So, here I am – setting off on another musical cycling adventure. Once again, the tour starts with a trip to perform at Shindig festival. For the second year, this is being held at Charlton Park, former home of WOMAD festival, just outside Malmesbury in Wiltshire.
Relief
It’s a short journey, around 24 miles North-North-East from Bath. Initially, there’s a long climb and I’m careful not to push things at this early stage of the trip. I’ve had a lingering chest complaint in recent weeks, so haven’t kept up my usual training rides up the steep North Road in Bath. It’s, therefore, a relief to find I manage this without difficulty.
My son, Florian, is accompanying me, ostensibly to test his newly-rebuilt gravel bike. However, I suspect he also wants to check I’m OK. Either way, it’s a pleasure to have him along for the ride. We’ve done a lot of cycle touring together over the years. When he was young, I’d be there to support and encourage him. Now, the tables have turned: I couldn’t be more grateful or proud.
Surge of Endorphins
Sometimes, I have to remind myself to appreciate the scenery and enjoy the ride. We really do live in a beautiful part of the country. Rolling hills, wild hedgerows, wheeling buzzards, grazing cattle, quiet country lanes – it’s all here and it’s what makes cycling such a joy. Plus the gentle surge of endorphins generated by prolonged physical effort.
We take a break on the shaded grass opposite the entrance to Grittleton House. In the past, I played several weddings inside that former public-school mansion. That was with Cartwheel Ceilidh, whose guitarist and fixer, Pat, was a contemporary of mine and Rob’s during our time at Middlesex Poly. He also played guitar in Rob’s band ‘Rob Whale & The Marleys’ (one of the great band names), for which I played drums. We’ll be staying with Pat at his current home among the Preseli Hills later in the tour.
Straight Forward
From here, it’s all pretty straight forward. We reach the festival site without incident and on schedule. Having said our goodbyes, Florian sets off for his somewhat swifter return home, no-longer restrained by his old man’s sedentary pace. And I head for the artists’ accreditation point.
My timing is good and I quickly secure a wristband before a queue forms. I just have time for a sandwich before my friend Jim arrives with my drums. In addition to my Band named Brian slot, I’ll also be performing with Made by Martians, a space-funk-rock improv band, featuring guitar, bass, drums and flute. Also in the queue is Miche, who DJ-ed for us in last year’s Fringe show. She had invited me to join her here on flute for her set but, sadly, her spot coincides with the Martians gig this evening. You can’t have everything.
As Ever – a Joy
Martians’ bass player, Stu, is already on site and reports there is ample space to camp in the shaded area backstage. So, I wheel my bike in to meet him there. Jim, meanwhile, is told he has the wrong vehicle pass for this entrance. He, therefore, will have to drive back off site and re-enter via the main public route. What a pain.
Shindig is – as ever – a joy. I find myself deflated after ending my set with a song that heavily relies on Rob’s fiddle playing and vocal harmonies. I don’t suppose anyone else will have noticed but there were several other songs that – to my mind – could have provided a stronger finish. Rob will be joining me for the rest of the tour. Meanwhile, playing solo serves to remind me how much he adds.
Aving It Large
Having said that, several people comment afterwards on the songs and their message. I remind myself that’s what matters. And then settle in to ‘aving it large!