M7 Cycling Club

Fifty-second Ride: Saturday 12^th April 2008
Routemaster: Doug
Riders: Doug Freeman, Celia Neill
Total mileage: 19.83 miles
Average Speed: 11.33 mph
Fastest Speed: 25 mph

The M2 met at Harbury Village Hall for a 9.30am start on a sunny 8c morning, with a 14mph wind from the south west. The ride was advertised as less than 20 miles with some undulations, and should be back in the village before midday. Celia, whose birthday it was the day before, had woken to early morning sunshine and decided to come for a ride.

Although the wind was from the south west, we chose a route heading north east, which meant that we would have the wind in our faces on the return journey. The route was a familiar M7 one; Bascote, Long Itchington, canal tow path to Stockton Locks, Birdingbury Bridge north towards Birdingbury, Collingham Lane, Long Itchington, and return home via Bascote.

It was a wonderful spring day, and two highlights on route were the wildlife on Long Itchington village pond, and all the narrow boats on the canal. On the southern side of the canal at Stockton Locks there had been some tree clearance, and we noticed for the first time an old industrial brick chimney stack. We avoided any of the forecast possible showers, and finished the ride at Harbury's Eastbury coffee rooms for coffee and birthday cake.

A fine ride, good company, and birthday cake!

Doug.