This cycle ride now appears to be an annual event from Middleton Cheney to Lower Heyford, approximately 30 miles across some beautiful countryside. Having met at Middleton Cheney playing fields, parking up and sorting out bikes and giving a brief outline of where we were heading we set off, out of the village, a nice downhill for approximately 1.5mile, everyone chatting enjoying the views across the fields.

Then !!!!

The first hill, the groans came bounding across the air, OH NO, I remember that hill, I could hear, phew We made it, now for the next !!

The next couple of miles saw us cycle to and through Kings Sutton, I believe most people in KS heard us, due to a Van driver trying to find a house, travelling on the wrong side of road and Craig giving her what for, the Van moved !!

Out of Kings Sutton, the next fear factor, yet another hill, taking us into Charlton, via Newbottle Woods, very scenic, and we could then start to see some of the wild life (as I would say Big Birds) to others Buzzards and Red Kites, fantastic sight.

Taking us to the main A road from Aynho, we split up into 3 groups of 4 riders to take on the main road, made it! No incidents and managed to turn right at the top, without too much fuss. Then next phase was relatively smooth, no serious hills, just beautiful countryside, excellent cycling companions and finally to the Kizzies café at Lower Heyford, where we enjoyed bacon/sausage sandwiches, tea and cakes.

We returned the same route as we went, safely and in one piece, no incidents except for a puncture, just before we got to Lower Heyford.

For us older members who have done some serious cycling in the past, a think special recognition should be made to Rachel Lewis, who at 13 and so many months, completed the distance, without a murmure and more importantly had eaten a huge scone with Cream and Jam, at the café, how did she make it back…..

Also, to guest rider Mike who indicated that this was the first time he had cycled 30 miles, a marvellous achievement and I hope many more in the future, hey Mike, sign on quickly.

Great day… The plan is to identify 2 or 3 other routes from Middleton Cheney and plan these into our cycle calendar for the future, watch this space… oh yea, they are all hilly, sorry.