After a minutes silence, five riders set off for the Severn Bridge. A pinch puncture from a pothole near Churcham halted the group, but otherwise we made good progress through the Forest. We lost one rider at Flaxley, who returned via the Dean Magna climb. The descent of Stowe Hill to Bigsweir Bridge is always fun, and provided great views for those who could take their eyes off the road.
Leaving the Old Station, we got caught up in a Sportive, which distracted us from our planned route. The consequence of this was a long detour North, which was corrected by a little used lane, and another puncture. We re-joined our planned route at Chepstow Racecourse.
The road signs advising that the Severn Bridge was closed led to speculation as to what should be done to the ride leader, as nobody really wanted to ride home on the A48. However, it turned out that the cycle path was open, and we were soon back in England and enjoying the tail wind home.
84 miles, 4,800’ ascent @ 16.3mph