M7 Cycling Club

Artic Explorers

Last photo before the camera decided it was too cold

Forty first Ride: Sunday 16th December 2007
Routemaster: Doug Freeman
M4 Riders: Doug Freeman, Ian Hartland, Pete Johnson, John Hancock
Total mileage: 27.05 miles (Pete Johnson a good few miles more)
Average Speed; 11.98 mph
Fastest Speed; unable to read due to the cold

The M3 met at Harbury Village Hall on sunny but very cold winter’s day, with a maximum temperature of 1c and a 7mph wind from the east. The ride was advertised as approximately 20 miles with undulations, and the actual mileage was well within the M7 estimating tolerance.

As the M3 were riding away from the Village Hall, they became M4 when John turned up in the nick of time. We headed out along Bush Heath Lane and entered Thwaites at Five Ways, and cycled at a fast pace to try and keep warm. We were slowed down at the short muddy stretch near the far end of Itchington Holt, so much so that Doug’s bike ground to halt when it became totally clogged with mud between the mudguards, wheels and brakes.

We joined the B4451, cycled through Gaydon, along the Southam Road to Kineton, through Little Kineton and out on the Tysoe Road. The group were given their first decision at Hardwick Cottages, whether to turn left for a short distance along the A422, or take a two mile extra loop via Lower Tysoe. One of the non Harbury riders imposed his will, and so it was along the A road and then left towards Radway.

At Radway, John took us on a short detour up King John’s Lane to look at the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust's newly acquired Radways Meadows nature reserve. There was not a lot to see at this time of the year, but there are plans to turn the lower slopes into a hay meadow to release the many wildflowers currently cropped to the ground by heavy sheep grazing. The upper slopes apparently already offer a haven for wildlife as well as fine views.

Suitably cultured, we continued our journey, turning down the shorter route to Northend, but instead opting for the mountain terrain under Edge Hill, through Arlescote and on to Avon Dassett. Three of the M4 were unperturbed by the step climb out of Avon Dassett, and soon we were enjoying the ride to the top of the Burton Dassett Hills. Our route home was pretty uneventful via Northend, Knightcote and Bishop’s Itchington. Some members of the M4 were now complaining about severe frost bite to their extremities, and Doug’s camera had decided it had had enough many miles back. We said goodbye to Pete at Five Ways as he headed back to the smoke, and we returned to the warmth of our homes.

An enjoyable very cold winter ride, good company, no drinks stops, with a nature reserve exploration on the way.
Doug.

# posted by M7 Cycling Club @ 3:43 pm