Sunday 6th October and the weather forecast was fair. I thought it was going to be a fairly sparse turnout for the published ride (A Novice) but “low and behold” there was nine experienced riders who opted to share the ride, so no pressure with the route chosen then…. Also, I think I should give a special “shout out” to Jane who turned out after completing a “Lands’ End to John a Groats” epic recently.
Felicitations over, we set off south down Southgate Street and onto the Bristol Road. Staying on the road until turning right onto the Hempsted Lane Bridge and then South onto to the canal tow path. It would not be unkind to mention the subtle negative reception we seemed to collect while negotiating the numerous fisher-persons on the path, while observing what seemed to be an unusually large proportion of children in open canoes on the canal, all with lifejackets on though (Health & Safety boxes ticked then). Along the path until we hit the Rea Swing Bridge turning right along Elmore Lane. At the end of the lane, we turned right taking the slightly longer route through Elmore and Longley, turning right just past the primary school to head down to the Anchor Inn. Just before arriving into Saul, we turned right into passage Road to “do” the Arlingham Loop circling round to come back over the bridge going past the Bell Inn. Turning left at Whitminster Road there was a “Road Closed Ahead” sign. We decided to press on hoping that (as usual) cyclists would be able to sneak through. Passing three further signs it was getting a little nervy as to whether we would get through, however just at the sight of the new (controversial) “solar panel farm” the road was muddy but passable. Mud on some rider’s wheels seemed to create a little disquiet in the group who (it would seem) did not wish to clean their bikes after the ride, but on the other hand who wanted to turn round and take an alternative route? Up to the A38 and straight over down to Westend, turning left and through the new “Great Oldbury” estate, and then left again at the Oldends lane Island. We took a new route through the Stonehouse estate emerging on the High Street just before the La Campagna restaurant. Still on time but aware of the grumblings caused by the “muddy tyres” we decided to go through Stonehouse and turn left at the island along the Ebley Road (instead of using the lower cycle track) to finally get into Stroud. Taking the second exit at the Cainscross island along Cainscross Road and left along the A46 we dropped down to our coffee stop, the “Star Anise” café.
The café had quite a “Bohemian” atmosphere and seemed to cater for a particular type of customer. With that, some of the group decided to quench their appetites elsewhere, but five sophisticated souls remained….
With the coffee stop being so near to the “Slad Road” surprisingly most of the group decided to head back via this route, it must be said this must be one of the best “climbs” to do without feeling shattered at the end.
JA