Three gathered at the Square in cool but dry conditions. We were soon joined by a fourth rider on the ascent to Highnam. From here it was on familiar lanes to the steep ascent of Glasshouse – a taste of things to come. The descent to Aston Ingham is as poor as usual but all navigated successfully. Then up to the ridge road to the top of Lea – fine if slightly disturbing views over towards Wales – limited visibility due to the assembling clouds.
Undaunted we descended into Mitcheldean, swiftly followed by the ascent, not swift, of Stenders. Drybrook was soon upon us – and still dry. The slopes up to Ruardean, close to the highest point in the forest, did for our leader and she was forced to abandon, calling for the broom wagon, which duly arrived.
The descent to the Wye valley was on a perfectly smooth surface, tempered only by a strongly gusting wind. Then down the valley to Lower Lydbrook, where our third counter turned for home, a planned manoeuvre.
Down to two, it was onwards on the road to English Bicknor – but a left turn on a tiny road marked ‘Unsuitable for Long Vehicles’ was deemed wise by the Captain, now stand-in leader. This proved to be perfectly good, apart from the final 500 yds where the surface had given up. No matter, back onto tarmac we progressed ever upwards, passing Eastbach Court, a quite splendid property.
This took us to the main A4136 – fortunately very quiet – and all the way to Monmouth: a 3.5 mile descent, again with a disturbing anti-wind. Navigation through the back streets of town soon had us crossing the old Monnow bridge and a short hop to The Red Door café at Mitchel Troy, arriving at 11.10, dry but windswept, on 35 miles. Tea and cakes were quickly devoured.
The slightly late arriving Tempo group were greeted before we set off once again – tail wind assist! Back to Monmouth, over the Wye and down to Redbrook for the long climb up to Newland and Clearwell castle, then Sling. Another never-ending descent to Park End was enjoyed; less so the climb out, to arrive at The Rising Sun at Moseley Green, where a music festival had just started: timing! Shelter was most welcome as the rain fell, but not on us! Timing!
Seeing a smidge of blue sky indicated it was time to go: the descent to Blackpool bridge was cool, the climb warming. Spring water was taken on at Shapridge in the Flaxley Abbey valley. Then it was easy riding home via Birdwood, Bulley Lane and Tibberton.
73 miles, 4995ft climbing. Dry. No mechanicals. What a way to end the club cycling year!
TW