Various “questionable” characters assembled in Kings Square; I counted Fletch, Godber, Harry Grout, Warren, Lukewarm, Ives and Blanco (Porridge characters, for younger viewers). There was another shady character but he didn’t fancy doing any “bird” and headed off for a bit of “block” (solitary confinement). Although I did hear that he was seen “legging it” on the A38 later!
As we headed out of Gloucester we were joined by another reprobate and headed off on the route published (please view yourself if you’d like a turn by turn appraisal). Another joined us having somehow flown in and escaped by plane.
As ever, with the weather and scenery, it was a glorious passage to The Old Prison at Northleach. Ride highlights (if that’s the right term) of the Ham Hill climb (well, any ride deep into the Cotswolds has a climb somewhere) and, on the plus side, the descent from Roel Gate produced some complimentary comments. It was hilly, though, and one inmate did comment on the amount of climbing but the threat of being put out “on the basic” (minimal privileges) calmed him down.
On arrival at the “nick” we got “all banged up” in the exercise yard for some well-earned chow but no “hooch”, only to be joined by another regular offender. One of our group had departed just as we turned into the yard no doubt “ghosting” to another nick.
The journey home was just as pleasurable as the outbound leg and we passed some others “on the run” just after Compton Abdale. One of our band headed off in Cheltenham at a rate of knots thinking that splitting the group would confuse the “screws”. Other avoiding splits were adopted as we approached Gloucester suburbs.
However, all inmates were safely returned to their respective “home” cells no doubt for some well-earned “hot plate” (dinner or lunch).
Al in all, a grand morning out in summer sunshine with some “shady” peeps.
52 miles, 3,800 ft elevation avg speed 15.4 mph