A mild but breezy morning greeted any early risers, with overnight rain having left several damp areas – dark clouds were looming all around presaging the forecast heavy downpours. Maybe this put some people off, as only seven riders gathered at the Square. Setting off promptly at 8:30 we were joined by one latecomer, and were soon on our way up London Road enjoying the quiet roads to be found at this time on a Sunday morning. The route via Oxstalls Lane was very wet but the rain had already fallen so we remained dry and things appeared to be brightening slightly. After Hatherley Manor we suffered an early disruption as the Captain experienced a terminal deflation to his front tyre. Efficiently mended, we were soon on our way again and avoiding more puddles on the way to Wainlodes Hill. After the descent we were perplexed by what appeared to be a white bird of prey perched on a tree to our left – it did have grey wings I think, so (after some research) maybe a sparrowhawk?
Continuing to Apperley and beyond to Deerhurst the weather was becoming increasingly pleasant, although still rather cloudy and a fine tailwind was helping us along nicely. I had decided not to chance getting past the road closure at Bozard’s Lane (Tredington) and chose instead to go via Cursey Lane and Stoke Orchard (where we briefly shared the space with the Ladies’ Ride), then through Cleeve on the old road and towards Gotherington, where we were passed by the Tempo ride and were able to get an update on their change of plan. By this time things were warming up nicely and we took the tried and tested route via Prescott (hooting steam engines and loud hill climbing echoing around) and through Gretton, turning left then left again after the Royal Oak. Here one rider went directly to Hailes and with another having waved bye bye at Cleeve we were down to a half dozen.
A lovely bit of smooth tarmac took us up and down to the Teddington-Toddington road where we headed east for a while then turned left to enjoy the rather pleasant and quiet Church Lane, to then pass Toddington railway station where the steam train event was causing congestion – the ride leader here narrowly avoiding a self-inflicted coming together with a reversing coach that had headed for the wrong parking area. No matter, we were soon back in the lanes via Didbrook and arrived at coffee right on time at 11 a.m. where we found the ladies (and Neville) already ensconced.
31 miles to elevenses, and no rain!
Leaving Hayles Farm’s acceptable refreshments behind, seven descended to the main road, passing Hailes Abbey and many steam railway enthusiasts along the way. Perhaps expecting forecast hail shortly, three made their farewells to head directly home, leaving four stalwarts to briefly retrace their outward route initially to Stanway. Then, in lanes whose abundant mature hedges provided some shelter from a freshening westerly wind, progress was made to Wormington. And there, once more, our day’s traffic light genie hid in his bottle. Alas, what a day for red lights!
But the delay was brief and soon Dumbleton was behind us, even if the wind was more noticeable. Crossing our bêt noir, the A46, led us soon to the Col de Conderton, and gave our esteemed Captain a chance to steady the pace.
While lanes through Kemerton, Northway and Tredington were familiar territory to the quartet, the skyscape provided a changing background: many shades of grey and white. Somewhere along the way a buzzard appeared, a more certain identification than the peregrine/harrier before coffee. However, by now, further refreshment and the visible prospect of an external soaking became more compelling of our attention. And so, to The House in the Tree. There, with Bank Holiday multitudes favouring outdoor seating, we settled within. Somewhat later we appreciated that all of us had enjoyed a dry day.
TB/MG