The Famous Five's Foray to the Fish Farm

Our peloton held at the lights in Cirencester before the start of the Whiteway
(click once to enlarge the pictures)

Firstly, thanks Steve for coming up with the very apt title of this piece covering Sunday's ride.

Tim H again demonstrated why he would be a very worthy candidate for the Clubman of the Year award, that's if we had one, by joining us on his third choice bike. I say 'joining', Tim H was actually leading us, albeit shouting instructions at the back, as he was the only rider with the course on his Garmin. I've a feeling that revenge will be sweet just as soon as his number one cycle is ready.

Under a bright sky and with a stiff wind more or less behind us, we headed for Bibury.

Here they come again . . . . . . . . . 

Dropping down through Withington Woods we were met by a convoy of Land Rovers on a club rally travelling in the opposite direction. A little further on, just past the entrance to the Chedworth Roman Villa, our paths crossed again. One of them just happened to be driven by a former work colleague of Steve who recognising him, pulled over for a quick word. I seem to remember something similar happening with Steve when we went to Bradford on Avon to watch the Tour of Britain. 

The unspoiled countryside between Withington and Bibury was absolutely stunning and a pleasure to ride. Chapeau Howard.

Something fishy going on?

The morning's exertions had built up a bit of an appetite and sandwiches for lunch proved a popular choice at the Trout Farm cafe, although no one opted for trout in any of its various guises. 

A nuisance or an attraction in its own right . . . . the yellow car

Before leaving the village we showed Karine the almshouses and pointed out to her the yellow car which has recently been the subject of complaint, as it spoils some of the visitors' photographs.

Next stop Malmesbury

The return journey wasn't quite the quick 20 mile ride enjoyed by the two Andy's when they checked the course on Easter Monday. Instead, we rode straight into a lively headwind which when it wasn't battering us in the face, did its best to shake us off our bikes with sudden sideways gusts. 

Crossing the Cotswold Water Park the inevitable happened. Well, I suppose it was just a question of when. No, not a puncture, Steve was spotted again, this time it was someone from his village. 

Karine came up with an interesting theory that Steve might actually be famous and that's why he gets to be recognised so much. 

With the sun having deserted us a long time ago and dark clouds gathering, we were pleased to return home in the dry.