Ride and Stride 2020 – The Finishing Line
A perfect (if breezy) day for a bicycle ride
Having set the bar high we left Cirencester amid a throng of wellwishers. Well, it was Saturday morning and the market was busy. As you see from the Photo below we were fighting fit and keen to be off.
The Route
Having “signed in” at the start we immediately left Cirencester and headed due north on the old Roman Road “The Whiteway” or “Salt Road” until we eventually turned left down into North Cerney.
Then we started to wend our way back to Cirencester through Bagendon, Baunton and Stratton.
Passing through Cirencester past the start again we headed south this time to Preston, Siddington and on to South Cerney.
Then we turned right (West) and headed home through, Shorncote, Somerford Keynes, Poole Keynes, Kemble, Tarlton, Rodmarton, Cherington and finally to Minchinhampton on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment. Most of these churches were perfectly delightful, and beautifully kept, made from Cotswold Stone and basking in the warm sunshine. It made the day a perfect cycle ride.
Next we skirted the edge dropping down Box and the Amberley only to climb back to the top of the common again to run along and finally drop steeply down into Rodborough, and Stroud.
Finally working our way home through Leonard Stanley, Frocester, Coaley, Cam and Dursley.
Fittingly we ended our ride at St Cyrs, Stinchcombe. All tired but also very happy. 89 KM and 4:49 hrs actual cycling and having visited and signed in (where possible) at 34 Churches!
Amount Raised
At present, Andy’s Just Giving page at around £860+ with another £150+ Gift Aid. This is a commendable amount when you see the other totals the Ride and Stride site.
Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust
To learn more about the Gloucester Historic Churches Trust and what they do visit their website.
To see the route and all the pictures
See all the facts, figures and photos.
How about next year?
We would love more people to be involved next year. If you would like to come along, by ekibe or for only part way or even just meet, we would love for more to join us. Ride and Stride is always on the 2nd Saturday in September and a different route is planned by us each year.
Lastly..
We can’t finish without saying thank you to all those people who sponsored us. I think that this year because of your generosity it has been a record amount raised for Stinchcombe!