Once Foston’s Ash was gained, our group of eight riders settled down to enjoy the beautiful countryside around us, bathed in summer sunshine. After the Daneway drop, Garmin reported that Sapperton was our last hill; tht’s really getting the climbing done early in the ride!
Pogacar had other committments this afternoon, so he left us in Sapperton, which removed any pressure to push on too hard, as we continued at a fair, but enjoyable pace. Passing under the often-flooded railway bridge near Ewen, we passed the fast group, who were repairing a puncture, but luckily our group was not so inflicted. They passed us again in Oaksey, and a Tyndale rider joined us from their group. On arrival at the Summer Cafe in Malmesbury, I was surprised to hear our cafe expert announce that she had never been to this cafe. Coffee, cake and service were all excellent, and I have no doubt that she will be back.
Although the return from Malmesbury climbs around 500′, it is so gradual that it is barely perceptable, particularly with a SE wind. We passed the Beaufort Polo Fields before regaining familiar territory at Kingscote and plunging down Frocester hill to finish a really enjoyable ride, with a well matched group. The forecast thunderstorms never materialised.
62 miles, 3,300′ ascent @15.7mph.
IW