Volunteering to supplement the existing choices drew three supporters and so Maz, Sam and Jim joined MG on this spontaneous venture.
With drizzle misting all in sight the rolling familiarity of Sneedhams Green and Brookthorpe briskly gave way to the Col de Stroud Green and the Kings Stanley by-pass. The ascent to Uley proved trivial for all, before our first defaulter opted for early Dursley fare. Then it was down hill all the way before the remaining trio set their watches to precisely 11:00 a.m.: the scheduled arrival at the Black Shed.
Joining forces with veterans of the AA ride, a quartet – noteworthy by the inclusion of a cyclo tyro – gained the heights of Stinchcombe and Uley before coasting down to The Red Lion at Arlingham. For the second consecutive week the real cyclists unearthed a committee member enjoying off-the-bike scoff at the optional lunch stop.
Thereafter it was an into the wind return, just for the captain to do some veg shopping. 70 miles for this out of towner.