Following a couple of days of high winds and heavy rain, 9 intrepid riders gathered at the Square for the early start to Coleford. There was still rather a headwind and lots of grey cloud, but the forecast was largely for dry weather. Setting off west to Over Farm the wind didn’t seem too bad so good progress was made through Highnam and on to the Newent road. Here one keen rider was outpacing the group and had to be reigned in – however, he was planning to turn back early and the rest of us were pacing ourselves for the hills to come! Whitehall Lane was used to get to Tibberton – those potholes are getting worse however all made it through with no mishaps, even those without gravel bikes. Thence to Kent’s Green (where John shipped his chain but was soon going again) and on up to take advantage of the Newent south-west bypass (Conigree Lane) to get to Kilcot where the lane behind the pub was used to avoid the hill (there would be ample climbing later) and so to Ford Lane and Little Gorsley where we didn’t find a ford but we did find some hills. I believe somewhere along here Alastair shipped his chain too. Eventually we regrouped on the Linton ridge then set off down the descent to Lea where we were once again split up by the traffic lights. Here one turned for home and the rest tackled a short section of main road (headwind not problematic) before turning off for Pontshill and then the lane towards Coughton. But not heading to the river, oh no…. soon turning off left on the (failing) road along a very quiet section to Hope Mansell, climbing gently at first then suddenly onto the initial (very) challenging climb of the day. Luckily this one has a little flattish section part way up for some handy respite, and a great viewpoint further up. Eventually we regrouped at the first top (!), then went down and up again to the real top. The ride leader was pleased to hear no expletives or complaints; perhaps they were just muttered and lost on the wind? Soon we were tearing through Ruardean and passing the shed in which the Horlicks drink was invented (we also saw a mysterious sign for the Yorkshire Car Collection) and making sure we didn’t miss the turning to Lydbrook. Then a little more uphill was enjoyed whilst dark clouds gathered above… were we going to dodge the rain? Well it did catch us a little, but unfortunately was on the descent via the hairpins to Upper Lydbrook, which demanded extra caution on the dampening road.
After regrouping at the bottom and deciding that capes were not (yet) required, we turned left to ascend very slightly then off to the right to a very abrupt and steep climb via a couple of hairpins, heading for the dreaded climb to Worrall Hill. Dreaded for good reason as this climb was a monster that seemed to go on for ever. Regrouping at the top (was there another dropped chain during the upward grind?) there was little time for celebration as the rain started properly but we only had a few miles to go so those of us with coats put them on and we were soon into the centre of Coleford via the main road, and safely into the café. 28.7 miles from the Square.