Cycling on the A614 - Old Rufford Road?

[Jezston]

Going up to Center Parcs in Nottingham Forest on Thursday, and thinking of going there and back by bike from central Nottingham.

This will mean riding the A614 for a long stretch, which I can't seem to find speed limits for, and looks quite narrow and potentially nasty fast close pass tastic.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=fro...A;FdpEKwMdnd3v_yGIk_OrAJov-Q&vpsrc=6&t=m&z=11

Anyone know what it's like?

 

[Rusty Chain]

Never cycled along it myself Jetz, but driven it many times over the years and I think I can recall only ever seeing one cyclist on it in all that time. Single lane, plenty of dips, hills and troughs all taken at speed. To be honest I wouldn't cycle it.

 

[dellzeqq]

I went up and down it a lot in the 19980s and 90s, and last crossed it in June 2003 - so this may be out of date. It was then a fast two lane road with a good deal of heavy goods traffic. Not for the fainthearted. I'd look for alternatives. However.....if you look at the BBC's interactive road death map there seem to be more fatalities on the smaller roads to the east, in the region of Arnold, than on the A614 - so maybe perceptions aren't everything.

 

[fixedfixer]

Jez. In a word DON'T It's supposed to be 60 but lots of fast traffic. This used to be a three lane road but is now just two wide lanes - however traffic still overtakes even with oncoming traffic as they 'force' away through. Think about going East via Southwell and Eakring or check out if there is a Sustrans route through Sherewood Forest and the Blidworth side of the A614.

 

[Jezston]

60!!! Sod that!

Was hoping it would be a 40 limit or something.

Thanks for the info - I'll look into alternatives, which would be a shame as it looks quite nice, and very direct.

I suspect my alternatives are likely to end up being a bus

 

[Matthew_T]

I went up and down it a lot in the 19980s and 90s,

You can either see into the future or have invented a time machine. Somehow I dont think the road will be there in 19980 as we certainly would have evolved some form of transport better than cars and vehicles alike.

 

[dellzeqq]

?

no worries, Uncle Mort. One can never have too much of that stuff on the internet....

I've just realised. Every time I see your name I give thanks that you are still alive. It's one of those subconscious associations that are so fleeting that one doesn't recognise them. But, nonetheless, it makes each and every post a pleasure to read.

 

[fixedfixer]

Check out bits of National Route 6 http://www.sustrans....d/derby-to-york May help.

 

[Jezston]

Just noticed the route 6, too.

Only issue I have with sustrans routes is often section can be completely unsuitable for all but the hardiest of mountain bikes. I recall when doing my coast to coast I had to get off and push for many long rocky sections, and that was on my hybrid. This will be on my road bike.

Also, they often go seriously round the houses just to make the route 'safer' - part of the route between derby and nottingham goes round a massive housing estate and back just to avoid a busy junction!

Sorry, not wanting to sound ungrateful. Just disappointed still that I can't really just ride straight up the A614 and be there in an hour & half.

Going to give sustrans a call and see if they can give me more info.

 

[Jezston]

Noooo - you'd probably have to go via Mansfield or something, and when you get to Center Parcs you'd have to hire crappy bikes!

I don't know the roads too well South of Farnsfield, but the Dukeries north of Southwell is generally pretty nice for cycling on the B roads. I would take the Mansfield road out of Nottingham from Daybrook out as far as Arnold and then head off on the B6386 (which can also be a bit busy, but you're not on it for too long) and go Hallam, Edingly, Kinglington, Eakring, Wellow, then follow the signs for Rufford. As far as I recall you can get to Center Parcs by going over the Old Rufford Road and taking the side road in, but I can't remember - it's been a few years.

It's not much of a diversion and a lot better than taking the bus!

I would sty off the A614 if possible though, as others have said, it's a fast road.

Cheers, that has given me options to consider!

 

[Jezston]

How does this look?

http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=328749

 

[fixedfixer]

That looks much better. Might be busy on main road out of Nottingham but once beyond Daybrook it will be better. Take care on Arch Hill (between Daybrook and the Roundabout) can't really avoid that bit. Those lanes around Eakring should be fine. Let us know how you get on.

 

[2Loose]

Avoid the A614 at all costs, it is a nightmare on a motorbike, even worse in a car...the single lane and switchbacks mean judging an overtake is risky\stupid.


That other route is better, but think I would head N\E from Notts to Southwell and then rejoin your new route from there at Halam - much nicer & less busy route. out of town. You may even see a shared path that is actually worth using along the way....

As already said, out around Eakring it is proper country roads, so a joy.