The first scheduled Sunday ride of the year got off to an encouraging start with seven riders chomping at the bit at 9.30am. Although there was no pre-planned route or leader today, there was a consensus that we should head into the significant westerly wind and have an easy return ride after lunch. Bourton-on-the Water was therefore suggested.
We took a route via Fordwells, south of Shipton, and Nether Westcote, bravely challenging the stiff headwinds on the more exposed roads. However, in all other respects it was a fine, dry, sunny day. After a light lunch and lively conversation in Bourton, we took the steep climb out and then barrelled along with a brisk tailwind towards Sherborne, Windrush and Burford where three riders continued to Witney and four found the prospect of another cuppa irresistible.
The rear guard arrived back in Witney at 3.30pm after a very enjoyable
41 miles at an average speed of 12mph precisely.
Sounds like fun to you? And are you a CTC member? If so, then there’s another ride from the Buttercross next Sunday at 9.30am. Or checkout our list of rides for 2012. This ride summary was written by Paul Speare.
