Unlike in an email I received that morning from Phil claiming that he and Steve were ‘looking forward to the ride’, I was entirely sceptical. Having earlier cleared the car of frost and driven to Swindon and back at a sub zero temperature, and with the current 10am temperature hovering around 2 degrees, the one thing on my mind was ice. Never-the-less, I cycled to the start where there were already 8 others waiting for the off.
Enough riders to form 2 groups and 4 opted for the longer circuit. As both circuits stay together for about the first six miles the bunch of 9 set off together. Once Malmesbury was cleared a blistering pace was set along the Tetbury Road for as far as Long Newnton. At that point the pace maker blew up completely and was, almost, not seen or heard of for the rest of the ride.
We turned right at Long Newnton, then right again on to the road that snakes back to Crudwell and there things started to get interesting, or in my view, scary. This road had sections covered in white hoar frost. To me it looked like a skating rink. The only way I can cope with those conditions is by going dead slowly or even getting off and walking! Also, I prefer a lot of room around me and preferred to be right at the back. I could only marvel at the skills of all the other riders who barely slowed down and soon left me far behind. All the evidence was that the road surface was not bad at all, but to me it looked terrible. Soon the bunch was out of sight and I rode the rest of the way alone. In this instance I preferred it that way.
In the end I was first to the Angel Café having avoided what I thought would be the worst roads. The group riding the shorter circuit arrived as I was locking my bike and we were soon in the café placing our orders. The Angel had done us proud by providing us with the sole use of their lounge having been briefed by email that we would be going there, (thanks Tim W). It was too cold to linger for long and we left and went our separate was without seeing the other group.
A final embarrassing moment was added to my somewhat ignominious ride. I was about 15 minutes away from the Angel when I suddenly realised I hadn’t paid for my coffee and cake! I could have paid on Thursday, but a bird in the hand etc etc so I turned back and made my confession and apologies. As far as I am aware there is no police action being taken at this time and the clubs good name is intact!!
Apparently the other group did make it to the café but were later than expected due to an ongoing puncture situation.
Howard
Great picture, exactly like that. It was, honest.
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