The 8.30am start did not deter too many as a group of eight had assembled. It would have been nine, but for a late arrival…
The group set off in cool but dry conditions, heading for the west bank and the only categorised climb of the day up to Woolridge Hill. Views to the north were of their usual high standard. A few wet roads were encountered, indicating a shower just missed – timing is everything. A standard route with a strong tailwind saw rapid progress to Forthampton and the Gloucestershire / Worcestershire border. Here the fun began, the Captain being keen for riders not to guess the way. Sure enough, it was straight up the avenue to the Corse Lawn road (our only mechanical, a shipped chain for Theo), where right to Long Green and around to the Rampings and Slades Green. A zip along the B road, then west on the straight Longdon Marshes Road, usually travelled in the opposite direction, to our old favourite, The Farmer’s Arms. Skirting the pub (not open yet) and on to Castlemorton and Little Welland. More surprise turns took us to Hook Bank, then Gilver’s Lane – new roads for most of the group. At last, a bit of a larger road with maximum tailwind benefit, to Hanley Swan. A touch further north, having tired of easy riding, the leader took in more tiny lanes, eventually popping out on the Upton / Worcester road – much to everyone’s surprise. From here it was but half a mile further to the designated rest point, the jolly nice Alpaca Meadows café. We had arrived a touch early, 10.50am, but our missing rider was already tucking into a cream tea, having failed to make the start on time and then went on the east bank, so missing us.
The next lesson (after the need to arrive in time for departure) was to always carry some cash – electronics are prone to fail, and the card machine was playing up. The Bank of Wooldridge stepped in with emergency loans for those cashless folk – and as a reminder, the interest is mounting! All were well fed and watered – and most reasonable were the prices, as was the quality on offer. This is one to go back to in future.
Post rest, all took the road south to Upton where the headwind was most unappreciated. Upton was heaving with Blues festival fans, but we negotiated our way over the bridge. Here we parted company with the three heading for lunch at the Monkey House at Defford. The rest took a last fey looping lanes to Naunton, Uckinghall and Puckrup before a blast on the A38 to Tewkesbury. A sign to Stratford at an unlikely place proved to be correct – there is indeed a Stratford, on the A38. One for the 3 Cities riders next weekend!
Lanes through Walton Cardiff and the usual way back to Piffs Elm and Staverton were ‘enjoyed’, before more joy alongside the cycle super-highway past the airport / Dowtys – still under construction. Splits after this point as riders too their best way home. 60 miles. Dry & Windy. TW
The lunch gang’s route included the new Bluebell Farm roundabout at the A38, which provides good facilities for cyclists. The Pub was full of old folk who looked as if they had been there for ever but were very welcoming. Cider was really good, am I converted? We couldn’t stay longer as they only took cash and we had precious little left. Cash twice in one day, is this part of climate change?
Ride back was into the wind the whole way; hedges sheltered us from time to time. Route was Strensham, Twyning, Tewkesbury and Piffs Elm where at the Old Spot refuge from the wind was taken as well as beer and cider. Beer doesn’t taste good after cider, although some say it is a good rider! It was then to Boddington where we tested the brand new surface which was very very good but why they had to replace the old which was ok, I am not sure.