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Touching on chaos theory whilst pursuing academia in a previous life I return to this mathematical concept on Sunday’s WCC roadie run. The ride is to Leamington Lakes east of Moreton in Marsh and there is a good turnout amounting to 11. As last week the feeling of autumn is abounding but the warm westerly wind that favours our outbound journey negates the need for ‘The rug up’
El Presidente blesses us with a guest appearance together with his far more attractive other half the Lovely Lou and from the off leads the way. He’s particularly keen on riding in pairs with a sense of order that never seems to transpire on the average run. Captain and Stoker giggle as they witness the immediate disarray mainly caused by a freshly serviced Tandem rattling away as if a random bag of spanners.
The service also seems to cause huge entertainment to others, none more so than The Pupil clearly amused to see the Granny chain ring hanging on by one bolt. It’s rare for the pupil to be on the upper end of the banter and the opportunity to exploit vulnerability is seized post haste.
On we push and without ‘The Leaders Leader’ on show ‘The Leader’ is flummoxed. I silently witness from the Stokers throne a display of organisation that could have only been described as shambolic. We lose Martin the machine, The Pupil, Fruit FarmJoe and Rookie Lee - a chef from Bromsgrove (and Brummy Lee from now on as its north of Evesham) The remaining seven arrive at Leamington Lakes to be greeted by a closed sign. The Captain and our leader admits that he’s never been to the venue before and had it mixed up with The Lakes at South Cerney? There is more than a bite when its suggested that they are quite close together?

Anyway no problem! We are now off to a great Café recommended by 60 Kilo Steve on the outskirts of Moreton. The familiar closed sign is again on display. Then it’s off back to Moreton where a new café is discovered. It’s a good find in a neat little courtyard and momentarily we settle into a degree of order. It’s only momentarily as the 7 are soon to discover the breakaway 4 are in another café?
Heading back to The Combe on a non planned route its agreed to stay together as The Tandem duo lacking any gears need a minimum profile return journey. Railway Rog is on top climbing form and attacks ‘ Bourton up the Hill’in fine fettle The Veteran has a quieter day – although equipped with the Bobby Dazzlers they are hapless following the previous days birthday celebrations. ‘He cant be 69’ declares Railway Rog – ‘hes been 69 for the last three years?’
The Captain is concerned as Ma and Pa are round for lunch and he has left the honours to the Lozzer - well known for her passion of culinary art, its offering a sense of urgency to the motion of the crank. ‘Anything could have happened’ he informs The Veteran. As brothers in the world of fire fighting they discuss potential damage to the Captains career if there’s a pump outside the house hosing the lamb in the oven down.
As we all gather in dribs and drabs at The Lion we discover the breakaway 4 have subdivided again echoing a further tumultuous tone of mayhem. Settling down- alcohol related activity offers a newly found sense of order. Lots of laughter on a ride that will never be heralded as perfect. Forty ish miles 2800ft of climbing. As they say ‘It wouldn’t have happened in Terry’s day’ – The Stoker ... See more

The chosen route for the Sunday Spin this week was code named ‘The Oxfordshire Raid’ Its a steady tread to Ramsden and an opportunity for the proletariat of The Combe to rub shoulders with the bourgeoisie of West Oxon.

The morning resonates the onset of autumn and as I climb Stanway a feel-good factor is in the making.
The gluttons for punishment have agreed to meet at the top of Stanway and ride to start point in Stow. A gang of seven congregate at the summit of Stanway in dribbles and consist of moi, Captain, The Veteran, (boasting once again the Bobby Dazzlers)The Pupil, Scouting Simon and Jubilant Jules. (Always a positive pleasure to ride with) As we push on towards Stow we are joined by Greyhound Griff catching us up effortlessly.

For those who don’t know The Greyhound has just secured new employment and will soon hold The title ‘British Cycling Coach’ - congratulations Rich!

His relaxed and natural riding style is a pleasure to witness but panting away to stay on his wheel whilst he is seemingly free wheeling is an exhausting exercise.

At Stow we meet Terry - ‘The Leaders Leader’, Railway Rog and the whippet like newbee Joe. Joe was born and bred on Hailes Fruit Farm but is now living in Tewkesbury. I consider asking him why he made such a hideous geographical move? but decide it inappropriate on a first meeting? Anyway, welcome to WCC Joe!

It’s a good deal of climbing and as we wind our way through a beautiful route it’s great to be on unfamiliar territory.
The Leaders Leader as always is reliably on hand to answer questions from the leader like ‘Is it right here?’ He offers votes of confidence on statements such as ‘I think its next left?’ All round Terry is a brilliant Leaders Leader.

Arriving at the Café we enjoy unhindered service and a welcome break from the Oxfordshire potholes. Are the Chadlington Chumps paying any road tax at all I consider.

The Captain is in a mess - apparently the Fire Service bed push to Chipping Campden one day previous has left him a broken man. He has the energy of a late autumn wasp and I am piteous of my touring friend and partner as I see the look of horror in his face at the thought of 35 miles home into the wind.

We leave and head off back to Stow and and at Kingham The Back Lane Velo Club contingent decide to take a quicker and less mountainous route back to The Combe. ‘All for one and one for all’ the motto and ethos of the membership.

We bid farewell to the others and off we head. Although our route is shorter we are soon caught up again by Scouting Simon, Jubilant Jules and The Greyhound. A tear up down Stanway Hill is followed by refreshment at the pleasant Pheasant.

‘Just one more Jim’ - ‘Go on then the Mrs is at The Car Booty’ is the reply. She was still apparently there for the next one too?

A very pleasant morning out once again and for the gluttons 70 odd miles and 5000 ft of climbing. A good effort. See yee all next week - The Stoker. ... See more

C2C ✅ Well done Karen & Janette!