There is nothing quite like a clear summer morning, an empty tank waiting to be filled and a road that deserves your full attention. The trouble is deciding where to point the bike.
So we have done the thinking for you. Here are five of our favourite summer routes from our corner of the world, whether you are setting off from Northampton or Milton Keynes. There is something here for a quick evening blast, a lazy Sunday breakfast run and a proper all day adventure, because our riders tend to go far and wide.
1. The twisty one: Daventry to Banbury and the Cotswold fringe
Head out towards Daventry and pick up the A361 towards Banbury, and you are onto one of the best flowing roads in the area. Sweeping bends, proper countryside and plenty of room to enjoy yourself. Push on into the edge of the Cotswolds and the villages get prettier by the mile.
Roughly: a half day, around 60 to 80 miles round trip depending on how far you wander. Why we love it: it rewards smooth riding rather than speed, which is what a good B road should do.
2. The scenic loop: Rutland Water
North of us lies Rutland Water, and it is a rider magnet for good reason. The roads around Oakham and Uppingham are a joy, the scenery is genuinely lovely, and the whole reservoir loop makes for a satisfying day out. It is popular with bikers, so you will rarely be the only two wheels in the car park.
Roughly: around a 100 mile round trip, an easy full day with stops. Why we love it: big skies, good roads and a proper sense of having been somewhere.
3. The breakfast run: Stoke Bruerne
Sitting almost exactly between our two showrooms, the canal village of Stoke Bruerne is the perfect short run. Gentle lanes, a pretty stretch of the Grand Union Canal and somewhere to sit with a drink and watch the narrowboats go by.
Roughly: under half an hour each way, ideal for an evening pootle or a Sunday morning coffee. Why we love it: low effort, high reward, and close enough to squeeze in after work.
4. The gentle one: Salcey Forest and the Silverstone lanes
If you are newer to riding, easing back in, or you just fancy a relaxed spin, the quiet lanes around Salcey Forest, Silverstone, Whittlebury and Stowe are hard to beat. Little traffic, easy going and a lovely way to build confidence or wind down.
Roughly: a relaxed 30 to 40 miles. Why we love it: all the pleasure of riding with none of the pressure.
5. The big day out: the Peak District
When you want to make a real day of it, point north for the Peak District. It is the classic. Moorland roads, proper corners and views that make the early start worth it. Fuel up, pack your waterproofs whatever the forecast says, and give yourself a couple of hours each way.
Roughly: a full day, and a memorable one. Why we love it: it is the ride you talk about for weeks afterwards.
Make a day of it
Half the fun of a good route is sharing it. Keep an eye on our ride-outs if you would rather roll out in company, and remember Refuel is always a good place to start or finish, whether that is a coffee before you set off or a debrief when you get back.
Wherever you are headed this summer, give the bike a quick once over before you go, and enjoy every mile of it
