The ten riders were keen to get started, and it was a fast pace down the A40 to Birdwood. It all settled down in the lanes, caping up at Soudley and removing them again before Parkend. Descending “The Rocks” near Clearwell was interesting, but disc brakes meant that we could probably have stopped if necessary. A bit of navigational confusion finding the bridge in Redbrook was overcome with the assistance of a very helpful pedestrian. I had warned the riders that the climb out of Redbrook was tough, but I had forgotton just how tough it was. With me being called various names, we were all grateful to reach Pen-Twyn and descend to coffee and cake at The Red Door Deli.
Returning via the picturesque Monmow bridge, we got caught up in some diversions in Monmouth, but eventually made it out on the long climb up the main road to Welsh Newton. The descent to Llangarron was brilliant, and felt like it went on forever. Thereafter, the rain set in more persistently. Small (almost gravel) lanes around Wilson meant we were glad to reach the main road at Peterstow, and by the time we reached Weston-under-Penyard, the mood was to get home on the A40, rather than facing more dubious lanes between Bromsash and The Penny Farthing.
Despite the weather (a phrase which shouldn’t be in a ride report in August), we all enjoyed the tough day out.
69 miles, 5,200′ ascent @13.8mph IW
