Following one of the warmest weeks of the year, this Sunday (04/08/24) began quite cool in comparison. Nevertheless twelve riders (including myself) set off on our trek to Thornbury, when there was a suggestion of a small amendment to the route, which was duly accepted. Setting off down Southgate Street and veering left along the start of the Stroud Road we encountered temporary lights. Some riders were very tempted to “break the highway code” and go round them, however they changed in time to save “breaking the law”. Along Seymour Road going into Podsmead the weather still looked very overcast, with a little SW wind but still quite warm so no concerns from anyone. Going straight over the lights at Cole Avenue along Epney Road we encountered another set of temporary lights. These lights being 4-way control meant a little longer waiting time before they eventually changed to green. Along Tuffley Lane we followed the road to Bodiam Avenue, going straight over at the island along “streamside” following the road then along Woodvale then along Newhaven Road past the ASDA store. Turning left (at the next island) and then first right along Naas Lane it was quite a surprise to some riders to see a new housing estate had been completed just before the railway bridge along with the road repairs to a significant section of the lane, although unfortunately leaving some section/s still a hazard to cyclists.
Turning right at the end of the lane going into Haresfield Lane, an alternative route via the Beacon Inn was suggested, but a wiser route was to go over the bridge and take the first left, along what could now be considered one of the best paved roads in the area. Regrouping at the Gloucester Road junction for what was a minor mechanical, we turned left on Gloucester Road, with the sun now trying to fight through the clouds, we proceeded into Stonehouse, turning right at Regent Street, stopping at the Bristol Road junction. I was not sure that the captain had confirmed a green light nevertheless with the road being clear we all crossed safely if not a little nervously. By now one rider had decided to use their own route so we were now down to eleven. Along Downton Road taking the dangerous right turn on the hill, we went through Leonard Stanley turning right at the tee junction and coming together again at the Frocester Inn. Straight over the junction (not left !!) we passed a couple of riders before the descent under the railway bridge. At the next tee junction, we regrouped and turned right into Cam taking care not to hinder two riders who wished to turn left into Coaley. At the railway bridge we encountered yet another set of temporary lights. Some riders were suggesting that the ride leader had somehow engineered this……. the weight of the ride leader is a heavy burden! Turning left along the A4135 into Cam the suggested alternative route was taken, which proved challenging because a local resident with a dog was encountered halfway along the single-track patch, further reducing our average pace. By now I was beginning to sound the warning bells about a late coffee break but was reassured by more experienced riders that we would be ok. We finally got to the junction at the Dursley Road turning right along the Avenue then turning right dropping down to the St Cry Church and along Wick Lane. At the tee junction we turned left then first right into Upper Wick and then “up” into Tortworth regrouping at the B4509 junction. By now we had encountered a couple of “little kickers” and the reassurance that there was no more to be had, sadly did not wash. However, we heroically proceeded through Leyhill, Cromhall, finally turning right along Stidcot lane there was no getting away from it we had to climb up into Tytherington to get down into Thornbury.
Once we descended into Thornbury it was all smiles again and a welcome stop at Coffee#1 where we met a couple of other club riders who had made their own way by pure chance. After the coffee break the group expanded to twelve riders again, one of the riders we met deciding to ride back with us. By now the sun was out and the wind was in our favour and the route back was extremely flat…. this may have been one of the best cycling days of the year! A big statement I know but it could be raining next week. The ride back was excellent, but we seemed to keep losing riders (not literally). Finally ending up with seven riders going to the lunch stop in Arlingham, with three pulling off at Saul junction just before burning out a rider at the front along the A4071 Perry Way only to have his mantle stolen just before the canal bridge at Frampton! At the Lunch stop we encountered some tremendously fussy dogs and discovered new lanes it was a very good days ride out, and pleasant company as usual
During the ride out bound, one rider got “a bee in his bonnet” (helmet actually) but managed to extricate it without any drama
JA