The ancient inhabitants of Somerset, county of the summer, migrated between the hills in winter and the dry levels in summer. This was the motif of the sportive, exploring the Levels, before returning to the hills to return to Bristol.

Coffee & pastries made for a pleasant breakfast on the Mud Dock terrace in the early sun before riders headed off towards the coast. This was not a day for lying on the beach, and so the road twisted south to Cheddar and Wedmore and out across the Somerset Levels.

The roads on the Levels are built between reams cut by the Glastonbury monks, straight and, as the name suggests, flat. Fenny Castle Tea Rooms hosted the lunch stop, well timed before the start of the most serious climb of the ride.

Visible as the road cuts between the Isles of Aragon, the Westbury sub Mendip climb is tough - steep and narrow. At the top the road rolls down to Priddy and across the tops to Charterhouse, before descending the cool of Burrington Coombe.

The ride back into Bristol follows the lanes through Butcombe and over the hill.

Back at Mud Dock rider showered, relaxed, exchanged ride myths and enjoyed a later lunch watching the Mont Ventoux stage of the Tour. Gazpacho was a refreshing starter, followed by a choice of lunches and finished with brownie and ice cream.

Bikes, sunshine & food - a day to remember!

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