Following one of the hottest weeks of the year the weather forecast for the ride was relatively cool at a mere 20°C, cloudy with the possibility of showers. However, the quality of the
riders opting for the novice ride was exceptionally high. There was one new rider and another father and son combo who had ridden before, with the remainder being “old experienced
hands”.
We set off down Southgate Street and along the Bristol Road intending to divert onto the canal bank at Hempstead Lane. That access way was blocked so we proceeded up to the traffic lights and took the “back route” past KFC and on to Sims Lane, then left on to the canal path and then right to Elmore Lane. I may have slightly misjudged the weather as with a long sleeve top and Gilet I was getting a bit warm, as the weather was better that I expected. Checking that everyone was feeling ok with the pace at the junction I decided to take the longer loop past Elmore Hall. I was conscious of the climb up to the Hall for the Junior rider, but no worries he was taking the climb in his stride so “all good”.
Continuing along the lane through Longney and Epney turning left along Church Lane over the canal and left again up to Whitminster, the development of the size of the Solar Farm was a
talking point, but progress is progress……..isn’t it?
Over the A38 and down through Westend then turning left just before the A419, was quite a surprise to one of the more experienced riders who noted that this estate was a field the last
time he rode in this area. Through the Great Oldbury estate and left at Oldens Lane, cutting through the estate to come out along Stonehouse High Street was suppose to be a short cut but
ended up a long cut after being stuck behind a bus. Down the High Street and left along Ebley Road, turning right down Ryeford Rd and left onto the cycle track parallel to the A419. Crossing the A419 to go “under the tunnel” on to the cycle track (I am told the old train track) skirting the Bath Road to Nailsworth. As we got to the Coffee stop the 08.30 group had just arrived so both our timings were spot on.
A small group decided to return via the Slad climb which is always a “nice climb” in good weather, but we managed to catch a shower a various place on our return home.
Shout out to the young rider who is getting stronger and stronger, and we hope to be able to say we rode with him when he wins the TDF.
JA