26th January 2013 Looking back part 4

Busy day today and with the fields being very slushy, and the roads not too clever, lets have a reminisce day. Back to October 1st with a trip to Clevedon, just south of Bristol. Arranged to go on a ride with James, my daughter's partner and my grandson Dean. The target was to ride over the River Avon on the M5 footpath.

Team Marmite

It's a family thing, but all the cyclists (4 in all, Mark could not make it) in the family sport Marmite cycling tops, hence Team Marmite. This is 3 of us about to venture into Bristol. James on the left, yours truly, and Dean. I have to confess that I let the team down because when I unpacked my kit bag, no Marmite top! That was back at home. James came to the rescue with a spare top.

M5 overbridge

Travelling on the motorway, over the years, I was aware of a footpath that ran alongside the motorway but separated by a wooden fence. That was the target for the day. This photo is evidence of us on the bridge. It is a fairly big structure about 1/2 mile across I would guess.

Olympic Statues

Another target for the day was to cycle over the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the first one in the world, built to a design by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1864, although he died before it was completed.  Being 250 feet above the river it did mean a significant climb for us to actually get to Clifton. It was here that the statues were spotted. The significance of gorillas? Bristol Zoo is very near to this spot. The red one is celebrating the Paraolympics.

The Bridge

This photo does not do the structure justice. I must go back and try again. Crossing over this to get back to Clevedon made an excellent circuit for our trip.  Motorists have to pay 50pence to get over, and cyclists should pay 5p but this has been waived for many years. A good experience riding over this.

An excellent ride out for Team Marmite.  30 miles round trip in excellent weather. I was going to mention that we stopped for tea and cake at a pub, with an outside garden, and an excellent  view of the bridge, but you will only get jealous so I won't.

The next target for Team Marmite is to cross from England to Wales on the Severn Bridge. Watch this space.