Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Rides and Touring => Topic started by: Kim on 22 July, 2012, 01:30:09 pm
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Edited copiously, now we know what we're doing:
We've got a fair amount of enthusiasm for a night ride on the ideas thread, so I thought I'd kick this one off and leave that for general ideas.
Rollright Stones (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rollright_Stones) has the popular vote - because Stonehenge is a bit far. It's a reasonably pleasant ride out of Birmingham, following the Rea Valley cycle route as far as King[']s Norton, before climbing Primrose Hill and taking to the lanes. There's a 24 hour Tesco at Stratford-Upon-Avon about 48km into the ride we can use as a halfway stop. The plan is to reach the stones for sunrise, then head to Banbury (a little over 20km away, mostly downhill) for breakfast and an abundance of trains back to Birmingham, That London, or elsewhere.
Friday the 14th of September is the winning date. Meet in the main concourse (http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/sjp/BHM/plan.html) of Birmingham New Street station (https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=birmingham+new+street+station&hl=en&ll=52.47736,-1.89672&spn=0.002398,0.004056&hnear=New+Street+Station,+Birmingham+B2+4ND,+United+Kingdom&t=m&z=18&layer=c&cbll=52.47736,-1.89672&panoid=J-MKP-EUJKMkaCZBz2gnxQ&cbp=12,267.66,,0,1.19) - by the coffee place and the departures boards (http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/sjp/BHM/images/photos/800/o1214-0000066.jpg) - at 23:30
If you want to meet us at Stratford, I expect we'll be at Tesco (http://www.tesco.com/storeLocator/default.asp?bID=3212) between 03:00 and 04:00.
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/rollrights/IMG_20120903_182747.sized.jpg)
This is an inclusive ride - we go at the pace of the slowest rider, nobody's left behind. If we don't make it to the Stones for sunrise (6:42am), then so be it. People who haven't done much night-riding before are especially welcome.
The updated route, including - by popular request - a diversion to Anne Hathaway's Cottage, is here:
Bikehike (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/maps/FNRtME-Rollrights-1.1-reduced.gpx)
GPX download (http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/maps/FNRtME-Rollrights-1.1-reduced.gpx)
It's 108km / 67miles in total to Banbury station.
The terrain is what I'd describe as 'incessantly rolling', with an unavoidable bastard hill (in two parts) on the way out of Birmingham, and another on the final approach to the stones. Some flat stuff in the Stratford area, though. It's also worth saying that over the last couple of weeks, 'they' have seen fit to top-dress most of the minor roads south of Birmingham. I'll be avoiding a couple of problem lanes, but we're going to encounter roads with plenty of loose gravel along the centre line and at junctions. I suggest not riding on anything too skittery in the tyre department.
Lighting wise, you're going to want something decent up front you can see by. This is largely on unlit lanes with pothole and gravel hazards. Head torches are useful. Obnoxious rear lights shouldn't be necessary, though; most of these roads are quiet during the daytime so should be pretty much car-free at night. Make sure you've got enough batteries to last the night (a good 7+ hours).
Extra clothing, mudguards, racks, CAKE, etc. are encouraged. A flask of hot drink or lightweight brew kit wouldn't be a terrible idea, either: The tearoom closest to the stones doesn't open until 9, by which point I expect we'll be in Banbury. If you bring a poorly-maintained bike, paper-thin tyres or wheels with about 4 spokes in them, then we reserve the right to point and laugh if they go wrong. ;)
Attending:
Kim
?robgul (meeting us at Stratford)
bodger
jogler
Basil (for the ride out of Birmingham)
nobby
andrewc
gerwinium
Wowbagger
Paul
?Polar Bear +1
?mcshroom
fungus
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Rollrights sound good to me ... and, Yes - there's a 24hr Tesco in Stratford-upon-Avon - north side of the town on the Birmingham Road/A3400.
Not sure about cafes in Banbury for breakfast.
Warning - getting to the Rollrights by anything like a direct route involves a very tough climb ... be that from Long Compton, Little Compton or Whichford. I can supply a recommended route from SuA to Rollright and then to Banbury - on the Chiltern rail line (or the ride back to SuA isn't that far for trains to Brum)
Rob
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The hill up from the station is short and sharp, nicer IMO than the others which are a bit of a twisty grind. And you really feel you've earned your stones.
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Any idea how far the Rollright stones are from Brum?
There are trains back to Wolvo from Moreton in Marsh, via Worcester and Smethwick
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Any idea how far the Rollright stones are from Brum?
A bit over 80km / 50 miles, by a reasonably direct route via Stratford.
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*votes for the Rollright Stones*
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Any idea how far the Rollright stones are from Brum?
A bit over 80km / 50 miles, by a reasonably direct route via Stratford.
Start time? Need to calculate if the night is long enough for me to get there :)
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Worcester to Aberystwyth is a straightforward but interesting night ride and is exactly 100 miles..
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Any idea how far the Rollright stones are from Brum?
A bit over 80km / 50 miles, by a reasonably direct route via Stratford.
Start time? Need to calculate if the night is long enough for me to get there :)
Midnight's traditional, but I suggest that sunrise-n might be a better approach, where n is however long it's likely to take to get there.
Barakta's not up to the hills or the distance, unfortunately - she just hasn't been doing very much riding - but I'd like this to be as inclusive as possible.
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... I'd like this to be as inclusive as possible.
Sounds like a decent plan to me.
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As I'm not a WMer feel free to ignore me, but one of the advantages of a midnight start is that there's usually trains to the start reasonably close to midnight from all over, whereas 3am on a Saturday is in a train equivalent of a black hole.
Of course there's nothing wrong with riding in daylight either :)
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Any idea how far the Rollright stones are from Brum?
There are trains back to Wolvo from Moreton in Marsh, via Worcester and Smethwick
Trains from Banbury to Moor St (and ride through the tunnel to New St) are much more frequent than the M-i-M line, especially at weekends.
Rob
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Date ... likely date?
- just don't make it 7/8 Sept I'll be busy (plug . . . ) with MacRide & Shakespeare 100* which are on Sunday 9 September.
Rob
* The Shakespeare 100 ride (100 mile version) route goes past the Rollrights.
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As I'm not a WMer feel free to ignore me, but one of the advantages of a midnight start is that there's usually trains to the start reasonably close to midnight from all over, whereas 3am on a Saturday is in a train equivalent of a black hole.
Of course there's nothing wrong with riding in daylight either :)
My preference is for a before-midnight start; say, 9 or 10 or 11pm. This means the ride is well underway when pubs disgorge their long-stay customers. An earlier finish (6am rather than 9am) is more train-friendly, because early-morning trains are emptier, and their guards have had fewer obnoxious people to deal with that day yet.
There are usually several near-empty trains on most commuter routes before the rush hour proper starts.
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I voted the Rollright stones (only 'cos I suggested it) - re nearby cafes - does the bus station cafe in Banbury still open odd hours?
As for routes - I'm sure that someone else can do better than me - I only suggested it because I remember going there on an audax from Brum years ago and it being a nice ride.
Start time....may sound odd, but I prefer my night rides with as little riding in the dark as possible as my seeing lights only last three hours, so I'd vote: sunrise - (time to get there).
Dates, Sept 1st and 8th I'm being taught how to ride a bike, but think that I'm free on other weekends.
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In terms of reaching Middle Earth, we in Rugby can get there as late as 23:16 on a Friday night. I'm thinking though that perhaps we should meet up much earlier and go for a pre-ride nosh somewhere away from the centre of Brum on a Friday evening, maybe?
Where is the nearest breakfast and rail station for the Rollrights please?
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I've voted for the rollrights & am up for a night ride from Brum audax commitments permitting.
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i have put a vote in for the roll rights . i hope that a daylight tunnels ride will be forthcoming sometime some as well though :)
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I didn't vote for the "As far away from Brum as possible" - I voted Rollright.
But, I'm wondering, for a later day, about a midnight ride to Stourport on Severn. Bring own breakfast things and have a breakfast picnic in the park on the banks of the mighty Severn as the sun is (probably) rising (behind a dense bank of cloud) .
It's not that far, so the breakfast timing would suit a s l o w pootle.
It's part of my route to Waleslandshire and I have a nice route that is lanes all the way.
***contains hills***
Bail out for those not wishing to ride back to Brum is Hartlebury station (which we pass through on the way)
Trains direct to Brum start at 06:40, but not on Sundays, so it would have to be a Friday night.
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Depending on the pace, I might be up for a Rollright Stones one as that would be surprisingly easy for me to get to/from (I live about 5 miles from a Chiltern Line station...). Rail-assisted riding is still a little bit of weird magic for me ;D
I won't vote though as I'll be more an add-on if it works than anything :)
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I doubt my ability to get to the Rollrights on a sunrise -n hours where n means sustained pedalling at above the sedate pace that suits this old chap. Also, fear of the unknown is enhanced when I keep seeing things like audax and hills mentioned :)
So, would it be ok for a slower group, assuming there are more than just me, to set off earlier as Tortoises for the Hares to catch up with nearer the sunrise? Is that viable?
All using the same route, of course and presuming the Hares won't fall asleep on the way.
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If we go we will be members of team slow. AIUI, Kim intends the ride to be at an 'all inclusive' pace. :thumbsup:
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Date ... likely date?
- just don't make it 7/8 Sept I'll be busy (plug . . . ) with MacRide & Shakespeare 100* which are on Sunday 9 September.
Rob
* The Shakespeare 100 ride (100 mile version) route goes past the Rollrights.
This fundamental piece of information would seem to take precedence over speed, what's for breakfast, train times etc ... (my assumption is that it would be the Rollrights)
Rob
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(my assumption is that it would be the Rollrights)
Yes, I'm sure that seems to be agreed. My ramblings above were just random thoughts for the future.
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I'll decide when venue,date & start time are finalised
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I could be up for this ride with Jon the Viking. For me it has to be Sept 7/8th due to work. Rollrights sounds like a great plan!
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Another vote for the Rollrights. I had an amazing divining experience there a few years back.
I will probably join you on the route rather than from Brum.
This is all date dependent and I couldn't make Sept. 7/8 as AWL Jr will be taking his 11+ that weekend.
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An alternative thought:- What about Birmingham to Manchester ?
It's about 90 miles, a sensible route could use a lot of the Cheshire Cycleway and it's fairly flat.
There's no shortage of breakfast options in Manchester and it's easy to get to most places after the ride.
I've ridden as far south as Stoke and Market Drayton from Manchester and I could certainly help plan a route at the northern end.
Failing that, the Rollrights sounds a good idea.
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I quite fancy the idea of a ride to the Rollrights, though left to myself I'd probably do it by daylight. I'll leave voting and planning to the Middle Earthers.
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My apologies! I've got caught up in other things and completely neglected this thread. :-[
So, Rollrights it is (I've updated the OP)
We need a date...
I appear to be booked up until the second week of September. And that's got the Tamworth audaxes on the Saturday, and the Macride on the Sunday which are both local and therefore silly to clash with.
14-15th or 15-16th of September are fine for me, as are 21-22nd or 22-23rd. I'm on the list for the Brighton FNRttC on the 28-29th, but could ditch that if popular demand dictates.
Thoughts? (Poll updated)
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14-15th or 15-16th of September are fine for me,
Is a good w/e for me. As is every second w/e from then onwards.
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Is it defineatley a ride to the Rollrights?
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& EXCACTLY where would the start location be?
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Is it defineatley a ride to the Rollrights?
Dunno, I assumed so. My plan was just to follow everyone else.
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I ask 'cause the Rollrights are a BCQ question
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& EXCACTLY where would the start location be?
Need to think of somewhere people can leave vehicles overnight for those arriving by road. Plus feeder ride from Mordor Central for train people.
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Definitely to the Rollrights. Route a work in progress.
I reckon the foyer of New Street Station is probably the best starting place for this one. It works well for the Yorkists (who, admittedly, have a much nicer station), has things like coffee and loos, and I know how easy it is to get lost by bike in central Brum.
ETA: Hadn't thought about cars. Wonder if the MAC car park is okay to use overnight? (Can check..) I was reckoning on following NCN5 through Canon Hill Park on the way out of the city, so could meet motorists there with minimal danger of anyone getting lost.
Sunrise is 6:42 on the 15th. How long do you reckon it'll take you to ride 80 odd km (including a couple of hills), nobby? I'm reckoning on at least an hour of stoppages for the Tesco stop and assorted faffings.
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Usual offer of spare room(s)[1] from me. You could just leave a car outside my house (Street parking) 0.6 miles from NCN5
[1] one single, one double
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14th/15th works for me. 2 weeks to recover from Tan Hill and 2 weeks before Carlisle to Newcastle if I decide to go for that. (There's a rather good gig in Liverpool that night...)
Wonder if we can fit Hook Norton on the ride to Banbury ? :P
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King Rollright and the Whispering Knights. I pass those on my way westwards, often at night. They charge you money to see those stones! but not very much. You may have to just climb the barrieir if you get there early. I think (but don't know) that there a few stones on the other side of the road which can be seen for free. I've never actually stopped to have a look.
There's a garden centre (Wyatt I think) if you go east which has a jolly good cafe often frequented by cyclists and it has a very nice view out of the very large window because it's on the top of a great big ridge.
Failing that, there is Chipping Norton which has a nice cafe on the right if you take the A361 southbound. (Turn left on the right hand bend on the high street, effectively going straight on. Don't go down the hill.) It does a good fried breakfast.
Banbury has all the usual chain eateries and a train station.
I might come out and join you somewhere, if only at the stones or cafe, depending on dates and times etc.
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I'm a definate maybe.
14th is best for me.
I would come on the train so meeting at BNS would be ideal.
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We're definite maybes too.
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I think it was £1.50 to get into the Rollrights a few years back. Includes free use of the diving rods.
I am a doubtful now, as I'm in Suffolk the weekend that seems to be favoured (14-15/9) and 11+-ing with AWL Jr the weekend before.
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Would there be a possibility of the ride going past Northfield Railway station so that I could join there?
BTW, does anyone know how far it is from New St to the Stones...roughly? Are we talking closer to 50, 75 or 100miles?
BTW, useless bit of trivia - Ravenbait, whom I'm sure a lot of people from here will know or remember, was IIRC, once the warden of the Rollright Stones and once chased Ali-G around them with a large sharp weapon!
Entry: "The Stones are open to the public every day from sunrise to sunset for a
very modest entry fee of £1 for adults and 50p for children over 7. Money
should be put in the collection box when the site is not wardened."
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Last time I rode to Hook Norton, it was about 42 miles from Solihull. We're about 7 miles from New St. & the Stones are a couple of miles further than Hook Norton, so a few more than 50 miles, assuming a fairly direct route.
I'd guess a speed of 11 m.p.h., so a riding time of around 5 hrs would be a starting point.
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Would like to join you but can only do the from the 21st of September as I have audax rides on the 1st 3 weekends.
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Kim - suggest that you now apply the "Field of Dreams" concept here - build it and they will come!
Decide on the date - create the route - promote it - ride it. Simples.
Rob
(and if you want any help with ideas for the area/lanes etc from Stratford to the Rollrights let me know ... we use a lot of that area for the Shakespeare 100 rides)
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Agreed.
I reckon the 14-15th has it, then. I'll update the OP and add to the calendar.
All route advice is welcome, especially for the bit after Stratford.
Bodger: I wasn't planning to head as far west as Northfield - I was thinking we follow the cycle route to where it meets the Pershore Road in Kings Norton (by the playing fields), then up Primrose Hill - which is generally accepted as the optimal route for avoiding the combination of traffic and nasty gradients - and into the lanes. Suggest you meet us at the Pershore Road (or indeed, just keep following Route 5 into town until you find us)?
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Agreed.
I reckon the 14-15th has it, then. I'll update the OP and add to the calendar.
All route advice is welcome, especially for the bit after Stratford.
Bodger: I wasn't planning to head as far west as Northfield - I was thinking we follow the cycle route to where it meets the Pershore Road in Kings Norton (by the playing fields), then up Primrose Hill - which is generally accepted as the optimal route for avoiding the combination of traffic and nasty gradients - and into the lanes. Suggest you meet us at the Pershore Road (or indeed, just keep following Route 5 into town until you find us)?
14 - 15 is Friday/Saturday so the suggestion (IIRC) up thread for Tesco in Stratford as the stop will work as it's open all night (obviously not the cafe) - again as suggested, given the overall ride distance it probably needs a fairly direct route to the Rollrights .. I'll plot something out (with an extension to Banbury being the nearest place with a useful train service and cafes for breakfast) - and estimate on time at Tesco would be useful ... I'm guessing that possibly I and others from Stratford, would join there.
... from Primrose Hill the "alternative Rte 5 - is it 55?" is quite good - Forhill - Weatheroak - Church Hill N, Redditch - to meet "main Rte 5) through the park to just by the Alex hospital in Redditch - then there's a better route to Stratford via Studley, Spernals, Great Alne, Wilmcote (avoiding the ford at Coughton).
Rob
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... from Primrose Hill the "alternative Rte 5 - is it 55?" is quite good - Forhill - Weatheroak - Church Hill N, Redditch - to meet "main Rte 5) through the park to just by the Alex hospital in Redditch
Given that it's a night ride, I'll probably avoid Icknield Street, taking the parallel route to the east: top of Weatheroak, Birch Acre, Hob Hill. It's slightly less lumpy, better surfaced and it avoids the steep gravelly descent with the sharp bend at the bottom that isn't much fun in the dark. (Visitors to the Coach & Horses will testify that it's even less fun to climb back up after a few pints.)
I wasn't sure about whether to go through Redditch, or whether to head east - Portway, Aspley Heath, Ullenhall, Spernall sort of thing. I know that works well in the daytime, but it might be better to just go straight through Redditch at night. Of course, that would mean actually working out how to follow the cycle route through Redditch without getting lost. :)
then there's a better route to Stratford via Studley, Spernals, Great Alne, Wilmcote (avoiding the ford at Coughton).
My thoughts exactly.
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ETA: Hadn't thought about cars. Wonder if the MAC car park is okay to use overnight?
"This gate is closed at dusk." So probably not.
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I'll probably avoid Icknield Street, taking the parallel route to the east
Yes, that's the way I go. Icknield Street is not fun at all.
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Friday is problematic for me so will decline. Huge difference in local rail fares with various levels of faffing vis station changes which however are interesting as single fares can be as low as a fiver and duly noted for the future. Basil's offer also noted cheers Basil. East coast main line fares are a joke and set to become jokier.
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A few thoughts on routes etc.: -
I reckon the gentlest ( :-\) way up to the Stones is from Sutton-under-Brailes, across the Stour at Traitor's Ford (which is a real ford, though usually shallow, but without a footbridge IIRC). I haven't tried the direct route to the hilltop up Traitor's Ford Lane, but the indirect roads towards Hook Norton & then SW to the top are not too bad.
The direct climb up from Long Compton is pretty brutal. I used the 24" gear on the way to Chipping Norton. I haven't tried the A3400, which looks gentler & might be a plausible option if motor traffic is both light & driven intelligently...
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A few thoughts on routes etc.: -
I reckon the gentlest ( :-\) way up to the Stones is from Sutton-under-Brailes, across the Stour at Traitor's Ford (which is a real ford, though usually shallow, but without a footbridge IIRC).
Streetview shows a footbridge (https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Sutton-under-Brailes&hl=en&ll=52.025343,-1.511081&spn=0.000606,0.001014&hnear=Sutton-under-Brailes,+Warwickshire,+United+Kingdom&gl=uk&t=h&z=20&layer=c&cbll=52.025262,-1.51109&panoid=QVATU__8JtwgedkrgnUXCg&cbp=12,8.21,,0,12.74). (Isn't it brilliant being able to do this? It's The Future!)
Fords are always entertaining, as long as there's an alternative for those who fear that Nothing might happen...
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A few thoughts on routes etc.: -
I reckon the gentlest ( :-\) way up to the Stones is from Sutton-under-Brailes, across the Stour at Traitor's Ford (which is a real ford, though usually shallow, but without a footbridge IIRC). I haven't tried the direct route to the hilltop up Traitor's Ford Lane, but the indirect roads towards Hook Norton & then SW to the top are not too bad.
The climb from Whichford goes up a lot and tests the lungs. IME it's not a killer on a 67" fixed, but it would be a pity to miss the Norman Knight in Whichford before tackling the hill.
The direct climb up from Long Compton is pretty brutal, despite the lack of chevrons. I used the 24" gear on the way to Chipping Norton. I haven't tried the A3400, which looks gentler & might be a plausible option if motor traffic were to be both light & driven intelligently...
Banbury has breakfast options. Our CTC group has used a good (chinese run) cafe, but it opens at 9 a.m. There are a couple of Wetherspoons pubs that are open from 8 a.m. for breakfast.
I have no idea whether I'll be joining the ride. We seem to be having an annus horribilis. If things go well & we have another grandchild by then, it's still not clear which of the current health problems will still need support.
I seem to have posted this before completion. There is duplication., but it's a bit too late to delete the incomplete post.
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A few thoughts on routes etc.: -
I reckon the gentlest ( :-\) way up to the Stones is from Sutton-under-Brailes, across the Stour at Traitor's Ford (which is a real ford, though usually shallow, but without a footbridge IIRC).
Streetview shows a footbridge (https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Sutton-under-Brailes&hl=en&ll=52.025343,-1.511081&spn=0.000606,0.001014&hnear=Sutton-under-Brailes,+Warwickshire,+United+Kingdom&gl=uk&t=h&z=20&layer=c&cbll=52.025262,-1.51109&panoid=QVATU__8JtwgedkrgnUXCg&cbp=12,8.21,,0,12.74). (Isn't it brilliant being able to do this? It's The Future!)
Fords are always entertaining, as long as there's an alternative for those who fear that Nothing might happen...
The ford is a no-no - it's very sheltered, seldom dries out completely and thus always has layer of thick green slime on the concrete surface - the bridge is fine, not quite rideable but does the job.
Rob
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Nick's suggestion via Traitor's Ford would mean quite a bit of retracing to get from the stones to Banbury - and not sure where he's coming from re the Norman Knight ... this is a night (the other sort) ride and the pub would closed ......
Approaching the stones from the west side has a few options - Barton/Little Compton is severe but the rise via the A3400 is a steady drag and not too onerous (that would require a retrace of just a few hundred metres)
I'm working on some plots ... I'll be back ...
Rob
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Ok, I'm still considering this, on the basis that I fancy a ride to the Rollrights and I ought to do a YACF night ride at least once. My tentative plan is train up to Birmingham, ride to the Rollrights, watch the sun rise and attain astral unity, mystic peace and a spooky chill, then ride to Cheltenham, which seems to be about 35 miles through Stow-on-the-Wold (and Adlestrop, where nothing happened so long ago). But it is tentative because that's going to be a long ride for me in my present sorry state (enough of the whining!) by day let alone night and I'm not sure I'll be able to get up to Brum in time, so a couple of questions:
What time is start from Mordor Central?
How far is the ride - I'm banking on 50 miles, yes?
How hilly?
What kind of average speed is anticipated?
And of course:
How heavily will it rain?
What kind of cake?
Chips or pasty? etc
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Night miles are shorter than day miles
Night time hills are less steep than day time hills
It all helps
hth
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I disagree about the hills! For me, if I can see the top of the hill, or even what appears to be the top but has another climb following, it helps me mentally make the effort to get up there. In the dark I can't see the top so I don't know (if it's a new-to-me hill) whether I'm half way up or only a third, or sometimes whether it's about to flatten out or rear up like a giraffe's neck.
But certainly night riding has other pleasures to day riding.
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I'm really really going to try to do this ride. I've only done one night ride before, a dun run, and it was okay, but hard. This sounds fun.
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I sent Kim some map plots for the Stratford-upon-Avon to Rollright segment (and then to Banbury) - undulates a bit and only one real hill that's as you approach the Stones. I'm sure she'll be on the case imminently.
My plan will be to meet the peloton at the TESCO "feed station" in SuA and ride to Rollrights ... and then either to Banbury for breakfast and train home - or ride straight home (stopping for breakfast in Shipston-on-Stour en route)
I've also just realised that I'm going to ride Bill Carnaby's London Sightseer Audax the following day ... 105km across London and back. It'll be my 6th outing for this ride - seems crazy, but it gets better every time - there's a group of about 8 of us doing it .
Looks like I'll be knackered come the Monday!
Rob
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This would work quite well for me. (With a Brum-dodging option of riding straight to StUpA. Good choice going for a Friday night; I wouldn't do this without the delights of Tesco to lure me through the night).
Wetherspoons are good for breakfast.
But of course TG's Sheringham affair was arranged for this weekend, long ago ... Shame, maybe next time. (Unless I woose out from riding crazy distances at the last minute ... )
Have fun!
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Just giving the thread a much-needed bump.
I've been peering at maps and have the route as far as Stratford sussed - using mostly roads I know to be nice to cycle on (at least in this direction - it's nominally downhill all the way). Works out at only a kilometre longer than going through Redditch, which is a bonus. Rob's route looks pretty good for the second half of the ride. I reckon we can make a decision based on time and knackeredness when we get to Long Compton on the best approach to the hill.
Knee permitting I'm going to go out and sanity check things at some point this week. Then we can make a decision about start time.
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Looking at the map it appears to be a choice,wrt the hill at the end ( THATE ),of short & steep or longer & less steep.
I'll be packing a 24" gear as always.THATE should sort it either way
:)
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Do we get bonus points for riding in Dr Who fancy dress ? :D
The Stones of Blood (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stones_of_Blood)
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I knitted a fourth doctor scarf once... not sure that's practical on the bike.
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I knitted a fourth doctor scarf once... not sure that's practical on the bike.
Can't be less practical than a full Vampire cape
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Do we get bonus points for riding in Dr Who fancy dress ? :D
The Stones of Blood (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stones_of_Blood)
Hmmm, set in Cornwall, filmed in Midlandshire. In honour of this, I'll be in Cornwall while you're riding to the real stones. Have fun everybody.
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It's a trap folks! She's going to persuade us to ride there of our own free will, and when we arrive we'll be lured into a giant Wicker Cyclist by the offer of tea & CAIK!
Or something....
:-)
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I am sat at Banbury station having ridden the route (mostly - I had a bit of a digression due to not paying attention). There are a couple of tweaks I want to make on account of ludicrous top-dressing and easily missed turns, but it mostly works.
The slog up to the Stones is a red herring - it's the general undulation of this part of the country that gets you. Though we could do without the bonus bastard hill on the way to Banbury - will meditate over maps to that purpose later...
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You obviously escaped the blood drinking Ogri :) Hope it was an enjoyable ride. Tickets from Banbury back to Liverpool are reasonable, so hopefully I'll be along for this.
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I would've liked to go, but have a prior arranged social engagement on Saturday. If this is on again, I'll definitely join :)
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I am sat at Banbury station
The meeting venue of the first C+ group ride ?years* ago. I have a group photo somewhere of the participants,some of whom haunt this place.
*1999 :-\
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That's positively prehistoric by my standards. Why Banbury?
Anyway, here are a couple of pics to whet your appetite. Unfortunately Tom Baker wasn't available[1]...
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/rollrights/IMG_20120903_182523.sized.jpg)
View to the North (yes, we've got to ride up that)
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/rollrights/IMG_20120903_182651.sized.jpg)
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/rollrights/IMG_20120903_182747.sized.jpg)
Oh, and the tea room at the plant centre place just down the road opens at 9am, so probably isn't an option.
[1] There was a random hippy who told me he used to have a recumbent, but sold it because they can't climb hills...
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I'm considering this. It explores a part of the country I don't know at all.
I seem to be able to get to Birmingham for £6 from Marylebone (gets in around 11 p.m. to Snow Hill) and on the return I'd make for Charlbury as it's only 10 miles from the stones. Charlbury to Oxford is £5.50 and Oxford to London is £6.50. It's now a question of a) joining the dots and b) seeking Jan's approval. Dez is not around during that weekend and she might prefer some company.
If I can make it I'll book my tickets tomorrow.
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That's positively prehistoric by my standards. Why Banbury?
IIRC it was the most popular/convenient location,democratically arrived at from a vote amongst those attending.
IIRC there were some folk from the hamlet of Lundun & someone from that marvellous Newcastle upon Tyne. :demon:
On reflection it does seem to be an obscure venue.
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Do we have a proposed meeting / start time at Mordor Central ?
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Enjoy the ride.
The last time I was at the Rollrights, some fecker(s) had daubed red paint over a load of them. DO try the diving rods. I was a sceptic before, but see what happens when you try it.
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Think i'm going to have to bow out of this one (despite being the one who suggested the destination :-[ ) as my dad died last week so not sure if i'll be feeling like it come the time :(.
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Condolences, Bodger.
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Condolences, Bodger.
+1
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I'm considering this. It explores a part of the country I don't know at all.
I seem to be able to get to Birmingham for £6 from Marylebone (gets in around 11 p.m. to Snow Hill) and on the return I'd make for Charlbury as it's only 10 miles from the stones. Charlbury to Oxford is £5.50 and Oxford to London is £6.50. It's now a question of a) joining the dots and b) seeking Jan's approval. Dez is not around during that weekend and she might prefer some company.
If I can make it I'll book my tickets tomorrow.
Done. I get to Snow Hill at 23.12 on the Friday and I have booked a ticket for the 11.31 from Oxford on the Saturday. I can buy my Charlbury to Oxford ticket on the Saturday morning and probably just stay on the same train.
Breakfast in Chipping Norton for me, unless we are stupidly early.
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Sorry to hear this Bodger. Take time to be with yourself. iyswim.
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I'm considering this. It explores a part of the country I don't know at all.
I seem to be able to get to Birmingham for £6 from Marylebone (gets in around 11 p.m. to Snow Hill)
If it stops at Moor Street, you're better off getting off there. It's a short well-signposted walk/ride through a tunnel under a retail opportunity to the main entrance of Mordor Central, whereas I've never actually succeeded in finding Snow Hill at street level (I think it's round the corner form the dental hospital, or something).
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That's positively prehistoric by my standards. Why Banbury?
Anyway, here are a couple of pics to whet your appetite. Unfortunately Tom Baker wasn't available[1]...
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/rollrights/IMG_20120903_182523.sized.jpg)
View to the North (yes, we've got to ride up that)
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/rollrights/IMG_20120903_182651.sized.jpg)
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/rollrights/IMG_20120903_182747.sized.jpg)
Oh, and the tea room at the plant centre place just down the road opens at 9am, so probably isn't an option.
[1] There was a random hippy who told me he used to have a recumbent, but sold it because they can't climb hills...
I am relieved that your pics do not betray the answer to the BCQ question
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Condolences, bodger. You're welcome to change your mind at the last minute if you feel like it. :(
Re: times, shall we say 23:30 in the main foyer (by the coffee place / departure boards) of New Street station?
Anyone arriving by car: in the absence of better plan, there's probably going to be room on my street (term doesn't start until the 24th, so it won't be filled by students yet), if you want to meet me here before 23:00 and join me for the trundle into town. It's 4.6 easy kilometres from New Street.
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I am relieved that your pics do not betray the answer to the BCQ question
I studied them closely in the hope they would :)
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Re: times, shall we say 23:30 in the main foyer (by the coffee place / departure boards) of New Street station?
O.k. I'll get my Stoke-BNS train ticket sorted this week.
I'm not yet sure how I'm getting back.
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I am relieved that your pics do not betray the answer to the BCQ question
I studied them closely in the hope they would :)
If they had it would have obviated my incentive to ride
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Okay, I've added a list of who I think is coming to the OP. Any additions/corrections, let me know...
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. It's a short well-signposted walk/ride through a tunnel under a retail opportunity to the main entrance of Mordor Central, whereas I've never actually succeeded in finding Snow Hill at street level (I think it's round the corner form the dental hospital, or something).
That's an interesting comment considering you are more local than me.
I've walked/ridden from New St. to Snow Hill 3 times.Each time a different route.Each time I got lost.Yet they are close to each other.
I have had geographic dyslexia with Birminghan since I started visiting the place in 1972 :o
If diety was going to give the planet an enema......
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Unless I can find some good splits this evening the train tickets are going to be too expensive for me to make this unfortunately. Currently quoted £70 single just to get to Mordor Central.
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GPX of the route now added to the OP. I've added the Rea Valley route[1] from Mordor Central to King's Norton; routed around some of the more freshly resurfaced stuff; joined the A3400 slightly earlier on the way into Stratford (should be fine at that time of night, and makes for a more gentle climb and avoids a right turn at the big roundabout); removed yesterday's unplanned detour to Halford between Ilmington and Shipston-on-Stour :facepalm: and changed the route from Hook Norton to Wigginton Heath to eliminate the bastard hill at the Waterfowl sanctuary (which is worse than the climb up to the stones).
[1] For those who don't know it, this is one of Sustrans's better efforts: It's mostly tarmac, with a couple of short and harmless sections of towpath. It gives us a flat route as far as King's Norton, avoids the worst of the brummie driving, and has pretty solar-powered 'runway lights' along the path at night. There won't be any stupid barriers (it's all doable on a Trice).
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GPX of the route now added to the OP. I've added the Rea Valley route
Good-oh. That means if I'm late, I'll just meet you all comimng the other way. (I don't actually intend to be late)
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Sounds jolly good! I've never been to Stratford-on-Avon.
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. It's a short well-signposted walk/ride through a tunnel under a retail opportunity to the main entrance of Mordor Central, whereas I've never actually succeeded in finding Snow Hill at street level (I think it's round the corner form the dental hospital, or something).
That's an interesting comment considering you are more local than me.
Well, I know where Moor Street station is, and how to get there on a bike. Why would I need to know about Snow Hill? (The dental hospital, unfortunately, I've been to.)
I rarely venture into the city centre except to catch trains elsewhere. I haven't got a clue where things are on foot, and by bike I just end up playing one-way-street roulette (the Queensways always win).
I'm hoping that regular attendance at Critical Mass will enable me to develop some sort of feel for the geography of the place. Eventually.
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I wasn't suggesting that you need to know about Snow Hill.I was merely using it's close proximity to New Street to illustrate the naigational difficulties I have with Brum in general & particularly onna bike.
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I think I was making the same point.... It's not just you, central Birmingham is a maze of twisty one-way roads, all alike.
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.. It's not just you,
that's reassuring....I think ;D it's certainly a relief.
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Having looked at the train schedule and the map, Moor Street makes more sense than Snow Hill. I'll get out there.
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Arriving at Birmingham New St, 22:17 and drinking coffee until the rest of you get there.
Departing Banbury at 11:54 back to New St with an onward connection to Liverpool Lime St.
A single from Banbury to Liverpool was £26, a single from Banbury to Birmingham was £8, Birmingham to Liverpool £9....
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I find myself double-booked. Mlle PB wants to do the other thing. I hate such dilemmas :(
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Departing Banbury at 11:54 back to New St with an onward connection to Liverpool Lime St.
A single from Banbury to Liverpool was £26, a single from Banbury to Birmingham was £8, Birmingham to Liverpool £9....
I'm on the 11:24. £5.30. (Old bugger's card :thumbsup:)
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(Old bugger's card :thumbsup:)
I might now qualify for one of them. :-\
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Since I finally have my calendar dates for the next few months confirmed, and the boys are indeed away that weekend, I looked at trains - but it's really quite a lot of money given how much I've spent ove the summer jollydays :-/
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Condolences to Bodger.
Envies to Wow, who gets to Brum for less than a quarter of the cost from Briz despite being further away. But I shan't be there anyway as I can't get to New St till 23:44, probably need a proper waterproof to avoid freezerising, may well be on sole parent duty the next day and in any case there's a local jamboree that w/e (homemade jam! :P )
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Condolences to Bodger.
Envies to Wow, who gets to Brum for less than a quarter of the cost from Briz despite being further away. But I shan't be there anyway as I can't get to New St till 23:44, probably need a proper waterproof to avoid freezerising, may well be on sole parent duty the next day and in any case there's a local jamboree that w/e (homemade jam! :P )
I haven't yet included the price of my ticket to and from London, but at this stage that's an unknown quantity.
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You said earlier
I'm considering this. It explores a part of the country I don't know at all.
I seem to be able to get to Birmingham for £6 from Marylebone (gets in around 11 p.m. to Snow Hill) and on the return I'd make for Charlbury as it's only 10 miles from the stones. Charlbury to Oxford is £5.50 and Oxford to London is £6.50. It's now a question of a) joining the dots and b) seeking Jan's approval. Dez is not around during that weekend and she might prefer some company.
If I can make it I'll book my tickets tomorrow.
It's £22 from Bristol, so actually just over a quarter.
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Could you put me down as a possible please, I should be able to make the 14th :)
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Done.
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Estimate of time at the TESCO emporium in SuA please?
... and if anyone is going to Brum on the Marylebone line - get off at Moor St, not Snow Hill - you can almost spit to New Street from there (out the door to the left and cross at light controlled crossing, half-right under building, turn right at lights ... New St
Rob
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Estimate of time at the TESCO emporium in SuA please?
... and if anyone is going to Brum on the Marylebone line - get off at Moor St, not Snow Hill - you can almost spit to New Street from there (out the door to the left and cross at light controlled crossing, half-right under building, turn right at lights ... New St
Rob
Thanks. I'd worked that out - eventually.
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Estimate of time at the TESCO emporium in SuA please?
It's 47.5km from the start via the new route. I averaged about 19.5kph on Monday, but that was on my own, cutting out the cyclepath, and in daylight[1]. If we leave at midnight and assume a 10mph average, then I reckon we'll get there by about 3am.
Working the other way, it's another 35km from Stratford to the Rollrights. If we want to be there at 06:30 for the sunrise, then at 10mph we're going to need to be on the road by 04:20ish.
So, 03:30 at Tesco?
[1] I remain unconvinced this actually makes me faster in summer. What it gains in visibility it loses in traffic, excessive heat and allergies.
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As we seem to have a proper plan :o I've posted about this on CycleChat and Birmingham Cyclist...
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Right,the bikes sorted.Is that too soon?
;D
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I'm sorry but I'm not going to make it. I've been rostered with grandson and spaniel duties for that Saturday.
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My train arrives at New St 2258hrs
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Cheapskate alert! Is anyone cycling back to Brum or Solihull ???
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I'm considering riding back to Stratford to grab a BCQ clue at Ann Hathaway's cottage.
I will decide when I'm ready to leave the Rollright's depending on the need for food,the weather,some rest etc.. All options remain open for me which is why I've not purchased a rail ticket for the return journey.
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I'm interested in the Anne Hathaway cottage question as well. It's only a mile or so off the official route.
I understand that the 3ses stop is at a Tesco. I wonder if our Esteemed Leader would object to us having a time-out to find the answer to our question?
In fact, if we took the right turn at Wilmcote, it would take us straight past the cottage and back to the original route without any significant extra mileage.
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I've not discounted collecting the clue at Meriden (particularly if we do AH cottage on the outbound journey) but this is probably one those cheques that my brain writes which my body can't cash;particularly after a night without sleep.
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I'm really really going to try to do this ride. I've only done one night ride before, a dun run, and it was okay, but hard. This sounds fun.
A thing has cropped up that might jeapordise this, but I'm still in the really really trying camp.
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I've not discounted collecting the clue at Meriden (particularly if we do AH cottage on the outbound journey) but this is probably one those cheques that my brain writes which my body can't cash;particularly after a night without sleep.
OT - Re BCQ, have you looked at Packwood House? It can't be far off any route between SoA and Brum.
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Yes I have.In fact I've concluded that all the clues on this particular sheet are do-able as one ride even if an overnight is necessary,IYSWIM.
Not that such a plan is feasible this weekend due to the loss of Friday night's sleep but it could be an ideal agenda for a weekend gathering in the future.
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Yes I have.In fact I've concluded that all the clues on this particular sheet are do-able as one ride even if an overnight is necessary,IYSWIM.
Not that such a plan is feasible this weekend due to the loss of Friday night's sleep but it could be an ideal agenda for a weekend gathering in the future.
Yes they're all pretty close, I did them in one ride except for Meriden which I already had.
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Bah! I had planned to ride Blue Meanie, the Orbit tourer, but I've just found a slow puncture on the front wheel. Not happy as I replaced the tube last week. Too lazy to fix it tonight.
I'll be riding Ghengis, with chunky tyres, so may be even slower than usual!
See you all tomorrow night. Forecast is decent.
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Jealous.... enjoy you lot.
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I wont be riding now, gave the old legs a right battering yesterday over 77miles of hills when I went to watch the TOB & could do with a good lie in rather than an overnight ride. Hope it's a decent night for you all :thumbsup:
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I'm really really going to try to do this ride. I've only done one night ride before, a dun run, and it was okay, but hard. This sounds fun.
A thing has cropped up that might jeapordise this, but I'm still in the really really trying camp.
I'm afraid the thing (family duties on Saturday afternoon, and the assertion - which I have had to concede - that I'll be "useless after riding all night") has won.
I hope the wind is kind and the rain keeps off and that you all enjoy the ride. I'll be thinking of you, until I fall asleep, anyway.
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I'm getting prepared for the ride. I'll be leaving on the 18.32 from Prittlewell, from Marylebone on the 2107, arriving at Moor Street at 2308.
I don't really know why I couldn't find cheap tickets home from Banbury when I was searching a while back: such things exist. I'll be parting company from the small but doughty band at the Rohloff Stones and heading for breakfast at Chipping Norton.
Do you think my meal will be served on crockery from the Chipping Norton Tea Set?
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I don't think they will serve you in Chipping Norton unless you give your beard a blue rinse!
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Should'nt that be Chipping Norton Crookery ?
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...and then there were, erm, 5?
Might as well divert to Anne Hathaway's cottage, if there's interest.
Apologies for being not very with it. I've had a busy week and nowhere near enough sleep. Should be okay for tonight, though.
Forecast's looking mostly clear with nothing substantial in the way of wind. Probably down to 8C or so, so I think I'll be leaving the sandals at home. Due to bad planning, this one doesn't have a stonking great hill immediately after the halfway stop to warm you up, so you may want an extra layer for 4am.
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Well if we are going all Shakespearian...
"We few, we happy few, we band of nutters"
Or something....
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Might as well divert to Anne Hathaway's cottage, if there's interest.
marvellous idea :thumbsup:
no need for apologies,everyone involved is a grown up & capable of getting themselves to the start from where we will all follow you ;)
I too shall be sans sandals for this one.
No hill is NOT bad planning ;D
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Well if we are going all Shakespearian...
"We few, we happy few, we band of nutters"
Or something....
& we'll not be holding our manhoods cheap either
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Okay, I've updated the route in light of the cottaging. Also tweaked the route through Banbury so it passes the better-sounding Weatherspoons, in the absence of any better ideas.
Get thee to a nunnery the OP for the new GPX.
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Shouldn't we be thinking of the
children Gentlemen of England, now abed?
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I'll get up to New Street early to meet train people.
What's the earliest anyone is expected?
I see Mr. Wow is due to arrive at Moor St. at 23:08 (pending any "We are sorry to anounce that"s)
Anyone due before that?
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I should be arriving at New St at 22:17.
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I should be arriving at New St at 22:17.
The way things are going at the moment, I'll still be here at bloody work at that time. >:(
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I am on the first proverbial train.
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I've pumped up my tyres and oiled my chain.
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For complex reasons I'm an unlikely - but may be there at TESCOs - if I'm not, worry not - and if you are going to Mrs Shakespeare's cottage you'll all but pass my house as you exit towards the planned route south - don't make too much noise please.
Rob
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- and if you are going to Mrs Shakespeare's cottage you'll all but pass my house as you exit towards the planned route south -
Rob
I suspected so....
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Just leaving Liverpool. It's very warm.
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I am at Marylebone drinking coffee. There is a chap manning the barricades whose moustache could well be closely related to Basil's.
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Currently 14C in Brummingham.
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I am on the second proverbial train, which hasn't left yet.
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OK. I'll prolly ride into town soon and meet Andrew. I'll then force him to either remain at MC drinking coffee, or accompany me to Isengard (Moor Street) to meet Wowbagger and bring him back to MC.
Andrew, if I'm not there when you arrive, I'll be moments away. Hang out by the coffee place.
Twitter @BasilW
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Barakta was entertaining thoughts of riding out to meet everyone at the start, but then remembered she was hugging a hot water bottle and complaining about knackeredness.
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I'd be happy to accompany you barakta, should you wish.
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Thank you for the offer but I think I'm going to stay curled up with my hot water bottle as I overdid it last Friday while shattered and paid for it for the rest of the weekend. Have a nice mini ride!
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k
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- and if you are going to Mrs Shakespeare's cottage you'll all but pass my house as you exit towards the planned route south -
Rob
I suspected so....
Ah - of course, you have been here.
Rob
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Being curled up with a hot water bottle sounds far more sensible than riding through the night with a bunch of eccentrics!
See you on the next one Barakta.
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I look forward to a reception committee of Basil. Very gratifying.
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Basil & I are now at Moor St, waiting for Wowbagger, coffee place closed :-(
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I'm, er, pissing about on the internet watching videos from another planet.
Maybe I should find some cycling clothes...
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I am in Leamington Spa where, had I been more attentive, I could have seen the house my daughter lived in when she was at University. It has always seemed to me that Leamington is almost in Brum. Why does the train take so long to get there?
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South Birmingham exists in a sort of warp bubble. That's why it takes ages to leave.
Anyway, setting off for Mordor now...
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Wows train is late, expected 23:18
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Excellent ride so far. Clear night, getting colder. At Tesco, Stratford on Avon.
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Pork pies & Frij. Bashed my knee earlier but should be OK. Might need an extra layer.
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I left the others at the Stones. Am now in Chipping Norton, having ordered a full English.
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Well done all. I wish I had been there.
Any record of average speed, distance, etc.?
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Sitting in Weatherspoons in Banbury, about to order breakfast.
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Well done you lot. So sorry my chest infection meant that I could only accompany you to King's Norton. The weather seemed perfect.
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Even though my ticket is supposedly only valid on the 1108 from Charlbury, the guard of the 1010 has accepted my ticket, so I will be in That London an hour earlier than expected.
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Home. I managed not to fall asleep on the train and wake up in Yorkshire.
Any record of average speed, distance, etc.?
My Garmin is currently reading 119km in 7:08, plus 2:13 stopped (which I think includes the stones but not Tesco). 10km and maybe 25 minutes of that is me getting between home and New Street, so can be disregarded. Moving average 16.6kph, overall average 12.7kph.
That said, you should compare Wowbagger's figures. I'm not very good at leading groups from the front, and the recumbent doesn't make that easy at night, when all you have to go on are points of light some indeterminate distance away in your mirror. So I spent a lot of the ride finding myself ahead of the group, speeding up to my comfortable pace, and then waiting for the others at the next junction. I expect the others had a lower rolling average and less stopped time.
Route was as linked to in the OP (which included a detour to Anne Hathaway's Cottage for BCQ purposes, which I'd omit if we did a repeat of the ride).
What I forgot about was the bridge works on Dogpoo Lane. They're reinforcing the road bridge, and have diverted the cycle route through the park without leaving any clues in the form of signage. We scratched our heads at that for a bit until Basil worked out how to get through. I'd read that it was going to happen on Birmingham Cyclist, but not being a regular user of the cyclepath, hadn't been down that way since the works started.
The Rea Valley route is a very pleasant way to escape Birmingham at night. No sign of any feral yoof, the toucan crossings all respond immediately and the runway lights along the path are rather pretty.
Avoiding Tanworth-in-Arden (and associated hill, easily missed turn and some really nasty gravel) was a good decision. I didn't get an opportunity to recce the alternative route before the ride, but its tarmac was smooth and unmolested by top-dressing.
The diversion to Anne Hathaway's cottage went according to plan. We decided not to have a noisy puncture outside robgul's house in the end. ;)
Tesco in Stratford is much more exciting at 3am than the one in Loudwater. Zombies drunkenly mooning each other through the window was a feature. They also leave the lights in the café seating area on, which was handy. The whole place was bloody freezing, though.
The rest of the ride went as planned. Weather was ideal, if perhaps chillier than expected. We all managed the hill up from Long Compton, albeit at rather different speeds. I winched myself up steadily in a 20" gear, finding it fair bit easier with the temperature 10 degrees cooler, followed closely by andrewc. Jogler appeared a little later, observing that it was indeed a 'proper hill'. Wowbagger finished tacking his way up a bit after that.
We proceeded to the Stones, where I failed to invoke Tom Baker by getting consistent results when counting them. Nobody danced around anything naked. The BCQ question remains unanswered though, as there was no sign of a Ministry Of Works plaque.
The alternative route to Banbury was also a great success. Not only did it avoid the git of a climb by the waterfowl sancturary that would have been deeply unfair at the end of an overnight ride, but the main climb had good sightlines and was entirely roller-coasterable from the preceding dip. There was also a couple of km of quality descending to enjoy.
The Exchange Weatherspoons did what it said on the tin, and featured a convenient back door with space to lock up the bikes out of view from the street. What's not to like?
I defer to those with cameras for photos...
If there's interest, I'll run this again next year.
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Sounds like a lovely ride, except maybe the Tesco. I'd be interested in a re run, I'd have liked to join you for this one if I wasn't working.
I hope those BCQing are aware that alternative evidence is acceptable when the questions are not answerable, the Plaque was missing on my visit 4 years ago, I thought there'd be a new question by now.
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Tesco, for all its middle-of-the-night Tesconess, was a valuable addition to the ride. They have food, water, toilets and somewhere to sit for a bit. On a good night, you can do without, but on a bad one (especially if the weather turns nasty) the opportunity for an indoor rest stop makes all the difference.
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It was a brilliant ride. My total was just short of 79 miles, of which about 10 were for crossing London, and probably another 10 or so were from the Stones to Charlbury station.
I was beginning to bonk when the final ascent to the stones started and I stopped for a couple of minutes to loads some chelsea bun into the fuel tanks.
Birmingham is just so much nicer to get out of than London. OK - it's a much smaller city, but that river path was great fun, as were the runway lights.
I had a large breakfast at a café in Chipping Norton, whose town centre was sealed off for a funfair and some other annual carnivalish/farmers' market type activity. There was no sign of Jeremy Clarkson, Rebecca Brooks, James Murdoch or CMD. My highest point was somewhere around Chipping Norton, well over 700' above sea level. From the stones there is a breathtaking descent, which I chickened out of because I was still woozy, rather as I was on our first night at the Wing camping weekend, although not catatonic, which was Julian's fairly accurate description of me on that occasion. I still managed something like 36mph before winching my way up into Chipping Norton proper.
The ride from Chipping Norton to Charlbury was wonderful: about 450' of descent in about 6 miles. I got there with almost an hour to spare for the first train, and my ticket was valid on the second, an hour later still. Charlbury is another nice, twee little place and they too were busy blocking off their town centre for some festival or other.
I had bought a fairly cheap ticket from Oxford to London (they don't seem to do cheap ones form Charlbury) so I bought a £3 ticket from Charlbury to Oxford, got on the 10.10 train and then asked the guard if my ticket for the next train was valid for this one, knowing full well that it wasn't. He, gawd bless 'im, exercised discretion and invited me to stay on his train, which I did, and zzzzzd for a bit.
London was a pain as The Mall was closed for some reason and I cycled through St. James' Park until some uniformed officer told me that I mustn't and mentioned that there was a £50 fine for cycling in St. James' Park. I quite reasonably pointed out that there were no signs prohibiting cycling and besides, I didn't want to be there, I wanted to be on the Mall, which was full of destruction workers.
Eventually I walked, oozed through the stationary traffic clogging Trafalgar Square and arrived in Lpoo St in time for the 12.32.
I have had a good lunch and am ready for more zzzzzzs.
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Just got home. Need to peel off smelly clothes & pop into the shower.
What a wonderful route. Lots of rolling ups & downs, a beautifully clear night sky and almost traffic free roads until the final run into Banbury.
:thumbsup:
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- and if you are going to Mrs Shakespeare's cottage you'll all but pass my house as you exit towards the planned route south -
Rob
I suspected so....
Ah - of course, you have been here.
Rob
We waved from the roundabout but recieved no response ;D
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I got home half an hour ago & have since been eating anything & everything classified as food.
I rode home from Stafford station,the lumpy way which has dragged my average down to 15.3 kph.
!36km.
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Sounds as if some of your collective energies have been siphoned off to keep warm.
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Home. I managed not to fall asleep on the train and wake up in Yorkshire.
The BCQ question remains unanswered though, as there was no sign of a Ministry Of Works plaque.
MoW! How old is that set of clues? The current one for the Rollright Stones is 'describe the shape of the Kingstone'. Hopefully Questers on the ride can remember it - stands alone on the opposite side of the road to the circle group.
I'll hope be able to make next year. January 2013 maybe little different to last night :)
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I took a photograph of the Kingstone, but I'd be very hard-pressed to say what shape it was.
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I took a photograph of the Kingstone, but I'd be very hard-pressed to say what shape it was.
Well, if you can find the words don't tell me because I'd be tempted to cheat :) (You can use a photo to show you've been to a place.)
I'm having an internal debate over whether I can answer clues for places I visited by bike before I started the quest, or whether I should go back to them. :)
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If there's interest, I'll run this again next year.
Please.
I'd have been there this year if it hadn't coincided with "Rally GB that's only a small part of GB really".
Watching the rally is a treadmill that I appear to be on............
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There's some stuff about the King Stone on the Modern Antiquarian website - http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/462/king_stone.html
It seems that the stone was vandalised in 2007 and the Ministry of Works sign was damaged. Several of the photgraphs show the sign in situ.
Describing the stone is a daft question though: it's just a weird shape.
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My GPS track from Birmingham Moor Street to Charlbury Station is here:-
http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://peter.chesspod.com/routes/rollrights.gpx
I thought the climb up to Over Norton (exceeding 220 metres above sea level) was tough: it had a chevron, the git.
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According to one piece of folklore (attributed to Aubrey Burl, apparently)
Up until the eighteenth century, a 'barren wife' might visit the circle during the night "in the hope that by baring her breasts and touching the Kingstone with them" she would be made pregnant.
No-one did that when we were there. We should have got there earlier.
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It all kicked off after you left :demon: ;D
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My photo's from the ride are here http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewclark/sets/72157631547380718/show/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewclark/sets/72157631547380718/show/)
The first lot are me trying to be arty with the camera from platform 1 of Birmingham Moor St while waiting for Wowbagger to arrive.
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the pics don't show :(
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My GPS track from Birmingham Moor Street to Charlbury Station is here:-
http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://peter.chesspod.com/routes/rollrights.gpx
I like the "Where The Hell Are We Supposed To Go" wibble at Dogpoo Lane.
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the pics don't show :(
Whoops! Fixed :-[
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It crossed my mind that yesterday's route would also make a very good day ride, with the possible exception of the A-road bits nead Stratford-upon-Avon. I think that, once we were clear of Brum, the roads were clearer than any I've cycled on. I didn't time it, but I think the car coming towards us just as we went into Stratford was the first we'd seen for over an hour.
It was a lovely, laney, villagey route with occasional high points for good views. We had clear skies and Orion was very visible from about 2.30 a.m. onwards. Jupiter was also very bright.
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I was thinking it would be a great ride on a cold clear frosty night. Definitely one to be repeated.
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It crossed my mind that yesterday's route would also make a very good day ride, with the possible exception of the A-road bits nead Stratford-upon-Avon.
I rode it during the day the other week, and that is indeed true. The Rea Valley route is of course busy with the usual cyclists, children, dog-emptiers and so on during the day; you don't quite get the lanes to yourself (though it's mostly farm traffic rather than speeding nutters) and yes, the A-roads in Stratford are full of cars (usually to the point where nothing's moving particularly quickly), as are the final couple of miles into Banbury. Worst bit is the right turn off the A3400 at Preston on Stour, requiring either extreme assertiveness, luck or pedestrian road-crossing tactics.
There are some lovely views. During the daytime, I'd probably include Tanworth (very pretty little village, when you can see it), consider an alternative destination in Stratford (if nothing else, the Morrisons by the railway station would be open, and involve less main roads), and perhaps make use of a pub somewhere between Shipston and Long Compton.
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Waitrose has a new cheeese on sale - King Stone Rollrights. I was able to tell the lady who offered me a taste (fnarr fnarr) that I knew where it was and why (she didn't and had been discussing with her colleagues what a Rollright was. Chocolate phalluses were not part of our conversation.