It’s flaming June and holiday season so five members of Taunton Tandem group set off from Gillingham to the airport.

The weather was perfect for cycling, warm but not too warm and no wind.

Clive and Emma’s carefully planned route took them along shady, leafy and quiet lanes and through charming villages. The Bennet Arms at Semley, (a village with an old worldly feel and large green), was just about to open but the ride was going so well no one felt the need of a break. They pressed on, through Donhead St Mary to the longest climb of the route. Unfazed they then continued to Compton Abbas Airfield to lunch at The Lore of the Sky.

While dining on the patio, they were able to watch the small planes taking off, circling and landing. There was even a Tiger Moth. Clive and Emma had managed to arrange an airshow!

After the leisurely lunch the group then set off for home, dropping down to Fontmell Magna and then on through rolling lanes back. There was a pub in East Stour where they could have stopped for a drink but yet again they were happy to press on. Another 5 miles from East Stour brought them back to Gillingham. The whole ride was 28 very enjoyable miles.

Clive & Emma Bowyer