5th April 2009: C&NW CTC Spring 50

Arriving at Kinnerton Scout Hall on our tandem there were so many riders in the entrance it was difficult getting through the gate. Inside the hall it was even more crowded but Janet and her team had everything under control and after time for tea and biscuits our group was summoned to the table to register. Apparently prospective riders had been queuing at the door first thing in the morning despite warnings having gone out that entries for the event were closed. In all some 160 riders were thought to have taken part! This must be a record: no doubt due in no small part to Janet’s advance publicity.


Photograph: "Group 7 ready to go" with thanks to Glennys Hammond



Our group assembled outside and I was pleased to see that David Robinson (CTC national Chair) was joining us. We got off to a good start, although David dropped off the back early on, and we soon settled down to a steady pace ably led by Peter. In perfect conditions the miles flew by, the first control point was reached followed by a comfort stop in Holt, then on past Stretton Mill to the next control. Here Graham and Vicky caught up with our group of Peter, Bill, Alan, Ted, Glennys, Erla and Bryan. A few hundred yards further on they flew past to be briefly seen again at the Overton lunch stop.
The lunch arrangements were faultless: soup, tea, sandwiches, savoury snacks and cakes were served without any fuss or delay. Indeed the food was so good that our group spent too long talking and enjoying the food, necessitating a faster than planned ride back to Kinnerton!
Some statistics: distance 80.5 km, riding time 4:00 hours, total time 4:40 hours, average speed 20.0 kph, maximum speed 59.5 kph (now where did we do that). A great day’s ride in perfect sunny spring weather.
Thanks go to the group: one couldn’t wish for better companions. Most of all though the organisation was impeccable: from the start through the controls, lunch and the finish. If you didn’t know, you would think they did this every day. Thanks again to the organisers and the many helpers.
For route map and/or gpx file download.
BW