The ‘easy B’ ride took an alternative route to the designated coffee stop at Broadway Tower, to the surprise of some that had expected the published route to be adhered to. No such rules for the Captain, who led the ride!
A now standard group of six headed North via London Road, keeping well behind the A rider group who went towards Innsworth; the B’s continuing on the Cheltenham Road, turning for Staverton and Piff’s Elm. Onwards over the multiple motorway crossings and eventually the railway level crossing and double cattle grid, taking us to Gotherington. A herd of cows crossing slowed progress somewhat, but we were soon back on it, into a noticeable NE wind. Prestbury hill climb (and several hills) fell to the peleton, progressing to Greet and the B road all the way to Broadway. Time was pressing but the road was quiet. Into Broadway, teeming with life, and up the old A44 to join the existing main road for the alpine like ascent of Fish Hill.
Some tried the path alongside the road but found this particularly challenging and disruptive to any rhythm: overhanging trees, stinging nettles and endless supplies of grit hindered progress. Those selecting the road found it rather jolly: not much traffic, plenty of space and a good surface made the climb quite pleasurable. Maybe I exaggerate! Anyway, regrouping at the summit and hanging right saw the final slope to the fabled Tower. At this point the sun made its overdue appearance. The café was up to speed with the current requirements for safety; the cakes were good, in particular the fruit cake represented exceptional value for money, and the coffee was more than adequate.
The fast B riders were already established; the B riders arrived shortly afterwards, and it was good to see Simon Chapman making a solo appearance.
Post refreshments, the easy B set off to take in the lavender fields, two still in flower; then the failed road to descend to Stanway hill. Joy – it has a splendid new surface of smooth tarmac! Credit to Gloucester County Council – just hope they do not apply gravel! A speedy descent was enjoyed by all. So, to Winchcombe, tail wind assist, Cleeve Hill and a red kite – not spotted by all the riders! This descent was also on new tarmac. Sadly we lost two of the group despite instructions on the turning. Hey ho. Down to three, to Smith’s (as the old hands would call it still) at Bishop’s Cleeve, Swindon village (passing De Havilland Road and Bristol Road, harking back to previous aviation engineering feats), House in the Tree and finally the Old Spot at Piff’s Elm. Here we met up with the A riders and the Vice Captain for some well-earned refreshments.
The A riders were well established at Hailes Abbey when the President made a surprise appearance along Winchcombe Way, descending from Little Farmcote after exploring multiple by ways on his off road option. After bacon baps the group divided at the main road, some heading for home via Winchcombe and others to congregate at The Old Spot.
63 miles all told. Another great day out.