A Swift Evening Breeze.

A Swift Evening Breeze

This ride will be delightful as long as our current Summer weather bucks up a bit. The forecast is looking OK at the moment for the evening. ‘Our’ swifts (3 breeding pairs) started their egg hatching on Tuesday 11th and there was great excitement in the colony. In some parts of the country the younger prospectors have started to arrive as well, so the colonies should be pretty active and busy by Wednesday 19th. Fingers crossed for them this year.
It’s a 15 mile ride with a few uphills, but think of the beautiful views as the sun goes down! We never leave anyone behind, so don’t worry if you have to get off and walk (I probably will!). We wait at the tops! Our stop halfway for a leisurely refreshment will be at The George in Brailes. The route will leave Shipston up the Brailes Road and then over to Willington and Burmington before reaching our first colony of swifts in Cherington. We continue via Sutton to Brailes. From there (not stopping too long in the pub!) we head to Winderton and our second swift colony. Then we continue back to Shipston along the straight lane and via Fell Mill.
I’m allowing 3 hours for the evening, because we need to be back by 9:30pm before dark; that means leaving the pub at 8:00pm. The start will therefore be at the usual car park at 6:30pm. I appreciate this makes it difficult for family evening meal times, but the pub food looks OK and you should be able to get a quick light meal in the time available should you so wish. (Leave a tasty meal in the fridge for the family!)

All the usual stuff – make sure your bike is in a road worthy condition with working lights, dress for the weather and bring a bottle of water. A properly fitting helmet is recommended but is not compulsory.
Any queries, just get in touch. 07762 358466. I look forward to seeing lots of you join me on the ride!
Jacey.