With an earlier shower prospects for a dry day seemed poor. However, ten starters left the square bound for the Cotswolds’ margins. Though remaining dry, other forces were soon brought to bear to disrupt progress. A displaced and entangled chain distracted our most experienced rider before a deflationary experience gave repeated opportunities for an accomplished mechanic to practise his art. Meanwhile, the peloton, unaware of each event, ploughed on behind its driving forces: 2Ms, not 3!
Pausing at Regent Street crossing, the rider deficiency became clear as the first two to be distanced rejoined. While a small search party recovered the missing rider, the remainder advanced through Middleyard. Here the search party, having made a judicious shortcut, regrouped and – at the summit of Selsley – rejoined a waiting presidential figure resting in the long grass.
It was clear at this stage that the leader’s ambitious plans had been thwarted: diversions were cast aside and expediency called for a rapid descent of Crawley hill to The Bank.
A rearrangement of seven riders then proceeded via Luscombe (encountering a brief and light shower) to Berkeley, Wanswell, Purton, Slimbridge, Frocester and Whitminster before sustenance at The Three Horseshoes in Frampton. Exmoor Houndog found favour for its flavour. And the sun made an appearance!