To celebrate 200 years of railways the Club B ride cycled to Gotherington to explore the station.
Seven of us left the Square and immediately had to change route as someone wanted cash, but we were soon on the quiet lanes to Sandhurst and passing the much faded painting of an engine on the garage door of the leader’s former home. It was then the gentle climb up Wainlode Hill to be rewarded with a fast descent. Our new rider, first time out with the Club, handled it magnificently. We had a little more climbing to Apperley and down to Deerhurst through pretty lanes. The A38 was crossed and avoided by going along a recently resurfaced lane to Elmstone Hardwicke. After Stoke Orchard it was another crossing of the M5 and Tredington to Gotherington via Woolston. Coffee was within sight and we entered Gotherington Station, a private house that was only open on special occasions.
The station is crammed with railway memorabilia and the group examined the lot; from oil lamps to signal boxes. The leader was in his element but even better was to come when we went for a ride on a pump trolley. We got some speed up on it but it had good brakes. Then to end, delicious home made cake and coffee. I think this must break the record for the longest coffee stop at nearly one and a half hours. Thanks to Tesh for arranging it.
Our new rider, Anna, suitably rested and refreshed, said she was willing to tackle Cleeve Hill so the return route was via Winchcombe station (Toby was hoping to see another train). We then climbed the Hill via Langley Road where Anna kindly kept the leader company as he walked the last steep bit of the lane. All made it safely down and lunch was taken at the Hewlett Arms, a change from the planned stop but all notified on WhatsApp.
The fun wasn’t over yet as Tesh lead us through a maze of back streets to emerge on the the Leckhampton to Shurdington Road and home.
45 miles 1959 ft climbing and 100 metres on a Pump Trolley.
AG