3 months into 2023 and I’m finally waking to daylight and birds chirping. Stepping outside it is raining but the breeze feels a little warmer and the murky depths of winter are fading. This Monday, 20th March, is the meteorological start of spring and time to start thinking about taking the riding outside.
The BAC Winter Program has been a success and kept me social & moving but most of my winter riding has been on Zwift and I haven’t been consistent. Consequently, I am aprehensive about taking on the Dirty Reiver on April 22nd. Just 4 weeks away.
Ten Clubbers are riding the Reiver this year which I am really looking forward to. It’s an incredible example of the connections that have been made through the Bicycle Adventure Club. I’m sure the cameraderie will ease the Reiver miles and hills. I still need to put some work in. I’m one week into a zwift training plan. The Pebble Pounder: a gravel specific training plan designed to steadily build aerobic ability.
Zwifting is better than not riding at all, but it is no substitute for being out in the elements, grinding the gravel and practicing all the skills that are missing from zwift such as bike handling, carrying supplies, navigating and running repairs.
To help prepare, I’ve put together a route around the lanes & bridleways of the Severn Valley (see OS MAP below). Lots of mixed surfaces and whilst there arent any of the long grinding climbs like on the Reiver there is plenty of climbing, in and out of the valleys of the Severn and its tributaries making for a challenging, slow going ride.
BAC Long Ride April 2nd 2023
Severn Valley
Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 59km
Elevation: 800m
According to Komoot this is an expert mountain bike ride with very good fitness required. There are some tricky offroad section but these can be walked.
Please Note – this is not a led ride
It’s designed to be a training ride for the Dirty Reiver. All are welcome but you will be responsible for you, your bike, fuel and navigation.
Please carry enough food, snacks and hydration for the day as ther are no supply point en route. However……we will try to get to the Anchor in Caunsall before 4pm to for a delicious cob & a pint before riding the canal back to Kinver.
Long days outdoors riding off road, cross country and unfamiliar routes is physically and mentally demanding. Please be aware that a ride of this nature will stress your body beyond your regular riding routine.
Please carry enough food, snacks and hydration for the day.
Sections of the bridleways are quite remote and you may need to push your bike up a steep and uneven ascent.
Logistics
We will be setting off from the car Park behind the White Harte in Kinver, DY7 6HL, at 10am sharp.
The nearest train station is Stourbridge.
Any question please get in touch in the comments below or in the Facebook Group
It’s always worth checking out our Code of Conduct and Registering to ride in case of emergency.
If you would like an idea of what the ride entails check out the videos below:
I hope you can join us
Sarah
Bicycle Adventure Club 