Cols, Caunton & Cows (replaces Wiggle To The Windmill)

***PLEASE NOTE: this ride replaces "Wiggle To The Windmill" which has had to be postponed until better weather, and due to problems with the planned refreshment stop. All ladies who booked a place on "Wiggle To The Windmill" automatically have a place on this ride unless they decide to cancel*** We'll meet at the car park opposite Southwell Minster - please note this is a pay & display car park. We'll ride through the town centre and make our way off along Halam Road and out of town, climbing our first hill as we head for Halam. Progressing through Halam, and turning into and through Kirklington, we'll then head up to the village of Eakring. On the way, we'll complete a Category 5 climb (200 ft in 1 mile) known locally as the Col D'Or Noir, as there is an oil museum at the top! From Eakring, a gently undulating route will take us towards Caunton, but we'll just have time to take in a second, even steeper, climb - the Col De Kersall. We'll then cross the A616, meandering through Norwell and then Caunton itself, before turning back towards Southwell, making time to stop off at Newfield Dairy & Ice-cream Parlour at Hockerton Heights. We'll enjoy a hot chocolate or a home-made ice cream, or if we're being good, a Green Tea or Earl Grey, as we watch the pedigree herd of Holstein cows graze in the fields next to the Parlour. We'll then ride back down to Southwell. This ride is around 20 miles in total with 2 steep hill climbs, so you'll need to be confident to ride uphill with your gears and stand up out of the saddle for the steepest sections. A road bike or hybrid would suit this course best as we'll ride at a brisk pace. Although we are riding mainly on quiet country roads, this is nevertheless a road-ride all the way, so you'll need to be stable and confident on your bike as this route is not traffic-free. It's a good idea to bring some water and you may also want to bring a snack if you think your energy levels may need topping up along the way.  Wearing a helmet is advisable. Please bring some money if you want to buy refreshments. Looking forward to seeing you there! Our email address is [email protected]. Like our facebook page for regular updates! https://www.facebook.com/BreezeNetworkSouthwell