Boxing Day is a traditional English bank holiday that sees a full sporting calendar and people walking off overindulgence from the day before. Its origins are more philanthropic, a day for giving to those less fortunate than one’s self. I tend to view Boxing Day as a time to give back to my soul and replenish wellbeing with a good dose of cycling and being out in nature.
This year, on a bright clear morning I decided to explore a byway that I’ve not ridden before. Surprising because Carvers Hollow is not far from where I live, about 20km away in fact. It does not feature on the Gravel Notts routes simply because it’s not really on a route to anywhere. So, having designed a ride around Cavers Hollow, the adjoining Newhall Lane and interestingly named Cutlersforth I set out early with my leftover vegetarian roast and stuffing sandwich, along with a flask of coffee.
Making my way out of the home town, across Papplewick Moor and through Samsom Wood I decided to try a new footpath linking two main roads to avoid the traffic. That was the real start of my adventure. Having crossed a field into the nearby coppice I was in for a surprise. Within this small patch of trees runs a stream that feeds Beanford Ford. The narrow wooden bridge across the stream had been partially washed away during recent floods forcing a precarious crossing of man and bike.
Having made my way over the stream hauling my heavy winter bike down and out of the obstacle I continued out of the wood and along a delightful track to the main road. The main road was thankfully deserted this early on a bank holiday.
After a short stretch of A road, I took a right into Greaves Lane and climbed the 10% hill before descending in the direction of Edingley village for about two kilometres. A sharp right took me away from the village and my exploration of Carvers Hollow began with a sharp climb maxing out at about 15%. Not much in the way of things but my winter bike only sports an 8 speed 38/28 so I was working by the top of the climb.
The semi-tarmac Carvers Hollow was smooth in comparison to the unnamed byway taken to the left and towards Newhall Lane. At the summit there was a convenient concrete block that served as a table for my sandwich break. Continuing on Newhall Lane offered a similar surface with the occasional deep puddle to ensure our washing machine would be pressed into service upon my return home.
Turning into Cutlersforth I eventually emerged north of Halam village before the climb to Oxton Bank and a fast descent towards more familiar roads and home.
All in all, this was a satisfying adventure that gave more than expected for a short ride of less than 40km. Back home to a shower, rolled eyes from the wife and an afternoon of more Christmas leftovers.