Ride Report for 1st May

Ride report for Saturday 1st May 2021

14 riders arrived at the Udder Farm shop for coffee in the glorious sunshine. We all set off through East Stour down Witch Lane to Eccliffe and made our way to Stourhead via Milton, Silton and Bourton. At Kilmington Ron left us to catch the final day of the Tour de Romandie. Then just after Maiden Bradley Keith and Ed turned for home. The remaining 11 riders turned towards Sheerwater just as the sky darkened and it started to rain a bit.

Fortunately by the time we got to the George Inn at Longbridge Deverill the rain stopped and we were able to enjoy lunch in their garden. Richard Nicholl had made his own way there and Ken joined us to take over from Caroline. The pub was doing a brisk trade but our food and warming cups of coffee arrived promptly. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed their lunch so we all set off through the Deverills and up the long steady climb over Mere downs and the fast descent into Mere. At Mere we took the back road towards Motcombe and as it was starting to rain again most of us turned off down Bay road to Gillingham except the people living in Shaftsbury who carried straight on for home.  After leaving Dave M in Gillingham we split again at Eccliffe where the Marnhull/Stalbridge contingent opted to go straight on up to the ridge. This left Jackie myself and Ken to make our way back to East Stour via Witch Lane again. Ken then left to make his way home alone. 

Jackie and I only did 35 miles but most others did well over 40. It was a pleasant ride over familiar roads with no incidents or breakdowns and nice to be out with a group again, my thanks to all who came.

Martin