Two start times were arranged to provide a choice of speeds for today’s long ride. The day started very dull and with a strong NE wind, and remained this way throughout. Not ideal, but at least no precipitation.
The Captain led the early group of seven and they managed to hold their lead, arriving at coffee about five minutes before the chasers. They took the direct route north into the wind – A38 to the Odessa, then lanes to Gotherington and on to Stanway. Here a split: three kept off the Cotswolds to continue on the flat to Broadway and Mickleton; four ascended the delightful Stanway hill, then the goat track towards Snowshill. The lavender fields produced a pleasing scent and we thought looked rather good, and several skylarks twittering overhead made the ascent towards Broadway tower a delight. Crossing the A44 we had a very long, never-ending descent to Mickleton, despite a cutting headwind. Reasonable coffee and excellent savouries were devoured after riding 36 miles.
The same group the set off for lunch: north into Warwickshire, passing the train graveyard at Long Marston, then to Dorsington and its many thatched buildings. The Avon was crossed at Bidford-on-Avon. At last, their route turned west and the wind was helpful, mainly. Into the lumpy area with many ‘Lench’ names, meaning hill, as ascertained by our leader interrogating a random local. True to description, it was hilly. Eventually we returned to the lowlands of the Avon, crossing at Fladbury and making our way swiftly to Ashton-under-hill for refreshments at the Star Inn. 64 miles. From here it was a simple route home via Northway, helping two cars pass each other on the narrow lane.
The chasers’ good teamwork helped with the strong headwind out to Winchcombe, although nothing could help with the brutal Castle Hill, on each rider was in their own world of suffering. A re-group at the top, and a further stop when a rider suffered a bee-sting at Farmcote, took them on the lumpy lane across to Cutsdean. The battle with the headwind intensified across the exposed tops. Pretty Chipping Campden was not too busy, and the coffee stop in Mickleton was reached without incident.
The return saw reward for the morning’s battles with the wind, as all flew through the lanes to Elmley Castle, Beckford and back through Tredington. A totally enjoyable ride with a well matched group.