A leisure ride from North Swindon to Marlborough and back with two start points – Asda Orbital Centre and the Esso Garage in Chiseldon.
Leaving from the first start point at Asda Walmart at the Orbital in North Swindon at 10am, we will head out through Shaw Forest to John Lewis at Mannington. From here we will join the old railway line up into Old Town and then through Coate Water, over the curly bridge up into Chiseldon.
We will meet people at the second rendezvous at the Esso Garage for approx 11.15 / 11.30.
From here we ride the old railway line into Marlborough. Beer and lunch for approx 1 to 1 1/2 hours before heading back with a possible pit (pint) stop in Ogbourne St George.
It’s a 40 mile ride start to finish but only a couple hills so relatively easy. We will ride at a steady pace and nobody will get left behind. It’s a fun ride, not a race. Helmets are a must.
Look forward to seeing you all.
Debbie had this great(!) idea to ride over to Avebury to see the the Summer Solstice sun rise, in order to do this we have undegone the club ride leader training as we’re the only two barmy enough to want to do it at the moment. Excitingly this will be our first event as ride leaders so more than a good enough reason to get out of bed and join us 😀
The plan is nothing more than to cycle to Avebury to see the sunrise and then back (always maintaining a group), the pace will be slow and steady to suit those in attendance and suitable for all abilities and fitness levels. It is approximately 15 miles out and a similar distance back (the exact route will be reccied Thursday 6/6 and once done this event post will be amended to suit so stay tuned for further details).
Due to the start time and off road nature of this route you will need lights, a bike in good working order and of course a helmet. It would also be a good idea to bring water and something to eat, there may be food/coffee for sale there but this isn’t guaranteed.
Sunrise times…
London 04h43
Stonehenge 04h52
So we’re going to do this excellent final round in the amazing Peak District in 2019.
Although the main event is on the Sunday, there are also a Ladies Ride on the Saturday morning and a night marathon on the Saturday night, which has a choice of distances and light hire available from Exposure Lights.
On the Sunday 3 distances are available – Mini (25km), Half (45km) and Full (65km!). Bear in mind it’s in the Peak District, and the hills are big too, as well as the distance!
We’ve got members booked on the Half, but all routes start out together.
Full details here:
https://www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/events/1st-2nd-september-2018-hope-valley-peak-district.html
From the 3 Trees we will head out on the Ridgeway out to the bottom of Barbury Castle. This is further out on the Ridgeway from where we will drop down into the beautiful Vale of Rockley. A short sharp climb takes us to the top of a byway down to Ogbourne Maisey and then home along the old railway line cycle route.