A group of eight left King’s Square on a fine morning with a nice tail-wind, with a further two joining us in Stonehouse, as planned. Frocester Hill was our first obstacle, which was climbed at a steady pace, in anticipation of more to come. We didn’t have to wait long, as the route took us from Wotton up through Hillersley to the Somerset monument, which was built in 1846, so nearly 50 years older than the club!
The monument also marked the end of climbing, at least until after coffee. This was taken at “The Angel Cafe” in Sherston, which had a courtyard behind it, once we eventually found the access. One of our riders found herself a new best friend, in the cafe’s cat. Excellent coffee and cake, I think we should use it again.
Return took an unusual “Tetbury bypass” that included an “Unsuitable for Motors” road. Luckily, the morning’s tail wind had abated, and even Minchinhampton Common didn’t feel like its usual battle with the wind. At Tom Long’s Post, the ride split with some taking the flatter route home via Stonehouse, and others taking the Slad valley climb, as per original plan.
67 miles, 4,300′ ascent @14.7mph
IW