Fifteen left the Square on a sunny morning, as the roads were quiet at that time, the group took the A48 to Minsterworth. They were helped by a cool tail wind which was lost when they took to lanes. The countryside is at its best at the moment, fresh green foliage, roads lined by cow parsley and other spring flowers. The birds were singing and it all made us feel glad to be cycling in such beautiful countryside. Flaxley Valley looked great in the strong sunlight. A rider had to retire but with the help of Seb and a local resident, she got back to Gloucester. People are really kind.
After regrouping the climb of Stenders Hill was tackled and it was some climb, I am surprised that there is not an arrow on the map. The leader chose a forest track to cut off Drybrook and was pleasantly surprised with the good surface and the additional climbing avoided.
Another new quest was made by cycling through Dancing Green on the way to Pontshill where, because of the different approach, the leader took a wrong turn but quickly realised where he was and corrected the error. The Walford lanes offered another delight of wild flowers. The run into Ross was meant to be on the cycleway but it proved still muddy and was rejected by most of the group. Huge iced buns were enjoyed at the Engine Shed cafe by some and other traditional fare by the rest.
Six continued down to Wilton to cross the Wye and then the lanes to Foy where they crossed a field on a track that used to be smooth but today was horribly lumpy, making cycling difficult. The suspension bridge took us back to the other side of the Wye and up a massive climb/walk to Brampton Abbots. It was then lanes to Bollitree Castle, Linton and up on to the ridge avoiding “the Hill” and so to the Penny Farthing at Aston Crews for lunch in glorious sunshine. A prolonged descent more or less took us to Kilcot and on to Newent, Highleadon, Hartpury and home.
60 miles
AG
