Five Tempo riders this morning in the bright but chilly sunshine, no mothers unfortunately – the Steady ride did better than us on that count.
It was a battle into the wind through Highnam and Tibberton to Newent. We lost two riders there, one permanently, the other rejoined us for coffee after an off road excursion over Edge Hills and then along the Soudley and Blakeney Gateway path to Two Bridges.
Steady climbing combined with the headwind made for a taxing ride through Aston Ingham to Mitcheldean, then Littledean and Soudley, before enjoying the fine views and undulating joys of Cinderford Road down to Blakeney. From there we had a tailwind at last and whizzed along to The Silver Fox. Excellent fruit cake.
So far the weather had been extremely kind to us and we had cycled in welcome but un-forecast sunshine. We could see the dark clouds rolling in so we drank up and let the brisk wind blow us home. Rain jackets were not required!
44 miles, 2,789 ft, 15.5 mph
SP