Following an excellent route to Chedworth, led by Theo, three devotees set off for the allocated lunch stop at The Crown in Frampton Mansell. The initial narrow and lengthy climb to gain the heights of The Whiteway was hindered slightly by a descending driver claiming more than fair share of the road – forcing awkward uphill dismounts, for safety. However, once on The Whiteway a kindly following northeaster aided a speedy descent to Perrott’s Brook. Pressing on through Daglingworth, Park Corner and Chapman’s Cross, with towed glider soaring above, a brief turn into wind brought the trio to The Crown, replete with new (hired?) awning covering the outside dining area. There local beers aplenty competed favourably with one or two national names.
A brief discussion then led to the decision to take advantage of the weather and make it a two-stop afternoon, visiting another popular hostelry nearer home. Opting for the less travelled valley route, rather than the probably busier Minchinhampton alternative, the descent continued: briefly. Pausing, momentarily, to add to the collection of viaduct photographs, by twists and turns, gravel and potholes, the lane through the woods led to that last kick-up just before joining the main road and another kindly wind in Chalford.
Apart from briefly losing one famished rider while passing through Stonehouse, an uneventful few minutes took the group to The Beacon and some very welcome North Cotswold ales. Indeed, so good was the ale that our elder member sent a text message home, “Delayed by traffic at The Beacon”.