Our A ride, nice and flat, took seven riders on a winding route to the South Gloucestershire town of Berkeley. Roads were quiet, which made for a pleasant experience, and we were untroubled until just out of Stonehouse when one rider had the misfortune to break a spoke. Fortunately he had 35 others in good shape to keep the wheel true for the remainder of the ride. Coffee was reached bang on 11am, 25 miles covered, largely in October sunshine and on dry roads. The service at the Berkeley Tea Rooms was splendid, and we left well fed and watered at 11.45. Five opted for the route to lunch, The Beacon at Haresfield. Starting out in the ‘wrong’ direction, it was south to Stone then turning north and keeping to the east of the A38 through glorious lanes to tackle the gentle, fairly, ascent to Stinchcombe.
A diversion to Whitminster saw a short stretch of A38, before diving back onto the lanes for the destination. Most of our climbing was to cross over the motorwayand railway, which must have been crossed at least eight times! 55 pleasant and easy miles all told.