A forecast good weather day saw a baker’s dozen turn out for the Moderate ride to Clive’s at Cropthorne. The Captain, standing in for the official ride leader, sadly called to work, led the group out via Kingsholm and Escourt Road (not Avenue as advertised!), thence onto the ‘Green Lane’ that is the cycle Super-Highway. It’s not the smoothest of surfaces but needs must. At Hayden Lane we left the green stuff for black stuff, over towards Kingsditch. The section of road on the gentle descent is being renovated – first by removal of the top-coat: very rough. But soon to be super-smooth, we hope. Pain now, gain later.
Around Swindon village and onto one of my favourite little lanes, with a level crossing taking us into Brockhampton. Here we found thatched cottages, runners and a confused motorist – we passed her on both sides as she patiently waited, transfixed by our sudden appearance.
Some shunned the Green Lane into Bishops Cleeve, some used it – and were much delayed in getting back across when it ended: another example of Highways installing lights with top priority for motor vehicles. Reuniting in the village (claiming now to be the biggest in the country) we picked our way through a street party – for the grand opening of the Super-Highway to Cheltenham, I believe. We dallied not, proceeding to Gotherington to catch any number of very expensive sports cars making their way to Prescot hill climb. The delights of Dixton and Alstone were soon behind us. A zip on the newly surfaced B4077 to Alderton – to appreciate three hares on a thatched roof – delightful; and The Farmer’s Arms. Thence to Beckford, where one rider struck for home; but another joined us, so we remained at 13.
A loop was taken to take in Grafton, a first on this road for all those present. Descending back to the ‘main lane’ we had a close call with a Red Kite, soon followed by a Common Buzzard. Onwards to Aston under Hill where more street activity was being prepared – this time for open gardens: a bus was even available, great organisation. Numerous cyclists were passing in the opposite direction, including a good group of Evesham Wheelers, as well as many ladies from Women on Wheels partaking in a treasure hunt.
National Cycle Network route 41, which we had been following for a while, branched off on the Salt Way – a track, quite passable. Surprisingly, MT, our ex-President and well known for taking such opportunities, shunned the gravel for the road! Two riders went with him, so the remaining 10 braved the track. Aside from one little bit of mud, it was fine. A surprise right followed by a left took us further north with views of Evesham. Mutterings of concern were made, the time now 10.50am. But the leader was determined for another loop, so it was another surprise right then left to drop quite steeply down into the beautiful village of Charlton (no, not the same as the Championship team) nestled close to the Avon. The Farmer’s Arms pub looked inviting – the second of the day! You go down – of course, it was now up, on a ‘closed’ road to Cropthorne. Here a final bonus loop before coffee and another new lane, taking us to the main Evesham – Pershore road. No more monkey business – directly to Clive’s to find the Tempo riders settled in. Not bad timing, 11.10am. 32 miles.
All refreshed it was off back home – the fast boys setting of first, and fast. It was good to have the opportunity for the speedier Moderate riders to hop across – two did. That left eight. Then four, as half the group went home via Cheltenham; the other four were intent on looping Bredon Hill, so took the very scenic road to Bricklehampton with it’s splendid avenue of copper beech trees and an impressive ox-eye daisy filled field with thatched cottage beyond – very English. The came the tranquil villages of Little and Great Combertons, both with little loops available, both taken – of course we did!
The road to Natford presented a great view of the Malvern hills to the west; also a circling Red Kite with a Common Buzzard perched on a telegraph pole – watching the Kite and watching us as we watched it. Magnificent. More new roads looping through the back streets of Eckington; then the loop up to Breedon’s Norton, for a final pre-lunch stop loop at Lower Westmancote: enough loops, time for lunch! A very fast (illegal) and noisy (illegal) motorbike disturbed us whilst going under the M5 at Bredon – otherwise all was calm. The Captain spotted some fairly rare Pyramid Orchids in the hedgerow – not convinced anyone else spotted these gems. Pay attention, people!
The pub that won our favour and money was the old-fashioned Cross Keys Inn at Hardwick Bank. A delight in the weak but warm sun in the beer garden.
Post refreshments it was back to Glos via well-travelled lanes: Northway, Treddington, Hardwicke (yes, with an ‘e), Staverton – splitting for our own ways home.
All in all, a good day out. Around 65 miles – and I believe for one rider, her longest ride ever, good preparation for her outing next week: London to Brighton. Good luck, Anna.