CTC Derby Section Mid-Week Runs Log

2007

January 18 Sharpes Pottery

Cancelled due to 100 mph winds, so I’m told. I was in New Zealand at the time

February 15 Dale Abbey

Riders – Rosemary, Arthur, John S, John H, Dave S, Zoe and Dave W

Weather – Dry, Breezy, Cloudy with some sunshine, mild.

Route – Riverside to Pride Park, Chaddesden Park, Spondon, Locko Park, Dale Abbey, viewed Abbey remains and the smallest church in the county, Potato Pit Lane, No Mans Lane, Sandiacre, Risley, James’ for Coffee, Breaston, Jubilee Trail, Borrowash, Riverside path back to Derby.

Mileage – 21 average speed 10 mph.

No incidents.

March 15 Long Whatton

Riders – Zoe, John and Wendy S, Dave S, Martin, Alan W, Alan P and Dave W

Weather – Overcast with occasional glimpses of sun but a cool steady southwesterly breeze.

Route - Riverside path to Raynesway, Alvaston Village, Elvaston Castle, Ambaston, Shardlow, Cycleway alongside A50 to Warren Lane, Long Lane to Kegworth. Wendy was feeling the effects of the previous days ride so accompanied by John they returned to Derby via Sawley and Breaston finding an ‘alfresco’ café at the butchers/deli in the centre of Kegworth, John reported good tucker at reasonable prices. Onwards and upwards to Long Whatton, What is here of interest asked Dave S ? well it’s the halfway point of the ride was the reply, so westwards now passing Diseworth and under the A42 for umpteenth time we proceeded via Tonge to a late elevenses at Breedon (noon). From here we scaled the heights to the priory church where Zoe found one of the Bike Quest clues on the church sundial. On to Wilson to join the Cloud Trail and thence along the canal path all the way back to Derby.

No incidents to report, Dave S did some adjustments to Zoe’s bike at point, I’m not sure of the nature of the problem but only a minor one anyway. Welcome to Alan Pepper to our Thursday rides, now he has retired (again) we hope to see him more often. We managed three Alans on one ride last year so we may make it four some day this year.

Total mileage 33 ( a little longer than estimate but no complaints.) Average speed 11 mph.

April 19 Bottle Kiln

Riders – Dave W, Dave S, Neil, Alan W, Alan P, Zoe, Arthur, John & Wendy S

Weather – Sunny Spring day with a fair westerly breeze.

Route – Riverside path via Darley Fields, Mansfield Road, Breadsall, Lime Lane, Stanley Village, West Hallam, Bottle Kiln for coffee and scones. Sat in the garden area and enjoyed the sunshine. Mapperley, Shipley Park and roughstuff up Bell Lane to Smalley, Rose and Crown, Woodside, Smalley Mill Road to Horsley, Coxbench, Little Eaton, Abbey Hill, Mansfield Road and back along riverside to Derby.

Incidents – Lost John and Wendy at Breadsall, Wendy feeling unwell, lost Arthur at Lime Lane struggling with pace, a bit of over training I reckon. Met Jim and Kathy plus two coming opposite way down Smalley Mill Lane, unfortunately they turned up for a 10 o’clock start and seemed to be doing the route in reverse when we met up, I think the time difference between Os and UK is still having an effect.

Total mileage 21 – average speed 10.8 mph

May 24 Staunton Harold

Riders – Dave W, Dave S, Alan L, Martin and Zoe

Weather – Warm, humid with sunny spells.

Route – Riverside, Canal Path and Cloud Trail to Worthington, Lount back drive to Staunton Harold, coffee at Ferrer’s Centre. Southwards on new cycle trail through Jaguar Wood to Lount, stopping to view the wooden sculpture with the solstice slot.

Bridleways passing Eastern , Western and Old Parks Farms to Smisby, Ticknall, Ingleby, Swarkestone and canal path back to Derby.

Incident - Martin discovered a puncture after coffee stop, giving us a further 15 minutes rest.

Total mileage 35 - average speed 11.3 mph.

June 21 Doveleys (truncated)

Riders – Dave W, Dave S, Lorraine and Zoe

Weather – Fine warm morning turning to prolonged showers in afternoon, getting heavier by mid-afternoon.

This run was shortened for two worthy reasons. Zoe had to be back in Derby for 3.00 pm which would have meant a two hour solo ride and the weather forecast for the afternoon was prolonged heavy , thundery showers. So a committee decision at Longford meant we turned south to Hatton for elevenses at the Salt Box.

Route – City centre to Markeaton Park , Mackworth, Long Lane , Longford then south to Church Broughton and Hatton (Salt Box). Cycle route down Church Close and around Nestle’ factory to Marston-on-Dove, Hilton and on to the bottom section of the trail at Eggington Junction. Etwall and a further stop for refreshments at the Buddist Centre (Tara). Sutton-on-the-Hill, Radbourne Lane to Mickleover, route 54 back to City Centre.

Mileage 36 – Average speed 10.3 mph

No incidents.

July 19 Scaddows Fruit Farm

Riders - Dave W, Dave S, Alan P, Alan W, Jim & Kathy, John T, Zoe and Mandy (new member)

Weather - Overcast with sunny spells, warm and humid.

Route - Riverside path and canal path to Shelton Lock, Chellaston, Back Lane, Aston Lane to Aston-on-Trent, Weston-on-Trent, Cycle path to Kings Newton, Derby Hills, Ticknall, Calke Park, bridle track to Poker Leys, Ashby Road, link lane to A514 turning towards Ticknall to Scaddows Farm. (late coffee stop) and shopping for raspberries , biscuits, fudge etc. A514 Hartshorne, Brook Lane climbing to Repton Shrubs then Bridle Track northwards to Milton, Mount Pleasant, Repton, Willington, Findern, (John left us here) Doles Lane, Staker Lane, Mickleover, returning via cycle route to Derby.

Total mileage 37 average speed 10.3 mph.

Incidents none, but thanks to Alan W for shepherding Mandy home on her first ride she was pretty well done in but delighted to have ridden 40 miles, and has promised she will be back for more. As numbers reduced on the way home with just four remaining Kathy observed in her Tasmanian lingo she was parched and how about a refreshment stop at the Smithfield, to which the three men concurred, what a beautiful way to conclude the ride with a pint in hand sitting by the river.

August 16 Gunthorpe Bridge

Riders - Dave W, Dave S, Lorraine, Alan W, Martin and Paul H (as far as Beeston Lock)

Weather - Generally overcast, occasional sunny periods, rain later and breezy

Route - Riverside path to Borrowash, Jubilee Trail to Beeston, Cycle Path to West Park, Back streets of Long Eaton, Station Road, cycle route to Attenborough, Long Lane, track over railway through north end of nature reserve to Beeston Lock, (elevenses), Beeston Canal to Nottingham City Centre, changing sides at London Road, and up left hand toe path to Meadow Lane, over Trent Bridge then riverside path to Holme Pierpont Water Sports Centre, then road to Holme Pierpont village via Bomb Crater Lane, Holme Lane to Radcliffe (Lunch at Italian Bistro), Shelford, Gunthorpe Bridge, Return via Shelford, Radcliffe, Holme Pierpont, reverse route, Adbolton, over the fields to rejoin riverside path near City Ground, Trent Bridge, south side of river to footbridge, then change sides to north along the embankment to Clifton Bridge, joining Trent Valley Way part way along Queens Drive. Following Trent Valley Way to Attenborough Reserve (Tea at Beeston) and continued along new riverside cycle way to Trent Lock, Lock Lane , Sawley, Draycott, Borrowash, riverside path back to Derby.

Mileage 55 miles, Average speed 10.3 mph

Incidents Paul felt sleepy at Beeston Lock having worked a nightshift prior to joining us so he returned home for some kip. Service at Beeston is now very much with a smile from most obliging staff. For future reference there is a café at Gunthorpe but for a small group the Bistro at Radcliffe is excellent.

September 20 Radbourne Lanes

Riders Dave W, Dave S, Paul H, Martin A, Zoe and Lorraine

Weather Breezy, bright, warm autumn morning

Route Cycle Route to Mackworth Estate, Windmill Path, Radbourne Lane, Radbourne, Trusley, Thurvaston, Brailsford, A52 Bus Café, Burrows Lane, Long Lane, Lees, Langley Common, Brun Lane, Mackworth Village, Markeaton Park, City Centre.

Mileage 24 miles, average speed 10.7 mph

Incidents Martin punctured on Burrows Lane, Paul fell off his bike negotiating roadworks on Markeaton Street.

Met Fred Dolman from Burton Section in Bus Café and later in Markeaton Park. ( I think he was shadowing us for a future article for Awheel! )

October 18 Hemlock Stone

Riders Dave W, Dave S, Martin A, Alan W and Kathy T

Weather Pleasant sunny autumn day with light winds.

Route Riverside path to Borrowash, Jubilee Trail to Beeston, Risley, Sandiacre, Satnton-by- Dale, Trowell, Garden Centre elevenses,

Nottingham Canal Path, Bramcote Hills, Hemlock Stone, Trowell, Erewash Canal Path to Long Eaton, West Park, Breaston, return route to Derby as outward journey.

Mileage 30 miles, average speed 10.7 mph

Incidents Dave S first puncture for 20 years ! he needs a refresher course in how to mend one due to failing memory.

Dave also gave us a geology lecture after we had pushed our bikes up the field to view the Hemlock Stone.

November 15 Ambergate – Dave goes north!

Riders Dave W, Dave S, Alan W and Zoe

Weather Clear crisp sunny day, a bit frosty as well

Route Little Eaton, Coxbench, Holbrook, Overlane, Heage, Ridgeway, Nod In Lane, Riversdale, Ambergate, Crich Chase lay-by for refreshments (bus café). Ambergate, Holly Lane, Whitewells Lane, Belper Lane End, Dalley Lane, Blackbrook, Chevin Road, Milford, Makeney, Duffield, Little Eaton, Cycle route to city centre.

Mileage 27 miles. Average speed 11 mph

Incidents A ‘hilly ride’. Nod In Lane the highlight, we reckoned 1 in 3, only Alan managed to ride it and he had difficulty keeping the front wheel in contact with the tarmac. Café a first and quite good, bacon butties good value. Magnificent views in the clear weather of both the Amber and Derwent Valleys.

December 20 South Derby Lanes

Riders Dave S, Dave W, Alan W, Kathy T, John T, John and Christine Hill(Grantham) and daughter Susan (hopefully a new member of the regular group)

Weather Dull, Misty and Cold

Route Riverside path, Derby Canal path to Swarkestone, Barrow Hill Loop Road, Barrow-on –Trent, Twyford Ferry, Stenson, Elevenses at Lock House Tea Room, Findern, Staker Lane,Mickleover, Cycle Route back to City Centre

Mileage 22 miles. Average speed 11 mph

Incidents None

It was nice to have John and Christine join us for a ride, they usually ride with Nottingham DA and we managed to show them a few new places for their visit. We look forward to Susan joining us on future rides.

The café at Stenson is small but good value and although close to Derby City it may be a good venue for the Saturday Family Section.

2006

19 January Elvaston Castle

Riders - Dave W, John & Wendy S and Lorraine.

Weather – Dull, mild and dry, no wind

Route – River path, canal path to Swarkestone, canal path and trail to Weston Cottages, Weston on Trent, Aston on Trent, Shardlow, Ambaston, Elvaston (café stop at castle), Alvaston, River path back to City Centre.

Incidents – Two punctures John and Wendy, while John was mending the first one a passing dog decided to relieve itself by degreasing my chain.

Mileage 20, average speed 10.7 mph.

23 February Sutton on the Hill

Riders – Dave W, John Cliff and Paul H (bad shoulder)

Weather – Continuous rain but not too heavy, cool with little wind

Route – Route 54 out of City Centre and cycle path to Mickleover, cycle trail to Etwall and coffee stop at Ashe Hall (Buddist Centre) recommended, Sutton on the Hill, Trusley, Osleston, Long Lane, Mackworth, Markeaton Park, City Centre. John turned off near Kirk Langley to take a more direct route home to Belper.

Incidents – none of note, passed Sustrans volunteers clearing overgrowing vegetation on the trail and encountered plenty of surface water on the roads to Osleston.

Mileage 22, average speed 10.5 mph.

16 March Denby Pottery

Riders – John C, Arthur and Paul (John S to meet up at coffee stop)

Weather – Cold with wintry showers

I was unable to attend due to illness but drove to Assembly Rooms to see the riders away.

I believe they followed the route as planned to Denby Pottery for coffee stop but John S was never seen. Arthur and John then did a loop towards Alfreton and Paul returned to Derby using the proposed route via Kilburn, Brackley Gate and Breadsall.

20 April Trent Lock

Riders – Dave W, John C and Lorraine

Weather – Heavy driving drizzle to start eventually petering out to give a dry finish.

Route – Riverside path to Borrowash, Jubilee Trail to Breaston, Sawley, Trent Lock.

Café closed at the Lock House so along riverbank to Sawley Marina for coffee at the Plank and Legit. Warm welcome compared with rude rebuff from the owner of the Lock House.(one to cross off my list). Cycle route to and alongside A50 to Cavendish Bridge, Shardlow, Ambaston,Elvaston Castle, Alvaston Village, Raynesway to Riverside Path back to Derby.

No serious incidents one broken spoke (Dave), bikes got pretty filthy needed hosing down later.

Total ride mileage 25, average speed 10.4 mph

18 May Repton Circular

Riders - Dave W, John C, John S, Jim& Kathy, Lorraine, Arthur and Alan W

Weather - Sunny Intervals and scattered showers

Route - Green Lane, Mill Hill Lane, Carlton Road to Littleover, Moorway Lane to Findern, Willington Repton for refreshments at Brook Farm,.Milton, Foremark Hall, Ingleby, Swarkestone, Canal and riverside path back to Derby.

No incidents, tail wind blew us back nicely after elevenses to arrive at One o’clock.

Mileage - 20 miles average speed 10.4 mph

15 June Shipley Park for Lunch

Riders – Dave W, Jim & Kathy, Alan L, Paul, Lorraine, Arthur & Alan2

Weather – Pleasantly warm with sunny periods.

Route – River path to Borrowash, Jubilee Trail to Breaston, Risley, Sandiacre, Stanton-by-Dale, Nutbrook Trail to Shipley Park Visitor Centre for lunch. Return via Mapperley, West Hallam, Stanley, Breadsall, Darley Park.

No incidents, good lunch, back in Derby for 14.30

Mileage – 30 miles, average speed 10.6 mph.

20 July Calke Abbey

Riders – Dave W, Jim, Kathy, Lorraine, Arthur, John C, Paul, Martin, Mark, Alan L, Alan 2 Alan W

Weather – Warm and Humid, turning sunny and hot later.

Route – Riverside path to Alvaston, Elvaston Castle, Thulston, Aston, Weston, Old Railway track to Kings Newton, Melbourne for coffee, Staunton Harold Reservoir, Broadstone Lane, Ticknall, Calke Abbey, Calke Village back to Ticknall via Poker Leys, Ingleby Toft, Swarkestone, Canal Path to Derby City centre.

No incidents, had a look in Melbourne Church and Alan gave us some historical info about Melbourne.

Mileage – 30 miles average speed 10.3 mph

17 August Tutbury Castle

Led by Jim – details to follow

21 September AttenboroughNature Reserve

Riders – Dave W, Dave S, Arthur, Lorriane, John & Wendy S, Mark

Weather – Unseasonably hot but with strong southerly wind

Route – Riverside path to Borrowash, Jubilee Trail to Breaston, West Park and through Long Eaton Town Centre to follow Nottingham Cycle Route to Attenborough (coffee) Through reserve to river and along new cycle path to Trent Lock, thence Sawley to near Church Wilne over river footbridge and field to Great Wilne, Shardlow, Ambaston, Elvaston, round castle bridleway to Alvaston, Raynesway, riverside path back to Derby.

No incidents but fun with humping bikes over stiles and gate to get to Great Wilne.

I asked Arthur not to fill his panniers with bricks in future!

Total Mileage 30 - average speed 9.8 mph.

19 October Kedleston Lanes

Riders – Zoe, John T, Alan W, Dave S, Martin and Dave W

Weather – Cloudy and wet start, dry and breezy later.

Route – Riverside path to Daley Abbey, Allestree, Woodlands Lane to Quarndon. (capes off here) The Common, Park Nook, Woodfall Lane and Burland Green (muddy) to Weston under Wood, Green Lane to Muggington, change of route here due to demand for earlier coffee stop, Mercaston to Brailsford Common and Brailsford, Rose & Crown not open until 12.00 noon. Dave S suggested go for Three Horshoes at Long Lane, but overruled and along A52 to discover Bus Café was open.

Coffee and large bacon and sausage butty satisfied John and an enjoyable elevenses was taken. A52 to Windy Arbour then Wildpark Lane and Buck Hazels Lane to Kedleston. Through Hall grounds and out on to Derby road returning via Markeaton Lane and Park, and usual back street route to city centre.

No incidents apart from minor insurrection over lack of elevenses break which proved in the end to be unjustified!

Total mileage 22 – average speed 10.9 mph (a bit faster than usual, come back soon Arthur )

16 November Derwent Valley Loop

Riders – Zoe, Alan W, Dave S and Dave W

Weather – Cloudy, Damp and Mild

Route – Race course path, Alfreton Road, Little Eaton, Coxbench, Holbrook, Bargate, Belper, (coffee stop at Railway Tea Rooms, Blackbrook, Farnah Green, Hazlewood, Duffield, Little Eaton, River Path to Derby.

Incidents – Saw Ostriches near Blackbrook and were nearly turned back at a police road block near Duffield, (suspected burglary at large residence we think.) The hills were quite a struggle for the two Dave’s but we just managed by using ‘granny rings’.

Mileage – 21 miles. Average speed 11.1 mph

21 December Breedon-on-the-Hill

Riders – Martin and Dave

Weather – Once again on the third Thursday in month provided seasonal conditions of sub-zero temperatures and freezing fog.

Route – River path to Raynesway, Alvaston, Elvaston, Aston, Weston then along old railway trail to beyond Tonge turning west to Breedon and coffee and hot mince pies with cream at the Garden Centre. The weather improved here and after a browse in the bookshop we climbed up to the Priory Church on the hill and admired limited views of the surrounding countryside, before descending into Wilson and on to Melbourne, Kings Newton and Stanton-by-Bridge before going back into the foggy gloom on the riverside at Ingleby. Swarkestone and the canal path brought us back into Derby.

Mileage 28 – Average speed 11.7 mph