An intrepid 4 headed off to Milwich with plans to visit our friendly publican, Jackie wanted more chips! Taking our traditional approach and reversing last week’s pre lunch loop we arrived at a tranquil Green Man and ordered bacon and mushroom sandwiches for 4.
After lunch we headed out to Stone, a quick stretch of the A51 and into Hixon, who knew Hixon had so many hills?! Undeterred we headed out to Abbots Bromley, paused at the Spectacled Cow to top up on refreshment and cycled on in search of more hills. At Blithbury we turned for home and headed into Colton, through Weston, the Haywards and finally Tixall. A short pause at Baswich Crem to regroup and the team of 4 disbanded each to climb another hill on route to respective homes, each rider covering 60+ miles.
It was a wonderful day, good weather, good food, good route and good company.
Two weeks after the big ride (just in case you haven't had enough of cycling) there is another cycle challenge similar to Brewood but in the Cannock Chase area. There is a 20mile, 100kilometres and 100mile to choose from.
It was a great ride, Russ and Paul adapted the route to Milwich and took us via Stone. The weather was good to us, although we seemed to ride into the wind which ever way we turned. Lunch was at the Green Man at 12 noon, well it would have been but there was a minor mutiny and the Keeno’s wanted to do more than 20 before lunch! So we set off on a loop to bring us back to the Green Man for 1.30pm and Jackies chips. After scaring the publican to death by ordering a pot of tea for six, we patiently waited for lunch and began our journey home at 3.00pm. Just the standard route; to the A51 and through the lanes to Beaconside and the old railway line to Town. (Approx. 50 miles) Except for the Keeno’s who added on the Tixal, Haywood, Milford loop and did 60!
We were a few down in numbers due to The Katherine House Charity Ride and the fact that Jackie had injured herself lifting paper (deceptively heavy A4 sheets of paper are), but a big thank you to Russell who found just about every hill in East Staffordshire to challenge Rebecca and Pete. Millwich, Uttoxeter, Abbots Bromley for a great lunch at The Goats Head and back through Blithfield, over the resevoir and through the 'undulating' lanes back to Stafford. About 42 miles in total. Just what you need to give yourself an appetite for Sunday Night's balti.
...and congratulations to all who took on the challenge of The Katherine House Ride, especially Tom – well done mate!
Hi Guys. We braved the weather and went to Llandudno yesterday to check the route for the big ride, I really do hope that the weather is better in July than it was yesterday, otherwise we will have to change the name to the Balti Boat Club!! Several people have booked rooms now, but Roger would like the rest of the group to book as soon as poss please, so that he knows which other rooms he can let out to other people, cheers.
We could also do with knowing if any one else wants to go to the balti next Sunday, 6th May, so that I can confirm numbers, If I don't hear from you in the next couple of days, I will assume that you are not coming.
We have organised the training rides for June, they are as follows.... Sunday 3rd June wem Saturday 9th June, several of us are doing the Brewood 60 mile organised ride Sunday 17th Ironbridge Sunday 24th Alton Sunday 1st July something fairly easy, as it's just one week to go!!!
The rides in May, will probably include quite a bit ,dare I say.....Milwich!!!!
David Hanley of Yes Response is again letting us have the use of the 'Yes" van to provide support on the big day and to transport the bikes back on the Sunday.
The Balti Bike Club was set up over 18 years ago by cyclists in and around Stafford who decided to give something back, by raising funds for local charities and keeping fit at the same time. We have an annual ‘big ride’ and in 2013 we are undertook a 116 mile route to Criccieth. After a year off in 2014 we're back and this year's ride is the 110 mile route to Barmouth.