A bright morning saw a good turnout of over forty riders in King’s Square, with a wide range of capabilities and machines. Veteran cycles from the Tyndale section complemented the modern machines on display; a folding bike and a tandem demonstrated some variety amongst them,
There was no obvious way to divide those King’s Square planning to take the B ride to Thistledown, so we elected to allow the first climb to Cranham Corner produce a natural split, as indeed it did. The zig-zag across Cranham common felt almost alpine in the bright sunshine, but once the top was reached, we felt the full impact of the biting easterly wind. Familiar roads via Daneway and Chapman’s Cross to Cherington, with great views, and fields full of lambs. The lane from Cherington to Hampton Fields had a surface that made me suspect that the Royal Artillerey had been practicing there, and I would not be inclined to use it again soon.
Just before Minchinhampton we spotted one of the Tetbury-bound A ride groups heading in the opposite direction, then we enjoyed a descent of the W into Nailsworth. The climb to Forest Green was less enjoyable, as can be seen by its effect on the President (who claimed just to be avoiding the chill wind – Ed.). However, it did take us to a very nice coffee & cake at Thistledown Farm campsite just outside Nympsfield, which has lots of outdoor seating but is rather exposed on top of a windswept hill, . The return included a descent of Frocester, which proved exciting with the blustery wind trying to take the front wheel in different directions. Overall, a hilly ride, with a particular “Chapeau” owed to the tandem’s captain and stoker.