1st October 2013 Thee Counties cruncher

Out with some of the ESCC today. Andy, fresh from his 700 mile jaunt and Graham. We met in Warwick and the plan was to ride out of the county, into Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, and back. The weather is still holding up, no sun today though and the wind is a bit cooler. Good for shorts still.

 Gloucestershire

Out of Warwick and south through Barford, Charlecote, Loxley, Goldicotte, Atherstone, Quinton and into Long Marston. This sign was in between Quinton and Long Marston and, as you can see, needs a mighty good clean up! As did the state of the roads. The moment we crossed the border from Warwickshire, it was apparent that the pot hole fairy had been busy at work creating little masterpieces at various places along the road. My initial thought was to tell the county council about it but I think I could also write the reply myself. It will cost too much money.

The Village shop

We were in Gloucestershire for about a mile, crossed over the border into Worcestershire (for another mile!) then back into Warwickshire. By this time we had done about 28 miles and I was in need of a sugar injection. Ooh look, I bet this shop sells Mars Bars. It did, so Andy and myself dosed up on one each. This shop actually, is a good example of community spirit. It is run purely by volunteers from the village who pay a peppercorn rent to the owner of the premises.

Greenway Cafe

Just after Long Marston, we got onto the Greenway, a disused railway going into Stratford. The path surface is a bit rough but not much of a problem. Not as bad as the dogs wandering about. We didn't hit any unfortunately! Just kidding dog lovers. The Railway coach cafe was open so a cheese and bacon toastie and a cup of tea went down a treat. The cafe owner forgot to do our order but in all fairness, apologised profusely when she realised. The taste made up for it.

Barford Telephone Box

This has been empty for a time, but the local Heritage Society have finally put something in it. They are putting on a one day event displaying 200 years of village life. This is in the village hall on Sunday the 27th October at 1100 if you are interested.

 A good ride today. Couldn't keep up with Andy, despite his recent heroic event, but a personal best for me. 50 miles in total today, an excellent start to October.