The strong wind discouraged riders from turning out this morning, and there were only six fools in King’s Square who split into two equal groups.
The faster one elected to do a 30 mile loop through Newent. You never notice a tail-wind, but judging by the PRs on Strava, they must have had a good one heading from Huntley to Newent, paying for it on the return alongside the river into Ashleworth, though excellent teamwork made it bearable. They were back for coffee at Caffe Corretto just before the rain, glad to have got out for some fresh air and exercise.
Meanwhile the other , more adventurous, gang of three took full advantage of the tailwind by electing to start out on the A38 north. A swift ride to Wainlodes and down to river level where the Severn was just starting to top its banks and will be causing problems later on. Over Haw Bridge and turn right at Tirley Cross – many trees down, with most actually being snapped rather than uprooted. They crossed into Worcestershire at Forthampton and started to turn into the wind at The Ramplings. However, the twisty nature of the lanes made for good protection and they avoided suffering any long stretches of headwind. Or was this an impression formed because the emergency ride leader cunningly slipped to the back of the peleton? Pendock fell to their progress and so back into Gloucestershire and some ponding approaching Hethlepit Cross on the A417. Over the River Leadon and on to the little used Hook Lane, then past the ugly lions at the Golden Valley and a buffeting run to Treoscape for coffee and cake. Just a little moisture in the wind.
The return was, for two, back to Highleadon, behind the college and up the hill to struggle back down, avoiding exposed A417 descent into Maisemore. They foolishly opted for the cycle path, which turned into an assault course of bits of tree, then ponding, then a proper ‘river up’ flood and fallen tree. But with care they kept their feet dry, just, until passing under the Over bridges at Telford’s Bridge. Here the river had taken over the route, which was visible from the swiftly moving water compared to elsewhere. Undaunted, Mike pressed on for Telford’s Bridge and was almost taken away by the current. The Captain followed, at a discrete distance. Now they had proper wet feet! A dog walker was quite amused by the escapade / foolishness. It was clear there was no chance of following the NCN route into town, so they opted for the path alongside the A40 to cross over to Westgate and home. All in all, an exhilarating ride. 41 miles, really quite windy, mainly rain-free but wet under foot and in the shoe.
Mike and fallen tree
The Captain by (in?) the Severn