A bonus of being ride leader is that you can choose your favourite roads so the 16 strong group left the Square to cross the M5 on the newly refurbished bridge en route to the delights of Cold Pool Lane where there is enough downhill to take you up the next on this rollercoaster lane. Chalgrove Lane was tackled against a strong head wind and lots of dog walkers but we all wished each other a Happy New Year so all was well except that some of the group had got delayed for a mechanical so a short wait was held and all were united.
Hard pedalling along Shurdington Road into the wind was next but a stop was made as the leader had an unexpected dismount but no injuries just a muddy tear on his leggings. Dark Lane and Dog Lane avoided the main road and a welcome down hill on the old A40 took us to the Cross Hands and an avoiding street to Brockworth. The good surface roads of the industrial estate took us to Lobelys Drive where Ken on his e-bike punctured. Justin stayed with him to help change the tube. Through Upton and Sneedhams Green took us to the M5 services for coffee where their ordering system was first class.
Some of the group returned to Gloucester and 6 went to Frampton for lunch having ridden through the new estate leading to Westend. Lunch was taken at the 3 Horseshoes and then back to Gloucester in torrential rain so no need to clean bikes, the rain did that. 45 miles.