We headed out over Westgate Bridge and briefly joined the A40 before turning onto the cycle path behind Over Farm and continuing through to Highnam. Here, Malcolm T left the group to tackle a gravel route, planning to meet us later at the café.
Back to ten riders, we continued along the main road before turning through Tibberton and the quieter lanes to Huntley and Blaisdon. There we picked up Howard, who had been patiently waiting and enjoying the sunshine as it finally began to break through the clouds. Shortly afterwards, Jeff joined us after riding directly down the A40, bringing the group up to twelve.
From Blaisdon we continued through the lanes to Longhope before rejoining the A40 for the first of four notable climbs of the day. We climbed steadily to Box Bush before descending into Lea, where the traffic lights turned red at just the wrong moment, bringing everyone to a halt. The route then climbed once more out of Lea before turning left at Pontshill, winding through the lanes to Walford and over Kerne Bridge. Two riders left us here, stopping at Hen & Dots Café before heading back to Gloucester.
The remaining ten riders climbed from Kerne Bridge to Goodrich before turning towards Symonds Yat. Although the President suggested tackling another climb out of Symonds Yat, the ride leader stuck with the planned route along the Peregrine Cycle Path. Riding alongside the River Wye, we passed plenty of canoeists making the most of the warm weather. The two gravel bike riders in the group particularly enjoyed this section, disappearing ahead with the enthusiasm of children let loose in a playground.
We regrouped at Monmouth Bridge before riding through the town, crossing the pedestrian bridge at the bottom of Monnow Street, and making our way over the A40 to the Red Door Café & Deli in Mitchel Troy. The refreshments were well deserved, and before long Malcolm T arrived, having successfully linked together as many gravel tracks as he could find.
After coffee and cake, we set off towards Monmouth once more, but a shortcut across the old railway bridge provided one of the day’s biggest talking points. Its uneven, lumpy surface proved more challenging than expected (see attached photo). Two riders managed to stay mounted, putting their gravel bike skills to good use, while the rest eventually admitted defeat and walked across.
Back on the road, we headed towards Redbrook, where a left turn signalled the second major climb of the day, reaching gradients of up to 13%. A quick drinks stop at the next junction gave everyone a chance to recover before we continued climbing through Newland and on to Clearwell. Riding along Clearwell High Street, we reached Sling, where the third significant climb began immediately after a sharp right turn onto a leg-testing 15% gradient.
The road continued through Ellwood before descending towards Parkend. During the descent, a young deer suddenly bounded from the woods in front of two riders, causing a brief spike in heart rates and a reminder to stay alert.
The fourth and final major climb awaited on Yorkley Road, where we also encountered an impressive stream of Mazda MX-5s travelling to and from what appeared to be a club gathering.
At this point the gravel riders chose a different route home, disappearing into the forest and, as far as the rest of us were concerned, vanishing without trace.
The remaining riders continued through Soudley, making sure no one was left behind on the climb out of the village. A long descent followed before we rode through the lanes to Littledean, then on through Flaxley, passing the Abbey. Shortly afterwards the group split, with some riders heading to Blaisdon for a well-earned pint while the rest continued through Northwood Green, Upper Ley and eventually Birdwood.
From Birdwood, the decision was made to take the main road back to Gloucester and make full use of the welcome tailwind. Jim took to the front and towed the group home at an excellent pace. Once back in Gloucester, riders gradually peeled away towards home for some well-earned rest.
By the end of the day, we had covered 68 miles and climbed approximately 3,800 feet—a challenging but thoroughly enjoyable ride with good company, great scenery, and plenty of memorable moments.