A warm if not a hot day was anticipated and we were not disappointed. Fortunately a cooling light breeze from the NE ensured temperatures did not get too heavy.
With the destination as The Hop Pocket, beyond Ledbury, our target, it was a prompt departure as advertised at 8.30 a.m.. the Captain, leading on this occasion, set off with nine others. By Maisemore the group had swelled to fourteen! Our first of several hills conquered it was usual lanes to Hethlepit Cross on the A417. The first surprise was sprung: a short distance on the main road to take in hill #2 followed by a right to descend and climb into Lowbands. I love this area steeped in history: it is a Chartist settlement, set up around 1850 and now threatened by a development of 3,500 houses …progress! Did the original locals object to the Chartists, I wonder?
Anyway, we successfully exited the zone and proceeded apace (moderate, of course) to Eggs Tump and then over the border into Herefordshire at Clencher’s Mill ford – easily navigated by all if not most riders. Yes, there was a steady flow of water.
Onwards and upwards to Eastnor castle to catch the church bells chiming 10 a.m. – according to Colin some 3 minutes fast. We had made good time although the main climbs were still to come…
Climbing on the recently resurfaced A438 towards Ledbury was a delight (really?), then a further climb to Kilbury Camp (520ft) with splendid views to the northeast of the Malvern Hills. There followed a good descent with some poor surfaces to Petty France. The group stayed together along this twisty lane all the way to the Bromyard / Ledbury road – it seemed downhill all the way. Into Bosbury on a poorly surfaced B4220 for a discrete and sharp right turn, easily missed. Back onto the lanes, I suspect few in the group had experienced this one. Warnings were given of hills to come and that use of the ‘big ring’ would be limited – that’s the big ring on the front! So it proved. A 530ft climb to take us to the Three Cities road, the A4103 atop Fromes Hill. At 590ft I thought this was the high point of the ride. But no, the next lane sneaked slightly upwards still to peak at a pleasing 622 ft. We were all very pleased, I’m sure, to descend!
The descent to Halmond’s Frome and the quaint pub by name of The Major (recommended, but don’t turn right when leaving) was steep, dark and very rough – and not so pleasing after all. All made it rubber-side down; some swept past the left turn and were called back; meanwhile the Captain’s handlebars had shifted when entering a pit in the road – no damage, just awkward and fixed at coffee. Another left, past another well-kept Oast house (for the drying of hops, a major product of the area) and thus to arrive at The Hop Pocket at 11.05 a.m., 31 miles as advertised. 1,900 ft of climbing.
We were lucky in our timing, not only ahead of a big Tempo group but also ahead of several groups of motorised visitors, so ordering and delivery of nutrients was fine. The Tempo riders saw the queue and most abandoned for a stop elsewhere.
All refreshed and handlebars reinstated to the correct angle, we set off for home / lunch. Staying together, it was directly to Ledbury – the B4214 is in a dreadful state in parts. The long climb to Gold Hill was hot but the descent was shaded and in relatively good condition. An exposed stretch to Ledbury included passing a brand-new large housing development – a surprise to many.
In Ledbury we parted ways with the home-bound section: those lunching and Jayne took in the steep ascent to Bradlow (and it necessitated granny gears for most) whilst the homebound carried on to the A417. Back to Eastnor (Jayne parted company here for a second go in the ford) and the remaining seven took in the gentle climb of Hollybush. Then over Castlemorton Common, a tour of the Wellands and Hill End before making our way, absent Theo who had turned off, for refreshments in the shade at The Farmer’s Arms, Birtsmorton.
Post rest it was fairly usual lanes back home, via Pendock, Eldersfield, a good tailwind along Course Lawn and Ashleworth. The final climb up Woolridge Hill gets no easier. All in all a quite excellent outing with at least 70 miles for those at lunch. A surprising 3,830ft of climbing.