PhilJ led this ride and writes:
Meteorological Autumn it may be but conditions out there today were as good as any ride in the Summer. A blast to Banbury was on the cards and eight riders turned out including my neighbour and new rider Ian. Both Pete and Milton were on standby with Garmins in case of my memory loss.
Banbury lane always provides an early test for the heart with its undulating nature and none more so than for PhilL who battled through the hardest part of the outward journey with great gusto.
A minor diversion after Cold Higham soon had us looking at the sixteen miles marker to our destination. We ticked off the villages along the way in quick succession. Moreton Pinkney a particular pleasure with the newly laid tarmac assisting the climb.
Around Sulgrave we passed the seven mile marker to Banbury only to be presented with an eight mile one shortly after! A six mile marker was on the opposite side of the road too. Country miles obviously. Whatever the mileage we were soon at the end of Banbury lane in Thorpe Mandeville.
We entered Chacombe using an alternative route and were soon off road through the Gateway retail park.
Pete had found another alternative here which gave us safer cycling towards the town centre. It did leave us with a bit of an uphill start on a busy roundabout but we escaped without incident.
We soon arrived at the Hillier Garden Centre and basked in the glorious sunshine on the outdoor seating for a while.
The ride out was largely on cycle paths up the Southam road until Little and Great Bourton took us away from the madding crowds. Bliss.
Some way on Adstone provided the hardest climb of the day before we levelled off and headed for Foxley.
Back at Cold Higham and the A5 a different route home. Heading to Eastcote came disaster. PhilL was a victim of hedge cutting with a couple of thorns adorning his inner tube. The rest of the ride passed without incident and we all made our separate ways home.
Thanks to all for turning out.
Hope you all enjoyed the ride.
PhilJ
CTC Northampton 