Nine enthusiastic early starters began from an overcast Kings Square making, hopefully, the final by-pass of the Brookfield Road bridge closure. Passing through a series of traffic works in Churchdown and Kidnappers Lane the ascent of Dowdeswell – more cones on view – was accomplished before the sanctuary of lanes was achieved. Then through Syrefod to Penhill, with Kites hovering in the stiff breeze, before the impressive descent to the feared Compton Abdale, from where one may only ascend, regardless of chosen direction.
Our leader’s chosen direction, marked by just one ascending arrow on OS maps, led after another fast descent to Turpin’s Green and the beautiful Coln valley to arrive with many minutes to spare at the Roman Villa: our coffee stop. There we were welcomed by the advance party of one, our elder octogenarian, who had found a “direct” route and was tucking into second helpings: pasties highly recommended.
No sooner had our leader called all to order than a second independent arrival appeared, having been spat out the back of a quicker ride to find less challenging company.
Returning to Turpin’s Green the ascent of the Whiteway began. No arrows here but those of outrageous fortune. Not an easy struggle to reach the summit where, surprise, surprise, another independent was espied heading for Whithington but roped in to make up the dozen. Our leader, more accustomed to losing than gaining riders, glowed with pleasure.
Spying a woodland woodpecker but avoiding the left hand side of the potholed road in our headwind descent we made it to Perrott’s Brook, before the familiar route to Daneway. Above Miserden the group split evenly, half heading directly home while The Woolpqack in Slad captured others’ attention. Uley’s finest made it worth this rare visit, at which point an electrified member arrived to join us in our formerly sunny bower. Good Uley ales were much enjoyed by the majority. The cheese platter was a wee disappointment to one.
Our return to Gloucester took surprising turns when our leader opted to go via Stratford Park, whereupon our e-aided stalwart chose Whiteshill, leaving the remainder minus one to settle for the planned Stonehouse way home.
Circa 65 miles.
MG