With the forecast showing rain at one o’clock, a fairly direct route was taken to Kerne Bridge. However, as any cyclist will know, a direct route to the Wye valley involves climbing through the Forest, in this case to Dene Magna, Stenders and Ruardean. The descent from Ruardean has a new surface, and so coffee was reached early and without incident.
Ornithology was the main topic of conversation at coffee, as we observed the wagtails on the lawn, before spotting a wake of buzzards, who appeared to be soaring above the approaching moderate group.
Light drizzle started as soon as we left coffee, but it was light and warm, so capes were unnecessary. The poor surfaces of Hoovers Lane and Oaks Lane can be quite treacherous on the way out, but are not as bad in the uphill direction, and we returned to the Dog at Over just in time to see the last rider and timekeeper from the Three Cities. Well done all riders battling with that wind on the hard leg from Worcester to Hereford.
A short morning, but very enjoyable with great company. 47 miles, 2,700′ asent @15.0mph.
IW