Go to
FAMILY FUN RUN!!! This year’s Family Fun Ride was, once again, a great success. Over 150 cyclists aged from 7 months to 77 were led off from Ambleside Sports Club, Nuneaton in fine style by the Mayor, Councillor Don Navarro resplendent in fluorescent jacket and helmet, setting a great example by taking part in the Fun Ride for the first time ever. The sun shone and more families than ever before came to enjoy a pleasant evenings cycle ride.Coventry Halfords provided a Dr Bike service, Police provided bike tagging as well as taking part in the ride and ensuring safe crossing of any major roads. Entertainment came from Nuneaton Juggling Club providing Hula Hoops and Unicycling too! St John Ambulance were in attendance and, unusually, had one minor injury to deal with. The Village Cycle Centre had a display and Nuneaton Fairtrade ran a stall and 3 enterprising pupils from Higham lane School sold their home made cakes and fudge.
Especial thanks go to club member Bob Allen for donating a bike for the first prize. Everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy the event with lots of positive feedback from parents and children alike.
The evening finished off with a barbeque, the raffle and lots of chatter about how good it is to see so many people out and about on their bikes. A donation of £50 is being made to the Mayor’s Charity from the raffle.
Every year the Family Fun Ride proves extremely popular with families during Bike Week. It’s aim is to encourage more families to get on their bikes and celebrate cycling! The rides are always suitable for novices with 5 and 10 mile routes with marshalling providing safe cycling and is always supported by Nuneaton Cycle Club who’s aim is to promote ‘cyclenuneaton’ – getting more of the community out and about on bikes!
A small but enthusiastic group met at Upton Barn on and overcast breezy day for the weekly ride. Eric had a good reason for his absence as he suffered a broken kneecap in an unfortunate accident at home described to us by Janet – get well soon Eric. Kath was also not up to par and decided to cycle home.
Chris assembled the reluctant riders to mount their charges and set off towards Shenton. We took the bottom lane – easy gradients and a beautiful riding surface. The fields to either side were looking very lush after the recent rains, broad beans and wheat now coming to the fore.
A steady pace was maintained as the route passed under the aqueduct and swung left towards Far Coton, then the quiet lane up to Market Bosworth. These lanes are a cyclist’s paradise – easy riding and fairly traffic free.
The bustling village of Bosworth was soon reached with the leader setting a pace to accommodate all the group. En route to Carlton a group of curious llamas watched us pass, they seemed more surprised than us.
Another left led the group through Barton in the Beans and on to Congerstone. This village seems to be a magnet for developers with more proposed homes being advertised, a pity the pub remains closed.
We now swung towards our lunchtime stop, passing the popular Bosworth Water Park to rejoin a short stretch of our outward route. The overcast skies had only delivered a brief period of heavy drizzle. At this point Norman split off for home and to visit his wife in hospital.
The climb into Dadlington was accompanied by the impatient horn blasting of a young man in a powerful sports car revving his engine to the annoyance of the group and local residents alike. After overtaking the riders (all in single file) he drove on through the village at twice the speed limit - a pity as we had only encountered considerate motorists up to then.
The quiet lanes gave way to the cycle lpaths alongside the A47, a safe but noisy route to the A5 and our destination this week, the Long Shoot. Six riders joined by Les and Kath enjoyed an excellent carvery lunch before making their various ways home.
Saturdays ride saw 17 Cyclist out on a warm and sunny day. We set off from Nuneaton Library, following the Wembrook Trail, through to Whitestone, where we then took the bridle path over to the Lime Kilns. There was a hold up as we all struggled through the gate to join the path – the only other alternative route, which starts at Crowhill, is not suitable for cyclists to ride along. When we got to the Lime Kilns a decision was made to go under the canal bridge and up steep steps on to the other side of the A5 (think we all need to go weight training!)
The journey then followed the cycle path along the A5 to Sketchley and onto Burbage. By now some of us were feeling a bit weary due to the extra ‘fitness training’ and the hot weather, which we haven’t yet acclimatised to, so the decision was made to try and bring the drinks stop earlier. By chance we were lucky enough to come across the Farmers Market in Burbage. The home made cakes, tea cakes and drinks were great and many of us could have stayed longer to peruse round the market stalls but we had to head for home.
The homeward journey took us via Burbage onto Sapcote Lane taking a left turn into Smithy Lane and across Burbage Common, when a few moans were heard when cycling over some rougher ground. The route then took us past the visitor’s centre, across Leicester Road taking a left turn by Hinckley Sports Centre. We had to go along another field track – where Chris commented ‘on how well the wheat was growing’. We carried on along Barwell Lane – on to Hinckley taking a left then a right turn into Netherley Road following along to the end of Tudor Road turning left through Wykin. This then brought us to the ‘easier’ hill into Higham. Les and Kath left us taking the Upton turning to home. From here our bicycles knew the way home, from what was a bit of a challenging but very pleasant ride.
Turning of to Barwell with the group well strung out they then headed into Kirkby Mallory before the steep climb to Peckleton ,and down the traffic free road to Desford. Here the group split into two with the faster riders going on to Merrylees and Bagworth before meeting again with the leisure peddlers at Barlestone. The reunited riders strung out again as they moved on to Carlton via Osbaston.
A really sunny day saw water bottles in constant use and the ride became more competitive as the lunch stop at the George and Dragon beckoned. Before that the group passed the water park at Bosworth and sped on through Far Coton then skirting past the Shenton aqueduct heading for Dadlington - a mere stone's throw from their destination at Stoke.
After lunch the riders set off on their various routes home, Averil to Rugby , Brian to Coventry and the rest to all points between.
Chris managed to mount his bike ok this time - no need for paramedics to patch him up or whisk him off to A&E. Quite uneventful for him following his recent Iberian excursions along the flood relief towpaths of Valencia.
Recent photos displayed have prompted a certain cleric amongst our readers to doubt their authenticity, 'should have gone to specsavers' Mr Bishop.
A slow climb to the hamlet of Sutton Cheney then right down another hill to the gated road. This gentle incline, for about a mile, led us into Market Bosworth . We then headed down the main road towards our coffee stop at the Bosworth Water Park . On passing over the old Ashby railway line we saw the steam train chugging its way down to Shenton . At the water park we enjoyed another form of transport with dinghies and sailboards enjoying the perfect conditions for sailing.
After our break we made our way into Far Coton and down the narrow road parallel to the canal. There Ann , Rose and Arthur stopped to measure the magnificent oak tree which is possibly three to four hundred years old. As a ‘tree hugger’ Ann is on a mission to find ancient trees in Leicestershire.
We cycled on through Shenton and just as we reached the Fenn lane a small aircraft took off from the field opposite and we burst into song !! ‘Trains and boats and planes……’ A pleasant mornings ride, thanks to everyone who turned out.
On leaving Upton we crossed the A444 and made our way through Sibson and on towards Sheepy Magna. The turn to the right led us to the lovely ford and a rather rough and ready track which was manageable because it was not muddy. We reached the A444 again and turning right we made our way down Gibbet Lane, a somewhat sinister place as the old gibbet post which was the resting place of a local murderer is still there. A salutary reminder to what happened in the 18th century if you decided to bump off your wife and you were caught.
We headed left through Congerstone and then down towards the Water Park and on through Far Coton. We passed Shenton Station and eventually made our way up the hill to Dadlington and up and down dale to Stoke Golding. It was just spitting as we entered the George and Dragon and we all enjoyed a hearty meal. It was pouring with rain as we left the Pub and Chris Taylor had an unfortunate slip and punctured his leg with his metal toe clip. Thanks to the assistance of the landlady and the landlord he was well looked after and was taken by a paramedic to George Eliot and I am pleased to say is fine and will probably be out on his bike next week knowing Chris.
On the warmest day of the year so far a grand group of seventeen cyclists congregated at the T junction in the village of Higham-on the-Hill. We cruised down Stoke Lane and after Fox Covert farm made our way over the canal into Stoke Golding. We then took the easier route past the old convent through to Dadlington and down the hill and onwards to Sutton Cheney. After a steady ride through Sutton Cheney we whizzed down the hill to the gated road that leads slowly into Market Bosworth.
Some of the younger riders were struggling so we had a short break before we cycled through the centre and down the hill towards Bosworth Water Park for coffee and cakes. It is a venue that we have not used for a while because the sign indicated a charge for cyclists, however new management has evidently decided not to enforce this and as a result they will get our custom. What a lovely spot too, people were sailing, wind surfing and just enjoying the April sunshine. Our refreshments outside were a real treat. Many thanks to all those who turned up. It was great to see Les back in the saddle after his accident and good to welcome new riders Anna from Coventry and Peter from New Zealand and Carol and Bert back from their travels. Let us hope we have more glorious Saturday mornings to come.
Ann Jenkins.
Some of the members were still suffering the after effects of the Club ride earlier in the day and were still in need of a tot of something strong to warm them up.
The group split up into 6 teams and some competitive streaks came out as the games got under way It was definitely a family affair with a mixed crowd of ages 10 to 70 plus, but no quarter was given and some very vigorous bowling soon split the teams.
After a couple of rounds we had a break and enjoyed an excellent buffet from Elite Catering which replenished the energy levels for the second two rounds. Some eccentric styles of bowling and some surprising strikes in the second half, and the winning team were declared and collected their prizes.
Many thanks to Ambleside Club, our excellent hosts for the event for a successful and enjoyable evening.
17 Riders turned out for Thursdays cycle ride which was led by Bert this week.Following a quick cup of tea and toast at Ansty Golf Club the group set off braving a rather chilly breeze. It was a very cold grey day maybe due to the ash from the volcano eruption in Iceland. We had two new lady riders out on this ride who were made very welcome by the 'vet' riders. We sincerely hope they will become regular riders. Well done Christina and Anna.
Leaving the Golf Club we turned left then first right passing the Sparrow which was to be our lunch venue later, then passed the Rolls Royce factory , taking a left hand turn into Peter Hall Lane to the cross roads. Turning right to Brinklow to the B.4455, left to Kings Newnham and Church Lawford , crossed the A.428 onto Lawford Heath and the straight mile towards Princethorpe taking in the pretty daffodils and wood anenomies en route to Stretton on Dunsmore.
Crossing the Fosse Way, through the village, crossed the A45 to Wolston, Brandon to pick up the bridle path (Centenary Way) which comes out opposite Coombe Abbey on the B.4027. This time Norman managed to stay in the saddle. Here we turned right and left to the Sparrow for an excellent lunch and were greeted by Bill who because of the cold had left us at Church Lawford for another coffee break hoping to get warm. Mileage was 21 miles.
The thirstier and hungrier were beginning to anticipate a pit-stop - initial bets had been on the Tithe Barn and then the Wharf but we passed there and continued straight on to Sutton Cheney. Next envisaged tea room was Greenacres but we veered left through Cadeby and down to Bosworth - plenty of places there! No chance - it was on and out towards Shenton - definitely it had to be Whitemoors. Nope - over the bridge straddling the lovely water meadow and stream and off right to Upton and, of course, Upton Barn for an hour of relaxing and talking.
Our trip back wasn't uneventful. The steepest hill into Higham often catch cyclist's in the wrong gear. Eric? changed too late and had his chain jump and catch between the chainset and bottom bracket. It took four hands and a lot of manipulation to release it and get him on his way.
Anyway a good sunny day - still not balmy but getting there. Thanks, Mick.
About 18 riders met at St Mary`s Church for coffee with the noticeable absence of Janet Neal and her home made cakes.
Quite a chaotic departure, in the course of a funeral and with John Cooper experiencing a puncture. Chris Steiner turned up for a once-in-a-blue moon appearance but brake problems forced an early retirement. We eventually cleared Hinckley and got on to the Barwell lane. At the bridge under the A47 I dismounted and lead the group through on foot due the broken glass scattered there by mindless idiots with nothing better to do. Another sign of the times was a child's bike, obviously damaged but not very old, abandoned at the side of the path.
On through Barwell and Kirby Mallory, Peckleton and the old road and cycle path to Desford where the group split. Anne led a group on a shorter route - Carole and Bert out of practice having just returned from a trip to Oz, newcomers Yvonne and 11 year old Gareth, and Les on his first ride since a serious injury. They followed an undulating route through Merrylees, Newbold Heath and Barlestone and on to Bosworth Hall.
The rest of us continued on to Ratby and back over the Burroughs, a fairly demanding ride with some steep hills. Kevin Hoskins took one of the downhills at speed and unfortunately fell heavily while crossing the ford and is now in the Leicester Royal Infirmary with a broken hip; we all wish Kevin a speedy recovery.
As the group was spread out at this point the main party were unaware of Kevin's accident and, thinking a puncture was probably causing the back group’s delay.
We continued on to Merrylees via Coley lane on to Newbold Heath and Market Bosworth Hall and an excellent hot buffet. Eric arrived some minutes later to inform us about Kevin, and as we all left Morgan and Terry arrived after sorting out the ambulance and leaving Kevins bike in a safe spot, for later collection.
Our wet Saturday ride! On a cold and wet Saturday morning, the 20th March, Rose, the ride leader, Avril, Anne, Kath, Janet and Christina – the lady stalwarts met up at the coffee shop opposite the library for their regular Saturday morning ride. After saying ‘goodbye’ to Bill who wasn’t cycling this week but shopping in the rain instead, off they set on one of Rose’s usual rides out towards the Fenn Lanes. En route, on Higham Lane, they met up with ‘The Webmaster’ himself, Chris… who hasn’t been out cycling due to injuries for a few weeks now and carried on up to Higham on the Hill where we joined up with yet another lady, Ann who’s newly back from her travels in New Zealand. Chris was certainly outnumbered by the tough women who’d braved the rainy conditions! Ann, who lives in Higham, kindly offered her house as the coffee stop, so after cycling out to Upton, Shenton and then back to Higham, during which Ann was quizzed on her wonderful journey by all the way by Rose, (for once, Rose was quieter than usual, listening most of the time!) but it didn’t half make the cycle ride go quicker in the rain, we all stopped off for a well-earned coffee and chocolate hobnobs! Yummy! Waterproofs off… we all sat down for a fantastic ‘900 photo show’ by Dave (alias Steven Spielberg as director of the show), Ann’s hubby on there travel of Singapore, New Zealand and Hong Kong….it was fabulous. Brilliant picture quality on the wide screen TV, loads of gorgeous flowers… for Ann to paint… and scenery! Excellent! So our thanks go to Ann and Dave for their great hospitality! Off we all rode, back to our homes having done about 15 miles, refreshed and rested, and in awe of a ‘trip of a lifetime’. Home and ready for a long hot bath!!!
Having volunteered to lead Nuneaton CTC Cycling Club Thursday ride, I spent the week watching the weather forecast, but as it turned out I needn't have worried as the day turned out perfect for cycling, overcast, warm and just a light wind.
Making my way to the meeting point at Morrisons on Normandy Way, it was obvious that spring had at last arrived, with the drifts of daffodils along the verges just about to break into flower. About seventeen members met for coffee and as usual we spent the time before the 11 o'clock start putting the world to rights.
Eventually I managed to get them out and onto their cycles to head towards Dadlington, the first of the Leicestershire villages we were to pass through on our ride. On the way into the village we saw a sign to save the village pub, unfortunately it is just one of the many public houses that are suffering in the present economic times.
We then made our way to Bosworth, passing through Sutton Cheney and Cadeby, then a nice long descent where we were able to freewheel, followed by a steady climb up to Barton in the Beans, a name that used to fascinate me when I was a child and saw it on the bus in Nuneaton on Saturdays.
A left turn then took us towards Congerstone and onto Newton Burgoland. We were now well into the countryside where we could see more signs of spring, with the hazel catkins and the pussy willow making a good show, not to mention the snowdrops that have been in flower for a few weeks, although like everything else about a month late.
The next village was Snarestone where we noticed a small housing estate where it seemed like only a few weeks ago there was only a piece of cleared ground. Onto Appleby Magna, then Appleby Parva where we had to cross the A444, after which there was a climb up to the radio mast, which can be seen for miles. Having reached the top we were treated to a magnificent view to the west, towards Birmingham and Lichfield.
A nice long descent took us to Austrey, after which the last and hardest climb of the ride took us up to the Unicorn Pub at Orton on the Hill where we were joined by Kath, Les and Chris for an excellent lunch and of course the usual banter that happens when friends get together. Eventually we dispersed to make our way home looking forward to the next ride.
Ready for the off - outside Morrisons
Although the weather was not as promising as the previous few days, a group of 8 cyclists met up for a morning ride.It was good to see Les and Kath out on their bikes after a long lay off following Les’s accident.
John led us out of town via the Leicester Road Bridge, which still puzzles all who use it as the disappearing cycle lane has not been replaced and cyclists don’t know whether they should be on the path or the road.
As the day brightened the group enjoyed the familiar Fenn lanes with carpets of snowdrops among the trees and roadsides. When we paused at Sutton Cheney Wharf Les and Kath decided to stop there, having done enough for a first ride.
The rest continued on towards Cadeby and turned on to the A447 for a short stretch to Greenacres Garden Centre where, joined by another recuperating member, Alan Jones, tea and cakes were enthusiastically consumed.
John led us back through Shenton and Upton, riders branching off to make their way home as we rode back to town.
We met at Ullesthorpe Garden Centre for coffee; fifteen riders today including Avril, our only lady this morning. Four more were to meet us later for lunch.
We set off on a nice, sunny but cold morning on dry roads ideal for cycling. As we left the garden centre a cyclist was coming up from Ullesthorpe. It was Gill, who accompanied us until Lutterworth where she was visiting friends.
On down to the Spitfire island and left on the cycle path over the M1 to Misterton where we took the back lane and bridle path to Walcote, then a short way on the busy A427 followed by a right for South Kilworth.
A short pause here for riders to regroup then on towards Swinford, a couple of miles down the road a left fork headed us towards Stanford on Avon with views on our left over Stanford Reservoir.
On down through an avenue of lime trees and snowdrops which brought us in view of Stanford Hall, famous for its association with vintage cars and motor cycles. Stanford is a very pretty village with a lovely church.
From here we went on through Swinford along the undulating road to Lutterworth, through the south side of Lutterworth to pick up the cycle path on the dual carriageway leading up to Magna Park.
On to the Cross in Hand roundabout on the A5, a short run on a badly potholed section of the "Tens" time trial course towards Cloudesley Bush brought us to Willey and the Sarah Mansefield where the ladies joined us for lunch.
The “Breakaway” group of four ladies had all decided that Ullesthorpe Garden Centre was a hill too far for them this week and, led by Kath, they enjoyed a very pleasant ride from Nuneaton out to Burbage via Eastborough Way and various Leicestershire cycle paths.
Keeping mainly to paths and minor roads they cycled through Aston Flamville, stopping to look at the alpaca farm, then on to Sharnford and Frolesworth, all pretty villages looking very spring like in the sunshine.
At Ashby Parva they turned south hoping to use a bridle path marked on the OS map to Willey. Unfortunately the path was impassable so they had to ride a very unpleasant half-a-mile along the busy A5 before turning for Willey where they met up with the main Thursday group for lunch.
At the Sarah Mansefield, Willey
Chris, Janet and Kath - Breaking Away