Martin Sat Feb 01, 2014 6:49 pm
About 15 hardy souls were at Priory for cold start with predicted heavy showers. We set of towards Cannington via the toll road, and then in to a strong head wind along the beach road. When we got out on to the A38 Ivan decided to spice things up and head south via Bleadon instead of Brent Knoll. Jeanie had a mechanical around Shiplate where her chain broke. Once everyone realised she was not in the peleton we went back and it was soon fixed. We headed south towards Mark via some muddy wet lanes. The road from Bason Bridge to Woolavington was particularly windy. Mars and Kiara turned back soon afterwards. When we got to the A39 the group split up and Merion had a close experience with a car that decided he should clip his arm with his car!!! We negotiated Bridgwater and headed up towards Spaxton where we came across Steve who took a shortcut from Mark down the A38. It was then down to the A39 and into Poppys cafe.
This was a new experience for most of us. The service was quick and very friendly, however the regulars were a bit shocked to see a bunch of lycra clad cyclists. The highlight of the stop was seeing the contents of Andys rack bag! Not only does it contain a change of clothes but there is the most amazing set of tools! You can't beat a 18" adjustable spanner and a set of wrenches. He claims its to add extra weight to his bike for training, if thats the case he should use my bike which is way too heavy. I'm sure he was really on-call as a mobile plumber.
When we headed back we were treated to an excellent tail wind although the heavy showers finally apppeared. It was the usual high pace back up the A38 where a few of us got dropped.
TTC - toast, 2 x large coffees all for £3 so got to give them 9/10
OJC - 2?
KF - 8.5 (got dropped)
Stats -
http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2206088