The Tour of Britain cycle race starts on the 2nd September in Wales and finishes in London on the 9th. There are some star teams and riders in it this year including the Sky Team with Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas scheduled to take part. The third leg of the tour is 125 km and finishes and starts in Bristol. Some of the route is in nearby villages to Weston and the schedule of it is perfect; Tues 4th, Old Gits Day. The OGs are looking at watching the blur go by and seeing where would be the best place to view it. Today I went out to have a look at a section of the route that is designated a King of the Mountain stage so that should slow them down a bit!
Got him at last!
I was given a map recently of where all the Wallace and Grommit models have been placed to help raise money for Bristol Children's Hospital. One of the places is Puxton Park a kid's facility to the east of Weston. On the way out saw this graffiti on a house wall so just had to stop and photograph it.
If only!
Grommit at the Park
A bit further on was Puxton Park and sure enough, Wallace was guarding the front entrance. Had to get this quick, they are being removed from next Sunday onwards. Pity there is only two around here. most of them are in Bristol. This one is entitled 'Merry go Round' and was sponsored by Puxton Park and designed by Emily Golden.
Lenny's Cafe
Thee map of the Tour of Britain shows it goes through Clevedon, Yatton, Congresbury and up and over the Mendip Hills through Shipham and Cheddar. A convenient place to see this would be Shipham but it is a bit of a climb to get into the village. Thought I would recce this out today and after a 400' climb found myself on strange ground, Shipham. I asked a passer by if there was anywhere to get a cup of tea (most important if the Old Gits turn up) and was advised about this community cafe a short distance away on the village green. And here it is a converted part of a little house with tables and benches outside. Tea and cake was £2.50, bargain, and the waitress explained that they would be serving food and drink on the Tuesday of the race along with the local pub, on the village green. I think gold has been struck, but will depend on what the others think.
View from the Village Green
This was the view as I demolished my tea and cake. The pub is dead ahead. If this plan goes ahead I can see us being here all day, especially with a 400' drop down to Weston to look forward to. That was the best part of the ride today!
A worthwhile recce that, some climbing involved, but 29 miles covered in all.
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