3 Counties Tandem Club

On our return to Upper Hall we tucked into the meal of turkey broth, salads and puddings supplied by the 22 participants. The day was concluded by outlining next year’s programme and enjoying the festive mood. May we wish all members of the Tandem Club a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Southam - 21st November 2010 - John & Jen

It was cold and overcast with some drizzle when nine cyclists met at Southam for our November ride. John and Jen had promised us a fairly flat route except for the first bit – and they were right! Soon after leaving their house we were faced with a steep, 25% climb up the scarp face of the Cotswolds.

Most opted to walk but by the time we reassembled at the top the mist had begun to clear and we were able to admire the view of Nottingham Hill and the distant Malverns. Our reward for the climb was a long, three mile downhill freewheel into Winchcombe where we had coffee.

From Winchcombe we cycled in a loop through the delightful Cotswold villages of Stanton, Dumbleton and Beckford to Conderton where we had lunch in a most attractive pub.

We returned via Teddington and Alstone, over Dixton hill and on to Gotherington. From there it was a short ride in the increasing gloom through Bishop’s Cleeve to Southam where John and Jen provided tea and some delicious home-made cakes. Our thanks go to them for making this such an enjoyable day.

Nescliffe Weekend - 1st to 3rd October 2010

They were disappointed at the Ryder Cup and so were we as we drove through heavy rain on Friday afternoon to the Three Counties weekend in Shropshire. However, Saturday was a pleasant, dry autumn day as most of us followed National Cycle Route 81 past Shrawardine Castle and across the River Severn at Montford Bridge to Shrewsbury.

After a break for food, and a visit to the remarkable circular church of St Chad’s, we continued on a cycle path alongside the river and out of the town along the disused Shrewsbury Canal, tunnelling under the A5112 and the A49. From Upton Magna we turned north with superb views of The Wrekin and the Welsh hills across the Severn plain.

A gently undulating route took us back to the now quiet old A5 at Nescliffe and the campsite. In the evening 16 of us sat down to an excellent meal at ‘The Old Three Pigeons’ in the village. The rain began at about five o’clock on Sunday morning and by eight o’clock it had become torrential, remaining so until the afternoon. The day was a washout for the golf and also for us as we left without riding. Oswestry and Welshpool will have to wait for another visit to this very good area for tandems.

Cheltenham - 19th September 2010 - Graham & Helen

Three tandems and a solo met on a grey, overcast day in Cheltenham for Graham and Helen’s ride. Graham had planned a generally flat route that went round Cheltenham clockwise, avoiding only the steep Cotswold slopes to the west. Leaving via Shurdington the route twisted and turned through many small lanes through Brockworth, Churchdown and Badgeworth to reach the garden centre at Bamfurlong for a welcome coffee break.

The ride continued through Down Hatherley to the banks of the River Severn at Wainlode and on to Apperley. Graham then promised a short cut through Deerhurst Walton to avoid a busy stretch of the A38. What he did not say was that this involved taking the tandems up a steep flight of steps. We must point out to readers that this is not a normal activity on Three Counties rides!

After lunch at the ‘Gloucester Old Spot’ we returned via Stoke Orchard, Bishop’s Cleeve and Southam to Cheltenham where Graham and Helen provided tea and cake to end an enjoyable 36 miles of cycling.

Astwood Bank - 8th August 2010 - Victor & Jeannette

Victor and Jeannette once again offered to host our Posh Picnic at Astwood Bank. After coffee, Jeannette led eight cyclists in a westerly direction through Sambourne and Coughton, where we crossed the River Arrow on a footbridge by the ford, to Great Alne.

We continued to Walcote where we saw an old cider mill and press in a cottage garden. The owner kindly invited us in to have a closer look, an offer we accepted with alacrity. She explained how a horse would be used to roll a heavy stone wheel over the apples in a circular stone trough, and how the resulting mixture would be squeezed by the press to extract the apple juice.

We then rode through the picturesque village of Aston Cantlow to Wootton Wawen where we had lunch at the Yew Tree Farm Craft Centre.

In the afternoon we returned to Astwood Bank via Little Alne, Alne Hills, where we purchased home-made jams at a roadside stall, and Spernall. In Victor and Jeannette’s garden, overlooking the Warwickshire countryside, we laid out the tablecloths and set up our picnics, which we ate in the warm afternoon sunshine. Lively conversation in the company of friends provided a highly enjoyable end to the day.

Bromyard - 18th July 2010 - Brian & Sylvia

Seven tandems met in Bromyard on a cloudy, dry day for our July ride. Our leaders, Brian and Sylvia had brought their 4-star "restaurant" with them and we were provived with refreshments before starting the ride.

From Bromyard we followed the minor road south along the Frome valley. This is a switchback road and gave us a roller coaster ride to the Hop Pocket Craft Centre where we met four other cycling friends for coffee. The ride continued alongside hop fields and orchards to pass Much Cowarne and on to Little Cowarne where we had lunch at the Three Horseshoes Inn.

The afternoon started with a steep climb that made us wish that we had not eaten so much and continued on undulating roads with fine views through Pencombe and Bredenbury before a glorious swoop down to Rowden Mill passing a restored station and short section of track on the dismantled Worcester to Leominster railway line.

Further undulating roads took us through Edwyn Ralph and Edvin Loach and to the Bromyard Downs before another long downhill back to Bromyard where Brian and Sylvia opened up their motor caravan once again to provide tea, coffee and cake before our homeward journeys.

Evesham - 16th May 2010 - David & Eileen

For our May ride David led us once again on his ‘classic’ route from Evesham. Ten cyclists assembled in the car park and rode around Bredon Hill through Elmley Castle and Ashton under Hill to Dumbleton Hall. By this time the early overcast skies had cleared and we had sunny, dry weather for the rest of the day. At Dumbleton we were joined by two other tandem crews and we all enjoyed coffee in the grandeur of the Hall’s library.

Fourteen of us then rode through Wormington to Stanway where we joined the route of a charity bike ride causing surprise, and some concern, to the marshals on the course. However we soon diverged from the charity route, causing yet more concern to the marshals, to reach the fruit farm at Hailes Abbey for lunch which, owing partly to a shortage of staff, was a rather prolonged affair.

After lunch two crews left us to return home directly and the remainder retraced our route to Stanway before passing through Broadway and Willersey to reach Badsey where we had been invited to tea in the vicarage garden. It was then just a short distance to Evesham to complete this splendid ride of 37 miles.

Woodmancote, Cheltenham - 18th April 2010 - Howard & Jenny

Five tandems and one solo set off from Woodmancote on our April ride led by Howard and Jenny. The weather was bright and sunny with a clear blue and, thanks to the Icelandic volcano, silent sky. We cycled through the quiet lanes of the Vale of Gloucester, on the eastern side of the River Severn, to Tewkesbury where we had coffee in the Garden Centre.

We continued by crossing the Severn at the Mythe Bridge, going across Longdon Marsh and through Birtsmorton and Pendock for a brief stop at Gadfield Elm chapel. This is the oldest surviving Mormon chapel in the world which served as a centre for Mormons until 1842. After a period of neglect, including its use as a barn, it was purchased by local church members and restored before being presented to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 2004. You can enter the building and view the small exhibition inside – if you can answer the questions to reveal the door code!

A further short ride brought us to Staunton Garden Centre where we had lunch. In the afternoon we re-crossed the Severn at Haw Bridge and passed through the new flood gates at Deerhurst before returning to Woodmancote where Jenny provided us with excellent tea and cake. We all enjoyed this splendid ride of 43 miles.

Daffodil Ride, Ross-on-Wye - 21st March 2010 - Martin & Jenny

Following the cancellation of our first two rides this year owing to the appalling weather it was good to wake up to sunshine and to know that this ride would take place. Martin and Jenny had arranged for us to join the Sunday ride of the Daffodil weekend organised by Ross Cycling Club and so eleven members from the Region met at the Larruperz Centre in Ross-on-Wye for the start.

We followed the River Wye through the Forest of Dean in the company of thirty to forty other cyclists but at the Pedalabikeaway Cycle Centre at Cannop we separated from the others to form a smaller group. We continued through the Forest and just before Parkend turned eastwards for a short break at Mallards Pike Lake where people were swinging through the trees on a high level ropes course.

After the break we carried on down to Blackpool Bridge to view a section of a Roman road that had been preserved as an Ancient Monument. We returned in the sunshine to Ross-on-Wye via Upper Soudley, Cinderford and Mitcheldean. Back at the Centre we enjoyed a splendid meal before departing in the late afternoon. Many thanks to all concerned for an excellent opening ride to the Region’s year.

Pershore Christmas Ride - 13th December 2009 - John & Sally

Our final event of the year stuck to the usual pattern of a short ride of about 20 miles followed by a Christmas lunch provided by contributions from the participants. John and Sally were our hosts this year and John had prepared a treasure hunt where we had to visit local Worcestershire churches and answer questions about each one.

We formed small teams and planned our own routes aiming to return within 90 minutes of departure. Although there had been some heavy rain showers earlier in the morning the weather remained dry with some bright sunny intervals but with a chilly breeze. All the teams completed the course and returned to Besford Bridge – though none within the time limit!

Following a splendid lunch the wrapped presents, provided by each cyclist and not costing more than £1, were distributed in ‘Lucky Dip’ fashion before the programme for 2010 was finalised. Our thanks go to John and Sally for this fitting end to a very successful year for the Region.

Southam - 15th November 2009 - John & Jen

In contrast to the storms that our Region had been experiencing over the previous two days the Sunday of our ride was calm, sunny and reasonably warm. Twelve cyclists, including John on his brand new Trice three-wheeler, met at Southam to be led by John (a different one!) and Jen through the foothills of the Cotswolds and around Bredon Hill.

After 15 miles we stopped at Dumbleton Hall where we were served coffee and biscuits, at a very modest cost, in the grandeur of the library. Despite the temptation to remain and absorb the splendour of the Hall we eventually continued the ride through the lanes to Hailes Abbey Fruit Farm for lunch. There was then a light shower, the only rain of the day, but it had stopped by the time we were ready to re-start the ride.

The return to Southam was via a route that ran close to the Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway and near the Prescott Hill Climb (which we did not attempt on the tandems!) we glimpsed a steam train on the line across the fields.

Jen provided tea and cake back in Southam and we thank both her and John for organising this most enjoyable ride of 34 miles.

3 Counties Moira Weekend - 2nd - 4th October 2009 - 3 Counties go to 4 Counties

For our weekend event this year the Three Counties went to Moira in the National Forest where we stayed at the Youth Hostel and the adjacent Camping and Caravan Club campsite. The immediate area is largely reclaimed mine workings, with plenty of places of interest, and is close to the borders of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire.

26 members attended during some part of the weekend and most cycled in all four counties. Three outline routes were planned for each day but on Saturday John and Carol Barton had invited us for morning coffee and cake and so the route to King’s Newton via National Cycle Route 6 proved surprisingly popular! Most then cycled through Calke Park with some visiting the Abbey, while others continued to Staunton Harold to see the church and craft centre before returning to Moira by various routes.

. In the evening 22 people sat down to a very satisfying meal in the Youth Hostel.

There was a larger range of routes chosen on Sunday. Some went west to Lichfield, others to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas. Another group headed south to the Bosworth Field Visitor Centre via the restored Victorian station with tea room and museum at Shackerstone on the Battlefield Line, while Ron and Brenda cycled off to visit the village to which Ron was evacuated during the war and where he spent four happy years! Many thanks to those who attended and who helped to make this a most enjoyable weekend.

Cheltenham - 13th September 2009 - Graham & Helen

Four tandem crews met at Graham and Helen’s house in Cheltenham for our September ride. We headed south to climb the Cotswold escarpment via Leckhampton to Birdlip and then along flatter roads to reach The Green Shop at Bisley. Here we met Heather and Eddie who kindly provided us with coffee and then showed us round the building.

The Green Shop sells products which are environmentally friendly and we were able to see the new extension to the premises that incorporates many ways of reducing its carbon footprint to a minimum.

Eddie and Heather then joined us on the undulating ride to Miserden for lunch at the Carpenter’s Arms. As we were about to leave the landlord asked if he could photograph us, with our five tandems, outside the pub so that he could hang the photograph in the bar. We duly obliged and so if you are passing the Carpenter’s Arms at Miserden in the near future, do pop in – you may see the Three Counties on their September ride!

After lunch we said goodbye to Eddie and Heather and the four remaining tandems pedalled north via Cowley before the long freewheel back to Cheltenham for very welcome tea and biscuits. Our thanks to Graham and Helen for organising this very interesting ride of 35 miles.

Astwood Bank - 23rd August 2009 - Victor & Jeannette

Victor and Jeannette kindly offered not only to lead our August ride but also to host our Posh Picnic, an event that had been missing from our programme for a couple of years. The starting point, Astwood Bank, is on the eastern edge of our Region and Jeannette took the opportunity to lead nineteen of us around the lanes of Warwickshire, an area not often visited on our monthly rides.

A rapid downhill run through Sambourne quickly led to a crossing of the River Arrow at Coughton and on via Great Alne, Walcote and Aston Cantlow to Wootton Wawen where we had a snack at the Yew Tree Farm Craft centre. On our return through the Alne Hills several of us took the opportunity to buy some pots of homemade jams and marmalades from a roadside stall before re-crossing the River Arrow at Spernall.

The following long climb through Sambourne led us back to Astwood Bank by mid-afternoon. When the bikes and tandems had been packed away the tables, salads, cakes and bottles, as well as the fancy hats, appeared and we all sat in Victor and Jeannette’s garden in the sunshine enjoying our picnics, the view over the Warwickshire countryside and some lively conversation.

Quedgeley - 12th July 2009 - Trevor & Mandy

Trevor and Mandy promised us that the steepest climbs on their ride would be those on to the bridges that crossed the canals and railways and they were (almost) right. Initial heavy drizzle soon ceased and the rest of the day was warm and sunny with a gentle breeze – ideal cycling conditions.

From the start south of Gloucester we cycled along the lanes to the east of the River Severn to Saul where we had coffee beside the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, and then on more minor roads to another crossing of the canal at Shepherd’s Patch for lunch. Although we were disappointed to discover that Slimbridge Youth Hostel there has now closed we were pleased by the sight of a magnificent three-masted tall ship, The Earl of Pembroke, making its way up the canal towards Gloucester.

In the afternoon we followed the canal towpath past moored boats, some highly decorated with flowers, before cycling through Frampton on Severn which reputedly has the longest village green in Britain. Our journey back to the start gave us splendid views towards the Cotswolds and to May Hill in the Forest of Dean. After a brief stop for refreshment at the Ship Inn we returned after 32 miles of very pleasant cycling that was enjoyed by all.

Bircher - 21st June 2009 - Norman & Margaret

Norman and Margaret were the hosts for our June ride which, now almost by tradition, was followed by a barbecue. After the usual coffee and biscuits nine tandems and two solos left Bircher to follow a southerly route to Leominster before turning westwards to pass through Dilwyn and on to Westonbury Mill Water Gardens, near Pembridge, for lunch.

The weather was worse than forecast with a light drizzle accompanying us for much of the way but it had stopped by the time we reached the Mill. The return was made via Eardisland, often described as the most picturesque village in England, and Kingsland to complete a generally flat ride of 34 miles.

Back at Bircher all hands helped to prepare the meal. While Norman and Graham did the cooking others moved the garden furniture and arranged the salads and other contributions from the participants until we were able to sit down to a splendid alfresco meal in the now dry conditions. We are grateful to Norman and Margaret for organising such an enjoyable occasion.

Kinnersley, Herefs - 17th May 2009 - Richard & Sally

We were having second thoughts as we were driving through torrential rain with the headlights on towards Kinnersley for our May ride. It was still raining when we arrived at Richard and Sally’s house but while we were enjoying coffee and biscuits the rain stopped and half an hour later eight of us set off through the lanes of West Herefordshire.

The roads were very muddy and flooded right across in places but soon patches of blue sky began to appear and we were blessed with some spells of sunshine. We crossed the River Wye at Bridge Sollers and cycled to Madley where we visited the church with its recently restored and rededicated crypt and the Saxon doorway to the tower. When we left the church dark clouds had once again gathered and as we reached the Red Lion for lunch it began to rain heavily. While eating, the rain became even heavier and so we delayed our departure by ordering puddings!

However, the rain eased once again and we had a dry ride back passing the Deer Park at Moccas and crossing the Wye at Bredwardine. As we approached Kinnersley yet more dark clouds appeared but we arrived back for tea and cake just before the rain started once again. Our thanks go to Richard and Sally for arranging the ride, for providing refreshments and for organising the weather!

Bromyard - 19th April 2009 - Brian & Sylvia

The promise of a fine day led to a large turnout for our April ride. Six tandems and two solos met Sylvia and Brian at Bromyard. Brian was wearing shorts to show off his tan after spending the winter in Portugal! They led us along the eastern side of the Frome valley to Bishops Frome where a further six cyclists joined us for coffee at the Craft Centre. From here we crossed to the western side of the River Lodon from where we enjoyed extensive views as we climbed to Little Cowarne for lunch.

In the afternoon Brian and Sylvia led us into a quiet part of North Herefordshire and by keeping to the ridges as much as possible we were able to enjoy further magnificent views over broad valleys with their patchwork fields showing a variety of crops. As we descended into Pencombe we were welcomed by a peal of church bells only to discover that it was not for us but part of a bellringing course from Hereford. A few more miles took us through Bredenbury and over the course of the former railway line from Worcester to Leominster before returning to Bromyard. Our thanks go to Brian and Sylvia for this highly enjoyable ride of 28 miles.

Forest of Dean - 15th March 2009 - Martin & Jenny

It was a glorious morning when four tandems and two solos met at Berry Hill for our March ride on what was to prove the hottest day of the year so far. Martin and Jenny led us up and down the hills of the Forest of Dean with sunshine filtering through the trees, the hawthorn coming into leaf and dog’s mercury and wood anemones on the forest floor. We were joined by two other cyclists at Greenway Farm near Drybrook where we had coffee and superb home-made cake. From here we followed a northerly loop through Walford before crossing the River Wye twice to arrive at Symonds Yat. This was crowded with visitors brought out by the fine weather and there were several canoeists on the Wye. We continued on a cycle path that followed the line of a disused railway along the river, stopping by the wobbly suspension bridge at The Biblins, before reaching Monmouth. Leaving the town on the quiet old A40 we soon reached the Garden Centre at Mitchel Troy where we were able to eat outside in the warm sunshine.

Biblins Bridge		Greenway Cafe

After lunch we followed the Wye downstream for a further three miles to Redbrook where we began the long climb back up into the Forest passing through Newland, with its prominent church, and Coleford before returning to Berry Hill for tea and cake. Our thanks to Martin and Jenny for a varied and interesting ride of 35 miles.

Earls Croome - 22nd February 2009 - Eric & Una

Eric and Una led four tandems and a solo on our February ride that began at Earl’s Croome Garden Centre. Although the day had started cloudy, breaks soon appeared and we were able to enjoy views of the Malverns, Bredon Hill and the Cotswolds from the gently undulating lanes. We passed Croome Park, which was the seat of the Earls of Coventry, and were able to see in the distance the large telecommunications dishes on the estate. We continued past the disused airfield at Throckmorton and through Bishampton and North Piddle to reach Broughton Hackett where we were joined by another couple and enjoyed a pub lunch.

The return to Earls Croome was via White Ladies Aston and Wadborough. On the way we said farewell to two crews who were able to return home more directly and the remainder arrived at the Garden Centre after 33 highly enjoyable miles in weather that was far more cycle friendly than the snow of the previous weeks.

Cheltenham - 25th January 2009 - John & Sophie

In contrast to the gales that had battered Spain the weather in Cheltenham was more benign as four tandems set off on our January ride. John and Sophie led us in a southeasterly direction climbing steadily up the London Road to reach the top of the scarp slope at Andoversford.

Here we took to the lanes that undulated through Withington to cross the Fosse Way at Fossebridge. Heavy rain the previous night had left the roads wet and the countryside with a distinct late winter appearance but occasional banks of snowdrops gave signs of impending spring. Our route continued by following the valley of the River Coln to Bibury where we had lunch at The Swan.

The afternoon ride passed through Northleach and then along some high ridge roads that gave extensive views over the Cotswolds and through wooded areas where, owing to the lack of leaves on the trees, we spotted deer. After reaching Andoversford again we enjoyed a glorious swoop back down the London Road to Cheltenham where John and Sophie provided us with tea and cake after this excellent ride of 41 miles.

Christmas Ride, Ledbury - 14th December 2008 - Pat & Mike

Our December ride proved to be a fitting end to a good year for the Three Counties Region. 21 people met at Upper Hall and while two stayed to cook and four walked in the surrounding area, six tandems and one solo left Ledbury to be led by Mike and Pat through the lanes to the south of the town towards Pendock.

The weather during the previous week had been very cold and while it remained so we did get occasional glimpses of the sun. At Pendock we were joined by a further two tandems and another solo that had come from Cheltenham. We continued together through some very muddy lanes back towards Ledbury arriving in the early afternoon.

We then enjoyed a three course Christmas lunch in the splendidly decorated Reception Room of Upper Hall with contributions brought by the participants. Afterwards we discussed the programme for 2009, details of which will be distributed to all members in the Region early in January. We are grateful to Mike and Pat for arranging the ride and for their warm hospitality.

Earls Croome - 16th November 2008 - Eric and Una

It was overcast but very mild when five tandem crews and one solo met at Croome Landscape Park for our November ride. The National Trust café is in a listed World War Two hospital hut and serves good coffee and excellent cakes. When we left the café there was heavy drizzle which accompanied us for the first part of the day although it cleared up in the afternoon.

Eric and Una led us in a northerly direction through White Ladies Aston and Crowle before crossing the Worcester and Birmingham canal twice at Tibberton and passing the new stadium of the Worcester Rugby Football Club at Sixways. From here we skirted the northern edge of Worcester passing the West Mercia Police Headquarters at Hindlip Hall before heading into the centre to cross the River Severn. Worcester was busy with Christmas shopping traffic but we were delighted to see two magnificent black horses pulling a white carriage full of Santas!

We then cycled to Hallow where we were provided with some delicious soup, bread and cake made by Una. After lunch Eric led us back through Worcester and on more quiet lanes directly to Croome to complete an enjoyable ride of 36 miles.

Malvern - 12th October 2008 - Steve

Nineteen cyclists left Malvern on a morning with a light mist through which the sun was trying to shine. The forecast was good and soon the sun had burnt through and we enjoyed a very warm day with the leaves just beginning to turn into their autumn colours. Steve led us around the north of Great Malvern to pass Madresfield Court which Evelyn Waugh visited and on whose family he based his book Brideshead Revisited. We continued in a southerly direction through quiet Worcestershire lanes to reach Rye Street where a splendid meal was enjoyed at the pub.

The afternoon route included the long, but steady, climb through Hollybush to a point near the Gullet Quarry where we paused to admire the magnificent panorama across the Severn plain. Our reward for the climb was the long swoop down across Castlemorton Common and into Welland. We stopped at the duck pond at Hanley Swan and then continued around Great Malvern to return to Steve’s house for tea and cake. Our thanks go to Steve for organising this highly enjoyable ride of 36 miles.

Cheltenham - 21st September 2008 - Graham & Helen
12 cyclists left Cheltenham on a day that promised to be sunny and warm. We climbed up the Cotswold scarp slope using the London Road that, although busy, provides the easiest gradient. Graham and Helen had brought their Bob trailer with all the necessary materials for refreshments and we duly brewed up on the green at Withington – tea or coffee and chocolate brownies all round.

We then crossed the ford at Sevenhampton, notorious for being very slippery. Two tandem crews cycled through safely but the other (wiser?) cyclists took advantage of the adjacent footpath. After climbing through Brockhampton and Hawling we enjoyed a glorious descent down the valley to Guiting Power. The golden corn in the fields backed by the deep green of the hilltop woods with the blue sky overhead made this a scene that will linger in the memory for a long time.

From Guiting Power we cycled through quiet lanes flanked by hedgerows dripping with blackberries and elderberries to The Plough at Ford where we had lunch under the sunshades in the garden.

Afterwards there was a stiff climb out of the valley but we were soon rewarded with over a mile of freewheeling down the scarp slope to Stanway. The road twists and turns through the woods but be careful of the sharp bend at the bottom. We then made our way to Winchcombe where the Bob trailer was once again opened for another brew on the old cider press – tea and biscuits this time.

The return was via Gotherington and Woodmancote to a small cidermakers where samples were tasted and several litres purchased. Fortunately the bicycles, now with bulging panniers, only had a few miles back to Cheltenham.

Our thanks go to Graham and Helen for leading this excellent ride – and for towing the trailer!

Southam (Cheltenham) - 17th August 2008 - John & Jenny
Would Rebecca beat Wendy, and would the men’s pursuit team set a new world record? Perhaps the excitement and anticipation of the Olympic Games was the reason why only two tandems left Southam on our August ride. We set off, at a rather more modest pace than the pursuiters, reaching Tewkesbury for coffee at the Abbey Tea Rooms.

Quiet minor roads around the lower slopes of Bredon Hill then led us to the Star Inn at Ashton under Hill for lunch. As we walked into the inn we heard the sound of a national anthem and when we looked in there was a large screen television …… showing the Olympics! We ate our meals while watching the athletes and admiring the dedication and hard work that had enabled them to compete in this sporting spectacle.

We finally left, a little later than planned, and after crossing the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire railway just as a steam train passed underneath, returned to Southam after a ride of 34 miles.

Our thanks to John for organising the ride and to Jen for the tea and excellent cake at the end.

Cotswold Water Park - 20th July - Eddie & Heather
Our ride started at the Visitor Centre of the Cotswold Water Park, on the southern boundary of the Three Counties Region. Eddie and Heather led us between the lakes, flooded gravel pits now used for a variety of watersports, and briefly across the boundary into Wiltshire before passing through Down Ampney, birthplace of Ralph Vaughan Williams and the title of his tune to the hymn “Come Down, O Love Divine”.

We skirted Fairford Airfield, deserted but dry after the cancellation of the airshow last weekend, to reach Eastleach Turville for lunch at the Victoria Inn. In the afternoon we took a northerly route, this time into the wind, through the picture postcard Cotswold villages of Coln St Aldwyns, Quenington and the Ampneys before returning through South Cerney, where we spent some time looking at sailing boats struggling to stay upright in the stiff breeze, and back to the Visitor Centre for a cup of tea after 33 highly enjoyable miles without rain.

3 Counties & Welsh Marches Joint Ride & BBQ, Bircher - 22nd June 2008 - Norman & Margaret
This year’s joint North Herefordshire ride and BBQ was not quite as well attended as last year for various reasons but no doubt the weather didn’t help. Bright but with a very blustery wind it certainly didn’t seem like BBQ weather as six tandems set of from Bircher after fuelling up on coffee and cake.

The route, described as a thirty mile mostly easy ride, took us first to Richard’s Castle and then on to a gradual slog up the well surfaced forest track through the Mary Knoll valley and the Mortimer Forest where we reached the Ludlow to Wigmore road. A swift descent and an amble through the lanes to Burrington where the leaders, now well behind the pack, craftily decided to to take a short cut to Adforton having sent the rest round via Leintwardine.

En route to Adforton we found a couple of late starters puzzling over their map; they had taken last year’s route and had succeeded in catching us up. The lunch stop was nearby Walford Court Tea Room which proved an excellent if somewhat tight choice and where we were joined by a solo who was joined later by his stoker who had decided to have a day out of the saddle.

The return was to be via the aptly described Killhorse Lane and The Goggin so your BBQ hosts took another crafty decision to return along the ‘flat’ on the excuse that they ought to get back to prepare for the BBQ and leave the others to work up an appetite! There was some discussion subsequently about the ride description being ‘mostly easy’!

The wind was still blustering mightily around Bircher so the BBQ was held indoors where 16 of us enjoyed a super meal in good company. I enjoyed greatly not having to clean the BBQs the next day.

Our thanks to all of those who brought contributions and we look forward to a repeat next year.

Evesham - 18th May 2008 - David and Eileen
Just three tandem crews assembled at Evesham for the start of our May ride - one couple from each of our 3 Counties so we were evenly represented. It was sunny but cool and promised to be ideal cycling conditions.

The day was spent meandering through the vale of Evesham with the scarp slope of the west facing Cotswolds to our side. The scenery in this area during May is stunning with the fruit trees still in blossom and the fertile vale bathed in luscious greenery.

Coffee was at Dumbleton Hall, a traditional 19th century manor house set in 19 acres of private gardens and woodland. Coffee and light refreshments were provided by three uniformed waitresses from tea trolleys – one dedicated to the silverware and napkins. No pre-packed butter here! One could get used to this pampering and some discipline was needed to move on with our ride.

It was an operating day for the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire heritage railway and as we crisscrossed the track during our journey we were fortunate to see the West Country Class ‘Wadebridge’ in full steam with a rake of carriages full of waving passengers – a nostalgic sight.

After a substantial lunch near Hayles Abbey our earlier sighting of steam travel drew us to visit the preserved GWR railway station at Toddington, headquarters of the heritage line. We were lucky to be able to ‘see and touch’ the famous Southern Railway ‘Lord Nelson’ resplendent in malachite green livery, on loan from the National Railway Museum in York.

We seemed to have packed a lot into our day that probably accounted for our 37 miles taking seven and a half hours.

Astwood Bank - 20th April - Vic & Jeanette
Ten cyclists set out in an easterly direction from Astwood Bank for our April ride. The initial downhill run was easy but when the road levelled out it was hard going into a strong easterly wind, especially for those on solo bicycles.

Jeannette led us on a varied route passing many places of interest including the old Cider Mill at Walcote and the impressive Edstone aqueduct that carries the Stratford-upon-Avon canal over the valley below.

Lunch was at the Navigation Inn by another aqueduct on the same canal at Wootton Wawen before the return to Astwood Bank. The afternoon ride, now with a following wind, took us back to the leader’s house where we enjoyed tea and delicious cakes.

Our thanks to Victor and Jeannette for organising and leading this very pleasant ride of 30 miles.

Leominster weekend, 14th - 16th March 2008 - Roger & Jenny
Our pre-Easter weekend was once again held at YHA Leominster. 21 cyclists stayed at the hostel and more joined us for the rides. Saturday 15th March was, however, a cause for celebration because it was Norman and Barbara’s Golden Wedding anniversary.

The main route for the day was about 30 miles but several short cuts were available for those who did not wish to cover that distance. All routes converged on Weobley for coffee and Pembridge for lunch. The weather at the start of the day had not looked promising and during coffee the rain started. By the afternoon the roads were beginning to flood and several wet cyclists returned to Leominster. After changing into dry clothes a magnificent anniversary cake, complete with a working golden bicycle bell, was produced which Norman and Barbara duly cut and which we ate.

Later, at the evening meal, they were presented with a cartoon that depicted them outside Leominster hostel. This was not only a memento of the weekend but also a reminder of how they first met and shared a frying pan in a Youth Hostel!

Torrential rain overnight left a damp start to Sunday morning. The forecast, however, promised a dry spell later and so after clearing the hostel we left for coffee at Croft Castle. Many fields were flooded and water was running on to the roads but by choosing a suitable route and being careful when cycling through we all returned safely to Leominster by early afternoon. Our thanks go to all those who participated and helped to make this a memorable weekend.

Graham Ricketts adds “It was very wet but still great fun. Brilliantly arranged by Roger, Jenny and several others. Thanks to all from the rest of us.”

Ledbury - 24th February 2008- Roger & Jenny
24 cyclists including six tandem crews met at the RO’s house in Ledbury before starting in a westerly direction through Herefordshire’s lanes to enjoy coffee at Weston’s Cider Mill at Much Marcle. Unfortunately our saddlebags were too small to accommodate the excellent product on sale in the shop.

The skies, which had been overcast, then started to produce a light drizzle but insufficient to cause us to don rain gear. The route continued through Kempley Woods with snowdrops and wild daffodils in bloom towards Hazelfield Garden Centre for lunch. Afterwards some riders amused themselves by admiring the enormous snakes and other reptiles for sale, but again no room in the saddlebags.

The afternoon ride headed in a northerly direction through light showers. We crossed the ford at Clenchers Mill with only one brave couple cycling through, before passing Eastnor Castle and back to Ledbury. Tea and cakes brought an end to another enjoyable day’s cycling of nearly 30 miles.

Pershore - 20th January 2008 - John & Sally
The forecasts on the previous days had been predicting more wet weather but for the 10 cyclists who set out from John and Sally’s house near Pershore the day stayed dry and unseasonably warm although there was a strong and gusty south-westerly wind.

Our route was in a southerly direction to Twyning where we turned west towards the River Severn. John had planned a coffee stop in Ripple but the lane leading to the village was flooded to a depth of two metres. However, a short detour let us reach the inn to enjoy some excellent cake and freshly brewed coffee.

From Ripple we travelled north on quiet minor roads to Stonehall. For most of this the wind was behind us and we enjoyed some very easy cycling although the roads were very wet in places and care was needed when passing through some of the deeper puddles.

We then turned east to reach Besford Bridge where Sally produced a splendid late lunch of soup and cheese and we enjoyed lively conversation into the afternoon. Our thanks to John and Sally for starting off our year in style.