After the previous days’ burst of sunshine March weather returned to normal today but with Jim “Fish” assuring us that there would be no rain eleven set out from the Square with high hopes. Or not. Obviously concerned that his lead in the competition for Bruce’s Bonus had reduced to one Ali G took a stand, literally, for his flat rear tyre prevented him from riding. The buzz of John W’s inflator was soon echoing around the Square and then we were off. Again!
After crossing the Severn, at last returned to its normal level, on the busy route to M50 the group split for safety but failed to reassemble at Highleadon. What could have happened? Yes, It’s That Man Again. The lead group of five elected to continue without Alastair, and after some persuasion Toby “volunteered” to guide the reminder to coffee. This group was also without Alastair, who chose instead to go and buy more inner tubes.
The first group (there being no followers, they cannot be considered leaders!) continued to Newent and thence on some little used lanes to the Linton ridge, another member departing for home along the way. Normally, fine views are to be enjoyed here but today only the skeletal forms of trees loomed out of the mist. Instead, the remaining four had the pleasure of a great display of daffodils alongside the road and, at Courtlands country house, a fine avenue of them on the main drive. After another stiff but short climb to Hilltop we sped through Phocle Green and the Ross bypass to arrive shortly after eleven and find that Toby had found a quicker and possibly flatter route for the others.
Over cakes (or a savoury breakfast), the return route was discussed. The ride leader was keen (or at least keener than anyone else) to take the unsurfaced Town & Country Trail around Ross, others choosing a dreary industrial estate, after which all headed for the pub. Walford valley, Mitcheldean, and Longhope took us to Velthouse Lane and Blaisdon for the Red Hart but in a break from the plan we continued to the Red Lion instead.
Some lingered over a beverage or two, but one at least continued through the lanes to Bulley Church from whence a bridle path to Rudford confirmed that water levels on land as well as in the river were falling to a normal, rideable, level.
MT