With the forecast being for heavy rain, accompanied by squally winds, and this being correct, a limited turn-out was anticipated. Despite the damp conditions 005 regulars turned out – clearly three had nothing better to do and two were the ride leaders. Perhaps others were more inclined to visit the multiplex cinema for the latest James Bond movie than the wet and windswept King’s Square where a ride down the Vale into the teeth of the wind was scheduled. Despite appearances, the picture is not of the Club ride down the A38 (it’s a Gloucester Rowing Club Regatta) though it could easily have been.
With two ride leaders and a former Club President, to say nothing of the Club Handicapper, amongst the five there was plenty of experience on hand to consider the morning’s plan and, since one of them holds the keys to Pepper’s Café, a venue for those considerations was available. Having downed a cup of tea, partaken of homemade biscuits, pocketed a Dancey Trophy point each, and discussed the weather at length, a sight of blue sky was enough to get everyone back on their bikes. After leaving Bull Lane five participants explored countryside through routes extraordinary (or 5.P.E.C.T.R.E. for short) to be confounded not once but twice by construction work around Hunts Grove. Theo had insisted we try the footbridge over the motorway in Hunts Grove. Sadly, although his navigation was spot on, the path to the crossing was fenced off. His plan B was not so successful: the road to Haresfield (Haresfield Lane) was also very much impassable. Now we know for sure. . Plan C was hatched, involving a recently improved Hiltmead Lane to the A38, then over the canal
Nice weather for ducks, and apparently geese, though there was no golden egg found at the end of this rainbow
Undaunted by these obstructions and the occasional puddle, however large, the riders crossed the canal at The Castle and headed south to the Stables café in Saul which had the facilities to keep both riders and their steeds dry. Refreshed, they dispersed; one was blown straight home on his fixie, two struck out for the hill at Frocester and the other sought further mileage (and another Trophy point) by way of The Ship in Saul. Direct would have been 1.5 miles; opting for a longer route, they took in Frampton. Dark rain clouds from the Forest were speeding across the Severn, so it was to the venue of sanctuary with speed, gaining shelter just in time. Their ride back to the city was wind-assisted with the incentive of staying ahead of the next heavy shower, which caught the gallant pair on Bloomfield Road.
Not the longest ride of the year: 27 miles! Not entirely dry, but altogether it made for a much better morning’s ride than could have been expected.
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