An excellent ride to Tintern, and a shorter alternative
Starting a little earlier than in some years an encouraging ten riders assembled at the appointed 8 a.m. to take full advantage of a mild, sunny, spring day. Leaving Gloucester behind the familiar sights of Bulley and the Flaxley valley with early bluebells and abundant daffodils gave way to Forest slopes: bluebells here delayed by forested shade, perhaps. Opting for the southern descent into Parkend the group eased their speed for the ascent to Sling, Captain and leader noting the loud drumbeats of a happy woodpecker on a hollow trunk in the otherwise quiet glade. From Sling all enjoyed the lengthy descent into the Wye valley before further enjoying the much improved main road surface into the Old Station Café in Tintern. Refreshments were being served when the rather quicker, but somewhat smaller, group arrived, having followed a slightly shorter route.
Setting off for Chepstow our number, briefly enhanced before being reduced from medical concerns, followed the well-tried route as far as Oldbury Naite when, at the Captain’s request, a minor diversion through Shepperdine provided a welcome distraction to view the Severn and both its bridges from Severn Way near Hill Flats. But with snaps snapped it was back to the main event: the Salutation Inn at Ham. Thence via Breadstone to the A38 and a parting of ways. While five spun off up Woodend Lane, the residue opted for the more direct return. Luckily, at The George in Frocester the road works were no more, so Stonehouse and Haresfield allowed no more diversions until Naas Lane and then Fagan’s left only a pair to reach Barnwood.
86 miles, 4,300′ ascent @ 12.6mph
Arriving at the Square in good time for the less ambitious A ride on Sunday, there were a few riders already there – most going on the ‘fast’ B ride, so only two chose the A ride. However we all went over Westgate together where the more leisurely pair split off at Over Farm to take the cycle way up to Highnam. Then we hit Whitehall Lane and unfortunately a rear wheel puncture for Daryl, probably due to the stones and potholes. We had a lovely quiet spot in full sun in which to fix it, in amongst the bright yellow rape crop and its distinctive smell. From there we took the road to Taynton and bore left (having to stop to give way to a car coming from the Newent direction – bad timing!) to come into the top of Huntley and thence on to the Mitcheldean Road for a brief stretch before dropping left and down to Blaisdon. A lovely spring morning with blossom and tulips abounding. From there just a straightforward route via Flaxley, Littledean and Soudley ponds. The drag out of Green Bottom was taken at a very steady pace but still caused some grief to the legs!
Arriving at the Heritage Centre there was the usual cheerful welcome from the girls and no other customers so we were soon sat out on the verandah in full sun enjoying a cream tea and a bacon and egg bap. Brunch/afternoon tea over, we took the direct route back via Littledean Jail and Pope’s Hill, Northwood Green, Bulley etc and risked another visit to Whitehall Lane, this time with no deflations. And no mad dog either! There were occasional headwinds on the way back but nothing too difficult so resulting in an easy day’s ride of about 43 to 46 miles all in, depending on how far home was from the Square.
