Ride report

The most recent BBC weather forecast promised light rain by 11am, becoming heavier after lunch. Those with touring bikes and panniers can store their waterproofs but a road bike cyclist has to come to a decision. As a result, at least one rider spent the day in overshoes and waterproof jacket, hoping to reap the benefit for his forethought and to demonstrate his good sense. Of course, there was no rain.

As this was the last Sunday of the month, CTC City was joined by 10 ISIS ladies, making a group of 21 for the start in Broad Street. Natasha devised an interesting and longer than usual route to Aston Potteries for coffee. We managed this large group of mixed abilities by splitting into three smaller groups with a leader middle marker and a sweeper.

Aston was busy and the queue long but everyone was fed and watered by 12 noon. Seven of us went on through Bampton, Clanfield, over the Thames at Radcot Bridge, through Thrupp and up the Hill to Littleworth before crossing the A420 and on to lunch (see the Garmin Connect link).

We were joined on the road by a lone rider from Botley who stayed with us until we reached the Chequers in Charney Bassett – an opportunity to hand out our business card! The Inn was also busy but they were able to accommodate us in the garden. With the BBC forecast still in mind, we struggled to move a large table to find shelter from the threatened downpour.

As we noted earlier, cycling folklore dictates that the likelihood of rain is inversely proportionate to the energy spent anticipating it.

Sure enough, despite the grey skies, the rain continued to hold off. The shelter proved unnecessary and we ate and rode home in the dry.

We arrived home around 4pm. Half an hour later, the grey skies turned black and the downpour began.