Six riders left King’s Square by an unusual route, due to the work in the Square. A further two, who came up with various excuses for being late, joined us in Matson, and we took to the familiar route up Nut Hill and Buckholt Road to Foston’s Ash. A cautious descent of the Old Neighourhood led us to the long and steep Hyde Hill.
Regrouping at the Ragged Cot, we took a descent that felt as though it lasted forever, through Avening to Nailsworth. The final hill to coffee was the brutal Forest Green, which was probably a hill too far for one rider. Excellent coffee and cake at the busy Thistledown cafe was followed by a cold descent of Frocester and a battle into the wind home via Haresfield.