First and Last: We end the year just like we started it riding our bikes. In fact the routes this week are the same published routes as our first outing in 2023. Anyone still pushing to complete a 2023 challenge? This really is the last chance saloon! Rides leave from outside Ivinghoe church at the stated times.

10am 38 miles https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41716239

10am 29 miles https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41715957

10.30am 21 miles https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41715974

Happy new year to all riders who have been out with us over the last 12 months, hope to see you again in 2024. We’ve had some great adventures over the last 12 months, some great Sunday rides, Tuesday evening thrashes, away days, train rides and weekends in other parts of the country, wind, rain, crashes, mechanicals and punctures, sunshine, delicious decents, amazing scenery, coffee and cakes and maybe the odd beer and plate of cheesy chips. Most importantly we’ve done it together, sharing the good times and helping each other when things don’t quite go to plan in life as well as on the road. Lets do it all again in 2024.

Hopefully velos riders can gather together on Friday night (22nd December) for a Christmas drink at the Rose and Crown, 7.30pm onwards, it’s going to be a lycra free zone so safe to bring your better half.

Just in case there is a bit of demand for rides on Sunday we have three options all heading the same way, 20, 30 or 35 miles, depending on the number of keen riders it may be the case that riders group together to make a reasonable group. The weather looks good, there is unlikely to be a frost and it looks dry, just remember those who succeed with their milage ambitions usually find an excuse to get out and ride, while those who don’t find an excuse not to ride.

Little cracker https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45195747

medium cracker https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45195727

big cracker https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45195738

As many people have some time off over the festive period it would be good to have some ad-hoc ride options, if you are planning on a ride please feel free to post an invite on social media channels so others can join in.

After Christmas we usually use the “new year resolution” period as a time to encourage and welcome new and returning riders, what better time to join a ride that January when not much else happens and we evaluate our healthy lifestyles (well maybe July when it’s warmer?)

A Merry Christmas to one and all! Hope santa brings you a few cycling goodies.

Enjoy the ride, enjoy Christmas, stay safe, stay well.

Three routes departing from Ivinghoe church on Sunday morning. Chapeau to anyone who has got some miles in this week, the weather has been a bit grim at times, we are hoping for something slightly more ride friendly on Sunday! Some of this post may look familiar, as we all know recycling reduces the need to grow, harvest or extract new raw materials from the earth, thus reducing the damage and disruption to the natural world, avoiding diverting rivers, cutting down forests and displacing wild animals from their natural habitat. And it saved me 5 minutes.

Social reminder: Friday 22nd Decemeber, a festive get together for drinks at the Rose and Crown from 7.30pm, if you need to eat out to help out please book a table individually before hand. No need to bring your bike.

10am medium long “reach out and I’ll be there” Heath and reach https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45077564

10am medium short Brazen Braziers https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45156242

10.30am short “It’s the real Tring” Local loop skirting round Tring https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45115258

Please arrive before the suggested departure time, picking the pace option most applicable to your abilities (or you will go to jail) watch out for the conditions and enjoy the rides.

Three routes departing from Ivinghoe church on Sunday morning. Chapeau to anyone who has got some miles in this week the weather has been a bit grim at times, we are hoping for something slightly more ride friendly on Sunday!

10am medium long “reach out and I’ll be there” Heath and reach https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45077564

10am medium short “I hate you Butlers” Butlers Cross Loop https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45115247

10.30am short “It’s the real Tring” Local loop skirting round Tring https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45115258

Please arrive before the suggested departure time, watch out for the conditions and enjoy the rides.