Following the annual club photo on the steps of the Cathedral’s West entrance, nine riders set off over the causeway and through to Highnam on the cycle path. Still plenty of standing water in the Leadon valley. In true Toby style, acting as emergency ride leader, we took in the rather dodgy Whitehall Lane – no dogs of late, but sizeable and numerous sections of failed road. All made it through, although one rider had abandoned in the previous village – presumably having realized who was leading!
We pressed on in wonderful sunshine with the hedgerows resplendent with cow parsley – quite a sight. Tibberton – Taynton – Glasshouse were soon gained; then the rough section to Clifford’s Mesne, there to enjoy a splendid descent to the edge of Newent. Another Joker was played by the leader – a discrete left turn to take us along a road – or was it just a track?- passing the little-known arboretum. Mud a-plenty here.
Concern was expressed that we would be at coffee by 10.15am – little did they know! Although just two miles from the destination of Roses garden centre, our cunning leader had options a-plenty. A lumpy section to Oxenhall – Kempley – Dymock. Once again many were fooled, thinking it was to be the Three Cities Dymock Mountains road (aka B4215): but no – we did not cross the old railway into the village, but kept to the south and looped back up, up to Four Oaks. Then the lane, up again, to join the aforementioned B-road, to make our way to Roses – arriving 6 minutes after the kitchen closed for savouries! Somewhat annoying. A wonderful 25 miles in the spring sunshine.
Leaving behind the warm sunshine of Rosie’s café, six riders set out for a short mildly undulating route to Birtsmorton and its prospect of further refreshment. Passing through the twisting lanes of Paultney before the precipitous descent to Ketford, we were delighted to meet our “Tempo” clubmates, enthusiastically hastening in the opposite direction. Clearly, the approaching ascent and an early return to Gloucester was spurring them on. Or was lunch their deadline, or other pressures?
At a more sedate pace, the thirsty half dozen continued to Bromsberrow. There, our leader, nursing recent tour memories, opted for the gentler approach to Camer’s Green, crossing the Hollybush and descending to the Côte de Welland. Though, by now grey skies had replaced earlier sunshine, the Hillend Farm alternative won over Druggers’ End. This provided our welcome Tyndale 1891 rider with a rewarding view of his beloved Malvern Hills before the “Gold tops” admired one of their own favourite vistas: Longdon Marsh with some standing water still around. But the Farmer’s Arms beckoned. And who should we find there but two veterans last seen at Rosie’s, now comfortably installed, earlier pints now half litres. Though no longer warm, outdoors was favoured for accommodation. Cheesy chips, pints and more. Many photos taken, even a spontaneous volunteer joined in. Then homeward.
Pendock brought light drizzle but by Down House Lane – for a change – a dry run to Hethelpit Cross, Highleadon and the college before a parting of ways in Maisemore.
63 miles from the Square.
TW/MG