The ride was advertised as a hilly alternative, and did its best to live up to expectations. After running through Tibberton & Taynton, we warmed up on the A40 over May Hill, then descended down into the Walford Valley. Howle Hill was a real treat, it just kept going for ages.After that, we took a minor road with a poor surface and steep gradients through Puddlebrook to Drybrook, which led to accusations as to the the ride leader’s parentage. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29337508
The official B ride set off with a big group of 14 and enjoyed a good tail wind pushing North. Pity our destination was South! Great conditions for the lanes through Ashleworth and Flaxley. But Oh no, Jon punctures two miles before coffee! Leave him was the call. And so we did (to avoid cafe stop queues). Well a great ride was enjoyed by all.
Courgette cake were excellent at the Soudley Visitors Centre cafe, which is now also an Art Gallery. Return was via Flaxley. Weather was pretty good for February, although it looked a bit threatening in the Forest, and we had to put Mike on the front when a headwind was encountered.