Fifteen riders opted for the ‘B’ category ride to Stroud. With Toby leading the group were in a degree of expectation. The intention was for an easy start and a slightly harder finish. The route out of town was south on the Bristol road, Quedgeley and ontot he Elmore circuit. Taking the longer loop the pack encountered a stiff headwind, but with the sun shining this was not a hardship. A rest was taken at Saul where the canal bridge was open for boat traffic. Once across the canal and past an obstructing vehicle, a minor climb took the riders up to Whitminster and across the A38 to Eastington. Here Toby opted for the little known Eastington Bypass, a good path linking the old mill to the upper village. This was the second of four vehicle-free sections of the ride. Onto Frocester where, with the pack fearing the climb of Frocester, the leader generously took a left to take in the Stanley villages, finally climbing Middleyard to the edge of Selsey. Here a mechanical in the form of a broken rear mudguard allowed for another short rest. The route became highly technical with the descent of Water Lane – initially marked as ‘Unsuitable for Heavy Goods Vehicles’, then simply Unsuitable. Dabbing the brakes the gallant pack proceeded with care down the deteriorating surface and narrowing ‘road’ to emerge once again on passable tarmac. A spin at speed to the A46 where left and immediately right to the final climb. The signs were ominous – ”Road Closed – Collapsing Wall’. However, the barricade was insufficient to stop a determined cyclist, so we all continued regardless. The climb was unrelenting and around 1 in 4, passing the wall which was indeed in need of repair. Topping out we passed a motorist and some locals – all very impressed. Regrouping to allow some of the group to arrive on foot, the upward trend continued where another 1 in 4 section ended with a cattle grid – most challenging. Again, too much for some to stay on board all the way.
As it was now almost 11am the decision was easy: head for the Cafe. Along the corniche road with splendid views over the valley the group arrived at the top of Rodborough. Down into the village and then to town where the Upper Lock Cafe was a welcome sight. 27 miles covered, but quality miles indeed.
Lunch was taken at the Black Horse, Cranham. Not far, but with a few climbs it was quite far enough. Taking in Thrupp and the lane to Toadsmore Valley, then up the valley road – busy – and a long climb to Bisley. From here we opted for the small road with an extreme dip at Calfway which saw more take to foot to extract themselves from the valley. Then relatively easy roads to Camp, Wishanger, Whiteway and the ‘Cranham V’ to the pub for refreshments. Round trip home was around 47 miles. As they say, not entirely flat!