I’m assuming by now that everybody reading this has done at least one of the following:
- Looked out the window.
- Seen a weather forecast.
- Read the club WhatsApp messages.
It will therefore come as no surprise that the main topic of conversation in the square this morning was the impending rainfall. Maybe we were all being a little negative, after all, the section of the weather forecast under ‘Air Pollution’ said ‘LOW – Enjoy your usual outdoor activities’ and the UV exposure risk was zero. Let’s go!
After some discussion five set off in the Fast group (collecting a sixth on the way out of town) and four in a separate Tempo group. A phenomenal turnout in the circumstances. We made our way through Quedgeley and then on to Stonehouse and Ebley, the rain increasing and the enthusiasm diminishing with every pedal stroke.
At the top of Walkley Hill two of the Tempo group decided they were sufficiently saturated to call it a day and returned home through Painswick.
The remaining two of us pushed on to complete the Butterow Hill climb, eventually waving the white flag when we got to Minchinhampton and retreated to Henry’s cafe for coffee, almond croissant, and a chance to warm up and dry out.
By the time we prised ourselves out the rain had eased considerably. We opted for a route home through Nailsworth, Horsley, and Nympsfield before descending Frocester and home through Frampton and Elmore, Apart from my toes complaining at constant immersion in the freezing water that had trickled down to my fill my boots, it was actually not too bad. Compared to earlier. When it was truly awful.
The Fast group similarly splintered as and when common sense prevailed, with riders returning home at various points and by various routes. Safety and comfort quite rightly prioritised over completing the planned route.
Many thanks to my companions, and well done everyone who made it out today for whatever distance.
40.7 miles, 2241 ft, 12 mph.
SP