SMCA Keeping it on the Level 14 Aug 2021

The cyclists of the SMCA welcomed three new riders to the fold at our gathering in Bridgwater on Saturday 14th Aug for the fourth ride of the season, and what a belter it was too!

In attendance were Steve Beach, Peter Gibson, David Hutchins, Ray Guthrie, Richard Winter, Mike Norton, Simon Turner, Jamie Johnstone, Mark Wilcox, and Steve Collings.

The SMCA members were tempted by the excellent route devised by W.bro Richard Winter (or more likely the chance to visit Jim’s cider shack🤪🍺). The Peloton numbered ten and set off from Bower Lane and soon picked up the River Parrett Trail.

The team crossed the River Parrett and continued along the Bridgwater and Taunton canal towpath and headed towards Taunton, passing Planet Uranus (on the Somerset Space Walk). They turned left off the tow path onto Littlemoor Drove and then rode along Littlemoor Road passing the pumping station and headed towards Burrow Mump taking in the fantastic views of the Somerset Levels as they cycled to the next landmark at Burrow Mump.

There were spectacular views including, Brent Knoll, Hinkley Point power station, Aller Ridge, and the Pynsent Monument at Curry Rivel and after a little piece of history of the 18 C. Church ruin. One very esteemed brother mentioning no names decided to cycle down and nearly made it without falling off.

Just as everyone was getting thirsty, Jim’s shack was calling, and so the team headed towards Aller via the Drove (taking in some more stunning views of the levels. They picked up the main road for a short section until we turned off towards Bere and the haven of Jim’s Shack.

Everyone rather sadly left Jim’s shack. Steve C was one reluctant brother to leave but suitably refreshed everyone headed up Turn Hill and a steep one it was too. Eventually the route let to Langport (home of the World Famous Hanging Chapel, don’t you know). The Peloton went down Turn hill along Nythe Lane to Pedwell and then back to Brigwater via Moorlynch and Chedzoy.