Departing promptly, twelve riders took to the cool air and set off in a westerly direction, bound for Earle’s Croome garden centre’s Rose Café. With no route published, the group kept together nicely as the first and only arrowed descent was taken – Woolridge Hill. Early maps show this as Wooldridge Hill, which always pleases the Captain!
The road down to Ashleworth is deteriorating badly and demands attention, as did the lanes to Tirley: loose dogs, walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders were all encountered: no incidents.
Onward to Chaceley and the next ‘climb’ of note, which excited some in the peleton and had our downhill expert off the front – not sure what was going on there! We overtook our Dinner Secretary just before crossing into Worcestershire. The road surfaces seemed particularly good in this county – although it may have been fine route selection by the leader. Or just good luck…
At Slades Green we encountered an encampment of ‘proper’ travellers, the sort that just leave flattened grass when they move on. Jim took the lead here, despite loose dogs, horses and children that could have complicated his progress: all just observed the group swish by.
Longon Marshes road, although dead pan flat across the ex marsh, was harder than expected – directly west and into the wind. No matter, we were soon on twisty lanes from Birtsmorton to Castlemorton, Little Welland and Lower Hook. All very scenic, and the sun was attempting to break through.
The ridge road to Upton, with a tail wind, was another delight with a perfect surface, much appreciated by the riders. The leg into Upton, often under water, was not quite so smooth but still up to a good standard.
Upton had its Blues Festival in full swing – but being 10.30am not too many revellers had awakened and crawled from tent to town. Over the bridge we went, admiring the sea of tents and motor homes on the meadows: it really is a big festival.
A minor mechanical for the President caused a fleeting delay before we crossed the A38, enjoying a new cycle path from Holly Green to the large roundabout. Finally a small detour through Earl’s Croome village and back to the A38 for a sprint to the coffee shop. Our table was reserved and perfect for 10 – as booked by the ride leader. All enjoyed the varied offerings. Note that two riders had left the route with permission of the Captain. 10.45am, 30 miles.
A gang of three then set off north for the lunch ride: a complicated navigational affair. It was good to break out of familiar roads and onto some new sections. Kinnersley, Kerswell and Draycott fell to our wheels. 50 yards on the A38 and back onto tiny lanes, still heading north, to Brook End and Brockhill Village – a new settlement and not on the leader’s map! This was the most northerly point of the ride, now west and south, under the M5 to Norton, then to Littleworth and Wadborough. A diversion to almost join the A44 took us past a house with an interesting collection of, well, things probably best describes it! John was particularly taken with the offerings!
South once again and then more twists to pop us onto a little used loop road: ‘Road Closed’ it said. You just can’t tell, and on a weekend cyclists can often get through – so it proved here. The wavey wall at Besford manor house is worth seeing. Then into Defford, a quick look at the memorial to Airmen and civilians involved in Radar development, and so to The Monkey House. Which was really quite busy. 1.30pm, 50 mls
Two ciders later it was time to head for home: the route was simple for a change – Strensham, Twyning, Tewkesbury, Walton Cardiff, Stoke Orchard, Boddington and the Green Mile and a half saw us safely home.
74 miles. A lovely day out.