M7 Cycling Club

For Kathy

Fourth Ride; Sunday 26th February

Routemaster; Steve Darby

Cyclists; Doug Freeman, Ian Hartland, Steve Darby, Dave Shuttleworth, Celia Neill, Peter McDonald
Statistics; 25.50 miles, average speed 11.10 mph, ride time 2:29:73, maximum Ian speed 31.3 mph

We started from Harbury Village Hall at 11:00am and the forecast was for sun, wind, showers and sleet, and they got it right. There was a strong cold wind (16mph) from the North East, but again our Routemaster had allowed for this in his route selection. We were very pleased to welcome two virgin M7’ers, Celia and Peter, who were suitably attired for the artic conditions.

We left Harbury on the B4452, then through Bascote Heath, Bascote, and into Long Itchington. We observed the delightful sunny scene of ducks on the Long Itchington village pond, but unfortunately I didn’t have any film in my camera. We briefly went on the A423(T) in the direction of Southam, left on the Stockton Road, and then immediately left along Collingham Lane. We crossed over the road leading to Birdingbury, and then across the A426, and through Broadwell. Quiz question, why are only some lanes named on Ordnance Survey maps? I am sure that Captain Sensible or Prof will enlighten us.

The next section of the ride was a new born lamb spotter’s paradise, and what with the blue skies and fluffy clouds, we were only missing Kerry’s “this is what it is all about”. We passed Woodbine Farm, Lower Grandborough Fields Farm, Railway Cottages, and on to Lower Shuckburgh. We smoothly negotiated, in M7 formation cycling fashion, the four gates on the road to Halls Barn Farm, and then it was heads down the hill to Napton on the Hill. We skirted around the bottom of Napton, to avoid climbing another hill, and made our way to the canal side “Coffee at the Folly”.

Now our catering manager had phoned the Folly (and left a message) during the week to warn them that a group of cycling gourmets would arrive on Sunday lunchtime and would like some sandwiches. We were pleased to be able to sample their entire sandwich menu; ham, ham, ham, ham and egg, and maybe some cheese, all on fresh Mothers Pride. Margaret, who had joined us for lunch, rashly asked for white wine and sensibly selected the orange juice. The rest of team sampled the instant coffee and discussed that classic radio program “Hancock’s Half Hour”.

We departed the Folly, and said goodbye to Margaret’s cousin who just happened to be there, crossed the Oxford Canal twice, went past Napton Holt, and on the Welsh Road East back to Southam. We made good use of the cycling possibilities offered by Southam, and then took the B4451 to Deppers Bridge.

We were offered and took a comfort break at chez Lynne’s, and for this Dave was awarded his M7 Emergencies badge. The remaining members of team then tackled the final hill back to Harbury.

An excellent ride, good company, delicious coffee, orange juice and ham.
Cheers, Doug.