Despite a very dull day, a host of riders were assembled at the square, with 14 opting for Emma’s ‘easy’ ride to roses, near Newent.
We zipped along to Highnam and Tibberton for the quiet lanes to Taynton. Here a newcomer, finding the slopes a bit too hard, was taken by AliG on a more direct route to coffee; the remaining 12 pressed on to the edge of Newent, where the tiny road, also known as the western bypass was taken. This ended on the B4215 where we struck right towards town. Sadly the planned next turning was missed, the leader mistaking the road as someone’s drive. No matter, the Captain suggested continuing and taking the next opportunity to regain the published route. The rider with a brand new shiny bike was probably quite relieved to avoid the mess of the original planned route!
So to Oxenhall, over the old railway / canal, and then the M50, making our way sedately up through the woods to Kempley: excellent autumnal colours on display.
Then it was the metropolis of Dymock and a sprint along the Three Cities route to our destination – arriving just before 11am with some 22 miles covered.
Suitably refreshed the group set off for the 2nd leg, involving navigating through a confusing section of Gloucestershire around Pauntley, family home of The Whittington’s. More falling leaves and fantastic colours entertained the riders. The descent to the River Leadon is always a delight, and so it proved. Just beyond The Taylor’s house, the one with the train tracks circumnavigating the house, the homebound set continued to Corse and home; this left six for the lunch stop, changed to The Haw Bridge Inn.
Joint routing by the Captain and Theo, Hethelpit Cross saw us over the A417; then to Eldersfield and Course Lawn. This stretch was particularly damp under tyre with plenty of mud from the fields. All riders made it through successfully. There followed the gentle descent to Chaceley and the pleasant run to Tirley and the pub. No food, no dogs and seemingly no sweaty cyclists allowed – unless sitting on the leather sofas, as decreed by the feisty landlady! But everyone was happy and it was good banter. And good to meet up with ex Captain Mike D.
Home via Wainlode Hill, a very wet section to the A38, and a partially but beautifully resurfaced section to Sandhurst completed to ride. 50 miles.