Although it was Flanders weekend, the only Flanderian surface we had on our ride was through the City streets, heading out from King’s Square. A very sociable group of seven set off for Tintern, taking a direct, if hilly route through the Forest, on very wet roads, with occasional flooded patches. The long slog up to Sling enabled us to enjoy the plunge down Stowe Hill to Biggsweir Bridge and on to coffee at the Old Station.
The climb of Forge Road through the ancient iron works was very scenic, although the road resembled a stream at times. It also avoided the main road past Wyndcliff. A strong head/cross wind is often a significant factor in spring Belgium classics; in our case, it made the crossing of the Severn bridge “interesting” (others had different adjectives). The headwind back through the lanes to Berkeley would have suited a chain-gang style rotation, but the group chose sociability, and all stayed together. Second refreshment stop at Berkeley tea rooms fueled our return.
80 miles, 4,300′ ascent @13.7mph. Hats off to one rider who rode to/from Newent, which must have made about 120 miles for the day. IW
