We made our way out of town via Barton and Painswick Road, and headed past the ski centre to get a little climb in to help warm us up. Not sure that was successful, but we did see an American school bus parked there for some event or other – painted white though, not yellow. Continuing on the tried-and-tested route to Brookthorpe we were able to enjoy the lovely smooth surface recently laid down. What a difference! Then as we neared Haresfield we took a right turn for a change via Colethrop then back onto the usual route beside the railway and down to the Stonehouse road. Some rain began to fall near Colethrop so a few of the group decided to don rain jackets, which had the desired effect of banishing the rain instantly.
At Standish, we turned right at the church and thence to the A38 for a short hop to the top of the rise at Whitminster – a cycle lane is painted on the road for much of this section but its effectiveness is rather reduced by the amount of mud and grit that has been allowed to accumulate in it. Turning left at the top we descended to Whitminster Court where some damp and bedraggled emus languished in the grounds, then crossed the M5 and the roundabout at Chipmans Platt and climbed up to Eastington. From here we proceeded to Frocester and turned right, avoiding the big climb, and headed for a much quieter and rather lesser one beyond Coaley, from Far Green to Hydegate. Here we regrouped and turned right on the narrow lane (slightly mucky but not too bad) towards Cam and the final (very steep) descent to Dursley town centre. No incidents and arrival pretty much spot on for 11 o’clock, to see the faster group already ensconced. Fortunately all were able to be seated and the queue was dealt with efficiently.
Later, emerging from the café, it was clear that the temperature hadn’t improved at all, and still hovered around 3 degrees so all headed for home with only three opting for the pub stop – which was pretty much en route anyway. Today was lacking in wildlife, although along the way a buzzard or two were spotted. A good day for hibernation!
TB
23 miles to elevenses, around 45 miles all in.