Test Ride | Stewartby Lake, Bedfordshire
I love riding a bike, always have! first bike was pink, my mum had to bring it to pre-school every day so I could ride it on our way home. My next one was a folding bike, it was just folding in half, and I don’t think I even once folded it as it was stolen few weeks after receiving it as a Holy Communion gift…
1993, my first folding bike
I always liked the idea of having a bicycle in my car boot or in our campervan for when we go on our adventures. I recently bought two cute folding bikes on facebook marketplace. They were in need of some TLC but it didn’t scare me off- let’s be honest, the price was right ;) After fixing my new two wheelers it was time to go for a test ride!
our new rides
I took my Btwin sexy bright red machine on a proper ride. I headed to Stewartby Lake. If you follow me on Instagram you will know that it’s one of our fav local places. The circular route around the lake is about 5k long, there is access to the lake literally every few hundred yards. My dog always loves swimming in the lake. You only have to be careful in the summer as the lake often has green algae that can be harmful to humans and animals. Look out for signs and never let your dogs go in the water if green algae are present.
Stewartby Lake is a part of Marston Vale Millennium Country Park. Back in the 1930s, Stewartby Lake was a clay pit from which bricks were made. It remained so for some 30 years, until its used was no longer required. You can still see a lot of bricks in the water and on the shore. The Stewartby Water Sports Club looks after the water sports and angling activities – permitted in a designated area of the water. You can often see Powerboat and Hydroplane Racing on the lake, especially during or before Easter every year. Check sailing clubs website for details and time tables.
You can access the lake from various locations and one of them is Forest Centre were you will find a Café Bar, a sensory wildlife garden and an adventure play area for the children. Car Parking charges apply. And if you own a campervan or motor home they also allow overnight parking for a small charge. You can also use a free bike repair station!
All the info you need:
The Forest Centre, Station Rd, Marston Moretaine, Bedford MK43 0PR
Buggy friendly, big car park, Cafe, toilets, bicycle hire (check for details), playgrounds, sensory garden, bicycle repair station, overnight parking, parking charges apply
Review of Btwin Folding bike.
I’m not gonna lie. There is nothing super crazy about this bike, it’s a bike! It has 20” wheels, 6 shifters, brakes and comfy seat - my bum didn’t hurt once, it’s a nice cruiser, managed well on a mud and some rocky terrain – saying that, trail around Stewartby lake is pretty easy with no bigger hills or difficult paths. It folds nicely, and is small enough to fit in my car boot. Anyway, I don’t think I will be taking this bike mountain biking or any endurance races… or maybe ….I will keep you posted if I will ;) overall I am super happy.
You can find new Btwin bike on Decathlon website, and it’s currently on offer (March 2023)
And here are some photos from my solo test ride.
