Six Old Gits visit the airport 44

With five other Old Gits went on a bit of hill training out to Bristol Airport.  Certainly the right place to go for a bit of extra exercise the climb up the hills to the north of the Mendips was about 600 feet with some naughty bits added into the mix.  Luckily it was a cracking day for a ride which seem to make the hills less steep.

Cow Mooovement

Going out through Puxton to get to Wrington and the Mother Hen Tea Rooms, came to a grinding halt when rounding a bend to find about 80 cows being herded across the road.  What was impressive about it was the hitec string and piece of paper which kept these half ton beasts from straying off the intended path.

Mother Hen

At Wrington which we hit at about 17 miles, stopped for tea and cake.  We needed that for what was around the corner.  We had a big debate as to the best way up to the airport with the general agreement amongst those that knew, Goblin Combe was the least preferred choice and should be avoided.  Out to the village of Redhill and a lane off to the left should do it.  Leaving Wrington it was hard to get going again up the steep climb that led out of the village.  Thanks to Mother Hen for taking the photo, from l to r, Steve, Tim, Phil, me, Simon and Big Al.  (Big Al did really well today after recent operations).

Guess what?

After a long climb up to Redhill, the maps said turn left for the airport.  What did we find at that junction?  This fingerpost.  It was quite tough in places, and narrow with more traffic on it than we anticipated.  The postman in his van overtook us four times!  Taking it steady though, it was not as bad as we feared.

We did it

A conveniently located airplane spotter, you could tell even though he wasn't wearing an anorak, obliged us by taking our photo.  Had to get the plane readying for take off to prove we did it.

There she goes

And one coming in

From here it was an exhilarating ride down Brockley Combe, over to Claverham and Yatton where we stopped at the railway station for another cuppa.  From here it was plain sailing along the Strawberry Line to Sandford, Puxton and Weston.

A good ride enjoyed by all today.  A plus 40 miler, my total was 44 miles.