The A ride leader, after some debate, turned out to be Neville. The group of eight set off down Bristol Road, soon taking in the cycle path alongside the bypass, to the edge of Quedgeley. Our only notable mechanical occurred here: Captain’s bike shed a bottle cage. Once retrieved and stowed safely in the saddle bag, the route was a pleasantly gentle affair, via Elmore and the lanes to Frampton. A high tide made for an impressive river scene at The Anchor. Twisting through Frampton and up to Whitminster, then over the M5 to Eastington and Frocester. Here, wisely, we turned left to the Stanleys and the cycle path on the old railway to Dudbridge. The final mile was delegated to the Captain: a few yards on the Nailsworth section of path, then a left to navigate with great aplomb through an estate; up some steps (a gulley allows bikes to be pushed, rather than carried) and onto another section of abandoned railway. This section is a delight, although exiting is a little interesting and caused some consternation amongst the pack. A few more yards of cycle track and we arrived at The Upper Lock Café, just before 11am and after a very pleasant and warm 24 miles.
Being such a nice day, the lunch crew diverted to Leonard Stanley to view the church (picture), Coaley, and Cam, then a section of the A38 (a bit busy) to then head to Frampton, Arlingham, and all the way to the end at The Passage, recently re-opened, to join up with the riders from Dursley whose ride is reported separately HERE.
The round trip home saw just over 60 miles completed.