A Sunday Bummel
The Tandem with both riders on board was heading for Kingsbury Park when Graham spotted us on Baulk Lane. He and Roger – both in shorts - were off to Warwick, so we joined them – a no brainer for Mike! Graham’s solo trip to join Mark at The Cape of Good Hope was swelling, first Roger who joined up at Earlswood and now Mike and Ruth. We took the Leek Wootton route to Warwick and got there for midday. We had beat Mark to the venue.
All tables were reserved but a 2:15 pm table was released until 2:00pm… hurrah. Then Rob turned up – swelling our numbers further, but no Mark yet and no text message. At 12:30, he arrived with a great cycling alibi – he had been delayed by a road race. Can’t remember if he said he took a stint at the front….
It was Graham’s birthday and he got the drinks in (thank you) – without a trace of a grimace at the burgeoning company.
Food and drink taken, progressive rock dissected, the state of the Rollocks - I think that is what they said - considered and other various topics despatched, Graham, Mark and the Tandem – both persons duly on board – set off for the Rollocks. The road surface was good for over half way, and then it morphed into a raised middle section with a track on either side. Mike followed the lead out scouts carefully and we soon got to the gate that led to Kites Nest Lane.
A further stop was required at The Case or was that The Coach Is Altered where our hosts greeted familiar faces warmly. Departing, now ready for the last push for The Coach or was that The Case, at last we had some late sun on our backs.
Feeling smug, from our impromptu club ride-out, we joined the Sunday evening gang in the bar. More birthday cheer for Graham. The stoker had a glass of wine to “lament” a first – three pubs on a day ride…. The case is altered!
Nearly forgot, we did have a new member come along - Basil the fox; freeloading on Graham’s saddlebag.
Fifty five miles for the Tandem with both persons still on board.
