With overnight temperatures plummeting to minus 6 degrees, todays ride would normally have been cancelled due to the ice risk. However, as we have not had any rain recently the only thing the 12 riders had to avoid was the infrequent patch of frost, still lying near the curbs in some shaded areas.
We set off in the morning sun, the temperature now just getting above zero. What was needed was a hill to warm us up and Gullen Hill (AKA Cobley) did the trick. Following our graveside 11’s stop, in the cemetery of Tardebigge Church, we put in the habitual unnecessary loop, via Hanbury and Broughton Green before crossing, via the footbridges, the two Fords of Seeley Brook and Bow Brook.
Mike B joined us for lunch at the Rose and Crown, Feckenham, as did an old friend of the club, Roy Jeffrey. Apparently Roy’s fellow riders said it was too cold to cycle today and went home, but a little nip in the air has never stopped the 81 year old before!!
Now plus three degrees, the climb over Astwood Bank provided the after lunch, extra warmth needed. With it being the last day of autumn, what struck me most this morning was the beauty of the clear, frosty scenery; and this afternoon the trees by Studley Castle, releasing their final remaining leaves, like confetti, sparkling in the afternoon low sunshine, as we cycled past. It really is a pleasure to cycle in all four sessions, long may we have them! 57 miles for me.
PS. Roy had soup instead of Horlicks
