SMCA two Counties Ride June 2021

The cyclists of the SMCA were out in force on a blazing hot Sunday morning and were treated to a fantastic route, plotted diligently by W.Bro Derek Marpole. A ride not for the faint hearted, gone were the flatish Somerset levels to be replaced by the ‘hills of the Alps’ (well that’s what it felt like).

The ride started in East Coker right on the Somerset and Dorset border and headed to the East side of Sutton Bingham Reservoir, near the village of Sutton Bingham in the civil parish of Closworth. The reservoir was built in the 1950s to supply water to Yeovil and boy did we need to drink plenty of water! The route then continued South and crossed the border into bandit country or Dorset as it is better known by and cycled through the villages of:
East Chelborough – Benville – Cheddington – Lower Halstock Leigh – Hardington Mandeville – Primrose Hill – Burton.

The highlight was getting to the top of Toller Down Hill at 827 feet it is one of the highest hills in Dorset and the views were spectacular as we zoomed down the hill going weeeeee.(Well I did anyway). Everyone took a rest outside at the beautiful Fox Inn at Corscombe, unfortunately no tasting of Ale was partaken as it didn’t open until 12.00. Audible groans of disappointment could be heard from the mouth of Bro Steve Collings. However, the staff very kindly refilled our bottles (with water) and after some dipped toes in the cooling Stream everyone set off back to the West of Sutton Bingham Reservoir back to Derek’s back garden where everyone was given a spectacular welcome by Penny who treated the hungry thirty cyclists to spread fit for HM the Queen!!

The next organised group ride will take place on Saturday 17th July from Yatton organised by our Chairman W.Bro Steve Collings. Further details to follow shortly…