Alp

3 Babes, so I'm told.

Too cold for Chris and too far for me.

We will see you all at Clives.

Steve, be early and cycle up Swansbrook towards them. Simples.

We will meet you there, via car. 

If it's wet and windy will you consider going by car?

and I've just done 35 mins at 12.2 mph avg, indoors.

Richard, should you receive this message Broadacres Fishery is near Chessgrove in Ditchford Bank Road which is off the cross roads halfway along the road between the Jinney Ring and Elcocks Brook.

Richard, this is last year's gathering.

PS Don't take your Wife's best frying pan.

It took 1 hr 10mins to walk home and not a bike to clean. For those who heard the tale about the sheep that was stuck in the fence, the farmer had moved the whole flock and must have freed her.

A very wise decision and it's only 4.2C here feeling like -1C

Chris and I will not be joining you this morning. Our hall has finally been plastered and almost dry so will be preparing for the decorating phase. Enjoy your cuppa and a chat.

Well it’s 10:15 in new money and the sun is shining.

We will not be out. The forecast for Upton Snodsbury is no rain from 10:00 however there will be lots of big puddles to navigate. Fladbury could also be flooded. Chris went shopping on Thursday so there is plenty of bread in stock.

Released May 1959

Glad you enjoyed the hospitality and sing song. Here are the words to Dion's song.

Pin the tail on the donkey.

John, I’m pleased the shoes fit.

What a super day for a cycle ride. Sunny, not to hot and a light S.E wind. Those leaving Tardebigge were Moira, Mick D, Julie, Gordon L, Tim B and Leigh. Barry met them near Bradley Green and Chris and I joined in at Stock Green Tim having already turned off. Gordon who was recovering from taking antibiotics turned off just after Flyford Flavel.

We arrived at a quiet Upton Marina to be met by John and Ann with Mick H arriving two minutes later. John had another shoe trying on session and has finally decided on Sidi Mega size 44.

There was a lot of grumbling over the price of the tea cakes however there was plenty of Jam, marmalade, butter pats.

The route back was the outward Tuesday Defford ride in reverse. Mick H went on at a faster pace and Leigh did his usual disappearing act not to be seen again.

Being that the cafe stop was close to home I included a tiny lane from Spetchley Island to Crowle only to have Moira complaining about a steep hill. Two weeks ago I had driven the lane in the car and not noticed a steep hill. On arrival at the Nursery, Barry lived up to his nickname of Bouncing Barry by landing in a heap in front of a couple who looked most concerned for his well being whilst some club members had a chuckle. Hope you are OK Barry.

No, we didn't get lost on the downhill to Pershore, we were left behind in the pull in opposite the entrance to Clives. Whoever was on the front leading the charge should have looked behind or at the least asked if everyone was on. We were only 200 metres back but nobody waited.

Me and Chris met the run, consisting of Moira Julie and Leigh, at the Bradley Green end of Flying Horse Lane. We proceeded at a relaxed pace to Radford where we turned left to tackle Moira's favourite three climbs to the Toll House where a right turn took us downhill to Dunnington and downhill again to Broom and Bidford. Over the bridge and on through the pretty village of Dorsington to our destination the Expresso Cafe incorrectly named as the service was slow.

Julie and Moira couldn't resist the high sugar content caramel and chocolate covered shortbread containing a million calories whilst Leigh was disappointed after realising he could have ordered a bacon sarnie. Chris and I stuck with the safe Toast and jam in a cardboard box.

To avoid the usual Col de Welford Moira requested a different route home so we headed towards Mickleton into a strong head wind (power setting 2 for me) and made a right turn to climb the Alp de Pebworth instead. 😀

After Bidford four of us went via Wixford to Dunnington and Leigh having ridden off in front went up the Dunnington Drag. After regrouping it was the usual route back to Bradley Green where Chris and I parted leaving the rest to make their way back to Tardebigge and then home.

An enjoyable ride with no incidents just the strong SW wind on the return leg.

Photos below.  

I have a both the Stratos and Evolution on my bikes. The profile means you sit 'in' the saddle unlike flatter topped saddles which I describe as sitting 'on'.

For those who remember the San Marco Concor, the profile  is similar.

Guidance on positioning the saddle can be found on the Selle SMP website. i.e Nose up or down,  which I found took time to get right. A seat post with an infinite adjustable saddle rail clamp is essential for fine tuning the angle. 

Dan Martin: Israel Start-up Nation. Born Birmingham.

Have just returned from Droitwich, Himbleton is flooded and lots of huge puddles everywhere.

If Bishampton PO is full you could try the golf club. The cafe is around the back on the lower level and cyclists are welcome.