Author: Archive User

With a couple of group members nursing an injury and recovering from an illness, we decided to take a lighter route through Vallis Vale for yesterdays ride. Helen led the way without a hitch. Luckily, we dodged the rain but not the muddy puddles along our route. Lets face it, muddy puddles are nothing compared to tree roots and sizable rocks. I have to say, cruising through Vallis Vale was a great opportunity to practice ones’ manoeuvres over countless tree roots, small boulders, and avoiding trail drop-offs to the river. The curved and winding trail provided sporadically placed gates and bridges, and yes, you guessed it, we lifted our bikes up and over numerous gates which then conjured memories of our first bike lifting experiences. At that time, we could only lift our bikes up to shoulder height, repeated bike lifting = upper body strength!!

Parched and ready to try my first half pint of cider, we stopped at The Talbot Inn at Mells. Sadly, we arrived an hour earlier than opening time and no sympathy could be had from the chef. Back to drinking water and back to the trail.

The route back offered a couple of narrow hills followed by fast winding lanes. Weaving and ducking, we all cruised to the end of Vallis Vale (over gates as well). Now that was not the end of our route. There in front of us was a long, steep, hill to ride. Strangely, we all seemed a little excited for the challenge. Rachael bombed up the hill, I followed muttering encouragement to myself (yes I talk to myself; it helps me get up the hills!!) Maria and Helen followed closely behind. Our heads down, teeth gritted, and major heavy breathing saw us all half way up the hill to where we were forced to pull over to allow a 4 x 4 to pass. Annoyed but not petered, we carried on to the top of the hill (with one forced stop) – not bad!!

Back on smooth, straight ground, we made our way to the Royal Oak Pub, in Frome, where I finally had my first half pint of cider (but it tasted like Lucozade). A lighter ride was appreciated. Great ride girls!

Editors note:

I see you didn’t give me a mention after all that bike washing (mumble grumble….)!

This is a route to repeat.  Armed with ample packs of water and glorious sunny weather, we started out on our usual route down into Longleat and up through Horningsham.   Our newbie rider of the day was Jamie Amor (my daughter) who did a fab job of  climbing the hills in her own pace and fashion without loosing her breath (what it is to be 18).   Caroline already had a great route mapped out from Horningsham up to White Cliff  Down and across Cold Kitchen Hill.  I think I speak for all the group, it was awesome atop Kitchen Hill.  The trail was not easy, with a number of inclines, grassy paths, and gravel fire roads.  The views of colourful patchwork fields were incredible making the tough moments soooo worthwhile. 

As we descended Cold Kitchen Hill into Deverill, Caroline cruised ahead down the gravel fire road, in expert fashion, to open the gate.  However, not in expert fashion, I bombed down the fire road full of confidence and a big smile slapped across my face.  I saw a hump – it didn’t look too mean so I  jumped it -I  landed yay!! I’m was still on my bike.  For a split second there I was proud.  But,  my hands clenched the brake levers forcing my front wheel to turn 90 degrees left.  Yes, yet again, over the handlebars I went.  As Caroline put it  I ” stomach-surfed the gravel fire road”.   Rachel came running, “that was great – are you ok!” Thank you Rachel for getting my butt off the fire road and on to softer ground, and thank you Jamie for putting water on my bloody elbows and legs.  

Ok enough of the fooling around, we were behind schedule and still had a ways to go.  Onward we ventured into Deverill and down through Shearwater.  At the foot of the sleeping policemen, we took a moment to speak to two fellow riders snapping pics of themselves jumping over the sleeping policemen.  These are prime moments of catching one’s self in action –  I’m glad no one caught me in action!  Tired and cotton mouthed, we peddled hard up and out of Longleat.  The Horse and Groom was over the hill, and we started shouting our drinks’ order.  What a great route –  great ride – we’ll do that one again!!