There’s been a lot in the news lately about failures of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete but there were no such concerns at this morning’s destination, the Cotswold Coffee Bar – its lintel had no reinforcement at all and had been condemned, closing the café to visitors pending repair.
But enough about the destination, Sunday rides are all about the journey, and what a ride it was! First, we had a tour of Mr. B’s (name omitted to spare his blushes) cherished life moments as we passed where he used to work, where he used to live, where he was born, and the route he uses for his commute. Though we passed the crematorium it fortunately has yet to play its part!
Then we had the pleasure of a man versus horse race up Upton Hill as a rider emerged by the King’s Head. The horse took an early lead and was increasing it but, since his climb stopped at Springbank Stables, Club members were able to claim the moral victory when they topped out the climb above Watery Lane.
All this excitement did not distract from the clock, which was ticking and telling the ride leader that his planned route was too ambitious so, after crossing the golf course, we headed for Sheepscombe, Jack’s Green and Bull’s Cross, enjoying lovely views of Painswick as the mist cleared. Alas, unknown to all, poor Daryl was waiting in vain at Cranham crossroads, eventually to make his own way to coffee.
The smooth tarmac on the descent into Stroud was enjoyed by all; the busy A46 through Stroud to the Old Fleece Inn not so much. Relief came with a pedestrian bridge over the Nailsworth Stream and a few steps up to the cycle path. A ramp for accompanying cycles was used by some, but others have obviously been watching Van Aert and Van der Poel this winter and shouldered their machines for the short climb.
Despite the revised route we were clearly not going to reach Tetbury before eleven but rather than stop in Nailsworth the riders demanded more, so that ‘s what they got. On the Avening Road (another bit of lovely surface) out of Nailsworth we passed the café where Mr. B. met his wife, then saw views of Gatcombe Park, revealed by some recent forestry clearance. No sign of Princess Anne, though. The final descent into Tetbury erased all memory of the earlier savage climbs, but the smiling faces fell when, as noted above. the coffee stop proved to be “Closed due to Unforeseen Circumstances”. Local knowledges saved the day and turned those frowns upside down at the Whistle Stop Café, which had tables set up for us to enjoy the warm interior of the Goods Shed Arts Centre.
Much discussion about the route home didn’t achieve unanimity, with Chavenage and Cherington being the options. Those who chose the latter encountered several fords as Cherington Pond was expanding after recent rain. After delivering some newsletters, the President emerged onto Rodborough Common just in time to see the main party descending Butterow, bound for the Ale House. After another few deliveries he caught Mr. B. at Little Haresfield and they rode back together, getting home just before a brief but heavy shower. Perfect timing.
More pictures from today’s ride can be found in the Club rides gallery:
