LEADON VALE CYCLE CLUB RIDE 393 Sunday 21st November 2021. The first winter feeling ride of the season and some of us turning up maybe a little underdressed but it was dry and bright and an ever increasing Northerly wind which would pick up as the morning went on. A good turn out with Maggie rejoining us and Rob Randall out for the first time in a while. Another good turn out and even Brucie couldn’t find a reason not to ride, a Sporty, an Advanced and me leading an intermediate and Di and Julie unknown to me riding the scenic ride. All rides left the club and headed towards Tirley and Apperley, where Ken was very insistent that we rode 2 abreast and looked professional as we passed his house, the bell ringing was impressive, but I’m not sure we looked very professional but we pushed on with a smile and the chilly wind was in our face through Deerhurst and along to the Odessa where we turned to find Bozard lane a quiet lane which takes you over the railway line and emerges on the on the A435, it was here that we picked up David who joined us here. The other groups would cross the road and head around Gotherington, Alstone and Dixton before leaving the village of Alderton behind them towards Beckford .We rode down the busy fast rd turning left around seven bends to Aston cross and the Aschurch army camp, over the lights and now and on to Kinsham lane and then taking Back Lane a beautiful lane passing lovely houses and Kemerton church before joking the main rd back to Tewkesbury through Bredon it was here we split a little and it wasn’t until we stopped in Mitton that Maggie realised she had lost a screw holding her mudguard on to the frame so Adrian suggesting use a drink bottle cage screw to hold it on which worked a treat so we were all back in one piece as we crossed the Mythe bridge and now into the full force of that increasing wind it was hard work to the Forthampton turning and some relief from the wind along to Chacelely church and Tirley where we said goodbye to Rob and Maggie and Adrian. Steve had rejoined us to add a few more miles on to his ride and we made good progress back to the club for a brew and a Freddo donated by the chocolate man, not any Freddo but the ones with a caramel centre so a big thank you Mat. It wasn’t long before the others were back and everyone enjoying the treats. Thanks to every one who rode today and helped out, the first winter ride I might have to get the winter jacket out. Yellow leader.
