A great day out with the Gloucester City Cycling Club. Five took in the AA option, another the A ride with ten taking the tougher B ride which took the Ham Hill challenge out of Charlton Kings. Five on the sports ride and there was also a small MTB group making four groups riding to Haile’s for elevenses.
The AA group headed towards Gotherington where they saw our first lambs. Up by the Prescott Hill climb and on to Haile’s. The other groups were already there, along with Evesham Wheelers. Cafe was full.
Returned almost the same way with lunch in the House in the Tree. Home by 14.40 and 50 miles. It was very cold; about three degrees all day, but the wood burning stove at the cafe was a compensation for those lucky enough to get close. Those further away, by the window, enjoyed watching the blue tits feeding
Although the MTB ride began in Gloucester, it kicked off properly on Prestbury’s Mill Lane. For those that haven’t ridden it, the tarmac section is lung-busting steep, and is followed by an even steeper off-road section (which was walked). Eventually the aerials on top of Cleeve Hill were reached. The Vice Captain was very appreciative of his new small chain ring.
A pleasant ride down the gallops led to a very slippy section, where I am sure the sideways movement defied Newton’s laws of motion. Great fun down through Westwood, then lanes to Roel Hill Farm, tracks and lanes, including the Haile’s descent led us to coffee. Return route was by road to Winchcombe then up Corndean Lane and along the Cotswold Way. A final climb up Ham Hill persuaded us that enough was enough and the rest of the ride was along roads through the Severn Vale.
MTB options like this are organised on an ad-hoc basis. If you want to be kept in the loop for future rides, please let the vice-captain know.