With two powerful lads on the front, the five tedious miles into the headwind to Westbury flew by, and allowed us to join the scenic lanes through Flaxley. Fine views towards Wales from the ridge to Aston Crews, the views continuing from the Linton Ridge.
Before we departed, one rider said he wouldn’t come with us, because our ride was too hilly, and on Perrystone Hill, we saw that there was merit in his argument. The hills continued as we traversed the side of the Marcle Ridge, even descending on the Hereford side at one point, before crossing over again and hitting a 20% pitch at Woolhope Cockshoot. With a rebellion brewing, the ride leader was lucky that it was downhill to the Trumpet and coffee.
The return saw lanes, some with dubious surfaces take us back to familiar territory at Broom’s Green and on to Ketford, with the steep pitch at Pool Hill causing more complaints. However, all was forgiven on the descent from Upleadon, as the group realised that home wasn’t too far away.
A great ride, and surprisingly no mechanicals, given some of the road surfaces. The best weather of the year so far helped. 60 miles, 4,000′ ascent @13.9mph.