Medium: 40km loop, allow 90 minutes for a fast ride.

Another ride which I like to repeat over and over. These are quiet roads, with a mix of climbs, fast rolling descents and straights where you can see for miles ahead. Bedford riders frequently use Pavenham and Harold for rides and there are always plenty of friends to wave back.

The Route: Fly down Marston hill and sprint to Wootton taking the left turn to pass the church and then the school. Follow Keeley Lane and Wood End to reach Kempston West End, where we go left onto Hay Lane, over a couple of short climbs to reach the main road.

Crossing almost straight over, the old road into Stagsden has a twisting left turn at the church. Climbing out the dip is long and satisfying, after which we cross the next main road, right then left. Fine views before a dive to the valley and another sprint to a Stop! sign in Stevington.

Pavenham Road is potholed keep a watch. After a few short climbs the long and exhilarating descent to Carlton will bring a smile.

Looping back towards Turvey, wind direction determines how you’ll enjoy the straight.

Follow the river to Newton Blossomville and although you know it’s a climb coming next it never seems so bad, only a couple of short sections pitch up steeply. The wood at the top of the hill provides shade from sun or rain and then steadily through the more open field-scape it’s on lovely narrow lanes.

Crossing into Astwood there is time for just one more down and up before, almost home you’ll see the sign for the bike bus cafe.

Pros: A perfect goto ride if it’s a nice day and you have a couple of hours.

Cons: Crossing the main roads maybe but it’s no big deal

Reverse for: more favourable winds, saving the Wootton back roads till the end, or you fancy another crack at a Marston hill PB.