First ride down to the Cotswolds this year together with the ascent up the long and steep Snowshill which goes on FOREVER!
The ride down was lovely and swift, the climb up Snowshill to the cafe is long and laborious but a great test of fitness, I was greeted by smashing views and a couple of horses in a field along the top of the hill.
Arrived at the Cotswold Lavender Cafe just before 12 and picked an empty bench at the back in the shade, quite a big queue inside but the wait wasn't too long considering. Tea, lavender cake and lavender ice cream was ordered which didn't disappoint - a full 10/10.
Had the usual lovely long descent from Broadway Tower into Mickleton. From Mickleton onwards it was getting warmer and warmer so made sure I drank plenty. As I got to Welford on Avon I realised I was running out of water and with 20 miles to go in 25+ degrees I decided I would make a swift shop stop to buy some more water.
There was nowhere to lock the bike up directly outside of the shop so locked it to the bench under a tree just behind the maypole, not a place anyone would walk past unless they were sitting down - quiet and low risk area.. or so I thought! Glanced around and only an elderly couple with walking sticks were walking on by so quickly scurried into the shop, was gone a minute and a half at most - came out and bike had disappeared! Can only conclude someone was watching from a van and as soon as my back was turned... game over!
Defeated and depressed I sat on the bench for a few minutes gathering my thoughts, thank gawd I took everything off it including the camera and bike computer!
Called in the cavalry... both sisters turn up a hour later and whisked me away home.
Registered it stolen on various websites and reported to police, police confirmed there is no CCTV in area and will contact if they recover it... I won't hold my breath!
6.5 years old with 22k miles on the clock, old faithful shall sorely be missed! 😢
