Following a blistering week of very warm sunshine, obviously Sunday would be the day the weather decided to make a change. So, on a not so sunny Sunday, there were three riders who decided to take up the challenge of the Novice ride to Newent. In reality there was only one genuine novice rider in the group but “who’s counting”.
We set off along the published route from the “square” to Highnam, lightly shivering against the northeasterly breeze. We followed the B4215 through Rudford to Highleadon taking the right turn through Blackwell’s End and on up to Hethelpit Cross. By now we were eagerly willing the sun to break through, but it just wasn’t to be. Straight over the Ledbury Road up Mill Lane turning left just past the Gadfield Elm Chapel staying on Mill Lane turning right at the junction on Chartist Lane, and at the junction we turned left to get back on to the Ledbury Road. Turning left and then first right we (I wouldn’t say eagerly) anticipated the couple of short climbs awaiting us. After successfully negotiating the climbs, we took a short detour from the published route passing through Upleadon and then up Strawberry Hill and through Botloe’s Green, coming back onto the B4214 Dymock Road, then a final gentle left turn rolling down to Rose’s Garden Centre for coffee.
We arrived at 11.05 of effectively bang on time for the published ride! We were surprised not to see the 08.30am riders, but they soon arrived shortly thereafter. I would like to say a big “well done” to our new rider and as normal great company and chat from all.