A touch of uncertainty at the Square as to which Malcolm was the official leader: both claimed it was he; the President then gallantly and correctly stepped aside. However, Malcolm the Younger having committed to meeting a fellow club member en route at Cranham Corner he set off solo to follow his published route. At 8.30am prompt, the remaining nine set off behind Malcolm the Elder, south in a direct manner to cross the M5 and head towards Stonehouse on a deserted road: it was marked as road closed, but cyclists can generally get through. Not this time: the Gloucestershire Constabulary were barring the way to investigate a fatal motorcycle crash that had occurred on the previous evening, so it was about turn and back to the A38 via the crumbling Hiltmead lane around the old Moreton Valence airfield. Back to the lanes at Whitminster, then main on the Stonehouse bypass. Picking up the old railway path at Ryeford, the riders were obliged to circumnavigate some fencing baring the way: another closed section! The good news is that this cycle path, to Dudbridge, is being properly re-laid, and is almost complete. Almost – more barriers were encountered and overcome without great difficulty. We were now somewhat delayed. And of course the path to Nailsworth is not the fastest, but far nicer than the busy A46 alongside.
Let the hills begin! The Avening road is always a delight, as was the relatively easy climb of Star Lane. Gentle undulations to the crossing of the A433, noting a newly converted raitrack, The Tetbury Trail, in the valley – interesting. But for us it was up Newnton Hill – where our retro man John found a need to dismount to change gear. This lane did indeed end at Newnton, just inside Gloucestershire. After a short consideration the vote was to push on to Malmesbury, with only one dissenter opting for the shorter ride to Tetbury. Down to eight, it was a gallop along the B4014 to our destination, where some confusion at the edge of town was resolved by the Captain leading the way; and again a mile or so further – thus he arrived at The Summer Cafe first, having seen the Fast group departing the town. As the group were parking up the Tempo group arrived and we all dived in – to find three club members, including the President and his companion, already established.
The café did us proud, but care is needed on food selection, some items being a bit pricy! Post stop, numbers swelled to eleven. More miles on fabulous lanes bathed in spring sunshine took in Foxley, Sherston, Knockdown, and the confusing village of Leighterton – which has too many roads leading into / out of it. We had a little confusion, but not for long. Then a short sprint on the A46 to turn for Kingscote. Windmill lane, absent windmill, took us to the rather busy road to Nympsfield – but a helpful tailwind was appreciated. Which pub to head for? A confusing set of options were considered. A wild descent of Selsey on the B4066 with its two cattle grids and final steep drop to the foot was the better option. Here we said goodbye to some; the remainder enjoyed a stop at The Old Crown in Paganhill, close to what may be the tallest Maypole in the country – certainly the county. A fine halt: big garden and good ales were available. The ride home was easy for most, the flat route via Stonehouse and Haresfield: others felt more hills were necessary, Emma opting for Whiteshill and Harry for Painswick. A grand day out, just over 70 miles covered. No rain. Just some confusion.
TW/MT