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Let's play it by ear
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Hiya Swans,
Well, it's time to get your David Bellamy(RIP😥) wellies out and fake beard and be prepared to rummage around in Salcey Forest. The former medieval hunting forest is the largest ancient wood in the county, and the SSSI(Site of Special Scientific Interest) has most of the mature oak trees. The diverse ground flora includes bluebells, false brome, pendulous sedge and enchanter's nightshade. There are many breeding birds and nationally notable moth species. So press attend and well attend.
Distance:43.79 mi.
Parcore: rolling with a chak nip here and there.
Weather: Dry, Sun & cloud with a NNE wind gentle with a few gusts
Garmin link: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/16206677 -
The ride is under review sue to wind
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Sure is
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I know it deeply descriptive
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Hi Swans,
Some mirth has been made at my verbose posts, in the spirit of giving the club what it needs. We will meet, ride a bike together to Little Aston, eat, and go home. It will be windy!😘 -
Ah, the Spring Equinox, a time of balance and renewal, and for cyclists, a herald of longer days and warmer rides. As winter's grip loosens, the Spring Equinox whispers, "Pack away your thermal gear; the season of shorts and sunscreen is upon us."
On this day, cyclists everywhere experience a collective joy, a seasonal shift in gear, if you will. Gone are the days of navigating through the gloom with lights ablaze. Now, they ride under the burgeoning light as day and night hold hands in perfect equilibrium, promising more daylight for future adventures.
Imagine the scene: The first ride after the Spring Equinox. Cyclists emerge like bears from hibernation, blinking in the bright light, their bikes gleaming with anticipation. This is no ordinary ride—it's a rebirth, a declaration that the tyranny of indoor trainers is over. The roads and trails call, beckoning with the allure of wildflowers and the promise of sun-kissed afternoons.
But let's not forget the real challenge the Spring Equinox brings: the fierce competition for café terrace seats. In their colourful plumage, Cyclists descend upon local haunts, eager for the first post-ride coffee in the sunshine. It's a gentle reminder that the season of camaraderie, of shared tales and laughter under open skies, has returned.
So, as we celebrate the Spring Equinox, let's pedal forward into the season of renewal, embracing longer days and the promise of countless rides under a benevolent sun. Here's to leaving behind the solitude of winter rides and welcoming the shared joy of spring cycling. Cheers to the Spring Equinox, when every cyclist feels a little lighter, a bit more buoyant on their saddle, ready to conquer the roads and trails anew. And if you think that a load of tosh, we have free cakes and brew.
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Hello Lovely Swans,
You're in for an exciting few weeks of rides led by me, so prepare for fun, laughter, and maybe getting a bit lost. We're heading to a favourite spot, Rectory Farm, offering gentle challenges with a bit of a punch leading up to our perfectly timed café stop. The highlight? You're rewarded with a fun ascent, where the cake and coffee you've enjoyed might just add a few extra miles per hour to your speed. This ride truly has it all—even an opportunity to do a bit of 'pick your own', should your jersey pockets permit. Just ensure you're picking someone else's; it's considered quite the faux pas to do otherwise in polite society.
Distance: 44miles
Parcore: Bumpy but very manageable
Weather: dry, Light SW 9mph
Cafe:https://rectoryfarmpyo.co.uk/cafe/
Route: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/121093444 -
ride cancelled
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It’s very sketchy
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Hi All,
Here we go for a lovely little spin 22 miles to Westbury. a gentle pace and a jolly good chin wag -
Lol yes I was morris about mist
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Hi Swans
We are off to Culworth. The home of the Culworth Gang! These highwaymen were active in south Northamptonshire and surrounding areas from the mid-1760s until 1787. Originally a gang of poachers trying to feed their families, they later turned to more severe crimes of burglary, highway robbery, and the rustling of farm animals.Their reign of terror ended when two of the gang, Richard Law and William Pettifer, stayed over in a tavern in Towcester, and the innkeeper found some of the gang's masks and other 'Highwayman' apparel in a bag. A constable was called who decided to put the pair under surveillance. Following a further robbery, a posse was raised to round up the other gang members; as a result, seven members went to trial, and five were convicted and sentenced to death by hanging.
I suggest we skip the hanging and have some cake instead. The total distance is 35 miles, the weather looks dry and the wind will be in our backs on the way home
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I’ll take a look thanks @TomGreatorex
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Hello swans,
It has been a while, but I am back on the ride lead schedule, and we are off to Limes Farm on a 40-mile ride with light winds. I may be a bit rusty, so looking at a 15 to 15mph ride with a no-drop policy. I look forward to seeing you all. It has been a whileTim
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Ride cancelled ❌
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We will be on the same route as the C ride
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Ok I'll check
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Hello Swans,
We are off to Rectory for coffee and cake and a bit of PYO if you fancy. it will be very windy so wrap up
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/121093444 -
Hey Swans! Culworth is old, not just 'found-a-pound-down-the-back-of-the-sofa' old, but 'dating-back-to-the-Domesday-Book' old. It's been around since at least 1086. Then there's the Culworth Forge, a blacksmith's shop that's been pounding ironworks since the 1600s. Now pounding out flat whites to middle-class MAMILS and to the parents of overprivileged children snuggles up in £ 800-pound bugaboo prams pulled from the back of a Range Rover. It's going to be cold swans, so wrap up. We start off at 10 ude toa -2c wind chill at 09:00
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Hello, Swan Wheelers and cycling aficionados! It's Tim here, ready to steer us into a rollicking New Year's Eve adventure. Our traditional meeting spot at Swan Pool will be the starting line for an unforgettable ride from Buckingham to the picturesque Quainton. Let's gear up for a day filled with pedal power, laughter, and festive spirit!
The Journey Begins: Rise and Shine!
We'll kick off our day at the usual spot – Swan Pool, at 08:45 AM sharp. From there, we'll embark on a route that's as scenic as it is enjoyable. Remember, the early bird catches the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese – so let's hope we're more bird than mouse today!En Route: A Scenic Spin through Buckinghamshire
As we pedal through the countryside, expect stunning views, fresh air, and my attempts to entertain you with tales and trivia. Keep your ears open for my "Did You Know?" cycling edition – it's bound to be half enlightening, half amusing.Midway Merriment: Quainton Awaits
We'll take a well-deserved break at The George & Dragon upon reaching Quainton. This is where we toast (with the finest tea or coffee, of course) to the year that's been and the one that's to come. It's also a chance to relax, refuel, and prepare for the journey back.The Homeward Leg: Sharing and Caring
On our way back, I'd love to hear your highlights from 2023 – cycling-related or otherwise. The most engaging story will earn applause and maybe a special title of 'Storyteller Supreme' until the next ride.Safety Reminder: Serious Business
Safety remains our top priority while we're all about fun and games. Helmets, lights, and a keen awareness of our surroundings are non-negotiable. Let's keep it safe to ensure we have many more rides together.Wrapping Up: Let's Make It Memorable!
So, gather your cycling gear, your festive spirit, and a sense of adventure. We're about to close off 2023 with a ride that's not just about the destination but the joyous journey and the company we share it with. See you all bright and early at Swan Pool!Your pedal-pushing pal,
Tim 🚴♂️🎊🎉 -
ride cancelled
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the route has been updated so please use the same link and a new GPX updated
Swan Wheelers CC Forum
Swan Wheelers Cyling Club forum
Hi
The B ride is to Grain Store 44 with the easy classified climbs. The Weather looks dry so it attends if you fancy tagging along
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/258739097