The ride took us along Colston Road to Staverton Bridge, from where we took the riverside track to the village. Michael knew that the landowner had complained to another cyclist last year about riding along the track, so he advised the leading riders to push the section through the meadow. Some didn’t of course, so the rest of us cycled as well. As it happened, the landowner was waiting for us at the end. His wife could clearly see the value of allowing youngsters to enjoy the countryside, however, and it took only a little time for Michael to convince him that we really weren’t doing any harm, so everything was OK in the end.

Only famous sports personalities like James Gant and Andrew Watson could join club rides after a break of nine months and make it look easy!