Moderate (more like a B Route) to Ledbury. Ten riders turned up for the moderate ride, which was an unexpected surprise considering the number of great alternative rides the club was hosting today. The weather was quite sunny and warm at the time however this would be short lived. I was introduced to two new riders: Kirk, who had previously undertaken triathlons, and John, who I am told was a frequent strong time trialist “back in the day” therefore both riders had previous experience of riding road cycles which was a welcome bonus so I did not have to draft in any domestiques to help out!
From the square we set off at 08.35am into bright but crisp sunshine, contemplating our choice of clothing which seemed to be extreme considering the clear skies at start of the ride. We travelled down Southgate Street, turned right along Quay Street, down to The Quay then along the carriageway to the Over Roundabout and along to Maisemore. Instead of turning right at the White Hart we carried on and turned right at the Village Hall for a change following the well rode path on the Old Over Road, dropping down to the Gloucester Road taking a right then then left onto the Corsend Road.
Riding through the lane was quite pleasant, nevertheless there was a distinct chill in the air even though the sun was still shining brightly. Turning sharp right onto Blackwells End and then left onto Forge End heading for Compton Green, it became clear that the clouds would be rolling in and the chill in the air was not going to abate. Continuing along the lanes through Pool Hill, Ryton, up into Bromsberrow, Brown’s End, Clencher’s Mill, “still Climbing” up to Eastnor and along to the Worcester Road, I began to ask myself “who planned this route” forgetting that I had only myself to blame. Note to self: “you must not take lessons from Toby” ha ha The route was becoming a little harder than I had planned, I must have got over excited with the thought of upping the mileage, given the earlier start time (rooky mistake not to be repeated). The route (my route) then took us on a loop around the outskirts of Ledbury (as aforementioned) to “get the miles in”. so instead of following the Worcester Road down into Ledbury we turned right at Upper Hall Farm Road, past the Shepherd’s Hut The Bobin “still climbing” then eventually dropping down to the B4214. We regrouped at the junction before making our way to Munsley. It would be fair to say that things got a little erroneous somewhere along the way, because one of the riders did not emerge at the junction at the A438. Having waited a while (and sent the remaining riders onto the coffee stop) I retraced our route and encountered Malcolm who also thought “everyone was on” however a phone call from Malcolm to confirm the rider was ok allayed our fears of a stranded rider, however it must be said that as leader I must shoulder the responsibility for this event. That said we all (except the estranged rider) made it to the coffee stop, which was eagerly anticipated given the route “someone choose”.
The return journey was a more positive experience with six riders opting to go directly back to Gloucester with the wind on our backs and a relatively flat route to follow, with an intrepid three opting to take a more scenic route.
The “intrepid three”, a trio of fully-fledged riders flew The Nest, looking for further undulating scenic variety with the promise of a following wind. Cheered on at Trumpet, by a Gloucester neighbour, into the strengthening headwind, a judicious turn and map check pointed us in the more favourable direction of Kynaston. Map check?, Indeed! It had been some years since we had travelled these lanes, passing through the delights of Putley, Aylton, Kynaston and Rushall before gaining Much Marcle. The road surface may have seen little maintenance in the passing years but its twists and turns and ever changing gradients refreshed those memories we had.
Turning at Marcle towards Kempley a new surface promised well, but disappointment was to follow: it lasted only a kilometre and by Whittocks End was back to historical norm. But Kempley and Four Oaks were soon behind to lead us to Botloe’s Green and farewell to TB as he headed for The Scarr and home. The two of more advanced years headed for the George before tacking to Anthony’s Cross and a downwind leg homewards.
59 miles for the three.
JA/MG