Beautiful cycling weather saw large numbers in King’s Square. We decided to allow the B ride to split naturally into two groups on Woolridge Hill, and indeed, the hill did its job.
A selection of lanes were taken to Eastnor, where the brief section on the main road proved the worst surface of the morning. We continued on pleasant lanes through the pretty village of Mathon to reach Colwall, and found that we had been let down by Cafe Morso. We were not alone, judging by the other groups of cyclists who arrived in the brief time we were there.
A coffee from the convenience store refreshed us for the steep climb up to the Wyche, and Jubilee Drive provided excellent views over the the Black Mountains (which are on the summer calendar!) and even the Brecon Beacons. The fast descent to Welland was followed by lanes past the Farmer’s Arms at Birtsmorton, which looked ready to welcome those in the other groups who required additional sustanance.
Amongst the other group was a relaxed group of 13 that set off for Colwall with a standard route to Redmarley. Here we lost one (scheduled departure), having previously lost three to a puncture (one punctured, two supervised and provided expert advice). No matter, we pressed on and also found the road after Eastnor Castle a little rough – but not the worst we encountered. The back lane to Upper Colwall had much to admire and requires much resurfacing. With Morso unexpectedly closed, Plan B was implemented – up the Wytch Cutting. Here the coffee shop was also closed, so Plan C saw the group descend rapidly to Malvern where the Abbey Road coffee shop was in full swing. Coffee and cakes were taken in the sunshine.
Six took the lunch stop option: a fast descent of the Worcester road, then lanes to Gualrford, Hanley Swan, Gilvers Lane, The Hook, Tunnel Hill and Hillend. Finally Birtsmorton where the pub was…fully booked! Careful negotiations resulted in beer being made available on the promise of departure at 2pm prompt, which suited us. A group of tractors in the car park made our steeds appear quite respectable.
Refreshed, the route home via the lanes to Pendock and Eldersfield were a joy. A second stop at Hartpury failed (pub full) as did Maisemore (pub closed). Most riders found the Gala club accommodating for a final rest prior to home.
Some 63 miles, lots of sun, cool air but no rain. What’s not to like!