This is in fact the second ride
of Malmesbury Clarion CC (I didn't get around to writing up the historic first
outing.)
We met, as I hope becomes usual
practice for the club, outside the Jackdaw Cafe at 10.20am for the 10.30am
'Grand Depart'. Apparently I was late by about 3 minutes, so sorry about that.
Nevertheless, a group of 5 assembled, one more than on the first ride (welcome
Sue) and set off on a ride designed by Mike. Initially 21 miles with a
cafe stop, but with a few well chosen deviations from the original plan we
completed the ride with over 27 miles on the clock and finished with an
excellent cuppa. Again we have Mike to thank for that.
The full course can be found
here
The route had many 'enjoyable'
features including an assent, early on, of Malmesbury most spectacular Blicks
Hill! We continued through Milbourne and Garsdon and by-passed Brinkworth to
the north and climbed the hill known locally (at least to Dave and me) as
L'Alpe. A rapid decent of Callow Hill followed and we continued on to what
turned out to be the hardest climb of the day up to the A3102. Eleven miles completed
and the Cafe stop in Lyneham was within sniffing distance, well a mile away.
The main road was voted too busy
and we agreed a deviation via Tockenham. This added about 3 miles to the route
but included a section between Tockenham and Lyneham that I had not ridden
before, a rare treat for me. Piggy's Cafe in Lyneham was reached after about 15
miles and the Peloton was treated by Mike to drinks and snacks. Thanks, much
appreciated, my round next maybe. Even the weather was good to us and the break
was enjoyed sitting outside.
All good things come to an end
and we continued on our way. Another slight adjustment to the original plan
found us sweeping down Dauntsey Bank and on to Great Somerford. Here the
excitement mounted as we were led through the largely unexplored (by me) outer
reaches of the village. At Little Somerford the last hill. Once Clay Street was
conquered the route followed Cresswell Lane via Cleverton to Mike's house in
Lea. This was really the end of the ride although for those of us that do not
live in Mike's house, there was the small matter of the 3 miles to Malmesbury,
already cycled by our host earlier that day.
For the record there were no
breakdowns - mechanical, physical or emotional.
Howiecycles
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