Despite the early start, fourteen set off from a sunny Square in calm but cool conditions. 8.30am certainly gave us quieter roads to exit the City. Out via Longlevens, Innsworth and Frogfurlong lane to the Green ¾ mile section. Temporary lights on the edge of Chelt slowed us, but we were soon on our way to Swindon Village and the lane that conveniently pops out at ‘Smiths’ (old name die hard). Traffic here as we passed the car boot sale by the racecourse. Our first crossing of the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway preceded a surprise ascent to Southam, which had riders fearing an ascent of Cleeve Hill. But the stand-in ride leader was just teasing – we swung left and descended to Bishops Cleeve, enjoying splendid views to the west. A second railway crossing.
So it was to Gotherington – the President opted for the new but unfinished cycle path alongside, almost coming to grief as he turned early and had failed to spot security fencing! Fortunately good reactions and disc brakes brought him to a sudden halt before the fence was encountered.
Then to Greton (two crossings, under the railway) and Greet, this time going above the railway – no-one noticed as it is deep in a tunnel. Then a mile or two on the Broadway road before turning for Didbrook and another rail crossing. Notice the theme…
Two riders opted for a no-hill approach to Broadway, whilst the remaining twelve took in Stanway Hill – also presenting wonderful views to the north-west. It’s just the perfect time of year with the spring flowers and bright greens for the hedges and trees. Regrouping at the top of the main climb we found one rider struggling helplessly with a cleat that had become detached from his shoe. Fortunately our youngest rider showed his strength and extracted the offending item from the pedal. A repair was quickly effected and we continued up the lane – which in true Toby style leads to an opportunity to take in a ‘road’ marked ‘Unsuitable for Motors’. A true delight and remarkably dry. And it does still have a reasonable amount of tarmac still in place!
Snowshill village was a delight, and the descent to Broadway very fast. A left turn at the T junction soon had us arriving at our tea stop – Broadway Station, the northerly point of the heritage railway. A new stop for all, I believe. It was most welcoming and the arrival of a steam train added to the excitement and atmosphere (literally). 32 miles; 11.10am – thus the need for the 8.30am start.
Once refreshed, the group split with some heading home and others, nine all told, continuing the adventure. Taking advantage of a strengthening and rather cold SW wind, we headed under the railway and then NE to Willersey, Saintbury and Weston Subedge. Here a direct north turn on a dead straight road, likely of Roman origin, to Honeybourne (and that’s why the steam railway is also known as the Honeybourne line – who knew!) – passing over the old railway for the final time: here disused but with potential, maybe. Onwards to cross another railway and left – west: now the wind was not helpful, and remained so all the way home! A new road for the leader and likely most of the group: quickly passing HMP Long Lartin and on to South Littleton.
South to a level crossing – a long wait for the Hereford to Paddington train, and then another returning west delayed us a touch. No matter, over the tracks and right to re-cross via a bridge, to join the B5410 and into Evesham – once again over a bridge; then over the Avon in town. Magnificent navigation without electronic aids saw the riders heading out of town on the north side of the river. The A44 was a touch busy and another set of lights hampered progress – one rider was turned back after attempting to storm the workers area!
Lanes were resumed to take us to Fladbury, highly scenic, over the railway for the final time, the over the Avon for the final time. A short sharp bank into Cropthorne, then to Briclehampton (what a great name); Elmely Castle and a final 3 miles to our published destination at The Star, Aston under Hill, for food and refreshments. The beer, cider and Sunday roast is highly recommended. 58 miles.
The final leg home, into the persistent wind, was not the easiest, so was as direct as was reasonable: Beckford, Conderton, Kemerton (apologies to John – I think we lost you somewhere here), Northway and familiar roads to Piffs Elm, Staverton and home.
All in all, a good work-out for the up-coming tour; a beautiful day with clear views and fresh air – only that wind was unnecessary! 82 miles.
Toby