Fourteen riders left the square, heading east out of the city, after letting the other groups go first. We were blessed with amazingly warm and sunny weather for October, which we continued to enjoy throughout the day! Just before passing over the Frogfurlong roundabout, a fifteenth rider tagged in after a valiant effort to catch up with the group (as it turned out he woke late after being let down by the snooze function on his morning alarm!). Opting for the Dowdeswell climb up to the top of the Cotswolds, we had to get there first, and this ride leader opted for the well-ridden route through Badgeworth, Leckhampton and Charlton Kings. Breaking into two groups, a climb up the A40 was begun. Somewhere along here a very absent-minded driver of a flashy BMW decided to spray their windshield, and as a result some of the riders in the front group even tasted the perfume of the wiper fluid!
With nary a complaint, all managed the Dowdeswell climb. It was a new challenge for many, and a blast from the past for others! We continued from here on to Withington, via the long Roman road with its ups and downs. After going through the picturesque village, we took a right onto Kings Head Lane and began the climb it had in store for us – this would prove to be the last before the coffee stop, which was to be Chedworth Roman Villa. Passing two horse riders on the way up, they remarked at how well we had all done to get up there, as they could see how steep it was. Entering the bustling National Trust café, we utilised the outdoor seating, taking up a total of four of the small tables. Various cakes and delicious sausage rolls were enjoyed, as well as hot beverages.
From here the group of thirteen split after some deciding they would take a more direct way home to Gloucester. Four went that way while the remaining nine opted to stay on for the planned route to the pub, the Woolpack at Slad. This was filled with scenic Cotswold views, taking us around Chedworth village on the East and South side, then through Daglingworth and finally a steady climb out of Daneway. This was followed by taking a new road for me, Wishanger Lane. The descent had some potholes to begin with, but after getting out of the dark forested section was great fun. A gentle ascent followed, then a crossroads, finally turning left to join the B4070, Slad road. We took in beautiful sun-drenched views of Slad valley to the left on the final descent to the pub.