6 Old Gits go to Bath. 43

Friday Riders are out today.  Getting a little tired of doing the same rides each week, we have decided to, each first Friday in the month, spread our wings a little and take some rides outside of our normal area.  Today we had agreed taking the Bristol to Bath  path, a 15 mile track following the route of the old railway.  A bit too far to tackle this from Weston super Mare, we transported our bikes in four vehicles to the Park and Ride car park at Long Ashton, just SW of the city.

At the Start

A light rain greeted at Long Ashton, but not enough to warrant putting wet weather gear on.  The forecast was pretty good so worth the risk.  Note the orange VW.  It was suggested that the club logo could be put on that, especially for such outings.  Don't hold your breath!

Avon Valley Railway

Run by volunteers who acquired the line in 1972 after the 'Beeching' cuts closed it in 1966. the line now runs for three miles based at Bitton Railway Station.  With live locos and renovated coaches there is a lot of work goes on here and is well worth a visit.  Heading into Bitton from Bristol, we came across this engine, the Saddler, with a couple of volunteers on board learning to drive the thing. Good for a photo op.  Some Old Gits crossing the line behind it. (it was stationary)

Time for tea and cake.

A short ride later we stopped for refs at the Bitton centre cafe, an old railway carriage.  Very reasonable here, can recommend it.  From L to R. Simon, Andy, Phil, Arnie and yours truly.  Thanks to Tim for taking this.

Next stop - Bath for tea

Seven miles further on we reached the old Green Park station at Bath after a very picteresque ride along the River Avon.  Quite a busy place this with loads of cafes and quick food outlets. After tea and more cake it was time to head back in what can only be described as light rain.  Fortunately it didn't last long and we went non stop back to Bristol

Isambard

Getting back into Bristol was fairly easy, the last few miles are all downhill.  Getting through Bristol was a bind though. As one of the Old Gits remarked, "Has this route been risk assessed"!  Good point, it was a bit of a minefield. Mostly cycle paths, some short stretches of busy road and through construction sites and along the old dockyards where one of us came off negotiating the old tram lines.  Spotted this on the way through the city, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of the giants of the industrial revolution with his Brompton fold up bike. Arnie just had to get in the shot with his beloved Brompton.

A good ride that, thoroughly enjoyed seeing new ground. Going through the city there was oodles of photographs to be taken but bowling along with 5 others it wasn't prudent to stop.  This calls for a further visit.  43 miles covered today.