South Bucks Midweek Cycling Newsletter - August 2024

As a result of the popularity vote at the AGM and a desire to achieve a better spread of Coffee Pot venues across our area, we have introduced some new cafes, dropped some old ones and changed the pairings.  We have also changed to a six-week rolling cycle rather than have the same venues on a particular week of the month.  You will need to check on the Rides Schedule to find out where to go.

The new cafes to try are The Apple Orchard, West Wycombe, Cafe au Lee at the The Cock & Rabbit at The Lee, The Crew Cafe, Princes Risborough and Opportunitea at the Sports & Social Club in Holmer Green, though its opening has been delayed.  You can see the locations using the web links on the Rides Schedule.

Some older non-riding members and former members like to meet their cycling companions but may not receive this newsletter or refer to the Rides Schedule, so please spread the word that the Coffee Pots have changed.

When the Coffee Pot was at Tring Garden Centre recently, service was very slow and prices high so we will try some alternatives, the first being The Daisy Chain in Ivinghoe which has been revamped.

I hope you enjoy cycling to the Coffee Pots, new and old.  See you there!

For Sale: Specialized Ariel Sport Disc Hybrid bike

•Step through 19 inch aluminium frame

•27 gears

•Hydraulic disc brakes

•Mudguards and rear rack

•Ergon handlebar grips

•Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres

•kickstand

•Very good condition

•£200 o.n.o.

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Call or text Chris Loader, 07951 159638

For a better picture, see the attachment below.

Thanks to Judith Waring for getting this update from HS2:

We are sorry that the level crossing is still closed. We’ve experienced challenges with this project due to the complex signalling system on this part of the rail network, which has meant we needed to align some of our work with other major upgrades taking place. We are really hoping to be able to finalise the remaining work which is needed over the summer and will be working as quickly as possible to complete the project. At the moment, we expect to have the upgraded level crossing back in use and road open to the public on Monday 30 September 2024. There is no infrastructure in place that would allow us to even temporarily re-open the line during the closure of by EKFB/HS2. 

The major remaining work involves installing the new level crossing equipment and signals to the wider railway network and then thoroughly testing them. This can only be completed at certain intervals during the year and for safety reasons requires a planned closure of the railway.

A full barrier crossing is being installed at Marsh Lane, which covers both sides of the road and will prevent vehicles from weaving around them, making the crossing safer. The crossing will also have obstacle detection technology installed which automatically detects anything that may be obstructing the crossings, for example a pedestrian or a car. During operation, road users will need to stop at the barriers when the lights show and wait until the barriers raise fully to continue their journey.

These safety improvements are vital in this area following the major upgrade and realignment of the line last year which will allow HS2 trains to pass beneath the existing railway. The new equipment will help to keep the public safe, as well as enabling services to run safely and reliably.
 

I hope this update has been helpful and I’m sorry for the ongoing inconvenience caused to local people while the level crossing has been shut. We’re looking forward to completing our upgrades and reopening the road with a safer level crossing in operation.
 

Kind regards
Myall
Community Relations, HS2