Go to the Archive index

Second Cotswold Canter

Paul Witchard

The second running of the Cotswold Canter took place on Easter Sunday, from the Trout Inn at Lechlade, in conjunction with a weekend Classic Camper Club meeting.  The weather forecast was not encouraging, showers being forecast, but despite an overcast sky, the weather remained dry.  A total of fifteen riders assembled for the start, and set off in ones and twos around the 27.5 mile route.

Bob Goodwin's Mobylette was the first to stop, in Lechlade High Street, but got going again later.  After going through Lechlade the route meandered through the picturesque local villages along minor roads, criss-crossing the local A roads.  Soon after passing the USAF Base at Fairford, the Cyclemaster of R Siddall succumbed to ignition failure.  The combined efforts of those who stopped to help were unavailing and the rescue vehicle was resorted to.  Returning to fetch the rescue van your scribe found Alan Hummerstone's Cucciolo stopped by the roadside, the rider reporting merely "that it does not like going so slowly", a change of plug being all that was required.  I Young's Power Pak also failed to complete the course, but he was able to return to the start unaided.  The remainder all got back to the Trout under their own steam and at their own pace.  Tony and Yvonne Brown considerably later, as they decided on a lunch stop en route.

The wide variety of bikes caused considerable interest amongst the Classic Camper Club members and the organiser's award for the most interesting machine went to the Scootamota of A Taylor.  The route is mainly fairly flat, with a few not too testing hills and was much enjoyed by all participants, a full list of which is appended.

First published, June 2002

   Go to the Archive index