The weather was basically rubbish all week, not only in Gloucester but right across the world. So, the prospect of getting a reasonable ride out today was quite bleak. However, the weather forecast was quite promising today so maybe, just maybe it could be a dry day. There was a reasonable turn out at the square and eventually nine brave riders decided to join me on the ride to Soudley. On the advice of a Club committee member, I had amended the route slightly to avoid some potential flooded areas so off we went. Through the town and along to the Over Island and on to Maisemore. Turning right at Church Road and into the Over Old Road then dropping down to the A417 and left along the Corsend Road. The weather was holding, only a cold breeze but no sign of rain, so a result. Left at the junction of the Gloucester Road and B4215, a rider had a very minor mechanical, but no drama and we all regrouped just before the Rudford & Highleadon Village Hall. Along Buttermilk Lane and into Tibberton the next way point was Taynton. Along the Taynton Road turning left along the B4126 to Huntley and the A40. Turning Right then left along the A4136 to Blaisdon turning left into the village along Blaisdon Lane riding past the Red Hart Inn dropping down to the Boseley Road turning right to Flaxley. Along the Flaxley Road and checking the time, we were still on schedule for an 11.00am coffee stop so the pace was OK. Turning sharp left along George Lane we prepared for the last few climbs up to Littledean at the junction we regrouped and… the weather was getting a bit brighter and warmer. Left then right down Sutton Road the group could smell the coffee, and as we got to the end of the road turning left along Church Road the coffee stop was almost in sight. 500-600 meters to go we arrived at the Dean Heritage Centre at 10:58am just as the sun was trying to come out.
We returned (most of us who did not go for a liquid lunch) along the original route via Upper Ley and sure enough there was some flooding on the route but still negotiable with a bit of care.
