On 12th October, the Daily Express reported that record-breaking
snow was predicted to fall in November and that this would be the worst winter
for decades. They followed this up on 17th November with an article warning
that we should prepare for 100 days of snow and the worst winter in over 60
years.
I was reminded of these scare stories, as we mustered
outside of the Jackdaw Café on a very mild, bright December morning. The only snow on display being the imitation stuff
they stick in shop windows.
Grateful not to be in the grip of an artic freeze we set off
for the National Trust Café at Lacock, our happy throng once again boosted by
Howard who accompanied us as far as Norton.
Apart from Stubbs Lane at Kington St Michael, the outward
bound roads were mud-free and made for good, fast riding. In what seemed like no time at all we arrived
at our destination. Too cold to partake of our refreshments outside, but without
our cycling locks, I abused my parental authority by tasking George W to remain
with the bikes. He had a hot chocolate (pictured) to keep him company and so
had no reason to complain.
Time and tide waits for no man and neither does Bowden Hill.
George W set off at an electric pace intent on improving his Strava ranking for
this climb. We were joined on the ascent by three riders from the Chippenham
Wheelers. At first it looked as though
they were going to steam straight past us, but keen not to let ourselves and
the MCCC down, we dug deep. In an exchange of friendly banter I invited them to
have a crack at our lead rider, but they politely declined. Tetbury Andy led our loose mixed pelaton up
the increasingly steep hill and we managed to keep the third Chippenham Wheeler
detached at the back of the pack until just before the summit. In fairness to
the Wheelers they had just peeled off from a chain gang after a decent ride and
were heading back home to Calne, but you have to take life's little pleasures when they present themselves.
Garmins and Bontragers were then put through their paces as
we enjoyed the exhilarating ride along the Devizes to Chippenham road before
turning into the village of Derry Hill. In a narrow lane on the other side of the village, Tetbury Andy sensibly shouted 'walkers.' Now as anyone who has ever watched the long running television series, The Walking Dead, will know, this can only mean one thing; the presence of zombies. Not so in this case I'm happy to report, just a bunch of ramblers.
Having scaled the tricky short hill that finishes at the Dump Post Inn, Bremhill it was all plain sailing back to Malmesbury and as we used to say in a previous life, back for tea and medals.
Having scaled the tricky short hill that finishes at the Dump Post Inn, Bremhill it was all plain sailing back to Malmesbury and as we used to say in a previous life, back for tea and medals.
Mileage 36.3 miles
Garmin reference: http://connect.garmin.com/course/2358293
The Cycling Monk
The Cycling Monk
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