Dave Howe is leading out a road bike ride this Tuesday (1st April which is why I am writing this on the 31st so no one thinks it is a joke).

The plan is to meet adjacent to Pitstone Roundabout (the one near the Village Green) at 6:30pm for a 25 mile adventure. It will probably be a bit dark near the end so bringing a couple of lights along with the bike would be a good idea. The route is yet to be confirmed so it will be a mater of “Follow that Dave“. Studies have shown that over 72% of all Vinghoe Velos are named Dave so this should be quite easy.

Last Week

Many thanks to the big group who joined us last week on the Rennie rides. Everyone did really well and it was great that we were able to raise a decent amount of money for a fantastic charity.

This Week

We have three rides on offer this Sunday so that we can make the best use of what is forecast to be a beautiful day.

For those who want to get a few more miles in, we have an early start ride that beings at 8am and takes us on a 62 mile loop. So that we get back to the pub in a reasonable timeframe this is likely to be a fast(ish) ride averaging 15-16 mph.

8am start : 62 mile ride

Our two ‘normal start’ rides have been provided this week by Mr Dave “Tour of Britain” Bembridge. These are suitable for all fitness levels as we tend to split into similar ability groups at the start.

10am start : 25 mile ride 

10am start : 35 mile ride

As usual, we start at the Rose & Crown, Ivinghoe and we recommend that you bring a copy of the ride on either paper or your GPS device.

Lastly, watch out – the CLOCKS GO FORWARD TONIGHT ! So you 8am people are actually starting at 7am in old money so get to bed early and set the alarm !

What goes up must come down
Bicycle wheel got to go round
Talking about your troubles it’s a cycling sin
Ride a painted pony
Let the cycle wheel spin

You got no money, and you got no room at home
Nice new bicycle, how many do you own?
Talking about your troubles and you, you never learn
Buy a painted pony
let the cycle wheel turn

Did you find a directing sign
on the straight and narrow highway?
Would you mind a tea room sign
Just let it shine within your mind
And show you the goodies that are real

What goes up, must come down – and that includes the tea ride… hills, yep, but you’re coming down them! (Well, all bar one gentle, upwards slope…)

This magical painted pony ride leaves the Rose & Crown, Ivinghoe at 10am, stopping for tea & cake at The Cafe in the Woods (or one of two alternatives we have planned if it’s too busy). Back to the pub about 12.30pm.  Get yourself a copy of the route here….

And something for the Easter holidays for the children (7 years & older)… Cycle Chilterns are holding a FREE Bikeability course – Bikeability Course Details

Sorry shorter route back from the 35 mile and fun ride tomorrow is here 🙂

Many have asked about team kit and details of the new kit can be found here

Current lead-time is 6 weeks from us placing order with supplier and this can be done as soon as we have 10 items of one type confirmed, we can order less but there may be a surcharge

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm cycling mittens
Brown paper packages filled with bike bling
These are a few of my favorite things

Cream covered cup cakes and crisp apple streudels
Bike bells and sleigh bells and toast topped with noodles
Tea riders that fly with the sun on their wings
These are a few of my favourite things

A mixture of cycles roll past like slow flashes
Flowers in verges form bright coloured splashes
Silver white saddles and bright shiny springs
These are a few of my favourite things

When a tube bursts
Or no bell pings
When I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my favourite things
And then I don’t feel so bad

The Tea Ride. Something for everyone and where any bike & rider goes. It’s not big and it’s not clever but it is friendly and welcoming and we’d love you to join us.

We’re off for tea at Stanbridge tomorrow – flat route there… flat route back… or as flat as you can get in the Chilterns…

Leaving the Rose and Crown, Ivinghoe, Saturdays at 10am. As fast as the slowest rider.

So here we are many of us have expressed an interest in and are planning to ride this event on Sunday firstly as a personal challenge but also in memory of Steve Herring’s wife, Sue.

Details and entry forms for the ride can be found here

For those looking at doing the 75 mile route we plan to leave PITSTONE ROUNDABOUT at 0715 to meet anyone driving to the start at the Registration point at 0800.  For those planning to make this a century ride the proposed route there and back is here

Those doing the 35 mile route can meet at PITSTONE ROUNDABOUT to leave at 0815 to arrive and meet those driving to the start at 0900.  the proposed there and back is here or those wishing a little less use the route below

Of course being fully inclusive and for those not wishing to tackle either of the above distances Iain Rennie have also included a 10k fun ride which starts at 1100.  Meeting at the ROSE AND CROWN for the usual 1000 Sunday start time this will enable a steady ride using this route to get to the start of the Fun Ride and then a pleasant ride home after to celebrate in the region of 29 miles!

All of the Iain Rennie routes are signed and marshalled but for those with those gadgety garminy type things Graham Hollands has kindly provided the GPX FILES

75 Mile Route – may need to add a couple more miles on way home!! 😉

35 Mile Route

For those with Vinghoe Velos Kit please try and wear it, for those wishing to purchase the new kit updated details will be on the site soon!

3 rides for Sunday

Once again we are blessed with a decent weather forecast so we are planning three rides for Sunday. One of them is a bit longer than normal so it will start an hour earlier. As usual we meet at the Rose and Crown. Please bring a copy of your chosen route with you.

9am 53 mile route

10am 35 mile route

10am 27 mile route

Many thanks to the two Daves (Howe and Bembridge) who are this week’s Routemasters.

The Summer Festival 20th – 21st June 2014

This week we received a message from our friends the Ivinghoe Entertainments team which we would like to pass on –

This year’s Ivinghoe Summer Festival is set to be the best yet. The Black Tie Ball on Saturday the 21st of June is without doubt the not to be missed event of the summer. We have been able to book a fantastic Group “The Collection” fronted by Keavy Lynch from “Bewitched” and ITV’s “ the Big Reunion”. We have new caterers who specialise in events of our size and style and for good measure we’ve moved the black tie ball to Saturday evening to make it easier to bring along your friends from further afield. If you haven’t been before then this is THE year to come along and join in the fun.

…and if that isn’t enough we’ve also got an “Early Bird” offer of two free bottles of wine (RRP at least £ 30) for anyone who books a table of at least eight people by the 8th of April.

For more information please visit our web site www.ivinghoeentertainments.org.uk , twitter @ivinghoeents or Facebook www.facebook.com/invinghoents or call Penny on 01296 668017 for more details.

We all look forward to seeing you at what we’re sure will be a cracking night.

And finally, a reminder about our recommendation for the ride Next Sunday

As we mentioned before, a number of our riders are going to take on the Chiltern Cycle Challenge next Sunday with Steve Herring in memory of his wife Sue. If you would like to join us, please sign up on their website and in turn raise some money for the wonderful charity – Rennie Grove Hospice Care .

or blame it on the boogie – we don’t care!

In a burst of unusual efficiency, we have a route planned – flat with plenty of downhills – which you can view / download here – and a stop at  Jackie’s at Cheddington airfield.

The sun has got his hat on and so shall the Tea Riders, Saturday, 10am, at the Rose and Crown please.  No excuses.

The rides this week have been kindly supplied by Mr Dave “9 hills” Howe. The weather forecast is positively spring-like so we are planning longer rides than normal.

Long Route – 40 miles via Chalfont

Shorter Route – 30 miles via Bovingdon

Both rides depart from the Rose and Crown at 10am.