M7 Cycling Club

A shaky moment at the Tea Rooms

Eleventh Ride; Saturday 27th May
Routemaster; Doug Freeman
Riders: Doug Freeman, Steve Darby, Ian Hartland, Peter Bones
Total mileage: 17.8 miles
Average Speed: 11.4 mph
Fastest (Ian) Speed: 31.5 mph

The cyclists arrived at the village hall for a 13:30 start for what was advertised as “a shorter more leisurely route to encourage our summer cyclists to get on their bikes, but with an optional extra loop for those with too much energy”. We can only assume that the non stop rain deterred any summer cyclists from joining us, so the routemaster decided to let the cyclists determine the route.

Steve was given the first “left or right” choice, and elected for left and a westerly direction. The cyclists, all suitably attired for any off-shore rescue, turned left at Chesterton Windmill and regrouped at the turning for Chesterton Green. Ian choose the left turn rather than straight on towards Barn Hill services.

At Chesterton Green we all agreed on a right towards Lighthorne, as carrying straight on would have returned us to Harbury in record time… we are after all keen cyclists. We traversed the M40, climbed past Chesterton Wood and zoomed down to Lighthorne. Now it was Pete’s turn to choose between the given options of right or straight on. He tried to sneak a left turn to the Antelope Transport Cafe, but the rest of us being fit cyclists elected to tackle the Lighthorne crags.

We whizzed past Lighthorne Rough, crossed the Fosse Water Way and on to Morten Paddox cliffs. At this decision point, Steve delegated to the routemaster who choose the downhill water slide to Wellesbourne. Then came the next tricky decision, would we go left into Wellesbourne harbour, straight on to Loxley cove, or right and inland to Newbold Pacey? Ian choose, with some prompting, the inland option. Steve now had a head of steam and was desperate for coffee. He completely ignored the Newbold Pacey right turn to Moreton Morrell, turned right to Ashorne and the Cottage Tea Rooms.

The now drenched sailors entered the haven of the Tea Rooms, removed their oilskins and settled down to some warming refreshments. Steve could not choose between the honey latte, church end cappuccino, and deuchars tea, so he sampled all three. The other team members just supped the excellent tea and sampled a tray of delicate pastries provided free by the fine owner of the establishment.

It finally stopped raining, so we mounted our amphibious steeds and set forth to do battle with Bromson Hill. On the lower escarpments, Ian managed a tricky manoeuvre which led Doug unsuspectingly into three foot of surface water. Doug pointed out to Ian the error of his way. We joined the Fosse, crossed the M40, and turned right towards Chesteron, on through Thwaites and back home to Harbury for hot baths and cocoa.

An excellent ride, outstanding Tea Rooms, good company and a fine costal and inland route.

Doug.