Who
are we?
We are a local company, based in the beautiful medieval National Trust
village of Lacock, in Wiltshire.
Because
we have lived in Wiltshire for many years, we have been able to
enjoy its’ delightful villages, marvel at the mystical ancient sites of
Avebury and Stonehenge, and cycle the seemingly endless number of lanes
and tracks, which help make up this most “English” of counties.
We have cycled and walked magnificent stretches of the restored Kennet
and Avon Canal, using un-crowded towpaths and occasionally have been
known to rest for a while at a local 16th century hostelry to partake
of traditional food and beverages on offer.
One of our favourite places, just over the border into North Somerset,
is the world Heritage city of Bath, with its’ unique, sweeping Georgian
terraces, Roman Baths and excellent selection of shops, pubs and
restaurants.
Now we want to share this experience with you and to help guide you to
the best sites, via the best routes, in the best way – by bicycle!
What we will do for you?
We will provide you with a high quality “Specialized” hybrid bicycle,
which performs well on trails as well as roads, and safety equipment,
including helmets and fluorescent bands. You will also be given a
detailed, self guided, tour itinerary which will not only help you find
your way along your chosen route, but will highlight particular places
of interest to visit. We will provide you with more detailed
information on the main places on route, for instance, our own village
of Lacock, famous not only for its’ myriad of medieval houses and
church but also for its’ abbey – recently providing the back drop for
several scenes in the “Harry Potter” films.
Because of our local connections, we have been able to negotiate
discounts on such items as entry to historic sites and attractions,
overnight accommodation in certain hotels and guesthouses and meals at
particular pubs and cafes on your route.
For Group Events, we can deliver up to 24 bikes to your point of
departure and pick them up again at the end of your trip
Your choice
You can choose to do one of our day tours described below, picking up
your bicycle and self guided tour itinerary at Chippenham Railway
Station and returning on the same day. This will provide you with a
taste of what Wiltshire can offer and an inexpensive day
out.Alternatively, you can link a number of day tours together and we
will arrange your accommodation and, of course, transport your luggage,
so that it will be waiting for you when you arrive at your destination
at the end of each day.
If you want to organise your own itinerary then you can just hire one
of our bikes and plan your own routes.
In other words, YOU CHOOSE, which places to visit, how long to stay,
how fast (or slow) you wish to cycle, and whether to spend just one day
or several days in this most interesting region of our country.
I recently spent a week in London but the highlight of my trip was my two-day cycling tour in the English countryside with History on your Handlebars.
My experience surpassed what I imagined it could have been like and I left vowing to return soon and to stay longer.
I stayed at a bed and breakfast on a farm near Lacock, the location for the first two Harry Potter films. A quick bike ride down the lane took me to the home of former Pink Floyd drummer, Nick Mason.
My cycling journey led me to traditional Cotswold villages such as Castle Combe, aptly labeled “the prettiest village in England” and setting for the Dr. Doolittle film, the Roman village of Bath where I watched a group of kayakers travel the River Avon, and Reybridge, where I stood on a stone fence to glimpse a view of Camilla Parker-Bowles’ country house.
On my route, along the houseboat-lined River Avon and the Kennet and Avon Canal, I visited traditional British pubs and glorious stone churches, snapped pictures of story-book thatched-roof cottages, stopped to say hi to grazing cows, horses and goats, and delighted in an impromptu visit to the historic Sevington School for a guided tour.
Here, two former schoolteachers re-create 19th-century Victorian times for primary student school visits. On this afternoon the students had come and gone by the time I arrived, enchanted by the schoolhouse that resembles a small church.In large measure the appeal of seeing this scenic area by bicycle is the liberty and freedom to travel at your own pace - as slow as molasses or as fast as your pedals will spin.
By bicycle you are able to truly connect with the wonder, beauty and history of Wiltshire County, you are able to interact with the residents and veer off the chosen path to explore nooks and crannies. Above all, you are free to create lasting memories. History on Your Handlebars gets full points for providing high-end comfortable bikes, refreshing limewater and friendly guidance.
Cherie DeLory: Freelance Journalist, Toronto, Canada
We're
included in the biking
holidays
section on the travel-quest adventure holidays site and which includes
mountain biking trips, cycling vacations and holidays and tandem trips
and tours.
Click here to view our links to relevant pages
