14th July and what a special day: Wimbledon finals, the European Cup final, stage 15 of the Tour de France, and, of course, the Club Sunday ride. The sun shone and the destination of Lydney beckoned. A route had been prepared by the Vice Captain, and we knew it would be a tough one as he had made excuses to be elsewhere! Ten (or so, who’s counting?) turned up for a nine o’clock start on the Tempo ride. The President, on his gravel bike, offered apologies in advance that he would be leaving the group at Mitcheldean and was accused of just taking a tow to get there. Stung, he took a turn on the front out of town but was happy to relinquish that spot to Super Simon, the day’s powerhouse of a leader.
West by North West we went on lanes to Huntley, enjoying a serendipitous bit of drafting behind a hay wagon just before Taynton. Through and off along the main road to Mitcheldean and then came the first split – Plump Hill or Stenders? The roadies took the steeper option and carried up to Ruardean before plunging into the Wye Valley. More reasons to be elsewhere were offered and several riders turned for home and the Wimbledon finals, leaving just three to climb back up from Lydbrook and finally enjoy a fast run down past the cycle centre to Lydney.
Meanwhile, a select gravel group (of one!) had taken the more southerly option and rode the ridge line before passing through Cinderford, then more off road to Mallards Pike, Parkend , and Pillowell before finally dropping into the Lyd valley to emerge, to everyone’s surprise, right behind the other three. A quick chase and they were reunited in town, only to split again with one following the direct route to the Harbour along Swan Road and past the Boating Lake to arrive so long before the others he had to use his phone to check their progress! They had stayed on the highway and were caught by a level crossing so arrived well after his tea and chocolate brownie.
After a very pleasant time sitting in the sun and shooting the breeze we headed home, three taking a hilly route back via Yorkley and Littledean and one returning via Naas Lane (not the one in Quedgeley) and is pleased to confirm that it is rideable.
MT