A magnificent seven riders had assembled in the sunny part of the Square before 8:30 (feeling like 9:30 due to the clocks falling back overnight) but as we were thinking of setting forth more arrived and made a nice round number of 10. It was a fairly chilly start but the weather was set fair, the skies were clear and blue, and the wind was largely absent. The ascent via Nut Hill and Sanatorium Road to Birdlip was taken at a steady pace and we were able to avoid overheating. Also, we were able to appreciate the beauty of the beech woods turning orange and gold in the morning sunshine – and grab a few photos.
From Birdlip we headed to Brimpsfield and the usual dip and climb to pass under the A417, then turned right at the new junction that is being created as part of the rerouting and redevelopment of the A road, fortunately not blocking our progress. Then it was on to High Cross and the lovely ridge road (where we were soon passed by the rather rapid and focused fast group, which had left the Square at 9), and regrouped once again at Woodmancote. Then we took a right turn down into the village of Bagendon, where the view of the valley was so lovely we had to stop for more pictures – and stop again in the village to admire the specimen trees there turning gold and red.
Onwards, and crossing the A435 at Perrott’s Brook, we climbed the short, steep climb up to the White Way, which was handy for warming us up again after having been chilled a little on the descent into Bagendon and beyond. At the junction, we had some time in hand and it being such a lovely morning it was decided to do an extra loop; however both the ride leader and Captain had a memory blip and took the nearest lane, rather than the narrower one several metres from the crossroads. This took us to the extremely busy A429 (whoops!) and as a suitable onward route was not available we retraced our wheeltracks and returned to the White Way and thence straight along and down (enjoying the lovely smooth surface) into Cirencester to arrive at the café before the other group ride at around 11 am. One member (who shall remain nameless) had been sure we would be very late, having consulted his various devices and being misled by them to believe it was an hour later than it actually was – as they had not gone back the necessary hour!
After enjoying the various affordable delights of the café, some riders decided to return home directly with the fast group, and some of us continued to the pub in Stroud, via Kemble, Cherington and Minchinhampton. On the way we took the gated road to the farm at Lowesmoor, where the Captain stated that the gate had disappeared years ago, only to find that a new gate was now in situ again, making use of the cattle grid the more efficient choice, albeit a rather sketchy one, but thankfully all stayed rubber side down.
25 miles to coffee, 60 miles all told (for the leader at least).
TB