8 Riders gathered at the square on a hot summer morning to try out the “open Invitation introductory” ride. Amongst the riders were a good number of experienced riders in addition to the 3 published leaders, which would go on to make to safety and enjoyment of
the rider an even better experience. Letting the “fast guys” go first (for fear of embarrassing them by passing them later on), we set off out of town down Northgate Street, and made our way our along Kingsholm, and Sandhurst Rd, taking care at St Oswalds Rd we made our way along Sandhurst Lane. The lane seemed busier than usual certainly before J Royles Skip Hire, but seemed to quieten down a bit thereafter, that said there were a few occasions where we had to “pull in” to let patient drivers pass and keep everyone safe.
Meandering along the lane at 09:15 on a summer’s morning in 23+ degrees was quite a change, although this year being not a normal summer it surely seemed quite normal. With a steady pace we hit the A38 and turning left we split into two groups reforming just before Wainlode Lane. At the crest of hill at Wainlode Lane there was a brief safety check to ensure everyone would be comfortable descending (at their own pace) down past the Red Lion Pub, and eventually reforming at the main road into Tirley. Turning left and splitting into two groups again along the B4213 over the Haw Bridge then turning left along the Ham Road towards Ashleworth, we were making good pace and it was looking like we would be right on our scheduled time for our well-earned break at the Village Hub. Along the lane we passed a few horses (with riders) on the way and they all seemed quite calm and accustomed to our presence which is not always the case, and finally a driver coming the opposite was which seem to be in such a hurry that it flew pass us giving us little space and would have need to break quite hard to avoid running into some horse riders. Apart from that, we made it to the hub safely looking forward to our refreshments.
One of the leaders made a false accusation that two other leaders trying to queue jump but there was no video evidence of this incident so….it didn’t happen. At the Hub we met up with Howard who had made his own way there where he also became a valued member of
the leadership support team on the way back home.
After a hearty break relaxing the Mediterranean climate, we headed back to town, not before posing for a group photo (thanks Marie) of the “motley Crew”. At the junction of the A417, Adrian left us, and we decided to take the shorter but decidedly steeper route
back over the Over Old Road, giving riders the option to either “take on the hill” or “take it easy” neither option was a problem as we all
regrouped at the top and enjoyed to club’s hill decent coarse with no one beating Colins record distance without pedalling. Regrouping at the junction near the village hall we agreed to take the cycle route along the river avoiding the A417 traffic. Yet again the strength of the team was evident where a leader spotted an obstacle on the patch and duly made sure all riders got past safely. We finally ended our ride at the footbridge at Severn Road with riders then peeling off and making their way to their respective homes.
There is no doubt that this ride out was made extra special, enjoyable and safe with the help of the whole team of experiences riders who all played their part either by supporting the rearguard, encouraging riders, raising awareness when appropriate, recording the day and ensuring safe passage along the cycle track.
It really does require “team work, to make the dream work”