A group of nine set off at a blistering pace, trying to get the busy Newent Road done quickly. Things settled down through Upleadon and Redmarley. Clencher’s Mill was avoided as previous reconnaissance revealed that the approach lane was covered in sand, so we continued to emerge half-way up the Hollybush.
The descent through Eastnor was taken cautiously with its notoriously poor surface, before turning and crossing back over the ridge at British Camp. The descent to Welland was made more exciting by a stiff cross wind, and one rider suffered speed wobbles. Many suggestions were made at coffee as to the solution, but its hard to distinguish fact from fiction in such a discussion.
Good coffee and cake consumed, we took advantage of the tail-wind to Strensham, before returning via Forthampton. I would like to report that the twins broke away with 10k to go, but there was no breakaway, and we had no twins..
A great morning out with good company, and nice cycling weather. No mechanicals or other incidents. 57 miles, 3,000′ ascent @ 15.8mph.
