Three routes to choose from this Sunday, with the popular 1st Sunday of the month coffee ride back at 9am. The route heads to the less travelled north of the chilterns up The Clappers at Sharpenhoe and then follows lanes to Redbourn and back through Ashridge and Aldbury. Riders have a choice of coffee stops, either two thirds of the way round at The Hub in Redbourn, or at the end of the ride at the grand opening of Church Farm Cafe in Aldbury. Please see the bottom of this mail for details of the coffee stop options.
At 10am the route is a Brickhill loop created back in March 2022 we think all the roads are still ridable! For those wanting a shorter ride the 10.30 option visits Wingrave and Tring. Route Master Bembridge has suggested the Sunday miles will be kept on the shorter side as we enter the cooler months of the year, so enjoy the last throws of warmth, unless you are on that plane to Mallorca next week!
9am https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44563986
10am https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38734739
10.30am https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34283255
AWAY DAY: On Sunday 8th October we have the option of a ride away from our usual routes in more ways than one! A select group of riders are taking on the roads of Mallorca for a few days and those left at home can complete a ride starting from Cranfield at 9.30am. It’s a 55 mile ride on very quiet roads with rolling terrain but no proper hills. Having recently road tested the route I can confirm there is 75% less traffic that we are used to and there are some great road surfaces along the route. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44523821 There is plenty of free parking in Cranfield and it’s just a 40 minute drive from Ivinghoe (or a 22 mile bike ride if you are really keen!). We will still have the usual 10am and 10.30 ride options.
We are a group of friends who cycle rather than a cycle club so we don’t have rules, subscriptions or races. Unless someone is keen to ride solo we will do our very best to leave no one behind out on the roads. It’s great to see plenty of riders out on our rides on Sundays and Thursdays and the summer Tuesday nights, It’s even more impressive when everyone is wearing lovely blue Ivinghoe Velos kit. Watch this space for our next opportunitity to order some clothing, maybe you are new to the group, or maybe you need to upgrade some winter essentials.
Church Farm Cafe:
The Perfect Pit stop for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Chiltern hills, Church Farm Café is excited to announce its grand opening on the 1st October as the ultimate destination for cyclists, runners and walkers looking to refuel and relax amidst the natural beauty of the Chilterns.
Church Farm Café, located within a refurbished barn at Walter Swinburn’s old stables (The jockey who trained and rode Shergar to victory in 1981) provides charm and character that marries perfectly to the warm welcome you will receive.
The café features a delightful outdoor seating area overlooking the rolling hills, providing the perfect spot for patrons to soak up the beauty of the Chilterns while enjoying a well-deserved break. Inside offers a cozy, warm retreat for those wanting to shelter from the elements.
A classic café menu is on offer along with a delicious Vietnamese option provided by the renowned “Viet Kitchen” who have quickly established a reputation for providing delicious, authentic, healthy and fresh Vietnamese street food.
“We’re thrilled to open their doors to the vibrant community of cyclists, runners and walkers who frequent the Chilterns” said Simon, co-owners of the Aldbury’s new café. “Church Farm Cafe is more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s a place to recharge, soak in the scenery and make new friends who share your passion for the outdoors.
For more information about Church Farm Café, please visit www.churchfarmcafe.com or follow CHURCHFARMCAFE on socials.
The Hub:
The Hub, conceived in Spring 2012, to provide good coffee, genuine “home made” food, and bike essentials for cyclists et al! It has become more popular with all the community, far and wide, than we could have dreamed. Set in the rural village of Redbourn the building dates back to the 17c and creates an atmosphere of ambience and friendliness.
With a warm snug feeling in the cold and outside seating in the Spring and Summer we welcome all (including dogs) although parties of more than 8 are advised to book ahead.
We also use biodegradable take away cups and lids and paper straws not plastic. The Hub is completely backing this forward thinking initiative. The popularity with cyclists has created the need for more space and the workshop and cycle sales are also available a few hundred yards up the High Street trading as THE BIKE LOFT. We stock Most bikes and parts can usually be obtained within a few days.