A sunny morning was enjoyed by the riders at the square who had turned up for the 8:30 start – 10 for the regular B ride and 4 ladies for the ladies option – regarding which, they were shadowing us as far as the Whiteway beyond North Cerney! Then they took the direct option to coffee. But to return to the start; the ride leader was concerned that there would not be enough time to take in the planned final section so it was great that we were very lucky with junctions and traffic lights on our way out of town. As we entered Upton St Leonards an experiment was tried – which would be quicker; going up Portway or the regular route via Nut Hill? Surprisingly there were several takers for the steeper but quieter option, with 7 opting for Portway and 3 going the regular way. The result was interesting in that (depending on the various abilities and levels of motivation) the steeper option was only around 2-6 minutes quicker. So after regrouping at Cranham Corner as is often the case, we proceeded along the tried and tested route via Birdlip and Brimpsfield to the lovely ridge route from High Cross to Woodmancote (along which we were not passed by any vehicles in either direction!) then straight down to North Cerney to cross the River Churn and climb up to the White Way via Dark Lane. At this point I was mildly concerned about time as it was about 10 past 10 but we made good progress to Calmsden and on to Foss Cross. Safely negotiating the left/right manouvre on the rather busy A429, we continued on towards Bibury, then taking the third left to Winson. Here a quick consultation of the map was made in front of a very posh driveway, in order to ensure we did a full tour of this very pretty small village. Leaving the village we then enjoyed stunning views and very pleasant riding along the Coln valley to Coln St Dennis. This really was an idyllic section, looking absolutely perfect on this beautiful morning; trees, water, wild flowers and horticultural splendour abounding. All too soon we rejoined the A429 this time for a quick down and up going south at Fossebridge, turning before long to the right on the road to Yanworth. Then two more significant hills were dealt with (and another great view enjoyed) before arriving at the café at 11:05. The ladies were already well settled on the terrace enjoying refreshments.
Three devotees then set off for the allocated lunch stop at The Crown in Frampton Mansell. The initial narrow and lengthy climb to gain the heights of The Whiteway was hindered slightly by a descending driver claiming more than fair share of the road – forcing awkward uphill dismounts, for safety. However, once on The Whiteway a kindly following northeaster aided a speedy descent to Perrott’s Brook. Pressing on through Daglingworth, Park Corner and Chapman’s Cross, with towed glider soaring above, a brief turn into wind brought the trio to The Crown, replete with new (hired?) awning covering the outside dining area. There local beers aplenty competed favourably with one or two national names.
A brief discussion then led to the decision to take advantage of the weather and make it a two-stop afternoon, visiting another popular hostelry nearer home. Opting for the less travelled valley route, rather than the probably busier Minchinhampton alternative, the descent continued: briefly. Pausing, momentarily, to add to the collection of viaduct photographs, by twists and turns, gravel and potholes, the lane through the woods led to that last kick-up just before joining the main road and another kindly wind in Chalford.
Apart from briefly losing one famished rider while passing through Stonehouse, an uneventful few minutes took the group to The Beacon and some very welcome North Cotswold ales. Indeed, so good was the ale that our elder member sent a text message home, “Delayed by traffic at The Beacon”.