Shorter rides in Milton Keynes 2012

First apologies for the dodgy font on some of this post, I must learn to write it out properly and not just copy and paste from a word doc :-)


Next year I'll be doing the First Sunday of The Month rides again, this will be the (I think) 10th year of doing these and it is still as popular as always.

When I started these I only did a couple of 10 mile rides. People found these too short but didn't want to go out on the longer and faster CTC rides. The idea of 20 miles every month looked like a good one.
They were started to get people out on bikes, to show people how easy it is to get about Milton Keynes by bike, to get people cycling more often and to show that cycling on the roads is not as scary as people think.

It has worked as the amount of riders I get is usually between 10 - 20 but can be as many as 50!
Riders that have come out as finding it hard to do 20 miles are now going out and doing 75+

We ride in all weathers but there may be times when we decide to not ride if it is dangerous ie frozen roads or snow. Sometimes when it is chucking it down there will only be a couple of us there (I can't get rid of Norman :-D ) but there will always be someone at the start.

January 2012 will be the 112th month these have been running.

All rides start at 10am from Elizabeth Square Bandstand 

Bletchley.

Rides are approx 20 miles.

Unless stated otherwise.

January 1st  ~ Ride to Stony Stratford via Whaddon. On road.

Febuary 5th  ~   Ride to Stewkley via Swanbourne and Dunton. On road.

March 4th  ~   Ride to Woburn via Wavendon (a few hills). On road.

April 1st  ~ Ride to Stockgrove park via Leighton Buzzard (a few hills). On road.

   

May 6th  ~ Ride around the lakes of MK (Parks Trust). Mostly on redways and shared use paths

June 3rd ~ Ride around the Millennium cycle route, (Parks Trust)

13 miles starts at Furzton Lake (At the bridge by the bowl) Mostly on Redways and shared use paths.

July 1st  ~ Ride around the back of Linford lakes and back via Haversham. (Parks Trust) Mostly on Redways and shared use paths although some quiet roads are used.

August 5th  ~ Ride to Winslow using Sustrans Route 51 (Parks Trust)

18 Miles starts at Furzton Lake, (at the bridge by the Bowl). Mostly on shared use paths.

September 2nd  ~ Ride to Woburn via Little Brickhill (a few Hills). On road.

October 7th  ~   Ride to Harrold and Odell park café, 30 Miles (Start at Campbell Park by the head sculpture). Redways through MK and on road to cafe.

November 4th  ~ Ride to Marston Vale café via Woburn (30 miles). On road

December 2nd  ~   Ride to Cranfield via Newport Pagnell. On road

(Parks Trust) listed rides are rides put on in conjunction with

The Parks Trust as part of their Easy Rider rides programme.

All the rides are taken at a pace to suit the slowest rider with plenty of stops if needed.
Children are welcome, But under 16’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 

The rides will use a mixture of surfaces so robust tyres are advisable.

The rides use the redways, shared use paths and quiet roads where possible.

You are advised to ensure that your bicycle is in a roadworthy condition. Carry a puncture repair kit or spare inner tube. Bring along a drink or some money to get something at the stop

(Which is usually about half way or so).

Helmets are a personal choice,

(I’m not going to stop you riding if you’re not wearing one).

 Note:-

This ride is not a race or trial of speed.

The route is on open public shared-route paths and roads.

You are expected to follow the rules of the road and

show consideration to other road/path users.

Although lead, the route is not waymarked or marshalled.

The organiser provides no rescue service.

You are responsible for your own safety/conduct.

For more info or any other questions
Email bletchleycyclerides@tesco.net