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Tuesday 6 January 2015

The first ride of 2015 #familyfun

Muriel at the junction of Route 6, 574 and the Totternhoe Hills and Green Lanes

It's been a madly busy Christmas and new years here at imwellconfused towers, despite the omission of more two wheeled fun, while some of that was down to meeting family, tacky festive films and the rebuilding of Naughtybike.

Also that darned weather played an annoying part here with it's inability to make it's mind up. While we did go for a few small rides around town we've been quite lacklustre on larger rides to the disdain of both Lissy and Vee!

That changed on Monday when we unleashed the beasts onto NCN Route 6 and 574 on the outskirts of Dunstable and Totternhoe, for one of our ' do what you want rides.' I'll not hide the fact I'm a sponsor of 574 (link here) as it's an awesome place to ride, de-stress and get out of town for a few hours.

On entering the Sewell Greenway  both girls decided they wanted to let off some steam and thrash their bikes. considering how fast they can be when they want to it was good to see them doing this rather than screaming at each other, while it turned into a "hoon it" moment, it was what the doctor ordered.  Especially with one afternoon of freedom before they're back to school, it was certainly needed.

At the sewell bridge and 574/green lane junction we admired the recently installed murial advertising the Totternhoe hills and lanes. featuring some beautiful carved animals. Eventually they wanted to move on and they chose the muddy track, Oh hell no - there is no way I'm getting all of us coated in muck, world war z is not needed today (trust me I'd be in a world of pain here.) Thankfully they decided to go on the more stable route back into town, while it's still muddy it's not going to cause hell for all of us.

The only downside to this is the first hill, it's a pain in the behind, I can defeat it but i do struggle on both Naughtybike and Grampsbike here. We walked this bit it as it was easier on little feet as we can't wear them out when there's hooning to do on the flat!
Walking the hill bought a few special surprises and views, including the chance to see the horses and other animals out and about, a good chance for little explorers to see nature, bug hunt and play in the mud at the same time!

Home time was looming so we made tracks on the flat, passing the mighty Maidenbower Hillfort and plenty of beautiful scenery on the way through, on the final half mile to home Vee alerts me to a wobbly feeling on her bike, a loose steerer caused this issue for her hand tightened to get us home without dirt destroying the tube. *this is why it's important to check a bike*

On the final stretch I get asked the question of question.

"Dad! For our next ride can we go to the Enchanted Wood?"


Oh boy, Vee's certainly got the bike bug!

I'll be doing more rides like this throughout the year so if anyone wants to join our little rides say the word! If there's enough demand I'll organise some lead guided rides through Sustrans.
(More on the enchanted wood will come soon) 

If you wish to see the route we cycled click here for the Endomondo route

Cheers

Paul

This post has also been shared on the Coombe Mill #Familykids linky too!
 Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall 

32 comments:

  1. Your routes are through some hard core countryside - the Chilterns are a real challenge but the rewards for the kids to have such great fun outside make it worth while I'm sure.

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    1. The rewards are fantastic for them, especially as they've only been riding for a short while (in Vee's case a month.) They've told me the next ride has to be over the downs to tackle Chute wood and the Whipsnade Tree cathedral and downs. May have to make a bloggers day out of it. :D

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  2. Oh I feel ashamed to say Ruby still hasn't mastered her bike. Try as we might she just doesn't seem interested.

    Such beautiful countryside, I need to give her another little coax. The Enchanted Wood sounds intriguing!

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    1. Drop me a line M'dear and I'll come and help Ruby if you would like? Would be happy to help with this.

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  3. This is the first year both my boys can ride bikes without stabilisers, so we're planning on getting bikes too and riding as a family through the warmer months. Bit chilly for it now in Scotland though *shivers*

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    1. I don't blame you, I've been dragged out in -3 by the smalls recently just to "go for a little ride" The main benefit to the colder weather (bar snow - that sucks) is how less people ride the more sceneic routes so they're usually pretty unspoilt at this time of year,

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  4. ah how lovely Paul... blows the cobwebs away

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    1. The cobwebs need a bit more clearing, but it was well worth it. We'll have many more family rides coming up with routes and (if nearby) places to stop and picnic and nearby pubs/cafe's.

      We'll be inviting others to join us soon too!

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  5. We visited there too and it is really nice!

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  6. Aww so lovely to see the children wanting to get outdoors and go for a bike ride - long may it continue

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    1. Thanks :) I'd much prefer to be out having fun than stuck inside watching tv or playing games.

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  7. What a great way to spend time as a family. I need to get something as my boy also has the bike bug and now he has 6 gears and he's off and I can't keep up.

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    1. I've just asked you a question via FB but I'm happy your son has the bike bug. It's a fantastic thing for parents and children alike :)

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  8. Fabulous to have somewhere so flat and safe to be able to all get out and have some fun. Mich x

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    1. It makes me happy too, especially with the weight of the main bike I ride (it's weight in KG is similar to it's age)

      I just wish there were more places for children like this.

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  9. I can't wait to get Amy back on her bike. She's still on stabilisers, but I hope she'll be confident enough to ride without them come summer x

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    1. If you get the chance to, get Amy on the bike before summer, that way she'll be more than ready to ride anything you can throw at her. Vee finally got there in December and she's got right into the swing of things.

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  10. Looks like a great day out and such much needed fresh air and exercise to counteract the excesses of Xmas!

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    1. I'm not sure who needed it more, me or the monsters!

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  11. Alas Kitty and Ozzy have yet to master riding bikes - shame on me I know. Lovely to see you have all been out having fun!

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    1. No shame at all lovely, you do a fab job with Kitty and Ozzy, Will offer help to any who need it :)

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  12. My two LOVE their bikes but we don't do family bike rides much - I must do something about that x x

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    1. As silly as it may sound we use Endomondo and google maps to work out routes that look family friendly, or even insane.

      I'm thinking or sorting a big blogger ride soon if you'd be interested?

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  13. My two love their bikes too and are getting really good at cycling. Love that artwork and the Enchanted Wood sounds right up my street

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    1. It's a lovely little ride for the kids. I just have to check the state of the Enchanted woods as I've not been there in a few years and the last time it was a tad unloved! Would also make an awesome little campsite too!

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  14. Looks like you had a fantastic adventure, just the start you need for the new year too!

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  15. Wow what brave children! My youngest hasn't mastered her bike yet but give us time and we may want to join you on your adventures .....

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  16. That route looks awesome! My kids aren't interested in their bikes :( Lily hates that she can't ride without stabilizers but won't ride with stabilizers!

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  17. Paul this is such a lovely read, looks like your two have indeed got the bug to bike! A great way to enjoy the country side. Trails are so stress free with no traffic to worry about. Thank you for sharing with me on Country Kids

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  18. Wow, what an adventure. Next year we'll be getting bikes so we can explore as a family a bit more. #countrykids

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  19. I've just started taking my eldest out for rides, I'm not that confident myself, so it's nice to do it together. We're considering a family cycling holiday come summer too. This has motivated me to find some new local rides. #CountryKids

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