Seven riders set off northbound into a light northerly breeze under dull and mild but dry conditions. The route was reasonably standard, with the new surface of Escourt Road being tested and found pleasing. Having saved an early climb (London road) progress was swift, Innsworth, Staverton, Boddington, level crossing to Gotherington, Prescott (hill climb in progress) and Gretton. Arriving at Greet early, we took a left turn to descend to the Teddington / Toddington 10 course, where we turned right towards Stanway Hill. Still ahead of schedule a final diversion onto Church Lane and past Damien Hurst’s pad. Not that it can be seen, hidden behind woods and covered in scaffolding. So to the turn of the 10 where we took the road past the railway, hanging a right to work our way south to Hailes Abbey and the fruit farm. Arriving at 11.05 we were surprised to find we were last, the B ride and gravel riders already settled down and served. A good stop, plenty of space and options.
The return was convoluted to ‘get the miles in’: Winchcombe, Lnngley Lane to pop out near the top of Cleeve; a great descent on the new surface to Southam, then Woodmancote and Bishops Cleeve. Jinking around we came out by the race course; over to ‘Smiths’ and the wee lane with a level crossing to Swindon village made for a quiet route. Our final level crossing caught us out: the barriers came down. Once the speeding train was clear it was plain cycling on the edge of town to the race course entrance, then to Prestbury and our pub at the foot of Harp Hill, a change to the published venue following a recommendation from the Vice Captain – he knows his hostelries! 60 miles all in, very pleasant riding conditions.
The Gravel Ride, or what used to be called off roading and before that rough stuff. Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.