81 riders complete Corinium Cycling Club's Windrush Warm-up (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

81 riders complete Corinium Cycling Club's Windrush Warm-up

A TOTAL of 87 riders set off on Sunday at the start of Corinium Cycling Club's Windrush Warm-up with all but six making it back to the finish.

On a bitterly cold morning, icy patches lurked in the shadows during the early miles through South Cerney, Ewen, Poole Keynes and Oaksey as an experienced bunch made their way to the first control at Eastcourt.

The first notable climb of the day warmed the riders as they headed towards Minety.

But the next one proved a sterner test and saw a fragmented group passing through Purton.

After a long descent to Swindon and Cricklade Railway came the ascent to Blunsdon cross- roads on the A419. Crossing over, they rode on to the Freke Arms and into Hannington for the second control and refreshments.

After this, Kempsford and Whelford proved flat and fast but, from then on, the route became increasingly lumpy.

Rolling lanes led the throng through Southrop and Eastleach until a left turn towards Holwell caught many napping as the lane suddenly reared up into a one-in-four climb.

From there to the Barringtons was slightly less severe, but still with no real relief from the constant rise and fall of the tarmac.

A left turn at The Fox led riders into the spectacular Windrush Valley and an undulating roadway, culminating in a fierce climb into Farmington.

With the prospect of a chance to catch a drink and a bite to eat, the cyclists tumbled down the hill into Northleach and the next control where Bud Dutton was validating riders' cards.

A short final section, just 19km long, started with the climb of Mace Hill, a real test on legs that had stiffened up over lunch.

Next came Coln St Aldwyns, followed by a short freewheel along the banks of the River Coln before yet another uphill section, this one into Quenington.

Here riders, including 16 members of the organising club, turned right along Conegar and headed to Poulton, crossing the A417 by the Falcon as they negotiated the final few miles back to the village hall at Down Ampney.

Corinium CC is indebted to Andrew's army of helpers and also to Pam Swanston who was in place early enough to sign on all the riders.

This Sunday's outings return to normal with the gentle run, which leaves the Market Place in Cirencester at 9.30am, set to be led by Fred Gardiner.

Elevenses stop is at Waitrose in Stroud with the lunch-stop at The Hungry Horse at Seven Springs.

Heading the fast run, Derek Mitchell will be leaving at 10am for the same destination.

Details of all Corinium CC activities on their web site at www.coriniumcc.co.uk