John Cook led an excellent ride with eleven club members out for the journey to Berkeley.
The theme was traffic free sections, the first being the Severn – Thames canal to the east of Stonehouse, after the group had passed through Whadden and Haresfield. The little known Eastington bypass was the next vehicle free section, passing the church and impressive mill before a gentle slope on what appeared to be an abandoned road. From here it was to Frocester and Cam. A right turn off the Dursley road saw the riders take in another closed and abandoned road to emerge just below Stinchcombe. Here a long descent and several twists in the route saw the riders emerge onto the A38 for a brief quarter of a mile before turning at Stone for the lanes to Berkeley. A packed coffee shop just about managed to replenish the group, before heading back north to Gloucester. Seven riders took advantage of the perfect day to enjoy the countryside, including a little industrial heritage at Sharpness and Purton. More off-road was encountered as the group took to the canal towpath from Slimbridge / Troy Town to Frampton. A trip along the longest village green in the country saw them head up to Whitminster, a short stretch of A38 and then to Standish church. Two miles later refreshments were enjoyed in the sunshine at the Beacon Inn – after a close but safe encounter with a speeding train at the level crossing. The final route home took in another level crossing and then the cycle path alongside the brook around Kingsway – a delight if you can find it in this rather confusing development. 55 miles covered.