Eight left the square for the 26 miles to Tewkesbury. A short delay at the first bridge for a collector of bike bits to rescue some treasure – turned out to be genuine rubbish.
The route was clockwise route, in the lanes, heading north west to Redmarley via Hartpury. A cheeky loop was added at Redmarley, to add to the climbing stats, where some discord about the unnecessary climb mumbled from some of the group, albeit in a jovial manner. We then turned north east through Pendock, Berrow and onto Birtsmorton. We then headed east toward Bushley where, in the distance, the Abbey looked resplendent in the hazy sunshine. With one rider disappearing, the rest made our way down the hill and over the rivers to Cafe Chocolate in Tewkesbury. With the Bicycles parked up in the “out of sight” back yard, we entered the welcoming hostelry where excellent Coffee, Bacon rolls and cakes were enjoyed.
Three left for the trip home and the remaining four continued east through Northway and after a minor departure from the route, over the level crossing of the railway for the Kemerton / Beckford loop. Our elder statesman struggled with a wayward rear light, quickly corrected. Then a pause for the leader to clear mud under the mudguards, was followed by a lovely ride down Great Washbourne and on to Alderton. We then turned west to Little Washbourne where we turned south for the small (!) climb to Prescott. We then turned west, through the New Builds, into Gotherington. South direction to Bishops Cleve and more new builds consuming the few remaining fields in this area. The Captain took advantage of a photo opportunity on a road with his name! We then navigated down to Swindon Village, negotiating the roadworks and on to the House in the Tree with 24 extra miles completed. A thorn in the rear tyre for the Clothing Sec. did not cause a deflation, so no Bruce’s Bonus point could be awarded. Worth pointing out the Captain suffered no mechanical issues whatsoever.
All told some 60 miles. Cold but dry and no ice was encountered.