Mr. Pickwick's March madness 5th March '16 200k BRM Tewkesbury.

[freeflow]

Agreed.  Its a lovely route and yesterday was a smashing day out.  Unfortunately, due to a recent change in my diet, my legs were a bit wooden so I was marginal in making the validation time but pushing on well when I punctured just outside Gloucester 

Mark I hope you got my text OK saying I wouldn't be back within time.  The replacement inner tube proved to be problematical and had to be re inflated several times in the short distance back to Tewkesbury but I did pop into the pub only to find out you'd just left.

[The Solo Socialist]

One more step on your second RRTY Mr M Monk, well done

[peterr56]

1st time for me this one, what a cracking ride! ' The Last Time' was playing on the radio on the drive home which was ironic after listening to Mark chatting in the Hop Pole post ride

[beeblemaster]

Superb route and a superb day.  Nice and challenging with beautiful scenery.  Really did enjoy it, despite feeling particularly weary between the F of Dean Control and Berkeley - and having a sidewall blowout 3 miles before Berkeley.  First time for me, but I'll definitely revisit this one.

A little disappointed at the end to find that Wetherspoons have taken Surf and Turf off their new menus, I had to put in the effort of making a choice from the menu which made my brain hurt!   

Thanks Mark for organising - what a guy!  A big one too for the Hop pole for doing such a sterling job getting us fed and on our way, that mini breakfast is such a nice touch!

 

[BobScarle]

1st time for me this one, what a cracking ride! ' The Last Time' was playing on the radio on the drive home which was ironic after listening to Mark chatting in the Hop Pole post ride

Can you elaborate on this please. I have done this ride twice now and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am hoping it will become a regular fixture.

[peterr56]

Think its up to Mark to elaborate.

[Hot Flatus]

One of my favourite 200s. Set off half an hour late after chatting with Mark, and trundled along on my own to Bromyard passing only one rider and finding it all rather hard. Bounced the control and carried on towards Soudley, picking up loads more riders and enjoying the tailwinds after the turn south. Met up with Jamesld8, and we chatted as we rode the nicest part of the ride into Soudley. Here I met Richard, with whom I'd yo-yo'd for some distance, him getting a schooling in why 1930s technology steel audax bikes are so shit compared to what can be had for the same money these days.

I can't really remember much about the next stage but I made little effort and seemed to reach Chepstow quite quickly. Ditto up to Berkeley where I bumped into Richard again. We decided to head to the Tudor arms in Slimbridge where I had my annual cheesy garlic bread and THE most refreshing pint of Coke I've ever had. Interestingly, Richard came to the same conclusion.

A great day out. My first 200 since October, all taken very easy which was just as well as I was fucked by the time I got home. Now for 100 miles this Saturday, then a double 200 the following weekend.

[hellymedic]

We decided to head to the Tudor arms in Slimbridge where I had my annual cheesy garlic bread and THE most refreshing pint of Coke I've ever had. Interestingly, Richard came to the same conclusion.

I am convinced many forms of so-called junk are exquisitely pleasurable when they really 'hit the spot'.

[jamesld8]

We decided to head to the Tudor arms in Slimbridge where I had my annual cheesy garlic bread and THE most refreshing pint of Coke I've ever had. Interestingly, Richard came to the same conclusion.

I am convinced many forms of so-called junk are exquisitely pleasurable when they really 'hit the spot'.

reminds me of reading Richie Porte`s account of his 400km ---in 13 hours --when abandoning Team Sky`s diet regime it seems, he stashed into burgers, fries and beers at the end  And who could disagree ??

[BlackSheep]

Good job the ride was Saturday and not today, many of the roads on the first two stages are very badly flooded, couple that with the ice - there's no way anyone would finish.

[jamesld8]

Good job the ride was Saturday and not today, many of the roads on the first two stages are very badly flooded, couple that with the ice - there's no way anyone would finish.

seriously ?? it`s just `orrible wet and cold here with snow above 400m. Surprised about flooding 

[Banjo]

Good job the ride was Saturday and not today, many of the roads on the first two stages are very badly flooded, couple that with the ice - there's no way anyone would finish.

Someone would have finished.
If a nuclear attack took out all of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire someone would still manage to re route and get back in time for a pint.

[masm]

Hi Bob
Martin here from the Dales, thanks for your company on Saturday around the Dales, really good to meet you and Nigel. I hope you got back to the North East OK and now Oxford!
Sorry I could not hang around on Sat evening, my mother was fretting about how late I might keep her up!

I have just been out for a gentle ride to Hawes a rather pedestrian 100ks in lovely sunshine, I had a bacon and sausage buttie with a cappuccino at the café we stopped at.

My email is: masm1955@gmail.com please get in contact if you are entering  any rides that might suit me.

All the best

Martin