Having managed to navigate Painswick Road’s recent customary road closure, six regulars ascended by familiar inclines to the heights of Buckholt Road. Surprising one or two, our leader then headed to Brimpsfield before inserting a rare visit to Elkstone and Syde. Leaving the suburbia of Winstone behind, the downhill ( well, mainly) slide to Sapperton allowed some lost time to be recovered in spite of cross headwinds, prior to another pitch to Chapman’s Cross and more road closures to view. It was then quieter lanes for the run in to Cotswold Coffee Bar in Tetbury and Alice’s welcome refreshments.
Joined by our advance party at the café, we then headed off to Long Newnton and thence to Hankerton. (Photos) Turning towards Eastcourt – a Tolkienesque sign puzzling our leader – we emerged at Eastcourt, turned to Crudwell and then Morgan’s Tynings before the uphill headwind drag to Culkerton. A brief A-road exposure soon led to Rodmarton and a welcome back wind all the way to The Crown at Frampton Mansell with another significant road closure and its attendant traffic confusion on view.
Losing one of our number to a pressing engagement, his surprise replacement arrived in time for a swift snack and sup before Daneway and Whiteway guided us all home.
66 miles, 3,750′ ascent @ 12.4mph.
