Another rainy Sunday, arriving at Kings Square I only saw one cyclist and he had his lights turned off, so I thought “he’s not keen to be going out today”.
More people actually turned up so our band of six were looking for the novice rider but found none. My plan was hatched, we could do a little hill Nut Hill we then needed to do the draggy hill through Cranham Woods. Our rider who has been missing for a while showed us the way and hasn’t got any slower on the hills. I think at this point the rain had stopped so I missed out on my rainwater facial treatment descending the lovely Slad Valley. The beautiful views in the valley started appearing.
We crossed Stroud, going over the magic roundabouts and eventually found the cycle path to Nailsworth. With the leaves missing off the trees the Damien Hurst sculptures where very visible. The rainy start meant children on balance bikes and invisible dog leads were at a minimum; just a bit of limbo was required to get under a fallen tree. The garden centre was good, lots of staff so got served quickly, excellent cake choice. Two riders left the ride, something called football was on the TV that afternoon so they needed to get home.
The return was on the cycle path,then on the Stroud canal where we were treated to the sighting of two Kingfishers, which was amazing. A ride back home through Haresfield and Sneedons Green, surprised how warm it was and sunny.
46 miles for me. Lovely group well matched. Bonus winter cycle ride.
JJ