Seven riders joined the ride to Wickwar, and worked well as a team into the strong headwind. The roadworks in Haresfield caused a puncture, but otherwise Frocester was reached without incident. “P” and “Ed-spresso” shot up the hill like a pair of Lionesses heading for the penalty box, but we regrouped at the top and let the two strong guys take the wind on the exposed section around Kingscote.

Following recent incidents, the main road into Wooton was selected, and even this was given respect on damp roads. A detour along lovely lanes to the Somerset Monument preceded a plunge down to Wickwar. Our cake consultant did us proud, as her selection of “Ferrero Rocher” cake was excellent, as was the coffee.

The return through Tortworth and Damery to Stinchcombe passed quickly with the strong tail-wind, and at Frocester, we decided to continue down to Saul and pick up more tail-wind along the river. One rider suggested a second stop at Wholly Gelatto, which could have been decisive in the Ladies Dancy Trophy, but a very heavy shower at Longney was sufficient to kill that idea off.

An excellent morning – 62 miles, 3,400′ ascent @ 16.1mph. Home in plenty of time to cheer on the Lionesses.