Eight riders left the Square on an original route out of Gloucester in a damp, cold grey winter’s day. Visibility was about 150m and lights were on. Woolridge Hill was tackled in the gloom and also in the knowledge that the hedge cutter had been out on Thursday, but the damp conditions meant that any thorns had been blunted. No punctures occurred. After Wickridge Street the fast descent down to the Haw Bridge road was enjoyed. A lumpy route led through the hills around Pauntley and Pool Hill, although we could have been anywhere as visibility was so poor. Fortunately, the Captain permitted an early arrival at Roses as we sought the warmth and refreshments of the Garden Centre. The Leader had promised a “treat” and it was realised on the return when we cycled down the newly tarred Highnam cycle path where they had done a good job. It was then to the Gala Club for Christmas lunch, where we were joined by some non-riders and some from the B ride.
The B ride had surprisingly large numbers for a cold, foggy morning, with ten riders leaving King’s Square bound for the Cotswolds. One rider decided that conditions were so unpleasant that he turned for home at Churchdown, but he was replaced by a tandem, which was waiting for us outside Chosen Hill School.
A puncture in Shurdington allowed half the group to make a break up Leckhampton Hill, while the others helped the unfortunate rider. Eventually all reached the top of Hartley Hill (named Horrible Hill by one) to be greeted with milky sunshine, as we were level with the top of the cloud. After regrouping, we continued to Cowley, where another rider had a puncture, and the scenario was repeated, with a break heading to the top of Bubbs Hill (this hill was also given another name, one not suitable for publication), where full sunshine rewarded the riders. The sunshine, and relative warmth continued, apart from the dip to the Daneway, all the way back to Foston’s Ash. The return through Cranham woods immersed us once again in cloud. Coffee at Prinknash Abbey Cafe was good, but it is a very steep climb back from the coffee to the main road, and riders were glad they hadn’t eaten too much!
The B ride finished with the Christmas dinner in the Gala Club, which was a great social gathering. Considering how cold and murky it was in the Severn Valley all day, they had a great ride.