Under clear blue skies and with 20ºC already at 09 00, reportedly, fourteen riders left Kings Square on the announced promise of a “gentle beginning with later undulations” for a B ride to Dursley. Mixing with some solo riders crossing Sneedham’s Green, a brief organising halt was called at Fourmile only to be then overtaken by about 30 Cheltenham and County riding continuous peleton style before slowing down and stopping in our path. A pause allowed them to go ahead and one rider who declared “this isn’t doing anything for me” to depart on something that might do something for him. Then we were twelve.
From Regent Street we passed through Kings Stanley before climbing Middleyard and, one fewer, starting on lanes less travelled from above the cattle grid on the B4066. The sight of smooth tar proved too enticing for two, who had already set off uphill. The remaining nine headed steeply downhill via Water Lane and, running parallel to and west of the A46, along the valley. Southfield Road led to High Street and Frogmarsh Lane before the first struggle up Convent Lane and back down Cow Lane to the A46.
The sight of Inchbrook Hill sent one rider directly to coffee but the remainder sallied on until two more overshot Star Hill and its approach to Nympsfield Road. By the time the empty stands at Forest Green saw the pack pass Another Lane only five remained to descend Crawley Hill to coffee.
After coffee the four lunchtime riders turned at Nibley Green to Lower Wick, Berkley, Sharpness/Purton loop, Claypits and Arlingham to enjoy the shade and pints.