Four riders left the square on an overcast Sunday morning heading to Slimbridge. Gloucester was departed via Northgate Street through to the Quays when we crossed the swing bridge and onto the Gloucester to Sharpness canal towpath. Passing many anglers setting themselves up for a day of fishing, we continued on the towpath until the Pilot Inn. Then along the lane through Elmore and Longney. On reaching Framilode a right turn into Passage Road, took the group towards the River Severn and along Overton Lane before joining the Arlingham Road towards Frampton. A left before the swing bridge back towards Framilode and then to Saul Junction and Whitminster. Crossing the A38 and through the lanes to Nupend before a gently climb to Eastington and onto Claypitts Garage and back to the A38. A quick trip down the slope to Cambridge, when we turned off the main road and away from the traffic. Through the back lanes of Cambridge and into Slimbridge where we arrived at the Black Shed Café, just before the moderate riders turned up.
The groups split after coffee, with some heading off for a further loop and a beer stop, while the rest headed back to Gloucester. With the wind behind us we made great progress back along the A38 before turning back into the lanes and heading towards Frampton on Severn. A pitstop was made for an ice cream which was a nice surprise and very tasty. A special mention must go to Penny who joined us for the first time and completed 45 miles.