TOUR DE FORGE

Welcome to the Tour de Forge – our very own coffee-fuelled cycling challenge!

This 49-mile route links all three of our Forge Coffee shops through scenic countryside and quiet lanes. Ride it solo or with friends, collect a stamp at each café, and finish the route in a single day to earn a coffee and treat - on us! Complete it once or ride it again and again – because at the end of the year, someone will be crowned King or Queen of the Mocha and awarded our coveted ‘Yellow Jersey’.

THE ROUTE

The full route is 47 miles with 2,553 feet of elevation - CLICK HERE FOR RIDE WITH GPS ROUTE

The short route is 40 miles with 1,859 feet of elevation - CLICK HERE FOR RISE WITH GPS ROUTE

Both routes as published begin and end at Forge Coffee Culworth (OX17 2BA). However being circular you could start and finish at either of the other Forge Coffee locations – Evenley (NN13 5SQ) or Whittlebury (NN12 8QH). 

As far as possible less busy lanes and roads have been used. There are no off-road sections.

Both are routed in an anti-clockwise direction to maximise potentially safer left turns.

The section between Forge Coffee Whittlebury to Forge Coffee Culworth is where you will find most of the elevation gain.

Check the route for road closures before you set off.  The following link offers current and future closures as well as a wealth of other information: Causeway one.network

Important Route Note: There is a section after Culworth which follows a new road past the HS2 works which may appear as 'off-road' if the maps on your device or software have not been updated.  Please be aware that because of this if you edit the route your software may default by routing you using the nearby, but now closed road.  If this is the case use the newly constructed road (the only option).  Turn right at the T junction with the B4525.  After a short distance turn first left towards Greatworth.  Take the first right (before you get to the village) which takes you down a hill.  At the bottom of the hill turn left at the T-junction heading for Farthinghoe / Charlton / Evenley at that point you should be back on your route.

HOW TO TOUR DE FORGE

Start at any of our shops and ask for a Tour de Forge card. Make sure you get your start point date stamped. Fuelled on coffee, head off and on reaching each of our shops in turn make sure you get your card stamped by us.

When you get back to your chosen start shop present your completed card for a free coffee (or tea or hot chocolate!) plus a well earned slice of cake or a sausage roll!

It is recommended you start your ride as early as possible (our shops open at 9am) in order to have time to enjoy the ride and get to the final location before we shut!

If you would like to be added to our Tour de Forge Finisher list just let someone know at the end of the ride. The most Forge Finishes by one cyclist at the end of the year will win our coveted Yellow Jersey ;-)

To earn your well-deserved coffee and cake (or sausage roll, if you’re feeling savoury), you’ve got to complete the full Tour de Forge in one glorious day. That’s right - no stretching it out like a lukewarm latte. One day. Three stops. All the glory.

YOU AND YOUR BIKE

For both routes it’s recommended that you have a reasonable level of fitness and confidence cycling on roads.

Please Note: The full route is targeted more towards the experienced road cyclist.

Tips: pace it within your abilities. It would be best to have already cycled similar distances.

Ensure your bike is well maintained and is not going to cause you any concern mid-ride.

The surface on the smaller lanes are variable in quality, a tyre width of at least 28mm is recommended.

Having lights, a pump, spare inner tubes, tyre levers, a bike multi-tool and puncture repair kit could save your day.

Wear a helmet, take water and snacks.  Also be prepared for the forecasted weather conditions.

Be considerate of other slower road users (walkers / horse and rider).  Using your friendliest voice to alert them to your presence from a sensible distance back is less likely to startle.  Horses in particular will be more familiar with the human voice rather than a sharp sounding bike bell.  Please pass wide and slow.

Disclaimer: Please note the routes are ridden entirely at your own risk regarding any loss or accidents whilst on your ride.


LONG ROUTE QR CODE

SHORT ROUTE QR CODE

A BIG THANKS GO TO…

We need to give a big thanks to Forge Coffee (mostly Culworth ;-) regular and cyclist John Lamb for devising the route and advising us so brilliantly! We couldn’t have done it without you.

And to the very lovely and awesome group John assembled for us one mild-ish day back in March to test the route out and film some bits for us: big up to Ros, Simon, Chris and Tove!

And to our very own Rosie Gulbis who designed the maps/artwork so superbly.