An early puncture on Painswick Road put us behind schedule, and the slower riders in the group (i.e. me) had no inclination, or ability to push on to make up the lost time. Garmin only found three reportable climbs, all in the first 15 miles, and all nicely shaded on the hottest day of the year so far. That meant that after Sapperton, we were gently undulating with a downhill theme.
As always seems the case when we go to Hullavington, I first started claiming “Nearly at Cafe” about 10 miles away – perhaps it was wishful thinking.However, when we arrived, we were greeted with ample bike parking and quick service, despite the Flying Monk Brewery being very busy. I don’t think anyone sampled their ales, most preferring cold cans of soft drink on such a hot day.
The return split into two similar sized groups for the long “false flat” to Kingscote. Frocester Hill provided one rider with a squeaky brake (and possibly squeaky bum) moment with a tractor, but otherwise all the flying monks returned without incident.
67 miles, 3,500′ ascent @ 15.7mph
A special shout out goes to riders participating in the Crudwell 24 hour event, which has reportedly been run annually for at least thirty years. Forty teams of up to eight riders kept the their wheels turning from noon till noon in aid of a charity of their choice. We met them coming the other way so there were a lot of cheery greetings and congratulations as they neared the end of their event.