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.

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. Development of The Chilterns Cycleway, a 200 km loop around the Chilterns is complete 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 and families who would like a safe, not too hilly route away from the traffic 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 Chilterns Cycleway 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!


Official guide

Chilterns CyclewayThe Chilterns Cycleway official guide book has all you need to know about the Chilterns Cycleway: 23 detailed maps (one for each section), a few suggested short breaks, plus additional route and accommodation information. Ring bound. £7.99. To order please phone 01494 771250.

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.