On Yer Bike

This is a contributed article, written by Sally Davids, an aspiring local poet and freelance writer:

On Two Wheels in Burton Green: A Quick Guide to Cycling in Warwickshire

With its blissful rolling hills, lush green trees and picturesque skies, Shakespeare’s own country is a haven of sights, sounds, and smells perfect for the leisurely stroll or relaxing bike ride. And with so many beautiful attractions en route, visitors and locals alike can make the most of Burton Green’s gorgeous landscapes as well as Warwickshire’s big, open spaces and small, winding lanes.

Highlights

With popular destinations like Coventry about 40 minutes away by bike via the shortest route, Burton Green is ideally placed. The area is surrounded by beautiful, pastoral countryside and quaint villages. The most popular way is via the Kenilworth Greenway, Warwickshire’s most popular bike network, running through some of the country’s most scenic locales. This is the perfect setting to bring the family for a picnic and do some nature watching, as well as enjoy a number of recreational activities.

Further afield lies Warwick and the beloved city of Stratford-upon-Avon just less than 2 hours by bike. There are several other routes in the region showcasing the best that the county has to offer, and most of them are completely accessible for people of all ages and levels. These include:

• Coombe Country Park
• Pooley Country Park
• Ryton Pools Country Park
• Burton Dassett Hills Country Park
• Brailes Hill & Ascott
• Stratford Greenway
• Burton Dassett Hills Country Park
• ...and more incorporating but National Cycle Networks and local trails

Gearing Up for the Ride

While many cyclists pass through Burton Green, the village itself has no bicycle shops or repairs but there are several throughout the area which cyclists can use up Coventry way and further south in Kenilworth. These include:

• The A1 Motor Store: CV7 7EL
• Biker’s Paradise: CV4 9UY
• Jardine Cycles: CV4 9PP
• Motor World: CV4 9DU
• Funky Bikes: CV5 6ET
• Albany Cycles: CV5 6NF
• Sports Direct: CV1 1DL
• Re-Cycle Bike Repairs: CV1 4AE
• Hawk Factory Cycle Stores: CV1 4JJ
• Cycle One Stop: CV1 5PR
• Cycle Repairs -uk-: CV3 1FP
• Halfords: CV3 4RP
• Coventry Recycled Cycles: CV3 2BE
• Behind Bars: CV8 2EL
• Mike Vaughan Cycles: CV8 1LY

Many of these stores serve as a handy one-stop-shop for repairs (or new models), accessories, and protective bicycle gear. Specialists can assist with what kind of bicycle and equipment is suited to individual riding style and level.

Safety and Security

Regardless of age, all cyclists should wear protective head gear and knee and elbow pads are also recommended, as well as safety features on the bike like front and rear lights and reflectors. Cyclists should also be aware of the road rules, including how to signal, when and where right of way is granted, and which public areas are permitted for cycling use. Understandably, many cyclists will want to stop en route for refreshments or shopping. Bike theft continues to be a huge problem in the UK as well as damage seats and tires. You can help prevent loss or damage to your bike by securing it with double locks, removing wheels, seats, and other accessories, using designated bike parking areas like parking meters, lockers, racks and corrals, keeping it within safe distance to where you are walking, and preferably within view. If you have a valuable bike, register your serial number and consider purchasing coverage. Preferably, try not to leave your bike unless you can keep it within safe distance.

Useful Tools

There are numerous tools available online and in app stores that instruct you how to do a bike tune-up, how to monitor your bike routes with GPS and keep track of your progress, where you can find the nearest bike repair shop, weather, points of interest, and more. Some of the top recommendations are:

• Cycle Hire
• Bike Gear Calculator
• BBC Weather
• Map My Ride
• St John Ambulance First Aid for Cyclists
• CycleMaps

Note that many of these are free, but could use up your smartphone’s data. They are great ways to enhance your ride and also provide open forums where fellow cyclists can meet and share stories, advice, and organise events, whether it’s a cycling derby in Coventry or simply a meet-up in Burton Green. Summer is usually when the height of these events occur, but luckily the English weather is fairly hospitable for cycling year-round with moderate temperatures (and, of course, a fair helping of rain depending on the year). And with Burton’s Green’s own beloved sites and nearby attractions, there isn’t a better place to begin exploring the mighty Midlands. Wherever the tranquil routes of Warwickshire take you, just remember to gear up, respect the road, and enjoy.