Saturday 16th January - Ch#@#tow in January (again)

If you check this Saturday's forecast, you'll probably do a double take; just make sure you're sitting down with no sharp objects around when you do!

Yep, wall to wall sunny shines and with dry weather forecast for the next two days we can hope for pretty decent conditions, (if a little chilly, so wrap up )

Now, the last time this happened in January we went to that place just across the bridge in welsh wales beginning with CH.

Much as I like innovation, I fear that there could be a rebellion if we don't resort to type.

So it's Ch###tow via Bristol, using the well worn path (and roof!!!?)

Route out will be Ebdon, A370, Congresbury, Yatton should you wish to latch on.

About 20 turned out for the Chepstow Chilly Willy. Conditions were not that good as there were some frosty patches on the roads. Eventually we caught up with the Kellogs lorry and told the driver he was shedding his load. He drew a large kitchen knife and gave us evil looks. It was only then we realised he was a cereal killer.

Eastenders favourite son Lofty was out for his maiden ride and tagged along to Congresbury. The rest swung left to Yatton and across to Clevedon before heading on to Portishead where the first of many delays was caused by a puncture. Of all the driveways in all the world.....

Anyhow, on to Portbury and Pill when the main split happened with an unlucky thirteen continuing to Chepstow. More unfortunate delays in Avonmouth when Ivan had problems keeping his end up and Andy had to learn to live with a small one, something he should be used to by now.

Usually it is cross winds that cause splits in the bunch but this time it was roadworks and poor driving with a large articualted lorry almost sending five of us to an early grave. Once out of what can only be loosely termed civilisation we entered the wilderness of Severn Beach area type thingy (place name anyone?) where the weekly game of 'who's the alpha male' was played out. Scott and Burns took it in turns to eat up the tarmac while the rest of the pack subserviently sucked their wheels.

Over the bridge and into Chepstow where Andy and Ivan set about finding the local bike shop while we tucked into our refreshments. There was mention of this summer's trip to France where Burns sold it well by saying the first time he went he was robbed and came home after one day. Scott seemed a little uncertain but we reassured him that he had time to get fit while Neil was concerned his marriage would not last if he went.

The Welsh game of hide the bike was played once more. Steve could not quite reach the roof and a glorious photo opportunity was missed when Pete bent over forwards and offered Steve a bunk up.

All returned safely to Bristol where Burns special navigation forced a dismount as we tried to ride across a boggy patch of the downs to get back to the road. Steady ride home from there with no further mishaps.

80 ish of your best English miles in January.

Great write up as always Rich!

All this talk of Alpha males makes it sound like a vicious wolf pack... Who gets to be Omega wolf?!

I'm virgo wolf honey