CTC Derby Section Mid-Week Runs Log

 

 

                                                2008

 

3 January          Ripley – Sally’s Café

 

Riders              Alan W, Dave S, Bill, Steve, Martin A. Dave W (briefly)

 

Weather           Cold with a prospect of wintery showers.

 

Route               Riverside path to Pride Park, Kings Corner, (Dave S returned home from here still suffering with Man Flu) Dave W dns went to Darley Park for coffee and then to Samways. (after effects of Xmas indulgence) Donkey Hollow, Morley, Horsley, Denby, Ripley. Sally’s café for elevenses – good reports on this one. Return route via Heage, Overlane, Holbrook, Little Eaton.

Mileage            30 miles to be confirmed. Average speed probably faster than usual as a result of the defection of the two Daves.

 

Incidents           Awaiting details from Alan.

 

 

17 January        Don Amott’s for Brunch

 

Riders              Dave W, Dave S and Zoe

 

Weather           Rainy for first hour but dry and windy thereafter

 

Route               Markeaton Park, Radbourne Lane, Sutton-on-the-Hill, Hilton, Don Amott’s Caravan Centre. Excellent Bacon Butties we had a long elevenses. Mickleover Cycle Trail flooded at Eggington Junction so diverted by road route to Etwall, Burnaston, A38 Cycle Path, Findern, Bakeacre Lane, Littleover, Derby City Centre.

 

Mileage            26 miles, Average speed 11.4 mph

 

Incidents           Two floods to negotiate in Burnaston village and on Bakeacre Lane.

 

 

 

7 February       East Leake Donkey Sanctuary

 

Riders              Alan W, Alan P, John S, Dave S, Martin A, Dave W and Zoe

 

Weather           Cloudy, mild but a brisk westerly wind

 

Route               River path to Borrowash, Draycott, Sawley Marina, Long Lane to Kegworth, Sutton Bonnington, West Leake, East Leake, (elevenses at Donkey Sanctuary no hot food until 12.15 on weekdays) Stanford on Soar, Normanton on Soar, Zouch, Hathern, Belton, Tonge. Wilson, Cloud Trail, Swarkestone, Derby Canal Trail to City Centre.

 

Mileage            42 miles, Average speed 11.3 mph

 

Incidents           None to report. Martin has had some new tyres so no punctures today. Café cooks for Day Nursery during the week hence only drinks and cakes available. I think we ate all the cakes on offer.

                        Once again Alan like myself (frequently) underestimated the total mileage. No complaints it was a good workout for us all and pretty flat anyway.

 

 

21 February     IKEA for Breakfast

 

Riders              Alan P, Alan W, Steve, John T, Dave S, Dave W, John & Christine Hill(tandem) and Sue.

Weather           Mild and dull with some drizzle early on westerly wind gathering speed after mid-day.

 

Route               River path to Pride Park, Chaddesden Park, Morley Road, Kings Corner, Stanley, West Hallam, Ilkeston, ( wrong turning gave us a circular tour of an industrial estate) Awsworth arriving ten minutes too late for cheap breakfast deal, so we enjoyed cheap lunch time deals early), Nottingham canal trail to Trowell, then Erewash Canal path to Sandiacre, leaving John, Christine and Sue to go shopping in Lidl then on to the library. The remainder rode on to Risley, Breaston, Jubilee Trail to Borrowash, Riverside Trail back to the city.

 

Mileage            34 miles. Average speed 10.4 mph.

 

Incidents           Apart from the ‘route diversion’ we were lucky not acquire any punctures since the whole of the Nottingham Canal trail had been subject to the ritual winter hedge slashing and we caught up with offenders just before exiting the trail at Trowell.

 

 

6 March           Hole-in-the Wall

 

Riders              Dave S (Leader), Dave W, Steve, Paul H, Alan P, Zoe and Martin A

 

Weather           Mild, Overcast with brisk Westerly breeze

 

Route               Markeaton Park, Kedleston, Mercaston, Bradley (Hole-in-the -Wall), Offcote, Ashbourne Green, Ashbourne  (Busy Bees Café), Wyaston, Yeaveley, Alkmonton, Longford, Sutton-on-the-Hill, Radbourne Lane, Mickleover, Cycle Route 54 to City Centre.

 

Mileage            35 miles, Average speed 10.7 mph

 

Incidents           None of note, café good value once we ejected a few octogenarians so we could eat.

 

 

20 March         Rosliston Forestry Centre

 

Riders              Dave W (Leader), Dave S, Martin A, Alan W, John T.

                        Zoe & Tony should have joined us later but never made it, however we picked up Fred Dolman at Stretton and he decided to swell the ranks.

 

Weather           Very strong south - westerly wind all day, overcast with rain in the afternoon.

 

Route               Route 54 from city centre to Etwall village, Eggington, Stretton, Horninglow Linear cycle path to Shobnall Fields, still on route 54 to Tatenhill and Barton, Walton, Rosliston (Forestry Centre, café under new management, service and food very good. ( J T left early to return to Derby to acquire some Chinese currency, Good Luck in Tibet John) Drakelow, Stapenhill, Clay Street, Brizlincote Valley, Bretby Lane, Knight’s Lane, Repton, Willington, (stopped for refreshments at Deli) We then split to make our separate ways home in the rain which was now quite persistent.

 

Mileage            40 miles. Average speed 10.4 mph.

 

Incidents           The Zoe and Tony saga is too long to tell. Otherwise all went well and as usual I underestimated the distance. Deli at Willington is good but closes at 3.00 pm.

 

3 April              Shepshed

 

Riders              Alan W, Alan P, Dave S, Dave W, Steve, Fred D

 

Weather           Cloudy, Mild, Light Winds

 

Route               Canal Path to Wilson, Breedon, Tonge, Belton, Shepshed (early lunch at Kim’s Café, Long Whatton, Kegworth, Sawley, Draycott (Webster’s Café (Hot X buns and coffee) Borrowash, River Path to Derby.

 

Mileage            35 miles (as estimated) Average speed 11.3 mph

 

Incidents           One puncture at Tonge (Dave W) and Alan W’s chat up line to an elderly lady in the café enabled us to occupy additional space. The line was something like, are you on your own, may I join you? However, the invitation only lasted for lunch he was not asked to accompany the lady home afterwards. It was nice to see Fred again on the run and members from all sections are welcome. Kim’s Café is good value and is recommended for future rides.

 

17 April            Shipley Park

 

Riders              Dave W, Dave S, Fred D, Alan P, Alan W, John S

 

Weather           Cloudy, Mild, Brisk Easterly Wind.

 

Route               River Path, Chaddesden Park, Spondon, Locko Park, Dale Abbey, Stanton-by-Dale, Nutbrook Trail to Shipley Park (Refreshments),

                        Shipley Hill, Mapperley, Smalley Common, Horsley, Coxbench, Little Eaton, City Centre.

 

Mileage            30 miles,           Average speed 11 mph.

 

No incidents to report. Sustrans Rangers went to same venue for a meeting, saw their bikes but that was all. We think they were in the Green Room having a buffet lunch with local politicians.

 

 

May 1st            Carsington Reservoir

 

Riders              Dave S (Leader), Martin A, Alan W and Zoe G

 

Weather           Dry, Cool some sunshine

 

Route               Kedleston, Mercaston, Hulland Ward, Carsington, Bradley, Shirley, Rodsley, Longford, Church Broughton, Sutton-on-the-Hill, RadbourneLane, Derby.

 

Mileage            35 estimated                 Average speed  not known.

 

Incidents           None to report although Martin chose to ride his Brompton Folder with 3 speed Sturmey Archer and had no problems keeping up with the group.

 

May 15th          Ashby Castle

 

Riders              Dave W, (Leader), Dave S, John T, Alan P, Steve, Paul and Zoe.

 

Weather           Strong easterly wind , cool with sunny spells.

 

Route               Moorway Lane to Findern, Willington via diversion, Repton, Hartshorne, Horn Hill, Smisby, Ashby (coffee at Internet Café) also went to have a look and photo shoot at the Castle. Bridleway to Eastern Old Parks, Cycleway towards Lount Wood and then an adventure round the woods and fields to locate track leading to Heath End, Ticknall, Broadstone Lane, Staunton Harold Reservoir ( Lunch stop  at Visitor Centre Kiosk ) Melbourne, Kings Newton, Canal Path to Swarkestone and return to Derby.

 

Mileage            38 miles. Average speed 10.9 mph

 

Incidents           When we eventually finished up in a field with no sign of a path to lead us to Staunton Harold Paul decided he was not willing to continue with the expedition and retraced his route never to be seen again. However, technology came to the rescue and Alan’s GPS pinpointed the field we were in and enabled us to locate a track nearby so after scaling barbed wire fences we accessed the track which lead us by some lovely woodland filled with bluebells eventually to Heath End, we also spotted a deer en-route. Paul you missed the highlight of the ride.

 

 

5th June            Sudbury Hall

 

Riders              Dave S (Leader), Dave W, Alan W, Zoe, Steve,Martin A, Alan P

 

Weather           Sunny spells and warm

 

Route               Markeaton Park, Kedleston, Buckhazels and Wildpark Lanes to A52, Over Burrows, Thurvaston, Long Lane, Osleston, Sutton-on-the-Hill, Church Broughton, Sudbury, (Refreshments), Scropton, Hatton, Marston, Hilton, Sutton-on-the-Hill, Radbourne Lane, Mickleover, Cycle route to City Centre.

 

Mileage            32 miles Ave Speed 10.7 mph

 

Incidents           Dave’s mate Mike joined for lunch, riding an almost identical bike to Dave’s and clad in similar 1970/80’s retro cycling gear. He could have been mistaken for his brother. (complete with beard and rather loquacious! )

 

19 June            Charnwood Forest

 

Riders              Dave W (Leader), Martin A, Alan W

 

Weather           Warm, Sunny Spells but Windy

 

Route               Canal Path, and Cloud Trail to Breedon for elevenses, Worthington, Osgathorpe, Grace Dieu trail to Whitwick, Mount St Bernard Abbey, Oaks-in- Charnwood, Beacon Hill, Woodhouse, Bridle path to Swithland Reservoir, Mountsorrel, (Lunch) Quorn, Barrow-on-Soar, Cotes, Stanford, Normanton, (Tea Stop), Sutton Bonnington, Kegworth, Long Lane, Warren Lane, Shardlow, Ambaston, Elvaston Castle, Alvaston, River path to Derby.

 

Mileage            63 miles.           Ave. Speed 11.1 mph

 

Incidents           None, but the Village Shop at Normanton located at the rear of the village hall was a find for afternoon tea ,. Mug of Coffee and piece fruitcake 75p. Only open weekdays and Saturday until 1.00 pm

 

 

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