Evesham Wheelers

Sean Lacey joins the Worcestershire outfit for an autumnal spin

With a mixed forecast for the day, it seems luck is on our side as the group rolls out of Evesham in the early morning sunshine. Falling leaves and the lure of autumnal colours are a seemingly big draw with a remarkable number of club members out this morning for our run through the edge of the Cotswolds and for some of the groups, a bit of hard work to come in the hills. Our initial stint on the cycle path of the busy A46 is mercifully short, turning off onto a B-road with nicer surroundings and almost zero traffic. We have with our group the current chairman Steve Bullen, who has a long and illustrious history in the cycling world, involved in many advances within cycling and a member of both the Pedal Club and Pickwick Bicycle Club. “It’s an honour to be chairman of such a successful and inclusive club as Evesham Wheelers. We’ve done so well over the last few years and it’s thanks to the members and committee; they are a credit,” remarks Bullen.

Approaching our pre-cafe test for the day, the discussion has turned to how proud the riders here are of the club — there is undoubtedly a good feeling here. Passing through Broadway that feeling turns slightly moretowards pain though as turning off the main road takes us onto familiar tarmac, rising up on the hillside through the trees — Dover’s Hill. It’s a climb we’ve done many times before but it never gets easier. Number six in the 100 climbs list, just over a mile long at nine per cent average and 14 per cent maximum — it puts a stop to the chatter as we all slog away at the gradient. The top reveals a glimpse at the views through the trees, the descent fast and flowing into Chipping Campden, heaving with visitors.