Meriden Long

About trip

This month marks the Centenary of the Great War, WW1, and also that of the first British Soldier to lose his life, Private John Parr, who was out on a bicycle patrol at the time. Our Tour de Boldmere bicycle ride will honour all those who never returned home between 1914 and 1918 with a ride to Meriden, where stands the memorial to cyclists. Also of note on the Meriden village green is the sandstone cross which marks the traditional centre of England. The Tour Stage will be made up of two combined Strava segments, from Walmley Ash to Meriden and Meriden to the top of Kempson Avenue on the return. The route out and back to Meriden will be essentially the same via Walmley, Minworth, Water Orton, Coleshill and Maxstoke. The Social group will complete these two segments alone. The medium and fast/chain gang groups will additionally complete two different loops of the Warwickshire countryside south of Meriden. For the Medium group via Hampton in Arden, Barston, Balsall Common and Berkswell, and the Fast group additionally Knowle. The Flat segment will be on Water Orton Lane on the way out, Hill Segment will be on Kempson Avenue on the return, a test of tired legs! We like to keep our Tour Routes fresh so this route will be removed from Strava at the End of September. We will record the time it has taken you to complete the relevant segments stated in case you want to refer back to them at any time. **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.