In conjunction with Chippenham Doorway Project, Chippenham and District Wheelers are please to support the Doorway Cycle Club Meet and encourage everyone who cycles regularly, or not so regularly, to support this event to raise funds for this Charity who do so much for the vulnerable in Chippenham.
Details, routes and registration links can be found on the Club Calendar.
Chippenham Wheelers have designed a route using the lanes, towns and villages to the north of Chippenham. Some historical features are pointed out along the way (noted in GPX route file) and the following PDF file Doorway Charity Ride 2024.
Following a reconnaissance ride the following observations were made;
- the early part of the course is relatively slow on the Chippenham to Calne Old Railway Path.
- the off-road sections are in good condition dressed with small stones. On my gravel bike it was no problem and I noted a number of people using road bikes on these sections.
- On the exit from the Railway Path, at Stanley Lane, the path rises through a narrow gate and exits directly onto the road. Caution is required as there may be traffic on the road.
- On the second section of the Railway Path, there are two areas, under trees, that are still soft but there is a firm passage past these soft areas. It is necessary to be aware of tree roots that have pushed through the surface.
- Before joining the second section of the Railway Path, there is downhill section that culminates in a tight lefthand bend. Caution is required on this downhill run.
- The closer you are to either Chippenham or Calne, on the Railway Path, the number of dog walkers, joggers and other cyclists, increases.
- After Malmesbury, it is not recommended to ride through the ford just before Luckington. The water is deep and there are large stones on the river bed. However, the raised pathway is in good condition, has a guard rail and is easily transited. Care is required on the approach to the ford as it is downhill with loose gravel and sand on the surface.
Additional warning points have been added to the gps route.