Ride report for 19th September

Gillingham to Tisbury

10 riders met at Orchard Park Garden centre for coffee so we had to split into 2 groups to follow the new rules. The riders were Myself, Jackie, Jill, Roger, Dave M, Bill, Charlie, Lorraine, Paul N, Ben and Ed. Lorraine Ben and Paul had prior arrangements and weren't coming to lunch so the remaining 7 split into our 2 groups and set off towards Gillingham to try out the new cycle paths the council has been spending lots of money on. ( a bit disappointing but at least they are making an effort ). We then headed up Bay road towards West Knoyle and the steep climb up to Willoughby Hedge services on the A303 where we turned right down the hill to cross the A350 and into Hindon. Then on the "undulating" road through Fonthill Bishop, Chilmark and Teffont Magna where we turned right through the beautiful village of Teffont Evias and on to Tisbury. Lunch was at the Boot Inn, a lovely old pub that does beer straight from the barrel and a decent selection of food. We spread out across several tables in the garden and the staff came and took our orders. Some of us had their own sandwiches but the pub was happy if you ordered a drink. After a pleasant lunch we headed down the hill and then turned off toward Tuckingmill and Newtown, then Semley and Motcombe and back to Gillingham. At Gillingham we split up and made our own way home. A fairly short ride with no mishaps or mechanicals but very pleasant. 

Martin