6 riders opted for the club ride to Hailes, however the designated leader wasn’t available so as I was prepared for this eventuality I took the lead, having mentally prepared a possible route. We set off up London Road and then Oxstalls Lane, where a white hatchback, desperate to overtake, shot past and cut in rapidly so rapidly that Simon didn’t even have time to remonstrate! He did remark that it had given his right leg a closer shave…
We had a few like that on our ride, although the other couple were not as close, but fortunately no other adverse incidents. Taking Frogfurlong Lane, as we approached the end of the lane there was much consternation in the group as I indicated left, not the expected right, heading west instead of east. But no matter, because after taking the swift descent of Wainlode Hill and beyond to Apperley village we started to head in the right direction. All aided by a good tailwind that made the going rather easy. Onto the A38 northbound and then via the Odessa to Tredington and the lovely Bozards Lane – road closed, but no real barrier or disturbed surfaces so ideal for cyclists, of whom we saw several. Crossing the road we took the lane into Woolstone and thence to Gotherington for the familiar route towards Winchcombe, with a small diversion through the old part of Greet (very picturesque, on a lovely September morning) and down to the main road towards Toddington, Then as I indicated right to go to Hailes, one rider behind (who shall remain nameless) called out that it was the second right, and for some reason I obeyed, only to find myself wondering why this road seemed ‘wrong’ and why were we going under the railway…. light dawned and I realised we were on the Didbrook road, so a quick about-turn was performed and soon enough we were heading in the right direction, avoiding random pedestrians on junctions and so on, arriving at around 10:55 to find the gravel riders (early starters) already seated outside. Unfortunately by this time the sunshine had deserted us but it remained dry and not cold. Although hot drinks were very welcome!