After a Saturday evening shower sub-zero start, caution advised a main road route for two riders (MG & KS) hoping for a sedate B to Malvern. After Hartpury dry roads encouraged more adventure, so Ashleworth and Corse Wood Hill soon gave way to Eldersfield. A brief glimpse of rather premature bluebells on Hoggs Pitch was enjoyed before the turn at Pendock for Eggs Tump and the Holy Bush crossiing before descending Birtsmorton Common. Back on the B road, speding as far as the Three Counties showground and the rurn across Malvern Common and the drag up to Lower Wyche. Mac and Jac’s was a welcome puse after about 26 rolling miles.
At M & J’s the remaining pair from the “faster” B joined the “sedate” (i.e. elderly) pair bound for Bredon’s Hardwicke. At the Gualford turn MG deferred to ES who then set a brisk pace through Handley Swan, Brotheridge Green and Clive’s before easing a bit for the Ryall to Upper Strensham. At which point the senior citizens veered north for Defford and Bredon to arrive at the Cross Keys within the first 25 ml of the first round of the familiar four’s first pint.