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« Last post by DavidThomas on 17 December 2020, 23:44 »
Today was a local Park & Ride from Shipston, have heard that there is another rival cycling gang operate from here but we did not encounter any hostiles.
The uptake of the ride was changeable with more hopefuls showing interest that I was looking forward to running 2 groups, unfortunately some were unable to join us and we had a full team of 6. One member had a scary moment the previous day with a delivery van and decided to miss club runs until after the busy Christmas delivery period. This is something that we can all understand and give our support to his choice and welcome his return when that moment is.
The 6 of us set off from the car park and headed to Todenham, I still appreciate that resurfaced stretch of road up to the village. From there we passed through Morton in Marsh, and into the quiet lanes to Evenlode, Oddington Lower and Upper. We stopped at the summit of Upper where Wendy commented on the first ascent, I had to reply that there are 3 on the route and that was not listed – there was no rebellion just fortified resolve. A lovely sweep down the hill through Bledington and onward to the ascent through Kingham and past the school. From here the road deteriorated to something more akin to a dirt track quite fitting as we passed Chastleton Barrow Fort, those late bronze age folk had a good eye for a view looking out from the top of Adlestrope Hill. Swooping cautiously down the mud track road and past the National Trust Chastleton House we turned right to Little Compton to the second ascent and dirty descent to Barton on Hearth. A smooth ride to Long Compton followed by the steep ascent out of the village with the rewards of the views from Weston Park as we dropped down to Cherrington, the road was blocked to Sutton under Brailes so the longer rout was taken to Brailes. Incidentally this was where we saw the first of the signs to Shipston 4 miles, we stoically ignored these for at least 10 miles before succumbing to the allure of ride end. At the top of the hill out of Brailes Lee left us as his road home was muddy if he took the direct route to Whatcote. We then enjoyed the ride into Shipston and the end of a good day.
It was decided that it was a route to repeat on a warm dry day with clean road surfaces and there are many possibilities to tweak the route along other quiet back roads to give a new perspective.
The riders were David Thomas RL, John Sulley, Wendy Skyte, Trevor Shaw and John Tuck.
Vital statistics pleasant sunshine giving splendid views and manageable chilly wind.
41 miles, 2500ft climbing and 12 mph. We had a few numerical values so this is a median representation, the true measure was all will be ready for a re-run and enjoyed today’s adventure down new lanes. Thanks to all that joined today’s ride, it always feels like presenting a meal that you want to be memorable for those attending and leaving all with a contented feeling.