Bella in Sella

Do you cycle??? I love to get out and about on my beautiful Pashley Britannia bicycle 'Doris' whenever I can. It's wonderful to get out in the fresh air with the wind blowing in your hair whilst you pootle along at a leisurely pace. It's also a lovely hobby to share with the children although they are usually way ahead of me!!!

 

Dress by Heyday!

Bicycle - Pashley Britannia in white

Hair Flower by Miss K's Floral Fancies

 

Along with a few of my friends I am part of a vintage cycling group Nottingham Classic Ride who regularly organise vintage style bike rides around the beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside. Last Sunday, 21st September, was the BIG one entitled 'Bella in Sella' which means 'beautiful in the saddle'. The group organises a variety of different rides throughout the year with a BIG classic ride in September which is always very much looked forward to. The weather was glorious and everyone had come suitably attired for the occasion in pretty frocks, straw boaters and bow ties.

 

My lovely friend Amy on her bike

Over 50 cyclists came along for the ride from Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. It was wonderful to see so many people making the journey to join in the fun. We started off at a central, riverside location in Nottingham and our ride took us through urban and rural landscapes to our lunch stop at West Bridgford Park for a picnic and prize giving for best dressed, best rider and best bike before setting off back to the start where everyone enjoyed a refreshing après ride beverage or two at the pub around the corner, the Vat and Fiddle.

 

The dashing chaps from The Guvnors' Assembly

Everyone is welcome on the rides whatever your ability. Fellow cyclists are so friendly and supportive that a fun day is certainly guaranteed. I can honestly say that I rarely laugh as much as I do on our vintage bike rides. The kids think we are all bonkers but secretly enjoy coming along, they have definitely become more competent cyclists and I have gained in confidence as a rider too. Check out the facebook group for more details of future rides and do come along and join us. You don't need to have a vintage bike to join in or even dress in vintage style as everyone is welcome. Social cycling is definitely the future!!!

 

bikes lined up at the end of ride pub stop

 

 

the owner of the winning 'Best Bike' Timmy with his classic Raleigh Chopper

 

 

The 'Lincolnshire Poachers' who travelled all the way from Grimsby to take part

 

 

 

Amy and I enjoying a refreshing post ride beverage.....well earned!!!

 

 

Sunday Best - vintage bike ride

Last Sunday was a simply glorious day for a 'Sunday Best' bike ride. The sun shone as myself and around 25 others from the Nottingham Classic Ride group. See if you can spot me and 'Doris' my Pashley Britannia in the line-up!!!

There really is nothing better on a sunny day than cycling through the countryside with a lovely group of people. The 27 miles we covered didn't feel so bad as they were punctuated with lots of laughter and a cake stop at the half way point provided by Thurgaton WI....splendid.

cue lots of gratuitous cycling shots........

I have such beautiful friends....don't they look lovely!!!

Now THAT'S what you call a well equipped bike.

The pretty scenery at Thurgaton, Nottinghamshire

The lovely cakes made by the Women's Institute......yummy!!!

Even the kids come along and enjoy themselves......although they go off and join the faster front group these days leaving me in the 'special' group pootling along behind. Stella even won 'Best Junior Cyclist' which she is very proud of.

Trust me to discover a library in a phone box on our route!!!

The Vintage Vixens live to cycle another day!!!

Another vintage bike ride is planned for next Saturday visiting Byron's local haunts. I can't wait, just hope we get the same fantastic weather. All are welcome to join us, you don't have to have a vintage bike. Just be up for a fun day out with lovely people in the glorious English countryside...what could be better??? If you don't live locally I'm sure there's a vintage cycling group near you, if not then why not start one!!!