In the absence of the designated B ride leader, a composite ride was formed and twelve hardy souls took the challenge – or more accurately declined the challenge of the Sports ride option. The route out was reasonably swift, a tail wind in assistance, along the A40 and then A48 to Minsterworth.
At the first opportunity a left turn was taken, new to some. This delightful road cuts around the back of the village, re-joining the A48 past the church.
Another stint on the A48 (part 2 of 3) took us up Chax Hill for another left turn to Rodley. It was along here that the group encountered a large wagon replete with cattle. The leading riders were obliged to take to a very muddy farm track to avoid the monster. A slight delay for others to manoeuvre into hedges then allowed the beast to proceed.
The slight climb into Rodley presented the fine tin church, featured in this weeks Citizen, and still in use: next service Sunday 18th December.
Heading back to the A48 we encountered another rolling road block, this time a sizeable tractor with wide trailer. Careful navigation was required to pass – all did so successfully.
We then hit the A48 for the third and final time. To the surprise of some we progressed another mile or so, past the water gardens and under the railway, to tee to the lanes once again. From were, on a rarely used road (by the ride leader, and a first for some) which joined the traditional route to Flaxley Abbey and up to Littledean. Some took the option to check out Green Bottom, a true delight and nothing to be concerned about – note to those that took the bypass!
Descending to Soudeley ponds we encountered a profusion of hedge cuttings, and then the culprit. Another minor delay to get past, then on to our destination, the Dean Heritage Centre, where we were made most welcome in the warm and dry.
A mere 20 miles, half in the dank drizzle.
The post coffee leg saw 7 head for Ruspridge and the gloom. Taking the low road to Steam Mills and then Drybrook, the gentle ascent to the top was a good warm-up. The long descent all the way to the A40 was taken with care, the surface being poor and wet. The drizzle continued.
Ignoring road closure signs, it was on to Lea, the climb to Box Bush and back into Gloucestershire (points at the border taken by the Captain). Pressing on to Longhope and then Blaisdon, we found the Red Hart rather too full for our liking. Leaving one rider in the warmth of the crowd, the remaining 6 took off to Huntley, only to find the Red Lion not open until later in the afternoon. Plan C: Newent and The George. This was indeed open and had space for damp, thirsty cyclists. A relief!
With the gloom turning to darkness, the route home was settled: Upleadon, Hartpury and a whiz on the A417.
All told some 57 miles, mainly in the gloom. But at least it did not rain!