Bike Week Thursday evening ride

Wow!  Hidden Hertfordshire!  Our ride leader Doug is known for his extensive knowledge of tracks and byways, but even so this ride surpassed my expectation.  Even places you think you know, something new is revealed.
The hidden gem this evening was the former de Havilland airfield, now being managed back to a natural state.  Picture highlights below.  To round off the evening, delicious hot dogs back at Earthworks.



Information boards to study



peaceful scenery to enjoy, riding an old airfield road

 

 

Oh dear, and difficult gates to negotiate.  Yes, this route is permitted for cycling, but the gate is just fractionally too short / narrow to get a bike through.  The metal kissing gates on the site perimeter do not require acrobatics like this.

Five Miles to Fabulous ride - 12 November

South Herts CTC offer occasional women-only short cycle rides on Saturday mornings. The next one is on 12 November. Meet Morrisons, Hatfield Road, 0930h. The rides are aimed at women who used to cycle but have not been out for a while and want a gentle re-introduction, or who have recently learned to ride and wish to gain experience. The pace is gentle and the attitude sociable. Experienced riders are very welcome. Bring some money for a coffee stop. More details at http://www.southhertsctc.org.uk/

2012 SPRING/SUMMER DATES:
19 May; 16 June (Bike Week); 7 July

Short trip within St Albans Sun 8th Nov 2009

A short afternoon social trip from Marshalswick Quadrant to the Organ Museum, mostly off road, via Jersey Lane, Oaklands, Highfield and the Camp Cycleway - returning before lighting up time via Fleetville quiet roads (for those needing to return there - or go straight home).

Date: Sun 8th Nov 2009

Meet: Marshalswick Quadrant, St Albans.

Time : 13:30

No charge for the ride, no need to book.

There is an admission charge for the Organ Museum.

(The Museum opens at 14:00.)

Leader: Doug Nevell - phone 01582 762120 in case of queries.

More about the Organ Museum [HERE]

And a little taster of its quaint sounds & sights [HERE]

Afternoon Ride to Welwyn Sat 17th October 12 Miles

An easy afternoon ride (about 12 miles total)

To: Welwyn's Roman Bath House

Date: Sat 17th October 2009

Meet: Sandridge car park

Time: 13:30

No need to book. No Charge.

Leader: Rona - Phone 01727 836470 in case of queries.

Pedal for Your Picnic - 12 Mile Ride - 11 July 2009

11 July 2009
10:30 AM until 04:00 PM

A circular route through the site of the new Heartwood Forest (12miles / 19.3km)

A meandering, circular route through the new Woodland Trust Heartwood Forest site, via Harpenden Common and Rothamsted, and part of the Nickey Line. Off-road sections. Share a picnic en route (weather permitting!) or enjoy a cosy pub lunch. Bring a picnic or some money for food at the pub.
Meet at the Roman Museum car park, St Michael's Street, St Albans (Verulamium Park). There is a charge for car parking.

Contact Doug Nevell (St Albans Cycle Campaign)01582 762120

Grid Ref 513640E 207250N (TL 136 072)

Two more rides in this series led by Doug later this year are

09 August 2009 10:00 AM until 04:30 PM 22miles around St Albans
12 September 2009 10:30 AM until 04:30 PM 14miles circular route includes Grand Union Canal

In case I don't get around to reminding you nearer the time,
you can find details of these on line [HERE] & [HERE]
Or Use the booklet 'Walks & More' in any Library
Or contact Doug as above.

Five Miles to Fabulous - ladies' ride

There will be another 5 miles to fabulous ride - the 'offical weekend' of 5MTF is June, but I fit in more whenever I can. Meet at Faber Maunsell, Upper Marlborough Road, AL1 3UT at 0930h. Intention is to ride some of my favoured routes around St Albans, stopping for coffee at Trestle Arts Base.

The ride is aimed at women who have not ridden for a while and wish to build confidence riding on roads. There will therefore be some on road riding, using quieter roads so far as possible, and there will be some off-road riding for respite and recovery. Experienced riders are most welcome, but the pace will be gentle, so come prepared to enjoy rather than work-out.

The rides are run under the auspices of the CTC - www.ctc.org.uk or www.fivemilestofabulous.com

Bike Week: Increased turnout on rides organised by other groups

Possibly as a result of the publicity we gave to the three rides organised by the Forty-Plus Cycle Club (Tue & Thur) and the Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC) (Wed), they both report that the number of riders was augmented beyond the normal turnout. 40+ reported 6 extras on both days and CTC 6 extra.
So thanks to both groups for welcoming the newcomers.
Remember that the three rides are held regularly every week (CTC two-weekly in winter) and you will be made equally welcome at other times - but the CTC always arranges for their Bike Week ride to end in St Albans, for the benefit of newcomers, on other dates it often ends at different pubs requiring you to make your own way home.
For further details refer to the runs programmes on the two clubs' web sites:
CTC [HERE]
40+ Tuesday [HERE] Thursday [HERE] (In case you've not twigged - you need to be over forty years of age.)
Be sure to verify the starting point/time for all rides before you venture out!

(CTC programme of Sunday longer rides can be found [HERE] should you wish to try them).

Both the clubs are the local sections of nation-wide clubs - regular group cycling is happening everywhere.

Verulam Cycle Club's Ride for a Reason today will, no doubt, have been well supported mainly because of the weather and perhaps a little by our supportive publicity. They too have regular rides and other events - see their web site [HERE]

I've recently heard of an off-road group which goes out every Wednesday at 7pm, ask at Rock & Road bike shop, Victoria St. I don't know the standard - might be quite genteel or on the other hand gloriously muddy - but they sound like a welcoming bunch either way.

On Friday evenings through the summer, you can take the short ride to Gosling Stadium Track, Welwyn Garden City and watch the racing - really good free entertainment, all ages taking part. The Welwyn Wheelers club runs the event and also takes on children from age seven offering racing training (on another evening) - so take your children - they (and you) might get hooked. Details [HERE]

STACC aims to support all cycling in the area.

Ride - 10 November 2007 - Gentle 16 Miles

Mimram Meander

10 November 2007
10:30 AM until 03:30 PM

Cycle Ride

A gentle paced ride tracing this picturesque stream.

Fairly hilly, generally on quiet roads with some off road. Distance of 16miles/25km. Pub lunch proposed, home well before dark. Don't forget to bring lunch money! Meet at the car park on Nomansland Common, off Ferrers Lane. Take care, low barrier if with roof carrier.

Contact Doug Nevell (01582) 762120

Grid Ref 517170E 212440N (TL 171 124)

This is one of a series of STACC rides which appears in the booklet 'Walks & More" available in Libraries & Tourist Information.

Information also appears on CMS What's On web page .

25 mile Ride - Saturday 18th August 2007

"CITY CIRCUMVENTURE"

This longer ride (25 mile/ 40km) offers a chance to beat the bounds of St Albans City.

The route will be on quiet country lanes and off-road, but is not recommended for younger children.
Pub Lunch is proposed en route, so please remember to bring money for your meal.


Meet at Roman Museum Car Park (£1 for car parking if needed)
Verulamium Park, off St Michael's Street, St Albans. (Grid Ref: TL 136 072)

Start at 10:00 am, expected to return at about 5:00 pm.

No need to book: there is no charge for the ride.


Contact Doug Nevell (STACC) on 01582 762120 if you need any more info.

This is one of a series of STACC rides which appears in the booklet 'Walks & More" available in Libraries & Tourist Information.

The information would also normally appear on CMS What's On web page but this particular ride has been missed off.

Five more miles to fabulous - Saturday 14 July

5MTF is a national campaign addressed to women, highlighting the health benefits and convenience of cycling. Read more about it at www.fivemilestofabulous.com
The promotion is aimed at non-cyclists (soon to be cyclists), but experienced female riders are of course welcome too. The inaugural St Albans 5MTF ride on 2 June went very well. We had a lovely morning, sunshine and good company. As it was the 150th anniversary of the birth of the composer Edward Elgar, we began with raising four cheers to the female cyclists depicted in his Enigma Variations:

Today we are celebrating the birth of the composer Edward Elgar, 150 years
ago. This is timely for our ride, not only did Elgar go cycling as an
inspirational aid to composition, but many of his female friends and family also
cycled – at a time when cycling was quite novel even for men. Several cyclists
can be found in the Enigma variations:
§ Isabel Fitton, a viola player in
Malvern
§ Winifred Norbury, regularly used her bicycle to deliver parish
magazines and to get to choir rehearsals in Worcester, but once cycled to
Hereford for the opening of the Three Choirs Festival.
§ Dora Penny,
daughter of the Rector of Wolverhampton, who several times cycled the forty
miles to Malvern to visit the Elgars.
§ Rosa Burley, headmistress of the
Mount School in Malvern, where the Elgar’s daughter Carice was a pupil.
§
May I recommend an excellent book Elgar the Cyclist a Creative Odyssey by
Keith Allen, available from the Elgar Birthplace Museum, Crown East Lane, Lower
Broadheath, Worcester WR2 6RH., Tel: 01905 333224. Fax: 01905 333426. www.elgarfoundation.org

We progressed at a very relaxed pace, paused for Fairtrade shopping at Homewood Road URC, continued by way of Jersey Lane and Oaklands to our coffee stop at Trestle Arts Base. We returned to our starting point by was of Highfield Park and the Camp Road cycle route.



By popular request, a repeat event will take place on Saturday 14 July.


Date of event: Saturday 14 July2007
Start time: 0930h
Start place: Faber Maunsell, Upper Marlborough Road, St Albans, AL1 3UT
Brief route description including refreshment break:
Easy ride to coffee stop. I have several nearby venues in mind and will select one on the day, depending on weather, group numbers and preferences. Using cycle routes and bridleways, some road riding mostly on quieter roads and lanes.
5. Leader Rona Wightman, tel 01727 836470

Bike Week Events List - 16 - 24 June 2007

BIKE WEEK - it's also BIKE TO WORK WEEK

Program of STACC organised or supported events (Free to enter unless otherwise shown)

Sunday 10 June: STACC stall at St Albans Farmers' Market St Peters St 10.30-12.30 Rickshaw, Bike Week publicity, Free Info & Maps.

Saturday 16 June: Steve will be in front of the Old Town Hall in St Peters St with the STACC rickshaw , 2.00-4.00pm drop by and show solidarity with local cyclists! (Come at 4.00pm for a slow cycle ride up St Peters Street).

Sunday 17 June: Call in on Sunday morning at St Albans Cycles, Brelade Place, Jersey Farm Estate, or Addiktion (10 am - 2 pm) Victoria St, for free advice & check-over of your bike. Rock, also Victoria Street, offer same service, but in normal hours, Monday to Saturday.

Sunday 17 June: Easy bike ride starting at 10.30 on the Alban Way (NCN 61) at the Sutton Road crossing near Hatfield Rd, St Albans; nearest car park at Morrison, Hatfield Rd, St Albans. A sixteen mile ride, off road and quiet lanes, coffee break at Stanborough and optional lunch at The Plough. Total distance 16 miles. Further information from Dave Johnson, 01727 831001

Tuesday 19 June: Free Breakfast, Bikers only 7.30 to 9.30, supplied by St Albans District Council. Start the day sharing breakfast with fellow cyclists! In front of the old Town Hall, St Peters St. Further information from Doug Nevell, 01582 762120

Tuesday 19 June: The Forty+ Cycle Club meets for mid-week social rides with pub lunch. A relatively lengthy 35 mile ride, meeting at Brown Box Cafe Southdown, Harpenden for 10.30 start. Some experience beneficial - On country roads. Further info from Doug Nevell (above).

Tuesday 19 June: 17.00-19.00 See us at St Albans City Station for Bike Security Marking by police and STACC handout pack of maps, membership form, discount information. More information from Gwen Tagg, 01727 868685.

Wednesday 20 June: Join CTC evening ride starting at 19.30 from St Albans War Memorial, St Peter's Street, 12-15 Miles. Easy pace to suit all levels. Pub finish in St Albans; lights required.

Thursday 21 June: The Forty+ Cycle Club welcomes you to a gentle excursion starting at the Green Man in Sandridge at 11.00 am. Ride about 15 miles, easy paced, lunch venue to be agreed. Further information from Doug Nevell (above).

Thursday 21 June: A free 6 mile gentle family ride mainly off road along the Alban Way. Start at 6.30pm from Earthworks (north end of Hixberry Lane (www.earthworksstalbans.co.uk). Return for games, if fine, and picnic. Further information from Doug Nevell (above).

Saturday 23 June: Family afternoon ride to Wheathampstead, easy pace to play stop and / or café, quiet lanes. Meet at Bernards Heath Play Area 2.00pm. Further info from Rona Wightman 01727 836470.

Sunday 24 June: St Albans Cycles, Brelade Place, Jersey Farm Estate, are open again in the morning for a free bike check over & advice.

Sunday 24 June: Shenley Park Family Ride (our traditional end to Bike Week), a 12 mile easy paced, escorted ride, Meet 1.30 at Highfield Park Centre free car park, off Hill End Lane, GR173065, adjacent to SPAR, approximate finish time 5.30 pm. Cycle along traffic free routes and quiet roads to Shenley Park, where there is a cafeteria & playspace. . Further information from Doug Nevell (above).

Sunday 24 June: Ride4aReason: Organised by Verulam Cycling Club, designed as personal challenge along waymarked quiet lanes, marshals and refreshments. Choice of 40 or 60 miles, Small Entry Fee Full details at http://ride4areason.verulamcc.org.uk/

Sunday 24 June: 20 mile charity ride from St Albans to Hampstead in aid of the North London Hospice. Full information at
www.northlondonhospice.org.uk/content/view/109/2/ Entry Fee

Other Events
Women On Wheels at Luton Mon 4th to Fri 8th June - Incl. Free Cycling skills training for women by women. GORDON STREET CAR PARK, LUTON - 12:00 to 14:00 each weekday Bike provided if you need it, or free safety check if you take your own.
Details might not yet appear on www.luton.gov.uk/cycling so email: safercycling@luton.gov.uk or Tel: 01582 547153. Limited Places

If you go down to the woods today

Spring in the woods, originally uploaded by mike1727.

..you'll find some good off-road riding. The bridleways are running well despite the last couple of days' rain, the bluebells are out and the longer days make evening rides easy without lights.

Here's an easy 11 mile route mixing bridleways and roads round the North of St Albans to get you started. Keep your eyes open for interesting side routes as you make your way round, but remember bikes have no right of way on footpaths...

For something longer and more adventurous try the evening rides run from two of St Albans' bike shops, sited within a few turns of the pedals of each other on Victoria Street. Rock and Road (01727 832020) set off from their shop at 7pm on Wednesdays, Addiktion (01727 858841) set off at 7pm on Thursdays from their shop. Call first to check the rides are running and bring a spare tube, pump and a drink.

If our local bridleways are too tame for you, head off to Aston Hill Mountain Bike Area near Tring. One of the South East's first dedicated mountainbike areas, the 100 acres of Aston Hill are home to purpose-built cross country, downhill and 4X courses suitable for differing abilities. Award-winning CTC approved tuition is available, and there's a race season.

Easy Cycle Rides with Central London CTC

The Central London CTC will be covering our area pretty thoroughly during April:
Sunday 15 - ride from St Albans Thameslink (meet at Platfrom 4 exit on Ridgmont Road) 1003h;
Sunday 22 - ride from Elstree & Borehamwood station, 0954h;
Sunday 29 - ride from St Albans Thameslink, heading towards Ashridge, 1003h.

The rides are all what the Central London CTC grade as 1* rides (out of a possible 4), so fairly gentle pace expect to cover 25 to 30 miles in the course of the day, returning to the starting station typically between 1700 and 1800h - probably nearer the latter now that we are in BST. The start times listed above are when the train that the Londoners will be using to reach our manor is due to arrive at the start station.

The ride on the 15th is led by me, and I haven't entirely planned where I will go, currently considering Redbourn. It will be suitable (subject to weather conditions) for children on seats / trailers / able to ride on main roads and for the distance. (no, we won't be seeking out main roads, but short stretches may be unavoidable). It is a picnic ride, so bring own grub. The others will stop at a pub for lunch. On all rides the leaders try and have a morning or afternoon tea stop as well at a cafe, church or garden centre.

The ride on the 22 is listed as heading for St Albans for lunch, so could be suitable as a morning only ride for us locals.

Full details and leader contacts and also background information can be found on the Central London CTC website: www.centrallondonctc.org.uk

You do not have to be a CTC member to go on these rides.

Mountain bike rides- Thursday evenings

, originally uploaded by mike1727.

Local bike shop Addiktion Cycles run a ride every Thursday starting from their shop at 7pm. You'll need some lights until the evenings lengthen!

Contact the shop for more details.