M7 Cycling Club

See you next ride

Thirty First Ride; Monday 9th April 2007
Routemaster; Doug Freeman
Riders: Doug Freeman, Janny Freeman, Kathy Freeman, Ian Hartland, Sue Hartland, Dave Shuttleworth, Lynne Cooke, Pete Bones, Liz Bones
Total mileage: 10.91 miles
Average Speed: 9.5 mph
Fastest Speed: Gentle

The M9 met at Harbury Village Hall for an 11am start on a fine and sunny Easter Monday, 15c with a 10mph wind from the south west. This was advertised as, “a short ride, 10 miles maximum, to try and persuade those fair weather cyclists that spring is here and is time to get your bikes out of the garage.” It was great to have not only three virgin M7’ers, Kathy, Liz and Lynne, but Sue on her new bike.

The route took as out of Harbury via Butt Lane and Plough Lane to Bishops Itchington. Here Pete, Dave and Ian took up the Routemaster’s challenge and set off on the longer loop via Hambridge Road with the plan to meet at the Salt Way. The Routemaster led his team of six at a leisurely pace south towards Knightcote and then west along the Salt Way. He knew that the keen cyclists would be going flat out to beat us to the Salt Road, but unlike the keen’ies he also knew the stood no chance of getting their first.

The leisurely six cruised along enjoying the beautiful spring day, crossed the B4551 and entered Thwaites. It was at the top of the incline alongside the M40, that the bemused three keen’ies finally caught them up. The three were then offered a further optional loop via Kingston Manor Farm and Kingston Lodge, but only Dave and Ian took up the challenge. We all regrouped at the Five Ways exit from Thwaites, discussed where we should go for coffee and the Shake was selected. As we set off along Butt Lane, Doug recognised one of the two cyclists on the other side of the road as being the proprietor of Atkins Cycles. Doug stopped to chat to him and pointed out that Sue was riding a new Ridgeback purchased from his shop on the previous day.

We arrived at the Shake, locked up our bikes, only to discover that even though is was way past midday it was closed. Unperturbed, we headed to the Old New Team Rooms where Pete was keen to do some research for a forthcoming Morris Weekend, and so we agreed to sample the various Church End flavoured teas and coffees.

A very pleasant Easter Monday ride, new cyclists and a new bike, excellent company and refreshing teas. To top it all, Sue said that for once Doug did not lie about the distance or the hills. Wait until the next ride Sue.

Doug.