Bathampton to Shindig
Distance: 22 miles
Time (hours): 1:55
Average Speed: 11.22 mph
Ascent: 1,398 ft
Crippling
Having promised myself I wouldn’t put on a Fringe show and tour in the same year again, I did – of course – do both. It’s a form of self-flagellation I could probably do well without. Don’t get me wrong: the execution of these things is enjoyable and rewarding. But the planning, admin and marketing is, at times, crippling.
So it was a joy to take an enforced break from all of that at what has established itself as my summer tours’ opener: Shindig festival. This year, it was at a new venue, Charleton Park near Malmesbury – former home of WOMAD. Which made for a rather shorter journey: 22 miles, as opposed to the 55 or so to the previous site near Ilminster.
Good Preparation
The ride was pleasant, under dry conditions but with patchy cloud and a breeze to prevent things getting over-heated. Much of the route follows the path of a former Roman road – the Fosse Way. Which is characteristically straight, meaning it ploughs across the landscape with little regard for contours. So, at times, there are unwelcome plunges into steep valleys, followed – of course – by grinding climbs out the other side. Carrying a full complement of camping gear, plus the travel guitar, makes these quite demanding. But it’s all good preparation for the cycling to come, down to Cornwall and back. And at least then we won’t be carrying tents.
Quiet Spot?
Rob, who will be accompanying for the rest of the tour, was unable to join me for Shindig but I was met there by Stu, who will also be on bass and guitar for our Bath dates. He messaged to say he’d just arrived, moments before I reached the site. What neither of us realised was we’d come in via different entrances. So, a merry time was had wheeling gear-laden bike and trailer, respectively, across the bumpy ground. Until we found one another and spent a further hour or so trundling back-and-forth between prospective camping spots.
In the end, we joined our band-mate, Marick, from ‘Made by Martians’, with whom we were both also scheduled to perform. He said he’d found a quiet spot with plenty of space. The latter was true. Anyway, what happens at Shindig stays at Shindig. So, if you want to know what went on there, you’ll have to come to one of our gigs and buy me a pint.
Beautiful People
Suffice to say, I set off with the usual nervousness: wondering how I’d fit in and worrying that I’d be shy and awkward. And – as ever – came away reassured that people are essentially beautiful, open-hearted and wonderfully creative beings. We just need to nurture the right environment in which those qualities can flourish.
