Nine riders gathered in Kings Square on a distinctly chilly October morning, with the thermometer showing a decidedly uninviting 4°C. Wrapped up against the cold, we set off on our steady ride to Ross-on-Wye, hoping that the weather might improve as the morning progressed.
Our route took us out of Gloucester, over Westgate Bridge and towards Over, where we joined the cycle path alongside the busy A40. Unfortunately, our group of nine was soon reduced to eight when one rider suffered a mechanical problem and had to turn back to Gloucester. All was not lost, however, as they planned to join the others later for the all-important liquid lunch!
We continued along the A48 towards Minsterworth before turning right into Ley Road, where Adrian was waiting to join us for the remainder of the ride. As we paused at the unmanned railway crossing, the sun finally decided to put in an appearance. This was a most welcome development, and with the temperature now reaching a positively tropical 10°C, some riders took the opportunity to shed a layer. Of course, we first had to endure what felt like an eternity waiting for a train to pass before we could continue on our way.
Once across the railway lines, we made our way through Northwood Green and onwards to Flaxley. Here, the sunshine really began to work its magic, illuminating the trees and showing off their magnificent autumn colours. It was one of those moments that reminded us why cycling through the countryside at this time of year is such a pleasure.
There was little time to admire the scenery for long, though, as the first climb of the day was fast approaching. A right turn sent us upwards towards Abenhall, with the road steadily gaining height until we reached the top of the ridge. A brief stop gave everyone the chance to catch their breath, take on some fluids and perhaps reflect on the fact that the day’s climb had been ticked off.
Refreshed and ready to go, we descended into Mitcheldean, rode along the High Street, threaded our way through a housing estate and emerged onto the Ross Road. A left turn took us into Watery Lane, where we encountered a sight that was sure to raise a few smiles: the mannequins in the telephone box were already dressed in their Christmas jumpers! A little premature, perhaps, but clearly someone was determined to get into the festive spirit well ahead of schedule.
We pressed on through Pontshill and towards Walford, where our progress was temporarily halted by roadworks and a set of temporary traffic lights. Alongside us sat a queue of cars, all patiently waiting for their turn to proceed. Well, almost all of them! To everyone’s amazement, one driver sailed past the entire queue and straight through the red light, apparently deciding that the signal was merely a suggestion. Shortly afterwards, the rest of the waiting traffic followed suit, with our cycling group joining the procession.
Reaching the end of the roadworks brought another surprise. The lights controlling the opposite direction were also showing red, leaving some motorists sitting patiently and waiting for a change that seemed in no hurry to arrive. It was a curious little episode in traffic management, and one that certainly gave us something to talk about as we continued towards Ross-on-Wye.
At last, we arrived in the centre of Ross-on-Wye and made our way along the back streets to our coffee stop at The Engine Shed. Howard was already waiting in the café, having made his own way there, and we were also joined by Tesh.
With everyone gathered, it was time for the essential business of refuelling, warming up and enjoying some well-earned refreshments. However, the highlight of the café stop was not the coffee, the cake or even the conversation. It was the moment when our club captain declined an additional knob of butter for his scone!
A refusal of extra butter? From the club captain? This was an unexpected development of such significance that it surely deserves a permanent place in the club archives. One can only wonder what other surprises the season has in store!
Suitably fed, watered and entertained, we eventually dragged ourselves away from the café and headed back out onto the A40. We soon turned off, climbing past Bolitree Castle before continuing towards Bromsash and Linton.
Here, the group split, with some riders opting to enjoy a liquid lunch, while the remainder pointed their bikes towards home. Our return route took us through Gorsley, Kilcott, Newent, Highleadon and Hartpury, with the familiar Gloucestershire countryside providing a fitting backdrop to the final miles.
There was one last climb to contend with as we left Hartpury via Over Old Road, but once over the top, the reward was a largely downhill run towards Maisemore. By now, the prospect of home, a warm shower and perhaps another well-earned refreshment was becoming increasingly appealing.
On reaching Maisemore, some riders chose the relative comfort of the cycle path back towards Gloucester Quays. One particularly brave soul opted for the main road, only to discover that traffic was virtually at a standstill. Rather than attempt to weave through the gridlock, they sensibly took to the pavement and made their way back that way. Sometimes, even the most determined road cyclist has to admit defeat!
And so, another club ride came to an end. Despite the chilly start, a mechanical problem, a seemingly endless wait at a railway crossing, some questionable traffic-light decisions and the extraordinary butter incident, we enjoyed a cracking day out in the saddle.
The final tally was 49 miles ridden and 2,800 feet of climbing, with not a drop of rain to dampen our spirits. There was a little chill in the air whenever the sun disappeared behind the clouds, but the autumn sunshine and spectacular colours more than made up for it.
All in all, a very enjoyable ride, with good company, beautiful countryside and enough talking points to keep the post-ride conversation going for some time. Although, in view of the captain’s controversial scone decision, perhaps we should make sure there is a spare knob of butter available on the next outing!