Thursday 3rd May. Mangotsfield to Bradford on Avon. Report from Pete Campbell: Oh no! Bill called in sick with a urinary tract infection which sounds bad to me (never having had one) and is apparently worse. He's feeling better than he was now that the antibiotics are helping but we're not sure when the Giant will be back on the road. Also on the subject of sickness, Alex has been fitted with a pacemaker so we can expect bionic performances from him when he's back with us. So with Bill being on the sofa with a cup of tea, you're having to make do with my idea of what today's faster ride was like. When people are being asked to lead a ride, I always like to say that the format is "entirely up to you - as fast or as slow as you like, up as many hills as you like." Some look for a flat route, some take a leisurely approach with maybe a stop for a cultural interlude. Martyn was leading today, so it was likely we'd be at the faster end of the spectrum. Steve had arranged a less intense ride for any sensible people turning up at Mangotsfield station, and he had a few takers. So a group of maybe fifteen or sixteen left in the direction of Pucklechurch. Before the village Chris Hume realised he'd thought today's pace would be the normal Thursday pace (what a mistake) and turned back. After climbing the Hinton bypass Mike Sennett realised he'd also made the same mistake and decided to make his own way to Bradford on Avon. And the rest of us pushed on with the speed (according to Rambr) not dropping below 12.7 mph all morning and averaging around 15 mph. Which, I have to say, was exhilarating. The only stop I remember was crossing the A46 where helpful motorists let us over. If you want to know where we went, look at the map. It didn't really matter which pretty Cotswold villages we went through, or how many drifts of bluebells we passed: the riding was everything. We reached the Lock Inn Cafe at 12:15. Steve's group were already in the garden. I'd reserved the boat for us which is very practical when its raining, but today the sun persuaded us all to sit by the canal, with shade trees for those who prefer to keep the sun off their heads. Like Steve I tried the Maiden Voyage from the Great Western Brewing Company which he liked, I liked, and also the 2018 South West regional beer festival which gave it a gold medal. Martyn's route home was mostly flat and partially muddy, along the canal towpath. Mark Brough thought that some lanes south of the canal would give a cleaner route, albeit with a few extra hills thrown in. I decided I have better things to do this weekend than cleaning my bike again (Cheltenham Jazz Festival for one) so I went with Mark, Chris Ludlum and Andy Short up and down some monster hills through Westwood, Freshford and Limpley Stoke, meeting the muddy flat earth boys just north of Midford going into the Two Tunnels. A tiring day, and I got dropped on the cycle path on the way back to Bitton - I couldn't keep up. I blame the jerk chicken at lunch. Today's fast and lumpy route- touch here.

Thursday 3rd May. Mangotsfield to Bradford on Avon. Moderate paced ride, report from Steve Hicks: Just a select group of four for our moderate paced ride today with Don Ford and Richard Harman both away and Phil Warry electing to wait for Roger Bird and make their own way to Bradford on Avon. Departing from Mangotsfield we headed east along the cycle path, negotiated the A36 crossing and made for the Two Tunnels and Midford where we ducked under the bridge and turned left into Midford Lane. This was the first significant climb of the day rising 300 feet in just over a mile however traffic on the lane was minimal so we were each able to do our own thing regarding pace and regroup at the top. Skirting around Limpley Stoke and crossing the A36 for the second time we descended into Freshford. Everyone heeded the warning not to miss the two left turns ‘Dark Lane’ and ‘Church Hill’ in Freshford and we soon found ourselves passing The Inn at Freshford which has the ‘Peter Ralph Seal of Approval’. Climbing out of Freshford again, a lady in an open top Mazda MX5 came alongside. “I’ve got one of those” called out Peter, perhaps hoping he might get a lift or a tow up the hill. No such luck as the lady sped off leaving us to plod ever upwards unaided. We avoided the lane to Iford and headed up Staples Hill where Alf decided some rare roadside flora required closer examination and dismounted. Peter was then baulked at the narrowest point by the weekly bus to ‘who knows where’, meanwhile Nisha was proving the benefits of her recent altitude training in Tenerife as she disappeared in front of us in true ‘Queen of the Mountains’ style. We then turned to Upper Westwood, another of those quaint Bath stone villages that are dotted around the hillsides in this part of the world. Passing the turning to Avoncliff we began to reap the benefit of all that climbing as we coasted down into Bradford on Avon, arriving early at around 11.45. We opted to sit in the garden of the Lock Inn rather than take up the reserved seating on the boat but no worries as the staff were quite happy and provided excellent service as we have come to expect at this somewhat quirky venue. My pint of Maiden Voyage from GWB at Hambrook went down very well accompanied by the house chilli-con-carne. We took the traditional route back; along the towpath to Dundas, up through Monkton Combe School, through Monkton Combe village and Tuckingmill to pick up the cycle path and back through the Two Tunnels.

And for Steve's sensible route, touch here.

Thursday 10th May. Ashton to Clevedon. Report from Peter Metelerkamp: The writer of the report was challenged to emulate James Joyce or Virginia Woolf. In the circumstances, perhaps a short report means good news, and will be met with relief. Clevedon from Ashton via Bristol Airport: enough of a commodius vicus of recirculation to satisfy the demand for a “James Joyce” effect? Whether that was what Chris Ludlum had in mind or not, it was what he chose. First the assembly of 22 gathered at Ashton on a cool early summer’s morning. Chris and Don Ford outlined their respective plans. A natural, amicable, and self-selecting separation took place between those who followed the Ludlum line and those who chose the (Don) Fordist path. The eminent Don took his group up via Failand, while the Ludlumites toddled down through Long Ashton on the cycle path, into the Festival Way (can someone please tell me what makes it “festive”?) before the single but by no means trivial essay of Backwell hill. The climb saw the usual regular swapping of places with new joiner Peter who was riding with us for the first time showing he might find us a bit on the weak and slow side (although our Mountain royalty weren’t out in force). Thence it was onto the Brockley Combe road, left onto the Pines golf course road, round the back of Lulsgate and down via Redhill to Wrington. That took care of the inescapable BTOTC requirement for a dash of eccentricity and a hill. Thereafter the route took a more predictable line, turning West via Yatton and across the Kenn moors to Kingston Seymour. By this time the day had achieved a temperate sunny glory, unsullied by rough winds, sufficient to challenge Will’s verdict on May and Kingston Seymour was dressed in its Postcard Village best, with stream, blossom, cottages, spaniel dogs, SUVs, etc. etc. The venue of the day was The Salthouse pub in Clevedon. Although overlooking its own car-park and with its back to the sea, it seemed salubrious enough, for those who chose to dine under the umbrellas on the terrace.

(But they did not, by the look of it, eat with relish the inner organs of beasts and fowls - even Joycean tribute does have its limits). One of us, sedulously obeying the signs, chose to retreat to a bench on the seawall near the fancifully named “sea lake” (i.e. pool sheltered from the muddy waters of the bay) to eat his sandwiches and drink from his thermos in the indulgent sunshine. But soon, as they say, it was time to leave. And now the pattern of allegiance shifted as so often happens after a good meal; this time it was the venerable Ford who drew followers to his court and the majority chose his route back via Nailsea.The Ludlumites were reduced to seven and then six and then five. We left via the bourgeois complacencies of Upper Clevedon (they must call it that?) and followed Norton/Caswell lane (as dry and rideable and stable-spillage free as it has been for years, it seemed) to Portbury. Then Chris (such is true leadership) cunningly avoided the traffic-heavy steady climb up the hill to Wraxall by taking the lane to Failand church, before further separation and eventual return to the Suspension Bridge either via further lanes or by Beggar Bush. Chris’s leadership was exemplary - checking every junction to ensure “all up” and setting a pace that even the velocity-challenged could maintain. Thanks to him, Don, and all who made the ride a success. And finally, just to prove it is possible (although there is no record of her ever having cared for exercise, let alone cycling) a quote of a quote from Virginia Woolf: “If you are losing your leisure, look out! -- It may be you are losing your soul.”

Touch here to see today's faster route.

Thursday 10th May. Ashton to Clevedon. Report from Don Ford: There were just 6 of us for today’s alternative ride to Clevedon. It was good to welcome Linda on her first ride with the group. We hope she will join us for more rides before she moves back to Wales. Stuart was riding solo today and he helped to swell our numbers. Our route took us through Ashton Court which has a challenging climb and soon had us warmed up. Keith sped up it like a Giro rider and had us wondering what he had eaten for breakfast. Turning off Abbots Leigh Road we went off-road through Abbots Pool and then on surprisingly wet and rough lanes to Portbury. It was a joy to be cycling today as the colourful wild flowers and the freshness of the leaves were seen to best effect in the spring sunshine. Even Alf’s complaints about the numerous inclines were more muted than usual. We were both in awe of Nisha who seems to climb so effortlessly and can hold a conversation at the same time. Clevedon Lane is long and winding but there was little traffic. At the end of it Stuart and Linda decided to go directly to the pub leaving 4 of us to head south on a loop taking in Kennmoor Road and Kingston Seymour. These are flat and pleasant lanes to cycle on. Alf gave us good warning of the few cars that approached us. There is a convenient off- road section that follows the Blind Yeo and then along the coast and past the church which brought us nicely to The Salthouse at 1202. Yet again the main group had beaten us to it and we had to take our familiar place at the back of the peleton. After a very pleasant lunch sitting outside with a fine view of Clevedon and the pier we returned fairly directly via Nailsea. Many thanks for the good company today. And touch here to see Don's alternative route.

Thursday 17th May. Severn Bridge to Shirenewton. Report from Bill Balchin: It's been a long, cold, wet winter riding between bare hedges and trees but all the signs are now in place for some decent weather. And if you enjoy seeing the countryside on a fresh spring day what is the best way to do it? Walking gives you an unimpeded view but is too slow to go far. Driving lets you cover large distances but from the confines of a metal box. We already know the answer to this one - a bike gives you the freedom to look all around, the ability to cover reasonable distances, and the chance to stretch your legs in the company of your pals. But what views will be in store today for the 18 riders assembled at the Severn Bridge for Pete Campbell's ride and another five for Don to lead to the Huntsman Hotel at Shirenewton? Let's check it out.

As always the first few miles are on a triumph of engineering as we cross the Severn Bridge closely followed by the Wye Bridge to take us towards Cheptow. With the water over 100 feet below and a clear blue sky above this day is off to a good start, albeit with a chill in the wind. This did not seem to bother Guido who was dressed for summer but would soon be remarking on the cold. Swinging under the main road to make the drop into Mathern we passed sheep in the fields as the extremities of the road changed from cow parsley in hedges to stone walls. Like being on the Cresta Run. Mathern is a pretty little place although we always pass through on a Thursday when the residents have put their rubbish out for collection - but even their bags are a fetching mix of pink and purple.

Over the A48 and we were now on single track with fields in various hues of green and brown laid out like blankets to our right while trees hid the busy main road to our left. Into Crick and we took a short hop along the main road before turning off for Caerwent and into the outskirts of Caldicot. This could have been a disaster as our route took us through a tunnel where some twerps had left smashed glass all over the road. Most opted to carry their bikes to minimise the risk of punctures - not so easy if your bike is electric. No incidents as we navigated Caldicot to the path that ducks under that low railway bridge. It says that the height is five foot nine which meant getting right down low. Once into Rogiet, Pete led us onto a single track lane that was new to just about everybody and brought us onto the maze of small lanes around Carrow Hill. There was a spectacular sight as a farmer was ploughing with a tractor closely followed by an enormous flock of sea gulls.

Another crossing of the A48 at Llanvaches and we were ready for the big test of the day. The climb past the west side of Wentwood Reservoir. Although this is a reservoir with a difference as it has no water in it.

Pete explained how the pumps are being replaced needing the water to be drained. During draining the body of a woman was found who had been missing for twenty years. Her husband is in jail for the crime but never admitted where the body was. Despite the gruesome nature we were glad to have a breather before pressing on with more climbing to the top of Wentwood.

The puncture demons realised that we had got past at Caldicot so struck Jeff on the second part of the climb and pounced on Pete as we descended off the top. They pounced good and proper giving Pete a flat front and back at the same time. I was happy to stop and help but made sure to take the front wheel and leave the rear to Pete. Hence we were a bit late getting to the Huntsman where a fine sized group were sat in the sunshine on the front patio. Waiting at the bar my phone rang. It was Alex Rendu to let everybody know that he is home now, recovering slowly, not expecting to be back on the bike until June and he thanks everybody for their kind wishes of support. Although the hill immediately away from the Huntsman comes as a shock every time once up the top it is a nice easy run back into Mathern before the final climb for the bridge. Follow Pete's route by clicking here.

And the alternative ride - Thursday 17th May. Severn Bridge to Shirenewton. Report from Don Ford: There were just 5 of us for the alternative ride (Nisha, Peter Metelerkamp, Ian Deegan and David Johnston and me). It was good to see David back with us. He rode with us last summer but has been concentrating on his walking exploits. Having recently been rescued by helicopter on Snowdon and then having to charter a helicopter in Nepal after bad weather grounded his plane, he might be persuaded that cycling is a safer (and cheaper) option and cycle with us more regularly.

There were some particularly scenic stretches on our route today - looking across the Severn from Black Rock, the pretty avenue of trees passing round Caldicot Castle and the views from the lanes between Dewstow and Penhow. The fine weather seemed to bring out the best in people and even the motorists were courteous with one van driver pulling in his mirror so that we could squeeze past.

There were so few cars that there was plenty of opportunity for conversation which was a pleasant distraction from the increasing gradient as we climbed from Llanvaches and Llanvair Discoed towards Shirenewton. Again the views were magnificent. We arrived at the pub at 12.10 and for once we were first at the bar and had the choice of seats in the sunshine.

Thanks to all my companions today who were the very best of company and contributed so much to another excellent day on the bike.

Tuesday 22nd May. Pensioners Seaside Excursion. Report from Brian Trott: Three riders drove to to start at Langport, one cycled from Backwell. Light rain jackets were carried to ward off the threat of thundery showers and most added a layer over summer jerseys. A slight detour to South Petherton was necessary due to a road closure and the only climbing came just before coffee at Crewkerne, which was taken outdoors. The outer layer was removed for the undulating ride mostly on B roads towards Lyme Regis, climbing gradually to the ridge north of the coastline before the sharp descent in lanes towards the sea at noon. Lunch was taken in the garden of the Royal Standard which was served in good time and very pleasant. A stroll along the promenade settled lunch and a passer by was volunteered to take a group photo. We have developed a quiet way to leave town, but there is no way to avoid the almost 700 foot climb northwards to cross the A35. Mostly through lanes to Chard where a maze of backstreets and cycle paths avoid the traffic and took us to NCN Route 33, a disused railway line. The cycle route ends in a housing estate at Ilminster, just about a mile from our chosen café for afternoon tea and cake. A short walk along the one way system, then more traffic free cycling through the grounds of Dillington House. The headwind made itself felt on the way back to Langport, although it was near perfect cycling weather - sunny all day but not too hot and we had none of the forecast showers. I was pleased to load the bike into the car, unlike Julian who cycled the 35 miles home.

Thursday 24th May. Bitton to Acton Turville. Report from Bill Balchin: We had a glorious week of weather since our last Thursday ride over to Wales. Unfortunately since then the forecast for today got gradually worse and worse until it was predicted to rain all day - although the rain would be light. Meeting up at Bitton Station most of the fifteen riders were well wrapped up and wearing waterproofs although the rain was certainly light at this stage (but possibly getting heavier in the afternoon). We had just the two lady riders in the group today: Catherine managed to get a rare day off work and Moira made her return to the tortoises after injuring her knee while table dancing in March. As usual both were riding strongly near the front of the group all day.

First item to discuss before setting out was the possibility of a more moderate ride. Alf declared that under his stewardship the pace would be sedate meaning that a moderate ride would be faster so the fifteen made one group. Alf and Peter Ralph had ridden most of the route on the previous Tuesday so with Peter back marking Alf led us along the cycle track towards Bristol before turning off for Siston at the ring road crossing bridge. The sky was full of grey clouds but much of the road surface was dry as we crossed the common then turned right at the end which then brought us out at the double mini roundabout by the Griffin pub at Bridgeyate. A short leg on the A420 towards Wick saw us turn left into Chesley Hill and onto small lanes. There was a bit more vehicular traffic than normal due to a road closure at Abson but we made quiet progress around the outskirts of Wick and onto Rockery Lane which was a new one on me even after all my years. A long climb was the ideal opportunity to get ahead as Alf led the bunch.

At the end of the lane we hit the Pucklechurch to Hinton road just after the cafe. So that is where that road goes. Being a local resident Alf knew it well. Turning towards Pucklechurch we made our way past the crematorium, through Chipping Sodbury and onto Sodbury Common where we took the first right turn back onto small lanes - so small that we had to open and close a gate to pass. Portway Lane was the start of the climb to the Cotswold Edge and another photo opportunity including Keith and Julian on the fixies (Julian having ridden his from Nailsea). We were then robbed of some of the height we had fought for before tackling the steepest part of the climb which does not even merit a name on any map that I can find. Time for a pause and regroup at the junction for New Tyning Lane. This brought us to the junction at the top of Horton Hill where you can go straight across into Sandpits Lane for Hawkesbury Upton or right for the A46. Alf took the A46 option which he later realised was not the best choice. We attempted a right turn but after signalling and moving to the centre of the road found out that there was no road and had to pull back in. After a nervous few minutes being passed by lorries and fast cars we took the right turn at the Hawkesbury Upton crossroads onto the quiet of the Badminton road. We passed another group of old timers (possibly for the second time today) going in the opposite direction before arriving at Acton Turville at about ten past twelve after a scenic ride with only the occasional few spots of rain.

The Fox and Hounds set aside their dining area for us and first to sit down was Martyn who had decided that the route would not be sufficiently testing and made his own way. He was eating a huge steak and mushroom baguette which so impressed the others that many went for the same. A contingent from Bath brought the numbers up to about twenty so a fair crowd for the pub. There was no point in letting the expected late afternoon heavier rain spoil lunch but when we departed at half past one the weather was still the same as we took the turning for Tormarton and home. As I write this at four o'clock the rain is still holding off. Hope it gets on with it soon, I have had enough of watering the parched and cracked ground at the allotment with cans.

Follow the route by clicking here

Thursday 31st May. Ashton to Weare. Report from Bill Balchin: Here we are then at the end of May, which always reminds me of the saying "Ne'er cast a clout til May be out". No doubt wise advice to caution against discarding warm clothing too early although expressed in unusual terms. Some more straightforward advice would be: "Don't go cycling without a waterproof". Although most of the thirteen riders at Ashton Bridge for Keith's ride to the Lamb at Weare were in shorts and short sleeves we had seen the forecast and those rain tops were on board. At ten o'clock it was dry and surprisingly mild as we set off on the standard route of Festival Way to Flax Bourton. I had forgotten how we used to ride through Long Ashton High Street before we got the traffic-free Festival Way winding between the white of the cow parsley and moon daisies and the yellow of the buttercups.

With a lot of flat lanes there was not much chance to get ahead to get some photos. There looked to be an opportunity coming out of Claverham on the slight rise into Yatton so I put in a spurt and got to the Congresbury traffic lights on my own. Eventually they turned green and I pushed fairly hard to the Puxton turning where I heard voices. No, not in my head but behind. The hard riding bunch had chased me down. But they let me get ahead to get a few shots at the small bridge over a stream. Heading towards Sandford I pushed it again and got a few more photos at the bridge near the start of the Strawberry Line. Would we be using the Strawberry Line today? Let's play that one by ear.

Into Sandford and straight over the main road to Winscombe we rode through the village and onto Barton Lane which curls it's way through the Mendips on lovely lanes although the surface leaves a bit to be desired in places. I almost brought Martyn down at one point when the handlebars were nearly wrenched out of my hands. Round past the Webbington Country Club now and we had views over to the M5 as we skirted the southern edge of the Mendips before dropping down to Weare and arriving at the Lamb right on noon and in the dry all the way. We can worry about the homeward leg later.

Pete had been in touch with the landlord and there was a degree of confusion over what meals would be available as his cooker was giving trouble. In the end the problems seemed to have been fixed and everybody was able to choose what they wanted. It was a bit of a fragmented lunchtime with some dining inside, some outside and a couple not stopping at all. I did the "eyes bigger than belly" thing again and ordered pork loin steaks. I remembered when it arrived (about half an hour after the rest) that it is huge plate full with three pork loins. Really tasty but not a meal to be hurried.

The expected rain turned up by leaving time. After a group decided to go via Cheddar Gorge, Keith was left with just three others for the return journey. Me, Pete and Clive. The rain looked a bit heavy so Clive quite reasonably suggested that we have a coffee and wait it out as it was due to end in an hour's time. But the urge to get going trumped reason and we set out in rain which quickly turned into a deluge. To make the journey as miserable as possible we rode up the A38 to join the Strawberry Line which was almost one big puddle - apart from the tunnel. The tunnel is open but unlit. You can see the light at the far end but it was so dark inside that I could not maintain a straight course and kept wandering from side to side - I was glad to get through without falling off. After Sandford we gave the rest of the Strawberry Line a miss and took the road back past Churchill School (which was as wet as you have ever seen it) to Congresbury. Retracing the outward route many of the roads looked dry and the rain was spitting and spotting as we pressed on for home like a bunch of drowned rats. See the leader's route b y clicking here.