SMCA Inaugural ride on the Somerset levels

The inaugural ride on Sunday 23rd May was completed by six hardy cyclist of the SMCA. We were nearly the perfect seven but we had a last minute drop out due to the weather being a little to ify!!! which to be fair, it was. As it was indeed a tad windy and the clouds in the distance were a little threatening but overall it was better than the forecast. Meeting at Huish Episcopi at 9.45am, we had a quick tyre inflation were off on the ride to Barrington Court taking in the splendid scenery of the Somerset levels, with apple trees in full blossom. We cycled past the once magnificent Muchelney Abbey (English Heritage) and the haunted priest’ house (NT) the award winning Village of the year Kingsbury Episcopi, the iconic Burrow Hill (lovely drop of cider there) we then battled through a headwind and arrived at the splendid Barrington Court (NT) where the thirsty riders tucked into coffee, tea and cake. After our much needed refreshment we set off in the drizzley rain back to Langport going through the delightful Shepton Beauchamp, and seeing the cutest thing, ever a little girl riding a Shetland pony…
We then cycled back with the wind in our sails or I should say pedals, through Stembridge and Muchelney back to Langport. However, the highlight of the day was still to come!!! a tour of the freshly decorated and polished World Famous Hanging Chapel including freshly baked Chocolate brownies by yours truly and hot drinks supplied by Mrs Norton. The overall distance was 35km . I am already looking forward to the next ride on 13th June.
S&FR
Mike Norton – SMCA Secretary