An early start at 8am proved to be fortuitous as the day was predicted to be a scorcher: indeed it was. Talk of curtailing the ride was considered, Yate being a reasonable way back in the heat of the day. Keeping options open, the Captain, standing in for the designated ride leader (enjoying a cruise) set off with 5 others, to be joined by President at the last moment as we mounted our machines. In Tuffley we found our leading youngster, thus the group swelled to a tidy 8. For a while. Enjoying the perfectly smooth new surface at Haresfield, the President, on his Airnimal for the first time in two years, suffered a snapped rear derailleur cable. He abandoned for the short spin home and the cool of the house to effect repairs and rest. Back to 7 riders.
Onwards to Stonehouse and Middleyard with its three steps to heaven (Selsey). Calls from some that we had deviated from the route were responded to by the leader: oh no we haven’t, it’s my route! The climb to Selsey common was now in good heat, but the top road undulating to Nympsfield was largely in the cool shade of the trees. Here our intrepid youth called it a day and retreated to Stroud and home: back to our original 6 riders.
Onwards at sensible pace to take the minor road to Ozleworth and a sketchy steep descent into the valley. (Photo) The valley road, very narrow, gave tantalising glimpses of the scenery – but focus was required: an oncoming tractor necessitated taking to the grassy bank due to the narrow road. All survived and we joined the roller-coaster road to Hillesley.
Time was pressing, temperatures were rising: we opted out of an interesting route to take the sensible option of the common: dry as a bone, brown grass as far as the eye could see. And no cover from the burning sun. But it was downhill with maybe a touch of tailwind. We chanced across the Sodbury Coffee Bean café on Chipping Sodbury’s Broad Street – too good to pass. As the leader was concerned on navigating the nightmare that is Yate, we called a halt. It was 11am so that made sense too! And a wise choice it turned out to be: much welcomed and now highly recommended. (Photo)
Fully refreshed but conscious of the ever-rising temperature, the route back was relatively simple…sort-of. Taking the B road in the direction of Wickwar, past the deep quarry, then a seemingly random left turn to Yate Rocks gave some shade on the tiny roads. The Ford was a disappointment, being dry. Eventually we popped out on the Charfield road, slightly to the surprise of the leader. Not put off, we trundled north, taking a left and then a seemingly unlikely series of turns, avoiding Tytherington, to cross the motorway and crest Milbury Heath. Some older folk attempted a rebellion, swiftly crushed by the Captain with assurances of shade and no additional miles: true enough, but he failed to mention the additional twists and turns, gravel and such-like. All successfully negotiated the challenge and emerged enlightened close to the target of the Thornbury Rugby Club. From here a straight forward route to Berkeley, Slimbridge, a spot of A38, Frampton and Saul to call in at the Ship for taking on of liquids.
The final leg home was short and fairly direct. An ice cream was attempted at Wholey Gelato but the queue was too long. Onwards for home and escape from the 33c of the great outdoors. 76 miles. A fine effort!