Tow Paths, a Mill & a Narrowboat

This is the first of our rides being done in conjunction with DMBC's Get Doncaster Cycling 2014 campaign, and its also the first event on their calendar too! It's a 17.25 mile route in all BUT we've got an option for those of you that feel that may be just a wee bit too far that will allow you to shorten this to 14.5 miles. We're starting out from Kirk Sandall train station car park at 11.00am and will be joining the canal tow path close by, following that through to Barnby Dun where we drop back onto the quiet roads and lanes to South Bramwith, then Kirk Bramwith, where we will then head up by the church towards Braithwaite. At Braithwaite we join the canal towpath once more and ride up to Kirkhouse Green where we leave the canal behind and head towards Fishlake and our first cafe stop of the day, Fishlake Mill (they're actually going to do drinks and cakes/scones for us as this isnt strictly a cafe so we'll need to let them know on the morning how many of you want to have a nibble). This is the point where the ride will split for those that want to go for the shorter version - you will ride back towards Kirkhouse Green. The rest of us will head on to Fosterhouses and shortly after that rejoin the canal at the nearby lock (which we have to walk across, but dont worry, the lock gates have railings on both sides so there's not much chance of you falling off!). Its then back down the canal to Kirkhouse Green where we will rejoin the rest of the group (they will have been able to have a good half hour rest stop while they wait for us). We then once more leave the canal behind and head for Stainforth, and our next refreshment stop, the New Inn, next to the canal. Suitably rested and refreshed we will then head out from Stainforth and eventually into South Bramwith once more where, if any of you would like to, we will visit the Coffee Barge for our final cuppa and cake (very nice they are too). We then head back to Barnby Dun where we once again pick up the canal towpath and head back to Kirk Sandall and ultimately to the car park once more. With rest stops I anticpate the ride lasting up to 4 hours, though the actual amount of time spent riding will probably be about 2.5 hours. This ride is on surfaced tracks/roads, so is suitable for road/tourer bikes as well as hybrid/mountain bikes. Make sure you wear your helmet (this is compulsory, if you have no helmet you wont be able to ride with us) and appropriate clothing for the weather (if you have any bright or hi-viz then wear that). As usual we do expect you to have ensured your bike is roadworthy and that you have carried out basic pre ride checks. DISCLAIMER:- This is a purely social group of like minded people sharing a love of cycling, it is not a formal organisation nor does it have any form of legal structure. We do not profess to be trained ride leaders but do have experience of doing so. You are free to choose to ride with us but in doing so please note that you do so in acceptance that this is entirely at your own risk. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss or injury suffered as a result of your participation.