Saturday Baker's Dozen and Sunday Bacon Baps
The oncoming Festive season and wintry thoughts did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of BCC as 15 (yes Fifteen!) riders gathered at our wintering meeting spot of ‘At the Chapel’ for our pre-ride gathering.
It was good to see MrPC and SC back on a Saturday who made a cameo appearance before leaving on their training ride to Seaton in their continued preparation for the Mallorca 312 next year. Whilst the group were pleased to see them – the allure of Seaton on a Saturday was not enough to assuage the massed ranks from the promised route to Sherborne and Bean Shot Cafe.
The remaining 13 (the ‘Bakers dozen’ of the weekend!) riders of BCC riders were swelled by MrBM who joined the clan having spotted us on a previous ride to Langport and thought we were a jolly bunch – hopefully we will didn’t put him off and he will return soon for another jaunt?
The massed peleton rode out on the regular route to Sherborne via Shepton Montague, Holton and took in the hilly route via Sigwells (not before a mechanical befell MrRM not 20 minutes into the ride!) and rounded on the Bean Shot Café in Sherborne in glorious crisp weather and fine spirits.
Copious coffees and cakes were consumed by the massed ranks served impeccably as always by a clearly proficient and organised barista who managed to serve all in excellent time and remained unphased by the vision of the lycra clad throng who invaded his establishment!
The route back was in similarly fine weather with the undulating terrain through Sandford Orcas, Corton Denham and South Cadbury and back via the well trekked path through North Cadbury , Yarlington and Bruton for a fine Saturday tour in perfect cycling weather in numbers not seen for a fair few weeks!
Sunday started off with clear skies and the promise of pleasant cycling. Alas the ‘Festive Season’ saw many riders called away to partake in various preparations and family matters so the cycling duo of MrCP and MrAF were the sole representatives of the BCC Sunday contingent starting from Church Bridge.
The promise of a café stop at the ‘Feed Station’ in Merriott – recently Winner of Cyclist Café of the Year 2019 – beckoned.
The ride started in slightly overcast conditions, soon to become rain and a headwind out through Cary and Lydford with thoughts of the possibility of an earlier (and shorter!) route passing through both the minds of the cyclists! This was particularly pondered when it became necessary to cycle ‘down’ the hill from Kingsweston as the headwind became particularly irksome! Happily, things brightened up as we entered Somerton and from then on – although the threat of rain was never too far away – the route became a little more sheltered and the headwind was not as unmanageable!
The roads through Long Sutton, Stapleton and towards South Petherton appeared to not have suffered the earlier rains and so the ride became more pleasant – although the final climb from Over Stratton to Merriott was through some particularly muddy and wet lanes – much to the disgust of MrCP who was venturing out on his recently acquired newest steed!
The café stop was impeccable with the requisite bacon baps overflowing and perfect to replenish the earlier exertions.
The route back felt much easier (obviously we were far fitter and it had nothing to do with the wind now being behind us … in the most part!) and after retracing our outward route we soon found ourselves back in the outskirts of Bruton where the pair split (MrCP being required speedily at home for an excursion with the family) and completed another successful weekend by BCC!
Ride report by Bruton Jones (AKA Mr AF)
