Seven highly motivated Greg’s completed the last of the Mid-Summer Classics Trilogy with the annual Cotswolds ride on Sunday.

Amit drew gasps of disbelief and admiration in equal measure when he announced to the group at the Burford breakfast rendezvous that he had ridden up from Edgware setting off at 4am. A mere 67 miles to warm up - and he still looked fresh as a daisy.

After a hearty breakfast and blessed with warm hazy sunshine our intrepid septet rolled out in the direction of Rissington with strict instruction to ride easy and keep in the group. Dropping south of the A40 we explored the rolling hills and picture postcard villages around Biford and Birdlip. We then came across a blue man with large ears standing purposefully on a corner.

A series of mechanical’s on Danny’s trusted but badly maintained team Cima caused some slight delays but we pulled in to the delightful Winchcombe for a spot of lunch on schedule. The tea shop owner quickly identified Danny as a trouble maker with his pedantic menu choices, bread brown well done (no butter), beans really hot, you all know the patter. Rumour has it that he will be applying for an ASBO to ban him from all café stops in the area for the next three years!!!

Crossing from Gloucestershire into Worchester we headed north exploring the flatter lands of the Vale of Evesham. Stopping briefly at the historic village of Stanton the best preserved in Britain we are assured by tourmeister Tony, and Stanway House, where the aforementioned gives the day’s history lecture.

The long climb up to Stumps Cross really tested our legs, with your author setting a fierce tempo and Andy Brown sucking on his back wheel and then launching his usual sneaky late attack to take the KOM points. Not surprisingly Amit is now showing signs of fatigue and is even considering a lift home.

A fast descent into Bourton On The Water lifts the spirits, which are raised further by a delicious cream tea.  The short leg back to Burford is lead by Dragos and  Ian Curran who, riding strongly all day shows his Etape form to the full.

We share our evening meal with the Burford “village idiot” who after hoovering down about 8 pints of strong lager is promptly banished from the pub. A slight issue with the Apple crumble fails to put a dampener on what has been an excellent day.

Big thank you, to Tony T for meticulous route planning and execution.                                   

Words: Paul Lincoln   Pictures: Andy Brown