Eight riders set of from Kings square, having allowed the sports ride to precede them, and headed down the Westgate route out of the city to the Over roundabout where route planners don’t allow you to go. We took the main road through Maisemore so as to turn for Murrel’s End without crossing from Hams hill. On through the ‘Leadons where the sports ride passed us, having taken the longer route through Maisemore. Following as direct a route as the leader could find through Brand Green, Poolhill, Ketford and over the M50 to Brooms Green and Greenway Cross. A short stretch of the A449 then left towards Rolands Green with a puncture on the way to the A438, which took us to Coffee at Trumpet. As we entered the cafe from the rear the sports riders entered from the front having also been delayed, by a mechanical fail. Great cakes were marred by slow service despite seemingly numerable staff.
Four then departed for home and the remaining four navigated a course through Munsley and Wellington Heath to Eastnor. Then via Hollybush and Chase End road and across the common. The captain’s extra loop down Drugger’s End Lane took us to Castlemorton then the Farmers Arms at Birt’s St where ‘lunch’ was enjoyed with the diehards of the A ride and another special guest appearance from the social secretary. The riders split for alternative routes home into an increasing headwind. Great weather mostly narrow lanes and some good views.