Pedal bash #1

Date: Sunday 8th April
Location: Butcher's Arms, Abbotskerswell

We arrived early, the we being myself, my husband and my two sons. We started to unpack the car and Dolittle and family arrived. We got on our bikes with a little excitement, a little nervousness and some soreness for some of us!
A bugle summoned us to the centre of the field and we listened to someone (sorry don't know who you were) telling us the proceedings for the morning and after being given a quiz to do while we were cycling, (well not quite) we set off.
Dolittle and I did our usual sprint start and ended up right at the front of the back of the pack!! It was uphill to start with and with the weighty Oli I had to push after a little way as the bike wasn't wanting to be ridden, well that's my excuse and i'm sticking to it.
Shorty took pity on us and escorted us most of the way through the worst bit of hills and downs, I would have caught up a bit but Oli decided that going mega fast down the hills wasn't good for his breathing so I could only go downhill so fast which meant my momentum for going back up the hills wasn't so good. Never the less, we cycled through the back of Ipplepen and onto Staverton and had a lovely surprise of ending up at the beer festival on the Staverton steam railway platform, Theo was highly delighted with the prospect of seeing trains.
We were given some eggs that had been hidden which Oli and Theo ate with great relish. We stopped for a rest then it was On On for home. It was harder work going back but the sun was shining the birds were singing and the peace in the countryside was wonderful. Oli decided he was going to help push me home so every five minutes I had two little hands on my bottom pushing with a little voice giggling, then he started doing his wiggle wiggle, which wasn't too helpful for the control of the bike.
We arrived back at the pub, worn out, sore bums but happy. We queued to get drinks which refreshed us nicely. Theo, Oli and C and D all won an Easter egg which was lovely. We had a quick go on the slide before heading home.
A wonderful cycle ride, thanks for Shorty and Bigfoot.
till next time.....On On