and 07939 262169 on the day SU 797922
April 2010
Thursday
1 		10.00 for a 10.15 start. Start and finish at The Hampden Arms, Great Hampden. Note earlier start time. Down Whiteleaf Hill and into Aylesbury Vale and back up scarp slope via Cadsden Hill. About 20 miles, with options to increase this for more energetic riders!
 Dave Rose 01494 814726 and 07542 128577 on the day 846016
May 2010
Thursday
6 		10.15 for a 10.30 start. Start at Chesham Moor. Cycle on Route 57, including Cholesbury, Chartridge, Swan Bottom, The Lee through Asheridge and Chesham Park. About 18 miles before lunch and 5 miles back to the start (all downhill on the way back!)
 John Driver 01442 862734 and 07768 740663. TQ 094981

We have been fortunate during this summer of quite a few showers that the number of times we have needed waterproofs has been very small indeed, although we have had some overcast weather. In spite of this the Thursday Group continues to grow and with it the number of new routes that we cycle. Each ride leader can show us his or her own favourite area to ride, while we have lady members, we have not as yet, had a ride led by one of them, lets hope that we can do better next year.

The Tuesday group continues mainly off road with good turnouts and at the time of writing are off for a week on The Squires Ride in Herefordshire and Wales. Development of The Chiltern Cycleway, a 200 km loop around the Chilterns continues. The route has been trial cycled a good deal and overall everyone is very pleased with it. The cycleway has to be a compromise suitable for fast cyclists on hi-tec machines who prefer hard surfaces, people like the Chiltern Society cyclists who like to be away from the traffic, and families who would like a safe and not too hilly route and also for the occasional cyclist who may not be very fit.

By their nature the Chiltern Hills have some very steep parts but these have in general been avoided and more gentle slopes have been chosen, but there is no way out of Berkhamstead for example that is not steep, and the hills may need to be walked up the first few times. The main impression of the route is continuing beauty of the countryside, always different but still very Chiltern.

As the route connects with 'gateway towns' served by public transport it is expected that this will encourage more people to take advantage of the Chiltern Hills for recreation rather than in their cars, we could do with a few more young people walking and riding though them.

There is a ride open to all every Thursday call Roger on 01494 721142 or Jeremy on 01442 878482 for details, there is a range of abilities and routes are modified to suit all.

Bikes for Sustrans We can always do with more bikes and if you have a reasonably modern adult bicycle you no longer need, please do let Jeremy know on 07836 208 752 or Chris on 01525 221 053. We can collect!


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.