In front of The Malverns
We will meet a Bromsgrove Travelodge at 10am, heading off once we have had a chance to say "hello". Our first stop is in Droitwich after 10 miles for a quick coffee, then we carry on to Worcester and straight out the other side until we get to Bransford. This is the location of both our lunch stop and the Tithe Barn (free entry), about a mile further on down the road. After lunch, we head back through Worester on a different route, with a possible late cafe stop before heading back to our base in Bromsgrove. There are a few options for dinner within a short walk of the Travelodge.
Our Travelodges doesn't do food, so we'll have to earn our breakfast with a 3 mile cycle to Barnt Green. We then continue east, with a possible further pitstop after 10 miles if anyone needs one, otherwise we will press on to Kennilworth. Entry to the castle is covered in the price of the tour and we'll take lunch at the cafe there and have a mooch around the ruins - one of my favourites in the area. After this extended lunch, we'll head for home on a different route with a further pitstop planned halfway. Dinner will be at a restaurant a short walk from the Travelodge.
A slightly sorter route for our final day so that we can get back in good time for us to head to our homes. Again we need to cycle to our breakfast, again a couple of miles away. Then, we meander through the countryside crossing the Severn at Holt Fleet and on to Witney Court. Entry is included in the price of the tour and there is a lovely cafe next door where we will have lunch, by the church which is also well worth a visit (the photo is from it's ceiling). Once done, we'll head back on a different route, crossing the Severn at Stourport. There's the opportunity for a cafe stop on the way if needed, and I would hope to be back in Bromsgrove by 4pm, but will say 5pm to be on the safe side.
Land Only - £130
A deposit of £50 per person is required as soon as possible once the Tour Organiser has confirmed your booking, with the final balance to be paid by 13-Apr-2024
Written Notice Received:
Cancellation Charge:
13-Apr-2025
£50 (deposit)
14-Ap-2025 to departure
Full price of tour
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The price of £130 is based on a minimum number of 5 people taking part in the holiday. If there are insufficient bookings by Sunday 13th April 2025, we will contact you and return all monies paid.
Bromsgrove Travelodge. No frills, but the beds are comfy!
All the rooms I have booked are twins. If you pay the supplement, you will get a twin to yourself, though I will swap it to a double if I can.
A three day long weekend break which is fixed-base, i.e. no need to carry luggage each day.
Most of each day will be spent cycling. People will be expected to ride at their own pace and often in loose groups, at around 10-12 mph on the flat, slower up hills, usually meeting up at cafes for lunch and refreshment breaks.
It is expected that you may want to stop for photographs, look at the view or explore some local object and this is okay. You are on holiday.
Inevitably, parts of the route are hilly and there is no back-up vehicle, so you do need to be fit to get the most out of this tour. It is essential to get out on your bike and do some 20-30 mile rides before the tour starts. There are some descents too, so you should be able to negotiate these safely. Please note it may not always be possible to follow the itinerary exactly due to road works or weather etc, as things do not always go as planned. In these circumstances, you will be advised of alternative arrangements. I will not always be at the front of the group but may be anywhere within it, as circumstances require, so you will need to be aware of the route each day. This information will be given to you before, or at the beginning of the holiday, and again at daily briefings.
None.
Mainly quiet country roads and minor urban roads. There are occasional short stretches on 'A' roads, but they are not fast as well as being few and far between.
No route sheets will provided as such, just print the maps as you see fit.
GPX files will be provided the week before the start.
The maximum group size will be 12, the minimum 4.
Hopefully sunny! Suggest cycling top and shorts, with a lightweight waterproof. However, if the forecast looks inclement, a more substantial waterproof and gloves would be a good idea.
You will obviously need clothes for the evening, but what you bring is up to you.
Breakfast: On Saturday, you will be expected to have eaten by the time you arrive. On Sunday and Monday, we will stop in local cafes as there is no breakfast served at the Travelodge (though you can get a "breakfast on the go" if you like).
Lunch: Cafes or restaurants
Dinner: There is a Miller and Carter next door to the Travelodge, as well as a pub which serves food and and Indian restaurant both within 1/2 mile. For those who wish to dine with the group, we will like go to one of these on the Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Any sort of bike, though ideally a touring bike. I suggest slick tyres (i.e. NOT heavily treaded mountain bike tyres). It is nearly all paved and any parts that are not are well maintained, I would happily take my 25mm tyred road bike.
I heavily suggest at least one spare innertube. I will carry basic general tools and a basic 1st aid kit, but I suggest you also bring a small 1st aid kit and any tools that are specific to your bike. I water bottle should suffice as we are stopping every 10 miles or so, but bring another if the forecast is hot or you like to drink a lot!
You should ensure your bike is well maintained, paying particular attention to wheels, tyres and brakes. A low (easy) bottom gear is useful on hills and although it is not a particularly hilly route, Worcestershire is certainly full of rolling countryside.
Mudguards are optional, but if it is wet then it's not so much fun cycling behind someone without them!
A lock will be useful, but it is unlikely we will be leaving our bikes for longer than it takes to have coffee and cake.
Emergency rations e.g. energy bars are good to have and I suggest a map or some means of navigation.