Should anyone need guidance to the site from Leamington Spa station, I will gladly meet you there and take you to Long Itchington.
Chiltern Railways stop there and their fares are generally cheaper than Virgin's to Brum. I think their bike policy is a little more flexible too.
I'll be working on the morning of the Friday, but will aim to leave Leamington at about 2pm.
For those of you not able to meet up, the route is very easy.
Here is Leamington Spa Station and you need to head up the Tachbrook Road towards the canal. After about 100m, maybe less, on the right side of the road, you will see the ramp down to the canal
here. Go down the ramp and double back on yourself at the bottom to head towards Long Itchington. If you find yourself going past a LIDL supermarket after about a mile, turn back, you've gone the wrong way!
After a few miles on the towpath - usually easily rideable, but don't quote me on that, you'll come to the Two Boats pub in Long Itchington
here. Although I think it's been painted white now. To get to the Green Man, go up the Two Boat's driveway to the main road and turn right down the hill. Take the second left, then the first left - ignoring the little residential road - into Church Road. Go past the church on your left and you should be able to see the Green Man.
Map here.There is an alternative route, getting off the canal at Offchurch. It takes you straight to the Green Man -
map here. There is quite an uphill right at the start, and you have to cross the Fosse Way, but once past those obstacles, there is a lovely downhill section to the outskirts of the village. There is often bunting outside the Green Man, so look out for it, otherwise it will become apparent anyway!
There is a coop opposite the church, more or less, with a free-to-use cashpoint and a decent range of food & stuff.
Should anyone have bike problems along the way, there are two shops within five minutes walk of Leamington Station:
Broadribbs and
John Atkins.
Southam Leisure Centre - for the showers - is just over
3 miles away by minor roads. 2.5 by the main road.