Another dull Sunday dawned, and pretty much stayed dull for the duration. Hey ho, back to November, but a bit warmer. Eight departed the square to join up with the President at Highnam. A quick spin down the busy Newent road to exit at the second opportunity, the famous and sometimes dreaded Whitehall Lane: no dog this time but plenty of pot holes. Maybe these should count to the Highways marking for Government funds…
It was, like the previous week, daffs all the way through Tibberton and Kent’s Green, lovely colour on a grey day. A water splash dismayed those with super clean machines and one rider who had removed his mudguards, thinking Summer had arrived! He should know better.
Jigging through Newent, another short stretch of main road and onto a little used lane to take us to Oxenhall and on to pass the daffodil covered Gwen & Vera’s Nature Reserve – splendid. Soon followed by golden-jewelled lanes at Four Oaks, over the mighty M50 and a magnificent long descent to Dymock. So many daffs.
From here, out of the main daffodil zone, to Tillers Green and Ledbury. Now in Herefordshire it was noticeable the road surfaces are far worse than our home county. Despite the challenges, no mechanicals or deflations. Then a long gentle climb from the Full Pitcher through Ledbury to the turning for Eastnor. A little way past this junction the appointed coffee stop appeared, much to the relief of some. And what a lovely place: not cheap, but top quality and a good range of offerings to keep everyone happy. Highly rated is the Malbury Café. Two of the Tempo riders were already well established, good to meet up with them.
Post coffee saw a split: two went via Colwall and Evendine Lane (a first for Theo); three went for another water splash at Eastnor ( the bridge may have been used by some!) and Castlemorton Common. Their routes rejoined at Welland, taking in Hill End for the views – but not on this occasion as it closed in and a dense drizzle descended. Quickly to the Farmer’s Arms at Birtsmorton to take sanctuary until the rain passed – which took a while.
On its departure it was time for the gallant six ( we had been joined by the Social Sec, being social as usual) to head for home: standard route to Pendock, but then Eldersfield, Haw Bridge and the ascent of Wainlode hill – an opportunity for the Captain to try his brand new SuperGrannyGear: hill, what hill?
A jolly good outing despite the gloop: 60 miles.