Thirty Fifth Ride; Sunday 23rd September 2007
Routemaster; Doug Freeman
Riders: Doug Freeman, Ian Hartland
Total mileage: 20.05 miles
Average Speed: 11.73 mph
Fastest Speed: 38 mph (Ian)
The M2 met at Harbury Village Hall for an 11am start, on a cloudy day, 16c with a 17mph wind from the south west. There was a forecast of rain for around 1pm, so we planned a route which would get us back to Harbury before then.
We decided to head out in a south westerly direction to meet the wind head on for the first part of the ride, and to get the Munro’s out of the way. Our route took as past Chesterton Windmill, which should get new sails this week, through Chesterton and on to Lighthorne. We had a interesting discussion about cattle grids and how best to tackle them, and enjoyed the sights and sounds of autumn.
At Lighthorne Rough, we turned left and then left again on Lighthorne Road to Kineton. On the downhill stretch to Kineton Ian attained an impressive 38.4 mph, but Doug braked to a mere 28mph so as not to frighten the horse and rider ascending the hill. From Kineton we had the wind on our backs and breezed along to Gaydon, went through the village giving the Malt Shovel coffee house a wide berth, and headed along the back lane across the M40 towards Northend.
Before reaching Northend, we took the road towards Fenny Compton, and then left for our journey back to hHarbury via Kinightcote and Bishop’s Itchington. We entered Harbury via Bush Heath Lane, Vicarage Lane and South Parade. This slightly longer route cunningly took our mileage over 20 miles. It was becoming very overcast and threatened rain, but we steadfastly ignored the haven of the Old New tea gardens, and headed to the safety of our homes.
A fine autumn ride, excellent company, and no tea or coffee whatsoever, honest guv.
Doug.
Last of the summer wine
But it will soon be Sloe Gin time
