Following the club photograph, non-riding club members disappearing in various directions and a bit of milling around, eight members set off down Quay St, losing a ninth rider before the leader had identified those present, then via the causeway to Maisemore then Hartpury. The original planned route containing maximal Leadon Crossings (eight) was discarded as too long and would have failed at the first crossing which was closed. Blackwells End then Forge End and Forge Lane took us to Upleadon. Onward to Brand Green and then Compton Green via an unseen pothole which initiated a problem that dogged one rider for the rest of the ride. The leader’s navigation became confused (again) when the outward journey crossed the planned return but was resolved with input from wiser heads. We continued through Three Ashes and Oxenhall and crossed the M50 on the Dymock road, through Dymock woods ( a particularly wonderful lane, mainly downhill) and into the town. After a short distance on the Leominster road we turned right to Tillers Green, crossed the Ross road and followed the lumpy Lilly Hall lane. It was then Falcon Lane to the Hereford road and then west to The Nest for coffee at 11:00.
After meandering service of coffee and assorted snacks, four set off to meander some more around Ledbury and four for home via the direct route via Dymock to Newent. From the B4216 we turned left at Anthony’s Cross on pleasant roads to Tibberton where we left the local rider. Then it was back to “main” Newent road to Over where we took the long winded cycle path into Gloucester docks and town centre. The remaining riders went their ways to home to enjoy what promised to be the best weather of the week.
Leaders distance 48miles.