A very dull and damp day still saw a good turn-out, presumably catering for those wishing to escape the confines of house and family. The Captain led the mystery ride, and it was often a mystery to him as well as the others!
A standard exit from the City via Longlevens and Innsworth had one rider complaining – but they should have found an alternative way into the Square, so no compassion there. A bit of the Green Mile to the turning for Hayden, and a gentle ‘climb’ had our disgruntled rider once again calling foul. But all the others were happy enough.
On reaching the end of that lane and finding we were well ahead of schedule, the leader took a surprise left turn to fly over the motorway and hang a right to Staverton village. Howls of protest were heard, and ignored: some feared a left at the church, which is a very rough road at the best of times. But this was not the way, so on we pressed, taking the next left to enjoy the twisty road through Barrow. Passing the MOD establishment, even our ex-forces man was unable (unwilling?) to explain its presence. It remains a mystery…
Back at Boddington church, it was right and back to Staverton, then over to the airport and the M5 again. Nipping under the A40, we took, on the spur of the moment, the first left; across as cyclists can the western bypass and into The Reddings. Hatherley Lane saw us over the railway, and with our grumbling rider slightly ahead of the leader and turning right, the leader elected for a left turn. Because he could – it was a mystery ride after all!
To celebrate 1970’s sitcom Butterflies we turned into Bournside Road – this being an education for Jim, who was most appreciative. Theo was granted leave to extricate us out of the mess the Captain had got us into, with a carefully constructed route back to Cold Pool Lane. This involved a top secret cycle path from The Park to Salisbury Av. And another cycle path to Gratefield Lane. All very cunning.
Our disgruntled rider had fully recovered his normal jovial self, until a moments lack of attention saw him into the ditch: luckily a soft landing and no damage except to pride. A big thank you to JD for the entertainment!
It was plain sailing to Churchdown and Gloucester where refreshments were enjoyed at the Gala Club.
28 miles all in.
TW