Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Rides and Touring => Topic started by: Canardly on 06 September, 2018, 12:53:27 pm
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Possible location for a future meet. Really old fashioned 200 year old pub with no bar, (taps) small intimate rooms, food, with camping at rear having 24 hour access to WCs and cold water. No showers though. Will reccy this week. Good cycling country with lots of interesting locations nearby. Rail access a couple of miles via east coast main line.
Jordans Mill is also just down the road which has a large good quality cafe/restaurant and visitors centre.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g4362577-d6404227-Reviews-The_Cock_at_Broom-Broom_Bedfordshire_England.html (https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g4362577-d6404227-Reviews-The_Cock_at_Broom-Broom_Bedfordshire_England.html)
http://www.thecockatbroom.co.uk/?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=referral
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And just a couple of hundred metres off our club evening 10 course ;D
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Notional tenner a night for camping but landlord indicated that if we eat at the pub then this will be waived! Field is flat and open quiet landscape (so no hedge inspections!). Does seem to have at least some electrical points. Loos at back of pub are accessible at all times. Would be advantageous for loo visits to camp nearer the pub as the field is quite long/deep. No showers though. Food is of a good standard, will post photos later. Pub also does the full english breakfast and Sunday roast. Beer is excellent (tad spendy for the provinces but undertandably so). 2 pint and 4 pint beer containers can be purchased for taking outside. Pub is tiny but has the usual facilities. Is apparently popular with a range of groups so would need to book. A weeks notice being required for a group booking.
Plenty of good weather seating outside at the back of the pub. I did notice a large gas barbeque so guess this is used during the appropriate season. Will post some options for cycle ride locations of distances various, at a later date, given sufficient interest. A must visit however is the tea room in the old post office just down the road at Southill which also involves passing fields of commerically grown flowers/roses. For the model makers out there it would be great if a visit cooincided with a Bedfordshire engineers railway open day and vintage aircraft, for those of that particular disposition, are also to be found a few miles away. Wrest Park stately pile is approx 7 miles away.
I was thinking of next spring?
Edit: Engineers referred to above.
https://www.bedfordmes.co.uk/ (https://www.bedfordmes.co.uk/)
Aeroplanes referred to above.
http://www.shuttleworth.org/ (http://www.shuttleworth.org/)
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That looks good .Just let me know when :)
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Sounds fab. Likewise, let us know when. :)
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I hope I'll be free to come along when you organise a meet.
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This is quite close to me here in Bedford, and I pass through Broom quite regularly when I’m out and about on my rides. I can certainly recommend some routes. So I guess that means count me in anytime you’re planning to get together in Broom :-)
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Looks great and only 40 miles from me. I may ride there this coming week to check out their beer offering.
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Sounds promising to me. Float some dates!
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This is quite close to me here in Bedford, and I pass through Broom quite regularly when I’m out and about on my rides. I can certainly recommend some routes. So I guess that means count me in anytime you’re planning to get together in Broom :-)
May well come back to you on that Rob. Moggerhanger, Danish camp, or Grafham are other possiblities together with the 16th century dovecote and stables, the Embankment or what have you. There is also a cracking new LBS and cafe at Roxton in a brand new purpose built block to the rear of the pub.
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And the name had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with its selection?
True story: The Cock Inn in Northampton had a hand car wash on Saturdays. Cue a big banner proclaiming "COCK WASH". Mind you, this is the town that gave us the Sofa King (tagline: Our Prices Are Sofa King Low).
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When?
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And the name had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with its selection?
True story: The Cock Inn in Northampton had a hand car wash on Saturdays. Cue a big banner proclaiming "COCK WASH". Mind you, this is the town that gave us the Sofa King (tagline: Our Prices Are Sofa King Low).
Yes Google search does have a quiet think about it before landing the site.
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Easter is late April next year so could be suitable. Personal plans are being formulated for other spring events so not too sure vis dates atm. On the other hand does not need me to be there. Events such as the Arrow could clash of course.
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We are always out with the ALC over Easter.
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sounds interesting. :thumbsup:
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We Things are now quite local to this, and are quite interested in coming along. Having been camping for far too long.
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An ancient self contained pastry meal is available hereabouts called a Clanger. This is savoury at one end and sweet at the other. (yes similar to Cornish miners). A baker sells them in Bigglewade. I have often wondered if this is where the phrase to drop a clanger comes from. As a farming labourer, miles from anywhere, dropping your lunch would have been a big deal.
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I called in at the Cock one day last week, and enjoyed a very pleasant pint while sitting in the sunshine. Admittedly, this was a mid-week lunchtime, but the staff were very friendly, the amenities looked more than adequate, and the field at the back appeared to be quiet enough, once the car park is vacated. I intend to return soon :).
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Bump. Have tagged it for May atm but dependent on numbers and people's holiday arrangements this could be moved to later in the year. There will need to be sufficent vacancies as well, of course.
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Sounds good. Put me provisionally down.
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Can peeps express their date preferences above so I can get an idea of numbers etc thanks.
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I've said the 31st, but any weekend apart from the 10th will probably be ok. The ALC have their AGM meet on the weekend of the 10th, so I have to be there to chair the AGM. The other members of the ALC should be busy then too ;) ;D
Our attendance also depends on the stage we are at with moving, but I hope it has happened by then!
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Can't do the 24th or 31st. I've voted for the 10th, but any of the others apart from the 24th or 31st is good for me.
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Given a list you will get replies for all the dates ;D
I have gone for the 1st weekend as that is the only weekend I'm not on shift.
2nd weekend as Butterfly says, we are at the ALC AGM weekend.
Rich
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Ok lets provisionally target the 3rd.
Nb. The steam railway has an open day on the 5th.
Shuttleworth season premier is on the 5th. (not cheap). Not sure if cafe is open to the public on a demo day but doubt it. Could be visited on the Saturday tho' but. The village has the ultimate thatched audax hotel.
If we firm up on a date I will see if I can find out what is going on locally.
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What is Shuttleworth?
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What is Shuttleworth?
I looked it up: Plane spotting.
* May contain wheelpants or traces of wheelpants.
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http://www.shuttleworth.org/ (http://www.shuttleworth.org/)
One of a number of places people may be interested in visiting.
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Thanks. I can certainly see that appealing to the YACF tendency. But then so would John Shuttleworth.
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Wrest park is open that week end but English Heritage manage the place. Ker chyng.
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From a purely cycling point of view there are other points of interest e.g. Woburn Abbey is not far. So its up to you guys really. May need a couple of ride leaders. And the social bit is quite important also. :-D
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I can do any of the dates. The first weekend is a Bank Holiday, which will be busier & may cause problems with Bloody Trains.
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There is a birds of prey centre at Shuttleworth as well. Cycled past last week.
http://birdsofpreycentre.co.uk/events/
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This RSPB reserve is also not far away.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/the-lodge/
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You are welcome to stay at ours Andrew to avoid the crush. WB has managed it more than once so it can't be too 'orrible.
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Yes the RSBP is a definite possiblity which includes Peel's son's house and a certain Julius Ceaser allegedly camping nearby. I did say that there are lots of interesting things locally including the SOE headquarters during WW2
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What is Shuttleworth?
I looked it up: Plane spotting.
And old bikes (http://www.shuttleworth.org/bicycle-collection/).
The Bidlake Memorial Garden (http://www.bidlakememorial.org.uk/Memorial%20Garden.htm) is just up the road, and worthy of calling in at.
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Kim we now have (some) beds. So same offer stands. :P Doubles come later sigh........bit presumptious of me.
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What is Shuttleworth?
I looked it up: Plane spotting.
* May contain wheelpants or traces of wheelpants.
We went pre Nye and there were definitely wheel pants. And some scarily dangerous looking vehicles. The Birds of Prey were nice.
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The birds of Prey have since moved to Wilstead.
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There are two bank holidays in May, the later one being the week end of the 27th. If this poses a major transport problem, we may be better changing to another month? I know that the Brum Stanstead train can be a nightmare at the best of times.
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It would be nice to have meet in May. Nothing else says "summer's here" in quite the same way.
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If I do the Wolvey camping meet in may would that be easier for people to get to. I was thinking of moving my Wolvey meet to September when I saw this thread and still can :)
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Hang on... Wolvey. Is there a thread about that? It rings a bell but... where is Wolvey? The more the merrier as far as I'm concerned, if we have one each end of May that's double good by me! :thumbsup:
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I have a thead up on rides and touring .it's north of Coventry near Nuneaton .I am thinking of trying to avoid the bank holidays as they are more expensive :)
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Wolvey thread here: https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=110905.0
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Yes, erm, reply #1 still stands.
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There I was thinking Shuttleworth was a retired Lancashire county cricketer...
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In the best of British tradition I am now confused as to what to recommend. I can't really see many people being able to attend two (or in some cases three) meetings in one month. Personally I am happy to go with the flow and whatever suits best. Tomorrow is another day, as the saying goes.
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I would like a meet in may. I am happy to go to either place :)
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As this was suggested for May, how about this one be May (whichever weekend is most popular) and Wolvey another month?
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In the best of British tradition I am now confused as to what to recommend. I can't really see many people being able to attend two (or in some cases three) meetings in one month. Personally I am happy to go with the flow and whatever suits best. Tomorrow is another day, as the saying goes.
I voted for the 31st, but I'm happy to move that to the first weekend if that helps. :)
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There’s loads of nice rides we could do from Broom. I’d be happy to suggest routes, etc. Ashwell has a really good little cafe, a good looking (never been in it, so I can’t speak for it) pub, and is a generally nice place to visit. There’s a good pub by the bridge at Barford. There’s a very cyclist-friendly cafe at Roxton. If you want to look at the Cardington sheds, there’s a nice pub close by, and a coffee stop/farm shop just along the way. If you want to go a little further afield, we could go up to Grafham Water. The market cafe in St Neots is good too... all of which is in addition to what has been suggested upthread. Plus, you’ll get some delightful gently rolling countryside :-)
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The first weekend in May looks appealing to me (but I'd better add a caveat that I haven't discussed this leave of absence with Mrs Speshact yet)
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I will do a tot up early next week and give the pub a ring ref numbers and availability.
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I'm not saying that I can defo come, but I defo can't make first weekend, as I'm dancing at Rochester Sweeps festival for 3 days plus sunrise on the 1st
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Me and apollo can come out to play :)
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Sounds good, and about 40 - 45 miles from me, so can easily ride with camping stuff (not done enough of that lately). Any weekend okay at the moment, so tot away.
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So far: 3rd May. Blodwyn can't make this. Have emailed the pub to check availability, the proffered discount for eating in etc.
Cycleman
Apollo
Butterfly
Clarion
Nye
Cudzo
Robh?
Andrew C?
Speshact
Marco Stephano
Canardly
Wobbly John
Rich Sat
Dawn Sat
Salvatore
Pedaldog
Possibles
The Things?
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If the 3rd, I can defo make the Sat and Sun. Will need to ask for the Fri off work.
Dawn will need to book hol also.
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Excellent, be good to see you two. If you can't make the Friday thats ok.
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Possible yes, barring unavoidables, from me for the first weekend in May.
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Ok PD be good to see you.
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Mmmm landlord wants to discuss with me, watch this space.
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Tell him how much boozeahol 3 of us got through at Clapham , he'll welcome us with an open till.
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Me too.
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Added to list John.
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Anyone heard from Tigerbiten lately?
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Major problem. The landlord is having a large birthday party on the Saturday, week end of the 3rd and the pub kitchen will be closed. Presumably lots of invited guests. So......another date/later in the year or do we still go for the camping and sort out something else for the Saturday food and possibly beverage wise? Unfortunately the other (400 year old) pub in Broom has recently closed permanently.
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Major problem. The landlord is having a large birthday party on the Saturday, week end of the 3rd and the pub kitchen will be closed. Presumably lots of invited guests. So......another date/later in the year or do we still go for the camping and sort out something else for the Saturday food and possibly beverage wise? Unfortunately the other (400 year old) pub in Broom has recently closed permanently.
Sadly, alternative food and drink options are pretty thin on the ground around there :-(
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Sounds like another date is going to be better. Either the 10th, as that has second most votes, or later in the year.
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Biggleswade is close by. I’m sure they have shops to buy food / arrange takeaways etc. Arrange a bbq.
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I can always take the car down and offer a supermarket supply run if people are happy to self cater on Saturday night. I doubt open fires will be allowable but will ask about barbeques. Biggleswade is not that far away and there is also an off road track should people be so minded.
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Biggleswade is close by. I’m sure they have shops to buy food / arrange takeaways etc. Arrange a bbq.
There's a massive Sainsbury's on the A1 roundabout west of the town. By bike, however, better to go via the B659 Langford road from the south, as there's an A1 underbridge.
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I don't know the A1 underpass mentioned above but, looking at the map, it looks like you would need to get to it via Jordan's Mill. Southill Road, which takes you down past Jordan's Mill, is currently closed. It is due to re-open early April, but it's worth keeping an eye on notices.
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So, a site with no showers or hot water, and a lack of local shops, but a nice pub that won't be available for food and may be full of revellers and/or short of BEER? Sounds a bit like Dunwich beach without the earwigs[1]...
Seems to me that since the main attraction is the pub, it's better to do it on a date when we could actually make decent use of it. Or find an alternative destination.
[1] Admit that I'm jumping to conclusions here. I've absolutely no reason to expect that there won't be earwigs.
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If that is the general (understandable) feeling, then happy to defer to something else.
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Tend to agree with Kim on this. Let's sort it for a date when we can enjoy the fine pub. I'm not fussed about earwigs, they'll make a change from the woodlice at home.
And thanks Canardly for the idea and organisation.
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I will ring them tomorrow.
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I might just do a 24 hour thing to see what is what. That is all.
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Just to note that on a ride today we travelled off road along the riverside path from Biggleswade's old mill, which is pretty much town centre, bar crossing a road, to the far end entrance adjacent to Jordans Mill located a a few cycle minutes from Broom. The path is good quality all weather gravel and suitable for all but the most fragile tyres. There is a small section where it goes under the A1 with limited headroom but this is still cycleable subject to pedestrian and other cycle traffic. As stated above the bridge on the Southill road to Broom is being replaced and will not reopen until 7th April.
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As a local, that's interesting, although my OS map marks it as a public footpath, so not open for cycling. Is there in fact a permissive path or something?
Edit: probably the Green Wheel (bottom of page) (https://jordansmill.com/plan-your-visit/bikes-and-walkers)?
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I've ridden the old tow path between Biggleswade and Holme Mills (Jordan's), and the other way - from Holme Mills to Biggleswade, loads of times with nary a complaint from anyone. Just be sensible and *share* the space with pedestrians. Works for me.
I hope this meet doesn't happen while I'm away oop North. I'm looking forward to finally spotting some Forumites (I'm in Shefford - about 4 miles from Broom)
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I hope this meet doesn't happen while I'm away oop North. I'm looking forward to finally spotting some Forumites (I'm in Shefford - about 4 miles from Broom)
I'm just up the road in Bedford. PM me if you want to get together sometime.
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And I'm the same distance the other side of Shefford :)
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Is this going to happen? . If so will it be on the 3rd ? If not should I go ahead with the wolsey meet?
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No this is not happening due to the pub's kitchen being closed on the Saturday for a private celebratory do. If peeps are so minded I will organise something later in the year but will not be able to guarantee open days etc at various locations. It is still good cycling hinterland with a range of villages and ye olde pubbes and well situated for rail connections. Given the hugely disappointing Mildenhall situation is a possible alternative.
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Southill Road, which takes you down past Jordan's Mill, is currently closed. It is due to re-open early April, but it's worth keeping an eye on notices.
It's open (https://www.facebook.com/JordansMill/posts/2666709070038488).
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Southill Road, which takes you down past Jordan's Mill, is currently closed. It is due to re-open early April, but it's worth keeping an eye on notices.
It's open (https://www.facebook.com/JordansMill/posts/2666709070038488).
Thanks. I’ll be down that way soon!