The second run from Reading to Bristol along the Kennet and Avon Canal (Sustrans route 4) scored a hit with the three members who attended. Messrs Smith, Smith & Coles took the varied terrain in their strides and arrived at Bristol’s “Temple Meads” railway station with minutes to spare. Overnight accommodation was provided in Wootton Rivers, at the Royal Oak public house, which served a delicious range of evening meals and many fine pints of “Knobber”.
Perhaps due to the “Knobber”, the members failed to hold a committee meeting at the overnight stop, and instead an informal meeting was held “on the wheel” during the second day. No vote was taken, but members did discuss a third ride during 2009. Proposals included Isle of Wight, North Wales, Rye & environs, Holland. Would members kindly add comments if other proposals were mooted and have not been mentioned above.
The second day’s ride passed through attractive countryside, and skirted the Wiltshire market town of Devises. Many narrow boats were passed, with their gaily fluttering flags of tie-dyed fabric. The final descent down into Bristol was taken at speed in tyre-to-tyre formation, with Mr Smith’s newly purchased bell giving a fine warning to any hooded pedestrians to slouch out of the way.
David (West Midlands Area Representative) said
Splendid!