News for August 2019

Thursday 1st August 2019 Severn Bridge to Redwick: After the intense heat last week on our ride to Clevedon conditions were much more favourable today. Still bright but just a nice temperature, very little wind and every chance of staying dry all day for the twenty one starters at the Severn Bridge looking forward to a ride to the Rose Inn at Redwick. As usual, two rides were on offer and Bill's hillier route attracted thirteen of the hard riders.

Main group report from Bill Balchin: When we put together the current rides schedule, I asked Phil to leave me off the list of leaders. I explained that my creative juices for devising routes had all but dried up, plus it is increasingly difficult to turn round and check behind. So time to step down to allow in some new blood. BUT, I wanted today's ride to Redwick to be my swansong. This has everything that I like for a cycle ride – practically all on small country lanes through pleasant scenery and a less testing homeward section. The fact that it contains a lot of ups (where I get a boost from an electric motor) and downs (where I let gravity do the work) is just a bonus.

With Peter T signed up on back marking duties we spent the next three and a half miles crossing the bridge and riding up to the Mounton Road turn where we finally got onto the small stuff. We had three lady riders in the group today, Moira, Shirley and Maggie on her first trip into Wales on a bike. Anybody harbouring thoughts about ladies being weaker cyclists would have to think again with these three. Not that we would of course. Everything went to plan as we dipped down the first descent then climbed up again past the farm where the hound from hell used to rush out and bark at cyclists – no sign of the mutt today. A brief regroup in Shirenewton and then we continued through Earlswood repeating the pattern of up and down towards Wentwood when our way was blocked by some kind of tanker taking up the whole road apart from a gap of about two feet each side into the hedges. The name on the back was “Mayflower” which did not give a clue but the hose out of the back plus the awful pong left no doubt what it's purpose was. Soon afterwards we reached the Usk Road for a rip snorting descent for a couple of miles then a left turn towards Llantrisant where the gradient was still generally down. Unable to chase as fast as most on the group, I told them to go at their own pace and wait at the next junction. Whoosh. They didn't need asking twice and blasted off. Good as gold they waited at the next turning where I took the lead again. A few turnings that would be missed at your peril took us across the A48 and under the M4 to bring us back on more of those nice little country lanes again through Llanwern and Bishton. The lanes were much flatter now but being narrow with a stripe of clear tarmac either side of a central stripe of gravel kept the speed down for some of the time. At the low railway bridge I was concerned that Andy Short would bang his head. He reckoned that wearing a cap rather than a helmet made it easier to judge the clearance and we all passed under safely. Despite the route being about twenty six miles we still arrived at the Rose Inn by five past twelve just as Don's moderate pace group were taking their seats.

I am a fan of the Rose Inn (you are a fan of all of our pubs Bill – Ed). As well as being in a great location the meals are very tasty, very reasonable and were served up quickly despite us sitting outside in two groups on different sides of the building. The pre-ordered meals came out first as you would expect but those ordered on the day were not far behind. And we paid for meals and drinks in one transaction unlike the debacle last week. Before one we were ready to leave but I managed to delay the main group until quarter past so I could finish my drink. The temperature felt that it was going to shoot up as we left but it cooled down quickly as we took a flatish route into Magor, Carrow Hill, Dewstow and then a shared path through Caldicot that led us through the grounds of the castle to the roundabout at Portskewett from where your bike will know the way home even if you forget it. See the ups and downs of the main group ride here Thursday 1st August. Moderate Ride report from Don Ford: The Magnificent Seven set off on today’s moderate ride and it was good to see Jeanette returning for a second week after joining us for the first time last Thursday. We followed the main group at a respectful distance over the Bridge before turning off the A466 and down the Mathern Road. It is always a pleasure to cycle through Mathern as the residents make such an effort with their floral displays. Most houses have flower pots and there are many troughs of plants by the roadside. Once across the busy A48 we picked up Dave who had become detached from the main group and continued on scenic country lanes spoilt only by the deteriorating surfaces which have had little or no attention for many years. We soon arrived at Crick and bumped along the cycle track beside the Roman Road to Caerwent. Following a sharp left here he paused briefly to admire the Roman walls which are the highest in Britain and also the much more modern Norman motte which shelters behind them.

Soon after Caerwent a sharp right took us along a tiny lane we have not used before. It is one of those that has grass growing down the middle and is nearly always traffic free, except for today when we met a van which was kind enough to reverse 50 yards to enable us to pass. Arriving at Five Lanes, we took a left turn to Carrow Hill and another left to follow St Bride’s Brook down to Magor. It would have been logical to cross the B4245 through Magor and direct to Redwick. The need to make up a few miles forced us along an unpleasant stretch of the B4245 to Wilcrick followed by a left turn on to a tiny lane with an awful surface. This brought us to a tunnel under the railway which was so low that we were forced to duck our heads. Things improved from here as we passed the well camouflaged Steel Works with smooth lanes across the flat lands of the Caldicot level. The church at Redwick was our main point of interest today because of what is inscribed on the porch wall. It shows the water level of the flood which devastated both sides of the Bristol Channel on the 30th January 1607. More than 2000 people were drowned and 200 square miles inundated. Modern research suggests it was a storm surge or more likely a tsunami caused by an earthquake off the coast of Ireland. Confusingly, the date on the porch wall gives the date as 1606 and parish records state that it happened on 20th January. This was because England and Wales still followed the Julian calendar which was 10 days behind the Gregorian calendar. Under the Julian calendar, the new year began on Lady Day which was on the 25th March.

Crossing the road to the pub we found Clive already there having missed the start this morning. We sat outside the front of the pub but when the main ride arrived they preferred the other side. This seemed to confuse the staff who had prepared a table inside. Our food gradually arrived in dribs and drabs and it didn’t seem to matter whether we had pre-ordered or not. We eventually managed to force ourselves to leave at 1.30 and set off on a fairly direct route back via Caldicot Castle. We crossed the railway line on several occasions and on each bridge there was a row of photographers eagerly awaiting the arrival of two steam trains coupled together. They seem to have been waiting a long time and I hope they weren’t disappointed. Many thanks to all who came today on another excellent day of cycling in fine weather.

Follow the route of the Magnificent Seven here. Update on Peter: Peter (who wears a Gloucester CC jersey) came off his bike and injured himself when riding with us on the 6th June. He had his plaster removed 2 weeks ago and managed to ride his bike again for the first time a few days ago. He says that returning to Thursday rides seems a distant prospect but he is determined to get back with us. I’m sure we all wish him well.

Thursday 8th August 2019 Bitton Station to the Fox and Hounds at Acton Turville: It seemed that we would strike lucky with the weather for our Thursday ride today predicted to be a warm and dry day with a gentle breeze. Unlike Friday which was expected to bring savage wind and rain that would probably scupper the Bristol Balloon Fiesta. As I approached Bitton with Don we could smell the aroma of hot steam engine and there as we crossed the tracks was an engine gently chugging towards us with a column of smoke issuing skywards. All very “Thomas the tank engine” until a grumpy voice hollering from the footplate ordered Don to “Shut the %&*£@# gate”. Charming! With Alf and now Mike Chouings riding electric bikes I could make a sensational headline in Daily Mail speak such as "BTOTC see 200% surge in e-bike use". Sounds a lot more racy than "Three people riding with e-bikes now".

Thursday Main group report from Bill Balchin: Again the main group grabbed the lions share of the twenty-odd starters. Andy Short started by detailing the route and informed us that the pace would be moderate due to his many aches and pains. And then proceeded to blast off down the railway path towards Bath at eighteen to twenty miles per hour. I would not like to stay with him if he was feeling fit. We negotiated the awkward bridge off the path to get to the two tunnels and thus gave Maggie her second new cycling experience in two weeks. Last week a ride into Wales, today a trip through those long, dimly lit tunnels that make a flat route possible through a mass of hills. Although the BTOTC have ridden this way many times it is usually on the way home rather than on the way to lunch – the hills must be coming later. Leaving the cycle way at Tucking Mill we did a down and up on the scenic little single track lane that is Tucking Mill Lane, enabling me to get to the front for a photo.

The only person I can't drop now is Mike Chouings who is has been riding a Bianchi e-bike since May. Mike gets a lot more miles between battery charges than I do. No doubt because he only engages his motor on tough climbs whereas I just leave mine on all the time and let it turn itself off at the 15mph limit. Some lumps to deal with now as we rode through Monkton Combe, descended the last bit of Brassknocker Hill into Limpley Stoke and then climbed up the long, long drag to Conkwell.

We were now in horse country but only encountered two pairs of riders whose horses looked a bit frisky but we kept slow and wide and got past without drama and on to the Warleigh Road. Well, road is overstating things really. A narrow lane between woods and fields with a big drop down the the Avon valley to our left. Just the ticket if you like to cycle on obscure country back lanes. Eventually we dropped down to the roundabout on the A4 at Batheaston and prepared for the next big climb. Instead of going to the bottom of Bannerdown Hill we took a right turn through some houses on Morris Lane which was as steep as you like (or maybe don't like) which brought us out at the Shockerwick Lane junction. Then the final climb and a welcome rest at the lay by at the top for a drink and a breather. The road now followed the path of the old Fosse way and started most flat. I was expecting to chase again but the pace had dropped right off - for about two minutes before the hammer went down again as we headed for The Shoe. Where the main road bears right but our route took us straight on I remarked to Roger who was back marking what a rotten surface it was. “You need one of these” he said, pointing at his handlebar stem. I'll have to check at lunchtime and see what he means. Once over the A420 at The Shoe (how did it get that name?) we had another five miles of delightful small country lanes through Nettleton and Burton before we rolled up at Acton Turville right on Andy's predicted arrival time of twenty past twelve with twenty eight miles covered. The moderate group were already in the garden when we arrived. And they had grabbed the only table with a bit of shade so the sun-lovers stayed out and those of us who had had enough of the sun this morning dined inside. As usual everything was hunky dory. No fuss, no delays, good meals – and all without pre-ordering. I hope they never change. Right, lets have a look at Rogers bike.

He has a replacement stem with built-in elastomers that allow your handlebars to move up and down by 20mm and reduce the pounding on yours hands from our rough roads. You can see their website here but be aware that it costs about a hundred and fifty quid. I think I might have to invest.

See the route taken by Andy's group here. Thursday 8 August 2019. Bitton to Acton Turville: Moderate group report from Phil Warry: I hadn’t originally planned to use this particular route to Acton Turville, but it was a suggestion by Andy Short that we could do a variation of the main ride, but missing out the loop to the south of Bath. So 7 of us, including new recruit Judy, set off for Bitton along the railway path to Bath, then through the city centre and over Pulteney Bridge to join the Kennet and Avon canal towpath as far as Bathampton. We then carried on to Batheaston taking the off road route using the bridge over the River Avon. So far, so good. However, then came the hard work with the long climb up Bannerdown Hill. Although not particularly steep, it seems to go on for ever, so we stopped at the top for a well deserved breather. About a mile further on was today’s point of interest, the Three Shires Stones. These marked the point where 3 counties meet - Wiltshire, Somerset and Gloucestershire - and consist of 3 large stones, about 2m high, with a capstone on top. There seems to be some dispute over their origin, but it’s generally agreed that they came from a chambered tomb in another location, and were erected in about 1859. They may well have been used as the idea for the 3 Farthings Stone in the Lord of the Rings.

We then continued along the Fosse Way with a slightly hairy descent on a rather gravelly surface before the climb up to the Shoe (named after an inn called the Horseshoe). However we all survived OK and then continued via Nettleton and Burton to reach the pub after just before 12.00 having done about 20 miles. As a compete contrast to the Sherston pub, the food arrived within minutes and we hadn’t even had to pre-order! Most of the group then returned the direct way through Tormarton and Pucklechurch then down Coxgrove Hill, from where we went our separate ways.

Tuesday 13th August 2019. Report by Shirley Hume: Finally, after a cancelled ride due to heat and a ride with no participants due to rain, the second longer ride of the summer took place on Tuesday. I had been dithering about whether to lead my Abergavenny ride or my Monmouth ride, when Peter Meterlekamp said he had to lead a ride for CTC and wondered if there was any overlap with my rides. The answer was yes, sections of both my rides were duplicated on his proposed route, and as he had to recce the ride in the next couple of weeks I managed to appear helpful by suggesting we do his recce on Tuesday rather than one of my routes [thus shortening the ride by 6 miles, reducing the climb and off-loading my leading responsibilities]. As of 10.00pm Monday it was in fact only the two of us doing the ride, but a text from Max on Tuesday morning increased our numbers to 3. All of us rode to the bridge, so minimum mileage for the day was going to be 80, rising to 90 depending on where you lived.

We got away before 9.00am and our first effort of the day was the climb from St Arvans to Devauden, an undulation along the ridge and then a long descent to Llansoy, before a further climb and a roll along to Raglan, where a short diversion took us to Raglan Castle café for a coffee stop. Sun, Bara Brith and hot drinks set us up for the next, longer, section via White Castle and Skenfrith Castle to eventually [via a small little used and hilly road] reach St Maughans and a lovely descent down the Monnow Valley to Monmouth for lunch at the Swan café, sitting outside in the courtyard. Pity about the screaming kids and barking dogs but a good [and after over 40 miles from the bridge much needed] lunch.

It was after Monmouth that Peter’s route deviated from either of mine in a more significant way as we took the gentler option of bowling along the Wye Valley rather than climbing up to either of the ridges above. Although it was only about 11 miles we felt honour bound to stop for a cream tea at Abbey Mill in Tintern. We only had 2 cream teas and one extra pot of tea, but frankly one cream tea would have been more than adequate for the three of us – you have been warned! The A466 has finally reopened between Tintern and St Arvans so we just stayed on the main road up to Chepstow for the normal chase over the bridge, with the wind more or less in our favour. The weather was beautiful for cycling all day but Peter and I had a strong headwind on the way home, which at 80+ miles felt hard. I slept extremely well……. Next Tuesday – 20th August – I am leading a shorter and less hilly ride for anyone who wants to sample the delights of longer rides. It starts from Congresbury at 9.00am from the free car park [directions available from me if you don’t know where it is]. 65 miles, not too hilly and with coffee, lunch and tea stops [the latter depending what people want to do]. Text or e-mail me [number on the website] by 10.00pm on Monday 19th if you plan to come – if nobody contacts me I won’t be there!

Thursday 15 August 2019. Ashton to Lower Weare. Main group report from Shirley Hume: Today we had 15 riders at Ashton, including a new member, Martin, an almost identical number to the 14 we had last year on 2 August. Only 6 felt that my offer of Dundry and the Wrangle as part of a 28 mile ride to Weare was more attractive than Don’s promise of 24 miles including Blagdon Hill. Off we set on the relatively new route through the Park and Ride and along the cycle path by the ring road. It was only when we reached the crossing of the roundabout on the A38 that we realised Bill was missing. I doubled back to see what was going on, only to find that his chain had jammed [again] in the same position as on previous occasions. My skill level certainly doesn’t run to that and Bill nobly told me to carry on with the ride while he tried to sort out the problem [walking back to BW Cycles who were able to sort it out in a couple of minutes with a special pair of pliers]. We were now the fabulous five and on we went up the ’Dundry Bypass’ and then down the hill to Winford.

From there it was very much small lanes through Regil and nowhere else of much note, managing to escape the jaws of the Butcombe Triangle and arrive safely in Compton Martin for the climb up the Wrangle. Not being familiar with the roads in the area this came as a bit of a shock to Martin and may have been the trigger for the cramp he suffered from later in the ride. We all finally made it to the top and headed straight across on a narrow single track lane, which was unaccountably busy – until we reached the far end, where the sound of throbbing music and a field entrance manned by hi-vis clad Marshals indicated the entrance to a festival or event of some sort. Nick spotted a sign saying ‘Wild Goose Wedding’ but an internet search reveals only a company of that name doing wedding photography so who knows what was going on – a very large marquee / stage was all we could see.

My plan had been to roll across the top of the Mendips and drop down to Draycott past the Gliding Club, then approach the Lamb from Stone Allerton – but this can wait until next time. Martin was by now suffering badly with cramp so we decided it would be quicker [and certainly easier] to cut down Cheddar Gorge and then onwards to the Lamb. I didn’t allow for the headwind!! I have never pedalled as much trying to get down that hill, but apart from a few dim tourists who nearly had a bike mow them down [what happened to looking before you cross a road?] the only incident was Alex nearly being wiped out by a BMW. Fortunately due to his superb bike handling skills he was able to just get round the car and still have the energy to gesticulate at the driver.

We didn’t get to the pub until about 12.50, but with only 3 of us ordering food we got served relatively quickly and most of the group were ready to leave with the moderates, leaving Martin, Clive and I to follow on and catch them at Aimees where Chris had cunningly placed himself at the end of the queue so I ended up paying for the ice creams. We were lucky with the weather as yesterday was bad and tomorrow is forecast to be worse – the waterproofs can stay in the bag for a bit longer. See the tough route here.

Thursday 15 August 2019. Ashton to Lower Weare. Moderate pace group from Don Ford: Unusually the moderate ride outnumbered the main ride today with 9 of us setting out from Ashton. It was the usual route out on the Festival Way before the left turn up Wildcountry Lane and then the narrow and steep Hobbs Lane which is mostly an overgrown path at this time of year. It has the advantage of bringing us out directly opposite Barrow Lane but trying to cross the A38 at this point can be a nightmare but we were lucky today and were soon all across. A few turns and a bit of climbing brought us to Winford Manor. From there it is mostly pleasant lanes before the long and welcome descent down Yewtree Batch and Blagdon Lane with a fine view of Blagdon Lake. We had a longer view today as Maggie’s rear mudguard broke loose. Alan Partridge was soon attending to it and with Chris providing a plastic tie and suitable screwdriver we were quickly on our way. How many moderate group riders does it take to fix a rattling mudguard? See below. Soon after that there is a very sharp ascent into Blagdon. After crossing the A368 the climb gets worse and impressive to see how everyone in the group managed to ride up. Mark Brough showed he was in a different class as he breezed up all the hills with little effort and despite a cold. The climb from Blagdon does become less steep but seeing the long straight gradient known as Two Trees becomes dispiriting. When we finally reached Broad Road and a bit of a descent we regained the will to live. A right turn took us to Charterhouse. On a different day it could have been a point of interest to look at the Roman Settlement and the lead mines. However time was pressing and we had a descent of Cheddar Gorge to negotiate. The strong wind seemed to be funnelled up the Gorge and we actually needed to pedal down it. The descent is always exhilarating and after a certain point cars cannot overtake cyclists and so we could relax and even snatch a view of the rock formation.

Near the bottom of the Gorge however, there were scores of parked cars and tourists in the road. Further down their numbers increased with many trying to cross the road. Once we were safely past them we were on the road to Axbridge with just another short stop to adjust Maggie’s troublesome mudguard. I always like to cycle through this pretty town with its Medieval Market Square and old houses. It was no distance from there to The Lamb at Weare. I must say that when I did a recce to The Lamb on Tuesday, thought it was a most unprepossessing pub. It looked particularly bleak with one car outside at 1 pm. I’d read one review of it on Tripadvisor which said it was ‘as cold and uninviting as a freshly dug grave’. Watching Mark trying to order and pay at the bar, it was obvious that the landlord could be a difficult man. The transaction wasn’t helped when Mark was told that the pie was off. Anyway, we all ordered and the meals came quickly and nobody complained about the quality.

The lady serving the meals was pleasant and efficient.10 of us decided to make a start back shortly after 2.30and the circuit of the base of Crook Peak was very scenic with fine views of the Bristol Channel. We soon had the wind at our backs and made good progress through Winscombe and Congresbury eventually ending up at Aimee’s for a much needed ice cream. Very soon after leaving Aimee’s we had the misfortune to meet a reckless and speeding van driver on the narrow lane across Backwell Common. Those of us at the front had no time to shout warnings. I didn’t witness the altercation that ensued involving Mark and Keith and the van driver. Such things can be most unpleasant and I hope it didn’t sour the otherwise excellent day for them. Many thanks to all who came today, especially Alan who helped Maggie and also prevented me riding off without my bag, Keith for his back marking and Chris for providing the spare parts. See the moderate group route here

‘Six go Cycling’ Tuesday 20th August 2019: Report by Shirley Hume: Enid Blyton eat your heart out – ‘The Sensational Six go Cycling’ is set to become a best seller any day now! From this you might have gathered that 6 BTOTC riders arrived at Congresbury for our Tuesday ‘long’ ride, which this week was heading to the Somerset Levels and over the Mendips. It was a fantastic day for cycling and after 2 miles on the A370 we were soon on quiet lanes round Puxton / East Rollastone and then south to cross the main road west of Banwell and wend our way via Christon and Loxton towards Brent Knoll. Riding over Brent Knoll is one of my favourite sections when I head towards the levels and the views today were good in the sunshine – plus there was no traffic which always helps. From there my cunning plan was implemented and we headed west to ride across the levels with the wind behind us. Coffee stop was at Nanny Ida’s Tea Gardens in Wedmore, where 2 other cyclists were enjoying a break in the sun. 2 cream teas, 2 toasted teacakes and a slice of lemon drizzle later we were back on the road via Sand and Lower Godney, enjoying clear views of Glastonbury Tor in the distance.

Having scooted across the levels at a good [wind assisted] speed we crossed the main road north of Glastonbury and rode for about 2 miles on a dead straight road beside one of the famous Somerset ‘Drains’. The route started to undulate a bit more en route to Dinder, where we started the long, but not over-steep, drag up to Maesbury and the lunch stop at the The Rocky Mountain Nursery. There were some fine views over the levels and back to Glastonbury on the climb and some glimpses of Wells Cathedral down to the left on the section before Dinder.

After an excellent lunch we headed back into the wind, but as the route twisted and turned a bit it was much easier than riding across the levels into a headwind [if you have ever had to endure this you will know what I mean]. Descending Binegar Bottom and through Binegar we were soon on to lanes across to Chewton Mendip, where we were delayed by a rival peloton crossing the road in front of us [see picture!!].

Rather than use the B road to Bishop Sutton we swung off on to more lanes with gentle undulations, ending up at the Farm Shop just outside Bishop Sutton. A bit soon after lunch, but these rides are sociable events so everyone was happy to stop for tea / coffee / cake as required. At this point we said farewell to Mike Finch who headed back to Compton Martin, while the rest of us took the now familiar roads to Chew Stoke and up Pagans Hill. Peter M headed back into Bristol at that point while the remaining four of us took a direct line, along increasingly narrow lanes, to the A38 south of the airport. A short distance and we were safely on the familiar route to Wrington and the less familiar cut-through on Wrington Lane to get back to our starting point – with the sun still shining and everyone agreeing it had been a good day out in excellent company. Thursday 22nd August. Amcor to the Red Lion at Arlingham: Moira was leading the main group today and turned up still bearing her racing number from competing in the Portishead triathlon last weekend. The numbers need to be waterproof to cope with the swimming segment but they look like they are tattoos to me.

Moira outlined a very similar route to last time involving twenty eight miles of cycling and four hundred feet of ascent. Don then proposed the moderate group route with twenty nine miles to cover including the climb of Stinchcombe Hill. Eh? Is this a new definition of moderate? Well I guess it's all down to the pace that we ride at.

Thursday 22nd August. Main group report from Bill Balchin: A dozen of us set off along the Old Gloucester Road with Moira in the lead and Peter Toft on back marker duty and everybody riding like a champion. Well yes, only to be expected with a steady tailwind pushing us along. We will have to pay on the way home but let's just enjoy it for now. I was glad that I had worn my long sleeved top today as the wind and cloudy sky kept the temperature down but at least there was no sign of rain and the roads were dry as we rode into Tytherington then climbed Stowell Hill which was our highest point of the day before skirting around the old part of Thornbury to get to Rockhampton.

It was all as flat as a pancake up to Berkeley, through Wanswell and into Slimbridge. Then there was a choice to make. Moira knows that some of us are not keen on canal towpaths so when we got to the end of Longaston Lane, most of the group turned left while I went right on Ryalls Lane with five others to join the A38 and put the hammer down to the Frampton on Severn turning. Once at the canal crossing we were not sure if the others were in front of us on their shorter route, or behind us because of our faster route. With the time about a quarter to twelve and only three miles to go we had time in hand – so let's stop for a photo at the attractive church of Mary the Virgin in Fretherne.

Hello, here's a cyclist coming. But it was not Moira's group it was Peter Hoskins riding solo from Portishead to join us for lunch. Getting to the Red Lion just before twelve the rest of the main group were sitting outside waiting for the doors to open. Although this is a very rural pub, it has a high tech till and food ordering system. So when we attempted to buy a drink and pay for a meal in one transaction it could not be done otherwise the kitchen would be confused. But you could put the drink on the tab and pay for everything at the end. OK, hope we won't be having another Salthouse moment here. It was good to see Martyn, Phil and John Davies who had all come in the same car to meet up. Martyn and Phil finished their BRI treatment recently – Martyn with a single procedure and Phil after travelling into the BRI every Monday to Friday for ages. Both now uncomfortable but on the mend although no date for getting back on the bike predicted yet. John is still on crutches with a large boot over his left leg which won't be coming off any time soon. Good to see you all guys. The meals at the Red Lion are pretty good quality for a pub. It's not often that you actually get vegetables other than peas with a meal. With only about half the group having pre ordered their lunch the pub waited until all the orders were in before starting cooking. Which makes it harder for the kitchen but was supposed to see us all eating together. It did not quite work out that way with Andy Short being the first in through the door but rock bottom last to get his meal after most of us had finished. I feel your pain brother. Right, half past one let's check with the pub management that everybody has paid. Ah, three pints of beer served but not paid for. Peter Ralph checked with the pub and our group but nobody put their hand up. To smooth things over, Peter took the pragmatic step of collecting a pound from eleven people to square it with the pub. But then he came back out and started returning the money. Somebody had paid late and now it was only one pint light. For goodness sake, let's just get on home.

That wind was now being a right pest and making it hard work as we rode back into Frampton. Moira was keen to ride through the village with one of the longest village greens in England. That meant a bit of towpath riding afterwards but I considered it worthwhile to cycle through such a pretty place with an amazing assortment of cottages and houses in so many different styles. The towpath was rough but rideable and not too long. I was glad to get off it as we waited for the bridge to open to let us cross. But I was not as glad as Roger who picked up a puncture just at the bridge.

Follow the main group route (apart from the outward towpath section) here. Thursday 22nd August. Moderate group report from Don Ford: Today’s moderate ride was unusual in being both longer and with more ascent than the main ride. 29 miles is beyond our normal range, especially given the distance some have to travel to Amcor. Nevertheless, there were 9 of us along for the ride. Truth to tell we were cycling along tried and tested lanes for the most part with no serious hills and the strong tail wind made for rapid progress. The 9 soon became 10 at Tytherington where John Byles had arranged to meet us. It was good to see him back after a bit of an absence and he certainly didn’t appear to have lost any of his fitness. From here it was the familiar way to Damery and the short climb up from Stinchcombe for a breather/point of interest. At the top of the hill are the gates of Piers Court which was the home of the author Evelyn Waugh for 20 years. Possibly best known for ‘Brideshead Revisted’ because of the film and TV series, he wrote several of his other novels while he lived in Stinchcombe. Well known for being an irascible and difficult man who was intolerant of unexpected visitors, I don’t think he would have approved of our stop outside his gates for a photo opportunity.

From here there is a pleasant downhill stretch along a cycle path known as Elstub Lane from where there was a magnificent panorama across the Severn to the Forest of Dean, May Hill and the Malvern Hills. After passing Cam and Dursley Station we were on the route we took to Eastington last May. This was a new destination which some thought was a pub too far but we still had 6 miles to go from here.

The short downhill section of the A38 brought us to a left turn on to Perry Way. From here it was a straight road all the way to Arlingham but it did bring us a bit into the wind and a realization we were going to suffer on the return. We arrived at the pub at 12.10 having done 29 miles at an average speed of 14 mph which is unheard of for a moderate ride. Of course, the main ride had arrived 20 minutes earlier after their easy ride. There was no queuing for us at the bar and my pre- ordered meal came quickly. The pub seemed very good. It was just a pity that their system of paying was so chaotic.

Everyone set off together for the return and because of bridge closures over the Canal we all stayed together as far as Slimbridge. I’d had the bright idea to take Lightenbrook Lane instead of the traditional Moorend Lane. Only John Byles and Phil Warry were brave enough to follow me. The result was that we never saw anyone else again and formed an elite group as we battled the wind for over 20 miles. My thanks to them for their company on the return and to all who came for yet another excellent Thursday ride. Follow Don's "moderate" ride route here Thursday 29th August. Bitton Station to the Dog and Fox at Bradford on Avon. The grass was covered with dew this morning, the sun was shining brightly but there was a slight nip in the air although the temperature was expected to rise through the day. So what to wear? I'll leave the gilet at home and wear long sleeves and fingerless mitts – that should do it. My e-bike has not misbehaved on the last two outings, probably because I have kept it in the big ring. Andy could not bear the thought of a bike jamming it's chain so got down to examine it before proposing a solution using carbon fibre or aluminium fixed close to the small ring. You can't keep these aerospace engineers down when there is an engineering challenge around.

Thursday 29th August. Main group report from Bill Balchin: Out of the twenty four starters at Bitton, ten voted with their wheels to follow Guido on a route of twenty four miles and fourteen hundred feet of ascent to be ridden at a steady pace. Would anyone ever complain if the spec was not met? I don't think so, I'm just happy to have somebody to lead the way. Peter Chivers volunteered for back marking. It is always good to have a strong rider at the back as they usually have a harder ride than those on the front but the peloton today looked like they would be sticking together. Down the railway path to Saltford then over the main road and up to Stanton Prior, Farmborough and Timsbury. These are favourite BTOTC lanes with little traffic and super views of the countryside. Some years we seemed to be out that way all the time but I don't remember cycling there lately so it was like visiting an old friend. Although Radford Hill out of Timsbury is a friend that I prefer to visit in the downward direction rather than up. Having gone down it was time to go up and after a lovely little lane into Camerton we ground up the long drag to Peasedown St John. Thanks for the photo opportunity Guido.

Now heading towards the general area of Shoscombe we took that dear little lane that runs between Stoney Littleton and Wellow running alongside a stream with views to the surrounding hills – just a treat. There were some odd popping noises as we rode which Alan diagnosed as crunched acorns. Through Wellow and as we approached the monster climb to Hinton Charterhouse Guido took us left at the trekking centre to the flat gravel path leading to the two tunnels. I had to beg an indulgence to stop the group for a couple of minutes to tighten my handlebars which had slipped down with all the bumping. I'll be getting a reputation for bad maintenance at this rate. A little way along the path we exited for Tucking Mill lane which the previous ride from Bitton had used three weeks ago. This time at Monkton Combe we took the scary descent past the school which proved a bit of a non event. Then instead of the road towards Winsley, Guido took us along a path that met up with the canal towpath over the Dundas Aqueduct. I'm not a fan of canal towpaths in general but this was not too bad. In fact if the surface was better it would probably attract so many cyclists on the scenic ride that you would not be able to move. So we have had big ups and downs, we have had flat through hilly country, we have ridden past fields, woods, rivers, canals – what else have you got for us Guido? To finish off we made a clockwise loop on small Wiltshire lanes where the central stripe of grit and dirt was so wide that the clean stripe was a bare foot wide and next to bushy roadside verges. No problems though as our leader brought us deftly through the maze to get to the Dog and Fox just after the moderate group at about ten past twelve.

It's nice to find a new pub. This one looks the part – got the casque mark accreditation, nice ambience, nice beer garden. So far so good. I had a bit of a shock when asked to pay four pounds sixty for a pint of Timothy Taylor Landlord. Some folk had a bit of a wait for a drink when drinks service was suspended during meal delivery. And some of the meals were a bit slow to arrive although I was only last but one in front of Jeff Mountain who did have a very long wait, in fact we had taken the traditional "new pub" photo while he was still inside eating. We could probably have helped ourselves a bit here as only nine people had pre ordered a meal – less than half. Will we go there again? I would not mind but it would not be high on my list.

Right, how are we getting home? I stayed with Guido and six others as we turned left out of the pub to go through Bradford while the rest turned right to retrace their outward route. We dropped into the busy traffic of Bradford which surprised me by being only a few minutes away and then took the hilly but quiet and scenic route through Freshford, into Midford and then those nice flat tunnels. Another belter of a day, and the clothing was just right. Big ups and downs, flats, towpaths - follow them all here

Thursday 29th August. Moderate group report from Phil Warry: This was a ride I’d planned to do earlier in the year from Mangotsfield, but due to the foul weather that day I didn’t get any takers! However the weather was somewhat better today, so it was a bit of a contrast to get 14 riders (is this a record for a moderate ride?) including new recruit Judy for her second ride with the group. We set off along the railway path towards Bath and the first half of the route was in fact the same as the ride to Acton Turville 3 weeks ago, through Bath city centre and on to the Kennet and Avon canal towpath as far as Bathampton. We then carried on to Batheaston, at which point we took a different route, through Bathford then up the long climb towards Kingsdown before taking a right turn at the top, with a stop for a well deserved breather.

We continued a short way on the road towards South Wraxall before taking a couple of right turns to Monkton Farleigh to today’s point of interest. Although there’s not much to see on the ground other than a few buildings, we were standing above an old stone quarry which was one of three central ammunition depots in England which were commissioned in the 1930s because of the threat of war, so were definitely needed! The one at Monkton Farleigh had an underground area of about 80 acres with 5 miles of tunnels, with a narrow gauge railway linking it to a loading platform next the main line by the Box Tunnel. The whole operation was designed to cope with shifting 1,000 tonnes of ammunition a day. After the war, the place was kept in an operational condition till the 1950s then not used again till the mid 1980s when a museum opened for a short period on the site. It’s now used for commercial document storage.

At his point we noted that the road to Monkton Farleigh village had a closed sign, but it was very easy to get through and gave us a virtually traffic free route to South Wraxall. From there we joined the main road towards Bradford on Avon, turning right before the town centre, from where it was a short way to the Dog and Fox, arriving just before 12.00 after 19 miles. Most people seemed happy to take my suggested easy route back through Winsley, under the A36 to Tucking Mill Lane to the Two Tunnels then the railway path back to Bitton.