With rain forecast at 12:00, a group of six left King’s Square at a subdued pace. Once on top of the Cotswolds, and after meeting a group from Stroud Valley Velos, we turned South, into the strong headwind, and the group worked well to protect our Welsh rider, G, from its full force. Capes were required from Chapmans Cross, a lot earlier than forecast, and having been spoilt by the dry summer, we thought the conditions were quite bad for a while.
A welcome and very nice stop in Tetbury allowed the weather to clear, and we set off for home, hoping for a tail-wind. However, storm clouds were lined up along the Cotswold Edge, and the descent of Frocester with hail, a strong cross wind, wet roads and wet leaves on the road was decidly sketchy. We all reached the bottom shaken, but without incident, and, with capes back on, rode home in conditions that made the morning seem not so bad after all. Edspresso felt well trained for these conditions, having recently completed the North Coast 500 in similar weather, but I don’t think the rest of us really enjoyed the return.
I usually conclude these reports with “A pleasant morning out”, but today I will say that getting in the shower at home was the best part of the ride.
55 miles, 3,000′ ascent @14.7mph
IW