Twelve riders left the Square with a following wind and avoided the temporary traffic lights on Cheltenham Road by going via Innsworth Lane and Down Hatherley where they joined the cycle path which pleased us and motorists alike. A slight diversion via side roads at Benhall took us back onto the cyclepath and then to the Honeybourne cycle path. The leader learned that there was an easier way onto it if he had spotted the sign.
The group whizzed along the path dodging walkers and dogs all enjoying the sun shine and traffic free route to the Prince of Wales stadium. A short stretch of road took us into the race course where we were escorted out by the GWSR 10.00 departure for Toddington hauled by Dinmore Manor No 7820 with lots of steam and smoke, a nostalgic smell for some.
After that excitement it was plain sailing to Bishops Cleeve, Gotherington and Greet to Hailes Fruit Farm where our table was waiting after the noble departure of the Tempo group of riders.
After coffee it was to Winchcombe and the back lane to Cleeve Hill. Too early for lunch a return to the other side of the race course was made and a meander through Charlton Kings finishing with a climb of Battledown Hill taking us straight to the lunch stop at the Hewllet Arms and then home via Shurdington and Churchdown.
48 miles.
AG