M7 Cycling Club

Fifty-first Ride: Saturday 29^th March 2008
Routemaster: Doug
Riders: Doug Freeman, John Hancock, Steve Darby
Total mileage: 28.50 miles
Average Speed: 12.12 mph
Fastest Speed: 32 mph

The M3 met at Harbury Village Hall for a 9am start on a very windy, 22 mph from the South West, but pleasant sunny 7c morning. The ride was advertised as a breakfast run, approximately 25 miles with some hills, and back in the village by midday. Doug yet again feared that it might be the first ever M1 ride, and was very pleased that Steve and John turned up. John though had not realised that it was a breakfast run, and he had already eaten.

The proposed route was discussed and agreed, and the M3 set off to do battle with a very strong headwind along Bush Heath Lane and into Thwaites. As we approached Itchington Holt, Steve was challenged by the driver of a rather large farm vehicle who informed him that we were on a private road, but on recognising John wished us on our way.

The rest of our outward journey was via Gaydon, Kineton, Butlers Marston, and Pillerton Hersey. Here we took a short detour to look at the Ford, and John decided to give it a go, but unlike the last M7 ride John managed to keep his feet dry. We finally turned to have the wind behind us and so we sped along, only pausing to cross the Fosse, past Walton Hall and into Wellesbourne. Here we used the tunnel, just behind the supermarket, under the A429 and out on the Loxley Road, and then turned north to the Touchdown Café at Wellesbourne Airport; our breakfast stop.

Being a Saturday the café was busy, but we found a table and placed our orders. John, having already had breakfast, chose the bread and butter pudding which was the largest slab we have ever seen. Doug had noticed the overflowing plates of the other customers, and so ordered a small breakfast. Steve took his health in his hands, and ordered a big breakfast. You will have to go and visit the café to appreciate the enormity of the task that faced Steve, and as we suspected he was defeated.

Somewhat heavier than we started the cycle ride, let alone when we entered the café, we started on our return journey. There was a very short rain shower, but then fine weather again as we cycled past Charlecote Park, through Wellesbourne, Newbold Pacey and Ashorne. At the dreaded Bromson Hill, Steve and his big breakfast were almost defeated, and we took the direct route to Harbury past Chesteron Windmill, and arrived back at two minutes past midday.

A fine Saturday morning ride, good company, and a great breakfast stop.

Doug.