M7 Cycling Club

Forty Fourth Ride: Sunday 6^th January 2008
Routemaster: Doug Freeman
Riders: Doug Freeman, Ian Hartland, Steve Darby, Pete Johnson, Tina Morris, Rachel Cousins, Val Evans, Andrew Patrick, Jenny Patrick, Ken Williams, Gill Dawson
Total mileage: 15.31 miles
Average Speed; cruising
Fastest Speed; Doug and Pete when offered tea and mince pies at Rachel’s

The M11 met at Harbury on a sunny 4c winter’s day, with a 9mph wind from the south west. The ride was advertised as twelve miles to celebrate Twelfth Night, and one person was surprised to learn that the Routemaster had not actually decided on the route. The M11 were given two route choices; one of approximately 12 miles but a repeat of a recent ride; another slightly more challenging ride of about 14 miles. Surprisingly they chose the more demanding route.

Before setting off, there was a hastily arranged M7 disciplinary meeting to decide what to do about the proper cyclist, well cyclist wearing proper gear, who had turned up. The M7 blog clearly states that “serious cyclists actively discouraged”. As the proper cyclist was an M7 virgin, we decided to be lenient this time but will impose a severe penalty for any future dress code infringements.

The record number of M11 cyclists headed along Bush Heath Lane, and cruised through Thwaites chatting along the way. They regrouped at the Chesterton exit where bikes were lifted over the locked road gate, rather than getting trainers muddy going through the side gate. At Chesterton Green they followed the “grid'ed road” over the M40, across the B4100 and into Lighthorne. From here they headed east up over the hill without a name, across the Fosse and regrouped in Morten Morrell. The pack was becoming somewhat spread out, so the Routemaster imposed an extra two mile circuit on the front riding cyclists.

The plan was extremely well thought out, but its execution by the front riders was useless. The four, who shall not be named, set off without waiting for the other three who were joining them on the extra loop via Newbold Pacey and Ashorne. The four contended that they did not know that others were following them. Fortunately when the Routemaster met the four he had already dispatched his three riders off to Bromson Hill, but now had to about turn to Ashorne to locate the missing three.

Eventually all M11 had conquered Bromson Hill, crossed the B4100 and M40, and were heading up Windmill Lane to Chesterton Windmill. Four of the M11 decided to decline Rachel’s kind offer of afternoon tea, and they missed a treat of festive cakes and slices. One of the tea set started dreaming about buying the property with many acres next door to Rachel’s and setting up a commune or was it a care home?

An excellent ride, fine company, great tea rooms, and almost nobody got lost.
Doug.