Autumn has definitely arrived! The day started under a thick blanket of fog which made the early miles most enchanting, if a tad on the cool and limited visibility side. Some riders were in longs and full gloves – but most were discarded as the day progressed.
A tidy group of six departed the Square under the stand-in leadership ( AliG being incapacitated) of the outgoing Captain – his last ride lead in this capacity. In his style, the route had not been posted, so riders were in for a ‘surprise’ – although it’s difficult to generate surprises to Slimbridge.
Out via Southgate St and south to Tuffley and the new estates beyond. Jiggling around on what are dead end roads for vehicles we forced a way through, taking in a gravelly section of cycle path to the ‘little’ bridge over the M5 – this crossing having seen recent clearance of encroaching vegetation and is now an easy risk-free exit from the metropolis.
A short halt to await two horses to pass by, we continued into the gloop but with signs of the sun attempting a break-through: come on, we cried. So to Haresfield, to pick up the original leaders defined route for a few miles to Stonehouse (sunshine); Frocester (fog); Cam (now sunshine all the way). The numerous spider’s webs in the hedges were festooned with dew, making a beautiful scene and another reminder summer is over.
We were back on the Captain’s preferred route, and our first hill (not much) to Woodend Lane. Always a delight, this one. At the junction with the A38, Plan A was implemented: left onto the good cycle lane for a mile or so, then turning off the main road at Berkeley Road junction. A rarely used section of road to Breadstone to join up with the well used Sustrans route 41 at Halmore. So to Slimbridge: avoiding the village, we arrived at The Black Shed at, so I’m reliably advised by a previous Captain, 11.02am. Quite acceptable in my book!
Service was a little disjointed with a new ‘bleeper’ system in place but not co-ordinated with the staff. Never mind, old fashioned talking ironed out the issues and all were fed and watered in good time.
Once done with recharging the batteries, the two ladies took to the canal towpath for a direct route home; the Gentlemen opted for a circuitous route to Frampton, just 2 miles distant via the canal – but 15 via the Captain’s route. First to Troy Town, then Cambridge (our Cambridge, less famous than the other one out east); a few yards on the old A38 and then a bit of reverse route to Frocester. The Eastington by-pass, always nice, was taken. Here we picked up NCN route 45 to Whitminster, ensuring we observed the emus at Whitminster Court. Over the A38 (legal on a bike) and down to Whitminster House, taking in the three crossings of the River Frome, then the Stroudwater Canal. A turn to Saul where one rider headed for home; three made good use of the nice afternoon to take in a diversion to the newly surfaced lane to Fretherne church – the scaffolding is coming down gradually now – and back to Frampton for well earned refreshments at The Three Horseshoes.
Post rest in the October sun, it was the usual delightful lanes back to Elmore and the city. 53 miles. Not much climbing.
Thanks to the five other riders today for a good outing, my final ride lead as Captain.