Six riders had gathered at the square on a cool but windy morning heading towards Stroud on the club’s novice ride. Prior to leaving, we were joined by a further two riders who had initially headed out, on the 8:30am ride, but returned after having second thoughts.
The group, now of eight, headed up Southgate Street over the cross and a right turn heading towards the Police Station where we turned left and headed towards the quays. Over the swing bridge and onto the canal towpath. Staying on the path we worked our way down towards Hempsted, when we were advised by walkers that a tree had fallen down by the winds of Storm David, and was covering the route through the wooded area just before the houses. We continued on the route and reached the fallen tree that was passed with just a little adjustment and no real bother.
On the towpath through to Quedgeley, then onto the road and a quick cut through behind Tesco’s and over the bridge at The Pilot Inn and into the country lanes. Here we stayed meandering through to Saul where we turned right and headed through to Framilode. Once through Framilode we turned left back onto the road towards Frampton on Severn.
At this point the wind was nicely pushing us along and the group were glad to be out of the headwind. Along to the Bell Inn at Frampton and a left turn heading towards Whitminster then over the dual carriageway and down towards Westend. On reaching Westend the group worked their way through the new housing estate and eventually out onto the main road in Stonehouse. At this point one rider headed back home as he had other commitments.
The rest of the group headed through Stonehouse, Ebley, Cainscross and eventually to Stroud where refreshments were taken and we met with the 8:30am group that had taken a hillier route to Stroud.
DM