Boldmere Bullets Group Led Rides - Heart of England

Our group led rides are open free of charge to all adults aged 18 and over. If it will be your first ride with us we ask that you register your name on our website (boldmerebullets.com) and join the social group/short route for your first time out with us.

Firstly we all have a lot of thanks to give to the Original route master Andy Robinson, who after a lot of work and time decided to hand over the route planning baton; luckily or unluckily this has fell into the hand of myself Neil “The Devils Route Planner” Deakin. We as a collective will still be arranging some lovely routes for each and every member to enjoy, some old and some new.
Hopefully the summer sun will soon grace us as it’s been a long old frosty winter.

**Remember clocks go forward at 1am Sunday morning**

This route is taken from the inaugural TdB in 2014 which takes us out to Meriden, which has two significant landmarks at its centre (on the green) both worthy of a quick stop on your way around. Firstly the sandstone cross which marks the traditional centre of England and secondly the memorial to cyclists remembering those who fell in the world wars. A memorial service attended by many cyclists from around the country is held here in May each year.

Note the Social route heads out towards Meriden but loops at Maxstoke to return home

Long 45miles (72km) - http://www.strava.com/routes/736151
Medium 39miles (64km) - http://www.strava.com/routes/736192
Short 29miles (46km) - http://www.strava.com/routes/736011
Social 22miles ( 36km) - https://www.strava.com/routes/8837404

The Flat segment will be on Water Orton Lane on the way out,
https://www.strava.com/segments/7839969
Hilly Segment will be on Kempson Avenue on the return, a test of tired legs!
https://www.strava.com/segments/7840390

**IMPORTANT** – YOU RIDE A BOLDMERE BULLET STRAVA ROUTE AT ENTIRELY YOUR OWN RISK THIS IS NOT AN EVENT OR A COMPETITION & WE ARE NOT ORGANISERS. The Boldmere Bullets and the route creators do not accept any responsibility for injury, loss and damage sustained by you and advises you to refer to Strava’s terms and conditions. You can read more about them here http://www.strava.com/terms.

Bullets fitness -
Cycling is a physically active sport. You should always seek advice from your GP before taking up a strenuous physical pursuit such as this. You accept that you do so entirely at your own risk and that it is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit enough to be able to ride the routes posted on Strava.

Bullets ride with care -
Ride with due care and attention whenever you are on your bike. Respect other road users and be patient, this is not a race and there are no rewards for finishing first or fast times. Do not put yourself or others at risk by careless riding - Ultimately, you are responsible for your riding.

Bullets Lead by example when on the road -
Always obey the Highway Code and ride in a manner appropriate. Be courteous and consider other road users, pedestrians and others engaged in a leisure activity such as horse riders. The route may follow country lanes where you will encounter rural traffic users such as tractors, etc. Where necessary ride in single file and according to the road conditions. We also strongly recommend the following:
• RED means STOP. Do not take chances
• Helmets must be worn whilst riding
• Take heed of road traffic warning signs, they apply to cyclists too
• Extend all reasonable courtesy to other road users
• Ride single file on single roads climbs and A Roads to allow traffic to flow
• Anticipate oncoming traffic and ride accordingly
• Be aware of potholes and loose gravel on roads
• Keep a safe distance between you and any riders in front, especially on descents
• Be patient when crossing junctions
• When turning right, always make your intentions clear to road users
• Be prepared for adverse weather and wear/carry adequate clothing
• In hot, sunny conditions drink plenty of water and apply sun protection
• Do not drop litter – use the bins provided or take it home with you. Put it your pocket, under the hem of your shorts or jersey sleeve. Ultimately, don’t litter and give cycling a bad name.
• Do not behave in a manner that may offend others.

• Neil Deakin
  Organizer
•