The club had three groups out today, with the aim of meeting up for coffee. We’ve failed miserably on the last two meet-up attempts but this week it all went to plan.
The Fast and Tempo rides left together, collecting extra riders along the way and then splitting in Leckhampton. Our route took us through Charlton Kings then Whittington (where MTB riders were gathering in large numbers for a British Mountain Bike Orienteering event). We then had a delightful tour of Cotswold villages; Syreford, Brockhampton, Kineton, Temple Guiting, and finally Snowshill before a lovely long descent to Broadway. On a glorious late summer’s day it was a real treat.
The Fast group were just getting their drinks when the Tempo group arrived. The café was busy but we had only a few minutes to wait for a table. The Steady group turned up before our cake did, so excellent timing all round. Introductions were made and pleasantries exchanged. Perfect.
We opted for a flat ride home through the ‘Gs’ to Twigworth, with just the gusty headwind to spoil the fun, leaving the Steady group to enjoy the delights of Cleeve Hill.Those who had chosent to return through Cheltenham were able to see the half marathon, though had quite some difficulty naviagting around its road closures.
57 miles, 2,740 feet, 16.2 mph for the Tempo group, 1 or 2 mph faster for the others.