7th March 2014 Dodwell Delight 49

Out with the ESCC and joined by members of WPCC (Warwickshire Police Cycling Club).  Good to welcome some youngsters into our social ride.  We met at Graham's house in Leamington, ten all together, and the plan was to go out through Warwick, Norton Lindsey to Aston Cantlow, across through Billesley to Binton and have tea and cake at the tea rooms in the antique centre near Dodwell. Back home then, with the wind behind us through Luddington, Stratford and Wellesbourne. Started off a real miserable morning but the forecast was good.

ESCC + WPCC

Gathered outside Graham's house prior to setting off. From left to right John (not sure about the pose mate), Janet, Tash, my bike, Mark, Diane, Sam, Mark (with Brain Tumour Bandana), Alan and Graham. Today is Brain Tumour Day and some of us wore BT bandanas to mark the occasion. The rain had stopped by this time and the day ahead looked promising.

View from Red Hill

After Billesley, we regrouped in a small layby near to the Stag PH at Red Hill. The group are admiring the view across Stratford, Welford and Ilmington. The weather had cleared by this point and the sun started to make an appearance.

Blue Boar Inn, Temple Grafton

On the road into Temple Grafton from the A46 is the Blue Boar. This dates back to the early 1600s and has been a ale house/pub/inn since that time. It does retain that old english pub image. I have been there and can recommend the food and the atmos although trip advisor is a little mixed. A nice trip out in the summer.
Spotting the Mothering Sunday sign, did you know that this day is always the 4th Sunday of Lent and marks the one day in the year when folk in the Victorean era returned to their home or  'Mother Church' to give thanks. Nowadays of course it is time to give Mum a pressie.

Dodwell Antique Park Tea Room

On the main Evesham Road, between Stratford and Bideford, is a large antique centre. The tea room is on the first floor and was an excellent choice by Graham as a rest stop. On the down side, Graham had prewarned them that 10 hungry cyclists would be descending upon them at midday but the message was never passed tthrough to the tea room staff. Consequently, they were not prepared for us but, in all fairness, they pulled out all the stops and served us, and other customers, in quick time. Good food at a reasonable price. The antigue part of the place is crammed with all sorts, from 8 seater oak tables to earrings. Good place for an afternoon browse which, unfortunately, we did not have time for.

The Peleton, Fulbrook Lane.

Back through Startford, Wellesbourne and Charlecote, this photo was taken in Fulbrook Lane. Look at that sky.  The weather turned out marvellous and most of us were discarding layers by this time. About ten minutes prior to this I had seen my first butterfly of the year, I think the scientific name for it is 'a yellow one'. Good to see though, spring must be just around the corner.

All back to Graham's house then, although I peeled off early in Warwick as I lived close by. Note to self, Graham owes me a piece of cake. A good 49 miles today, well chuffed with that, takes me way above the weekly target.

PS.  The first names of Scott of the Antarctic was Robert Falcoln for those who were discussing it over tea and cake!