Undeterred by ominous forecasts of gales and heavy showers, five set off promptly from Kings Square with reset clocks. Turning to ascend Buckholt Road, our elder statesman allowed discretion to overcome valour and opted to join the AA ride instead, claiming tired legs.
The remaining quartet pressed on as briskly as the wind would allow until the first squall of the day encouraged the appearance of some capes. But no sooner had the Captain returned his cape to his wardrobe than a much more serious version of the earlier shower blocked out vision beyond Aston Down. The Sports ride, having just overtaken us, were also caping up and soon disappeared into the gloom and rain.
From that point, until we were welcomed at the Cotswold Coffee Bar in Tetbury – well spoken of by all riders – it was less than pleasant going into a cross headwind with well tilted rain, a decent impromptu ford and a newly dug-up road to enter Tetbury. But good service with tasty food and drinks raised spirits.
One of our number having opted for a direct run home, the remaining trio pushed on to Long Newnton before gaining some benefit from the capricious wind. Passing through Ashley and Culkerton before the very briefest retrace of earlier wheel prints in Cherington, the group then ascended to Minchinhampton, marvelling at Hampton Fields’ golfers competing with the gale. And then it was our turn. Crossing the common the full force of the crosswind made control difficult, even before driving rain was added to the mix. A brief pause by The Bear pub to shelter from the worst before heading downhill and past Mount Vernon for the Ale House in Stroud. There our number were swelled by the timely arrival of our elder statesman with companion to enjoy good ale aplenty.
Homeward bound, now with wind advantage and sunshine aplenty, the leader upped the pace somewhat until it was noted in Haresfield that we had enjoyed the best of the push. Naas Lane saw the first group head home to dry out, at Fourmile the last deserter left the leader companionless.
Of late, only judicious time and route amendments have avoided autumn’s wind and rain. Today was a sharp reminder of how it used to be. A promise of what’s in store?
MG