SUNDAY 2nd October - Chepstow 8:15 meet

What can I do? I've left it as late as possible and I'm sure that, by the time I've hit send on this message the forecast will change; but for the past three days Saturday has been predicted as a bit of a washout, whilst Sunday retains a full sun, 3 mph wind prediction.

So, we're off with the wheelers again..... but hang on..... how about this?..... instead of standing awkwardly in our own little huddle whilst the yellow hoards gloat from their boardmanesque steeds, why don't we meet earlier to avoid feeling inferior to those 12mph, 50 miles in their legs adonis's???

Let's meet at 8:15, as this will get us into the welsh land cafe a good time before they need to worry about the congregations descending upon their gaff from chapel.

Route out will be the usual: Congresbury, Yatton, Kenn Moor..... and we could even pick the Dandy Highwayman up from Portishead en route if black bess can be tackled up on time!

What is it with the dry weeks and Saturday rain recently! I cant go out on Sunday so once again I will have to head out on Saturday and hope to dodge the showers. I will be down at Priory at 8 45 tomorrow if you are in a similar position

Attendees: Ivan, Neil, Richard, Martin, Alex, Steve, Pete, Nick (Marcella & Sue)

The weather today was a vast improvement on yesterday's, but even so it was a rather parky 5 degrees at 8.15am when the group met at Priory, or when I left to meet them at Congresbury. However, the clear sky afforded us some well deserved sunshine and it gradually warmed us up on the journey over. Belmont Hill was as welcome as ever and for one in particular who found it physically taxing was surprised to experience a problem with balance at the top. Well, everybody - needs somebody - to lean on!

Ah yes, Beggar Bush Lane. I think it was effective in increasing the temperature further, getting the adrenaline flowing and the hearts racing. At the finish line a friendly woman driver was kind enough to congratulate us on a job well done!

When we got to the Severn Bridge we found it strangely quiet as it was closed to traffic for vital works with the '...king lifters. A peaceful crossing, sun drenched view and gentle breeze provided us with a most pleasant journey over to the promised land.

So, we were promised hot beverages and bacon butties, but there seemed to be a slight problem with the latter. A distinct lack of bacon, oh, and butter in the sandwiches hinted at a gross violation of the trade descriptions act 1968. Not to worry, our leather clad biker Burns the bread was at hand to provide tales of expedition and a lead out on the way back. So the official motorcycle escort was going quite well until he took the wrong turn. Nice thought though Paul - thanks for the tow.

At Avonmouth we made sure that correct lane discipline was followed to avoid any excuse for a fight with the locals. Just after Avon Bridge Richard was given the opportunity to test the brakes on his racing steed as well as to conduct an evasive manoeuvre around another cyclist who was wobbling in his path. After the usual rant from Portishead to Clevedon and then again across Kenn Moor, we decided on a second stop at Yatton Station. There we soaked up the sun and marvelled at the huge temperature difference to the 8.15 start.

And so we returned to Weston with a few more miles in our legs, more stories to tell and maybe even the odd sun kissed nose - marvellous!

Aha ! I didn't go the wrong way it was you lot following me that went wrong, I had to go up to the Mall to see a man about a dog.

Nicely written, Mr Pirate. Good to know that someone else will step into my shoes when I don't have time to write the ride report.