Seventeen riders started the novice ride to Slimbridge. The ride leader would like to think it was because of his animal magnetism, however the truth was that they probably wanted to go on a ride and get home early before the forecasted storm blew in. There were a few new riders on the ride, including a father and son combo whom it would become clear must be mistake ha ha.
We set off down Southgate Street, and along the Bristol Road anticipating the pending storm that was expected at midday. Arriving at the traffic lights by the swing bridge, we headed straight over to the rear of KFC, and a momentary warning given out for the first (and only) breach of the highway laws to get us onto Sims Lane, and then onto the canal towpath. Turning right on Elmore Lane we travelled along the lane turning left at the T junction to avoid the climb up to Elmore Court. It was about this time that I understood that the father and son combo were very experienced riders and the young rider had, amongst other monster rides, ridden up Alpe d’Huez…. This not being a problem in itself, it did give the ride leader a little food for thought as to “who was leading who” on this ride. Turning left to negotiate the steady climb to drop down to the junction turning left to follow the river past the Anchor Inn to Saul. Turning left at Church Lane to avoid the potential disruption at Frampton from the annual fayre and over the canal and up Whitminster Lane one rider decided to set his own route through the Manor House grounds, joining us presently 400 mtrs or so further along the route. Hitting the small “kicker” after passing the solar farm, I alerted the young rider to prepare him, but no need: he blasted past me like Tadej Pogacar passing “everyone else in the peloton”. Turning right at the Bristol Road junction, two riders decided to make their own way back home, I assume in anticipation of the weather forecast, the remainder of the group stayed on the A38 to Cambridge turning right into Ryalls Lane. Though it is pertinent to mention the support from one of most experienced riders (Ali) who ensured all riders were aware of the route following a brief split dropping down to the junction. Turning left along Longaston Lane, the finally right at the junction and on into “the Black Shed”. I must mention the two riders that “jumped off the front” to get to the coffee stop to avoid the queue “shame on you” but it’s something I probably would have done myself.
Contemplating the impending storm forecasted, we had a relatively quick refreshment stop, and just before setting off, we felt a few spots of rain. I was not aware that it was in the ride leaders Terms & Conditions to control the weather, so maybe I have misunderstood the role because the “bullying and harassment” encountered must be noted.However I shall not be mentioning any names at this point. One rider took a more direct route home, however the remainder of the group detoured along the lane past the “Dogs & Cats Home” to Westend and on through Frocester. Through Frocester and into Kings Stanley the young rider seemed to be getting stronger and stronger, or maybe we are just getting older and slower. His father made me feel a bit better by confirming that he would probably need to “burn him out a bit more” before he gets home, so at least we were not “just old men”. We carried on through Stonehouse where again the same rider made his own route to avoid a set of temporary lights. Now as the ride leader I demand prior notice of any changes to the route, so to the prominent committee member (you know who you are, Toby) no more please ha ha. Through Standish & Haresfield riders began to peel, off getting home as soon as they could hoping to avoid the storm.
In completing this report, I can confirm that everyone got home safe and dry. Ironically at 14.13 the predicted storm has not arrived as yet.