showmethecakes Sun Jun 22, 2014 7:46 pm
Here we go again....
The options at Priory seemed quite clear. Tri option at Bitton or getting a long one in via Tortworth. I quite like the idea of a long one but never had any complaints when I've traded length for quality. Having said that I think a short Sutton Wick would have been disappointing.
Anyhow, back to the ride. There had clearly been rebellious talk in the pack en route as the majority of riders decided to swing right in Chew Magna and head for the lakes. That is apart from Dave T who went left, then right, then left again across the oncoming traffic. There is always one or two that just can't decide which side they are on when the great political divide opens up!
However, true to my word I joined the A team for a few miles more to Bitton. As we approached Saltford I knew a cafe stop was inevitable as Chris started to complain about a lack of cash. After some discussion in the station car park BA Baracas, Face and Hannibal etc. set off for Tortworth while I stabled my ride and headed off to the buffet car for some on board refreshments. A few minutes later Chris, Sam and Mike appeared having obviously changed their minds and instead decided to join me. Chris then flashed his plastic and paid for mine and his food and drinks! I must have been in some sort of dazed stupor as I then re-paid him in cash. What was I thinking!
After tea and buns the conversation turned to out of date energy gels. Chris got a great deal at Halfords - a box of 20 for £2. We did try to point out that sugar cubes are not necessarily out of date energy gels but he seemed quite pleased with his bargain buy. They certainly don't appear to affect his cycling performance as he ably stayed at the back of the bunch along the cycle path back to Saltford, up the hill, etc. etc.
Personally I was finding it a bit tough on the way back while Sam was still dancing on the pedals like a spring chicken. Probably something to do with the 246 gels he took at the cafe. Once over the A37 was sped along to Chew Magna. Chris took a turn on the front and led us into the village. I say 'led us' that means him and me. Sam and Mike were a little way back down the road so the decent thing to do would have been to stop in Chew Magna and re-group. We ignored decency and carried on. By now Chris had weaved between the traffic congestion and was going out of sight up the road. I pulled over and waited for Sam and Mike and after re-grouping caught up with Chris who had waited about 650 miles further on just outside Winford. Chris then set off home leaving the three of us to make our own way back.
We re-traced our crank revolutions (was going to say steps but that doesn't work if your on a bike) back via the Airport and enjoyed a speedy descent of Redhill into Wrington. Came back via Banwell and Locking before I finally ran out of juice along the Locking road.
OJC: 1 (me)
KFC: first 32 miles, 6/10, next 32 miles 9/10
TTCR: 6/10 (nice coffee but floppy bacon and baps too big. Not often you hear me complain about that!)
Stats: 67 miles, ave just over 16mph.
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