The Lost Art of the Group Ride
- Details
- Category: Training
- Published on 25 September 2015
- Hits: 5614

Club Runs
- Details
- Category: Training
- Published on 25 November 2011
- Hits: 8783
Note that these are informal social rides and are not organised club "events", therefore not covered by the club insurance. The weekly informal club rides are good for your regime of training, and also if you want a chat and to see some nice countryside in and around Northamptonshire. Details about runs and training rides varies dependant on the time of year, information about these rides is available if you contact the club or sign up to our facebook presence. All are welcome.
There are a few retired riders who are out on a Friday and the average drops a little to 12mph. We start from Doddington around 9:15am, after the rush hour and often ride for 45 miles'ish, depending on the weather! ![]()
Often there can be well over 20 riders initially, but after just a couple of miles it splits into the normal two groups. Those that cannot keep up and resort to a more moderate pace of 13 to15 mph average, and those that are fighting their testosterone and will average 16mph upwards.
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New to group rides, view some helpful info...
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Regularly frequented half-way refreshment points:


Not usually far enough away on a longer run but ideal stopover for the mid week cuppa. Out of Carlton on the Turvey Road, turn left before reaching the church, and the "village" is a quarter of a mile at the end of School Lane. Emmaus specialises in recycling and exceeds as a shop outlet, restaurant and workshops for homeless people finding a better way forward in life. Good food, plenty of tables and ample bike parking.


The "Manor Farm Shop and Tearoom" is a very well organised shop and restaurant along Main Street on the right hand side heading out of the village, west towards the A5. Large car park, plenty of bike spaces. The eating area at the rear of the shop caters for many types of food from snacks to full meals. Overflow seating outside during the summer months. A very pleasant stopover. Worth a visit for the local produce.


The cafe in Salcey Forest is a favorite stop for those shorter midweek winter rides, with variations that give 30 to 40 mile route distances. We have used the "Forest Cafe" for many years. Plenty of inside and outside seating and tables. The proprietor and staff are always very welcoming and helpful.




The "Coffee Tavern" can be found on St Osyths Lane facing the Market Place in the centre, on the main A427 through town. Minimal seating downstairs but more upstairs. Probable not the cheapest cafe we stop at, but good food and service. Couple of trees over the road to stack the bikes, and in view of seating inside.


An alternative ro Catthorpe if the prevailing wind is not suited but KJ's cafe in the centre of town through Adam& Eve Street, a one way from the main A4304, St Mary's Road. A reasonable amount of pavement for bike stacking, and with shops closed it is usually no problem on a Sunday. There is a Starbucks on the corner if this cafe is closed. Small inside but caters for a group quite well and good service.
![Super Sausage A5 Potterspury [Towcester S] Super Sausage A5 Potterspury [Towcester S]](/images/thumbnails/images/stories/trng/45rc-tr-towcester-s-150x100.jpg)

With a strong westerly wind this stopover, the Super Sausage Cafeteria on the main A5 Watling Street, south of Towcester, caters for big bikers [with engines] on Sunday outings also. Not gourmet food but really good fast service at the right price, if you want a good breakfast and a large mug of coffee try this place. They have a link at supersausagecafe.co.uk if you really want to save this site! Plenty of tables inside and out, and ample bike room. On the corner of Moorend Road, where there are car boot events on Sundays and traffic can be a bit congested.
![Jacks Hill Cafe A5 Towcester [N] Jacks Hill Cafe A5 Towcester [N]](/images/thumbnails/images/stories/trng/45rc-tr-towcester-n-150x100.jpg)

An alternative venue depending on your route but this cafe, known as "Jacks Hill Cafe" on the main A5 Watling Street north of Towcester, caters for big bikers [with engines] on Sunday outings also. Not gourmet food but if you want a breakfast and a large mug of coffee it makes a good stop.



Market Harborough 54.6 mile | St Neots 60.5 miles | Bedford 52.5 miles |