The Vice Captain reports on the B ride to Dursley:
Nine riders left King’s Square for Falfield this morning. The Vice Captain had originally planned to go over Whiteshill to Stroud, but decided to save time by going through Stonehouse instead. This proved to be a “Tortoise & Hare” decision, as two riders showed how seriously they are taking the “Bruce’s Bonus” trophy, awarded for the most punctures during the Club year. After the mechanical stops, we took Selsey Hill and proceeded across the tops. However, time was pressing and we decided to divert to The Bank in Dursley for an excellent coffee break.
After coffee, one rider offered to show me her “Waterley Bottom” route via North Nibley. The copper coloured beech trees provided a stunning backdrop and a distraction from the pain in my legs, although by the time I reached the Topiary above Slad, my legs were shot and I had run out of gears. The final descent of Birdlip was cold.
An excellent morning,
The Captain reports on the A ride to Berkeley
A dull but mild and dry day. From the large gathering at the Square three groups rode out. The AA ride was converted to an A and departed south through Kingsway where we had a close encounter with a delivery lorry leaving Asda. The President gave chase to remonstrate and the rest continued to Haresfield and the Stonehouse road, where the President rejoined the group having had a chat with the driver. All had been resolved with an apology.
The ride leader’s rear tyre deflated just after crossing the canal, and again at the George in Frocester (pictured), Through Cam we proceeded to Woodend Lane, the A38, Wanswell to reach Berkeley for tea and cakes, though one rider opted for the competitively priced cooked breakfast & coffee combo.
The return was somewhat marred by a cold North wind, but we are only a week away from the end of BST so it was not unexpected.