On what was predicted to be the warmest Sunday for a while, four riders set of on the published Novice ride to Nailsworth. On of the riders was a mere 10 years old (with his father I might add), who apparently after passing his “cycling proficiency test” wanted to try riding on the road (he had already done some off-road riding with his grandad), which was pleasing to see that the spirit and joy of cycling is still has strong as ever. We set off down Southgate Street and then along the Bristol Road bridging (literally) over to the canal at Hempsted, and then along the towpath to the Rea Swing bridge, turning right along Elmore Lane. I was mindful of the pace, but was assured that it was just right and the young lad was doing fine. I was supported by the fourth rider (Daryl) who kept a watchful eye to the rear to ensure everyone was safe. Turning right at the end of Elmore Lane towards Elmore Court, I mentioned to the young lad’s father that there was a bit of a hill coming up, he seemed quite confident that his son would be OK and can I say on taking the rise at a reasonable pace, I looked around and asked if everyone was ok, his dad replied that the his son was “right behind me” which he was, so my concerns were allayed, he was probably a “Pogacar” in the making. We made a brief stop at the village hall to take on some fluids, as the sun was beginning to “bare its teeth” now, and then continued along the lane through Longney, and Epney turning left along Church Lane to go up to Whitminster. At the junction with the A38 the young lad and his dad turned left to circle back home, to ensure he had enough left “in the tank” to get home. Daryl and I agreed (unanimously) to try the new Coffee House (The Rest) in King’s Stanley instead of carrying on to Nailsworth.
For future reference the venue was spacious and quite pleasant with plenty of space inside and out, and the fact that it was a glorious sunny day just made it that bit better.
JA