This report first appeared in the May issue of Endurance magazine – many thanks to Ian for his kind words.

Ride Report for Milton Keynes Pleasure Ride 2nd March 2008

By Ian Fletcher

Which UK city can provide a venue in the shadow of shopping malls? miles of dedicated riding tracks, which seem purpose built for endurance riding?

The answer is Milton Keynes, the setting for the combined EGB Cromwell Group & Whaddon Chase Pony Club training ride on 2nd March. Two loops, one of 10 miles and the other of 5, gave routes of 5, 10, 15 and 20 miles. One minute a rider could be in peaceful Linford Wood, the other crossing over a busy duel carriageway. Historical interest en route was the 17th Century almshouses at Great Linford and the Roman Villa at Loughton Valley. For art lovers, sculpture was to be seen at regular intervals, culminating in a close encounter with the famous concrete cows. For the record, horses dislike them and may go to extreme lengths to pass at a distance!! Willen Lake was the key feature of the shorter loop.

The theory at Milton Keynes is that riders, walkers, cyclists and motorists are kept separate by the various routes. Inevitably, for a city centre on busy Sunday, there were a number of hazards of the loose dog or spooky baby buggy variety, not to mention some stretches alongside the Grand Union Canal. This was a terrific training ride for the 30 or so riders and horses, including my 9 year old purebred Arab gelding Espace, an Advanced EGB horse preparing for EEl rides this season.

Full marks to Jim and Nikki Parsler of Cromwell Group for organising the ride. The route marking was faultless, better than many EGB rides, and enabled novice and experienced alike to ride in an urban environment in total confidence.

For information this ride is happening again on June 14th and September 27th – download schedules and entry forms here…

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