Cyclists enjoy the Ludlow ‘Food Chain’ Ride
As part of a Local to Ludlow ‘Open Days’ weekend, 21 cyclists took part in the 29-mile circular Food Chain cycle ride on Sunday 29 July led by Ray Hughes, travel Shropshire manager for Shropshire Council.
Ominously the rain started as the riders gathered at the ‘Dr Bike’ marquee in Ludlow’s Castle Square, but the shower soon blew over as the ride got underway and from lunchtime the sun shone brightly for the rest of the day. Reassuringly Matt and Lindsey from Pearce Cycles were on hand in the square to provide pre ride bike safety checks and other cycle services. They helped provide the Campbell family with a couple of hire bikes enabling the whole family to take part.
Participants were mainly local but Sue Rushworth and Tim Cammish had travelled from Kings Heath in Birmingham. Planning a house move to Ludlow, the Food Chain gave them the perfect opportunity to explore the area more widely by bicycle whilst enjoying the farm visits.
The first miles of the ride out of Ludlow were all uphill to Mortimer Forest and the riders were quickly strung out. But this was billed as a gently paced social ride and in keeping with the slow food ethos of the town and organizers wanting all cycling abilities to be catered for, those at the front of the group waited patiently at the top of the hill. This was a pattern repeated throughout the day helping create a cohesive and supportive atmosphere.
What goes up must come down and the decent towards Pipe Aston was enjoyed by all. By 11.30am all the riders were safely at the Sun Inn in Leintwardine. Gary Seymour gave an account of the history of this unique parlour pub whilst Mark Williams from Key Cottage catering provided the riders with a slice of his wonderful meat pies. Some stayed outside and enjoyed the beautiful flowers and warm sunshine in the beer garden.
Taking Watling Street through Lentwardine, riders headed north for a couple of miles to their next stop – nearby Marlow Farm. This was an opportunity to enjoy packed lunches in the beautiful gardens and Tammy’s Hall’s tea and cakes were well received. Tammy gave a talk about her thriving new business growing beautiful flowers for local businesses including the Sun Inn and Ludlow market.
Red kites circled above as the group continued on its journey towards Hopesay for a tour of Glebe Farm, an organic smallholding provided by owner Phil Moore. Watching Phil herd his flock of sheep with his lithe and attentive sheep dog was a delight and again, riders enjoyed cream teas in the recently opened tearoom.
The group then split into two with those wanting a hill climb challenge taking the steep road northwards out of Hopesay whilst others retracing their route back to the B road and both meeting outside Harry Tuffins in Craven Arms.
The group then continued out of Craven and joined the National Cycle Route 44 enjoying quiet and scenic lanes back towards Ludlow via Onibury and Bromfield. The final entry to Ludlow was through the beautiful and peaceful Oakly Park Estate affording fantastic views of Ludlow Castle on the approach to the town.
By 5.20pm all had reached Dinham Millennium Green and fond farewells were made. The somewhat tired riders were all satisfied in the knowledge they had accessed the farms using their own pedal power and had experienced the beautiful Shropshire country side close up whilst making new friends in the process.
Ray Hughes, said:
“Riding at a gentle pace enabled plenty of excellent conversation. The Food Chain demonstrated that cycling is good for you, good for the community and good for the local economy. Shropshire Council was delighted to support the Local to Ludlow Open Days weekend and enable access to these fantastic venues by this healthy and non polluting and social mode of transport.”
Councillor Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for cycling, said:
“It sounds like everyone had a great day. Cycling is an excellent way of exploring the Shropshire countryside.”
Rosanna Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow North, added:
“Having seen the cyclists ride off in the morning, I am pleased the ride was such a success and that our wonderful countryside was enjoyed by so many in this sustainable way. I hope it can be repeated again next year.”
Further information
Ludlow is one of three targeted towns for Shropshire Sustainable Transport Project – local sustainable transport funding from the Department of Transport. This aims to encourage and increase the number of local trips made by more sustainable modes of transport. For further information people can visit www.travelshropshire.co.uk
Other ride leaders included Emma Bullard Travel Shropshire Manager and locals David Currant (Chair of Ludlow 21) and Eliz-anne Williams, a British Cycling Breeze Champion providing regular women only social cycle rides.
