June 2017| 103
Travelling south through the county you will come across
any number of thriving local clubs, whether that be at
o cial road races, time trials or the traditional club runs.
The enjoyment of riding with others, sharing the stories
and the workload and sto ing for coffee and cake, is
some of the real benefits of local clubs many of which
can trace their roots and routes back for more years that
lots of their members would like to admit to. Club cyclists
well into their 70’s are a frequent sight and a sure sign, if
any was needed, that keeping out on the bike is a great
way to stave off admitting to old age.
For the many clubs that are based in Nottingham itself, a
uick five-mile ourney, east out of the city, will find you at
Lowdham. On any Saturday or Sunday morning between
9am and 10am, a number of clubs meet at Lowdham
War Memorial. From there, they disappear in mechanical
e ciency onto the uiet lanes of the ale of elvoir,
or more east and out towards Newark and the villages
further north. Some of these groups will do this at a
more leisurely pace, whilst a few will be a little more rapid
and, like our friends further north, it is not uncommon for
the odd pro, ex-pro and nearly-pro to be out for the ride.
There are a few young World Tour riders in James Shaw
and Dan McLay popping up at Lowdham on a Saturday
and a few from the Professional Women’s Tour races
(when racing commitments allow). And with every pro
that makes it, there are a few more trying to emulate
that success.
If you aren’t quite sure about riding in a group, but still
want to sample some of these roads, then starting a ride
from Lowdham is still a good idea. This loop is 22 miles
and, with only a few small hills, it is great for those with a
fear of gravity, or for those looking to work that extra bit
harder for a high average speed.
From the memorial, head south on Station Road with
the small stream on your left, quickly cross over the
train lines and turn left on to Caythorpe Road. Follow
this road as it passes through the village of Caythorpe