The inaugural “intermediate” ride attracted an ideal group size of six riders. An early rebellion from the timekeeper who wanted to experience the suffering of those she waved off on the U7B meant that we took the main road out of Maisemore, and thus were temporarily ahead of the tempo ride, although this was rectified around Highleadon, and we settled down on a reasonably flat parcours to Much Marcle. Avoiding Cider Mill Hill took us along the foot of the Marcle ridge with some steep pitches, but thankfully not the incredibly steep pitch near Putley, despite it being promised.
Coffee saw a brief rendezvous with the tempo riders, and with Newent Cycle Group, who knew one of our riders. The return saw a squirrel trying to outrun us on one lane. Obviously those at the front didn’t know of the C&CCC rider who was hospitalized by a squirrel a few years ago. Other than that, it was a very pleasant, if cold ride with no incidents. A great success, and hopefully setting the scene for more to come this summer.
IW
48 miles, 3,000′ ascent @ 13.3mph.
