Nine riders started out in depressing conditions, although it was not actually raining or overly cold. Just damp, grey and dreary. Out and up the Painswick Road, passing the ski station (thoughts of the Winter Olympics), and onwards to the foot of our major climb: Edge beckoned. Riders broke into groups for the ascent, regrouping at the church, resplendent with its drift of snowdrops: quite a show, but not observed by all riders.
Upwards still into the murk. Another regrouping at the summit of Haresfield Beacon, the leader suggested Selsley would be a hill too far. Colin stepped in to take an easier option: down to Randwick, very moist. Unfortunately the Captain missed the turning, believing it to be further down the slope. Tut tut, he should know better! A wait here, with one rider being dispatched back up to locate the missing group, was soon recalled once the situation was clarified: the breakaway to ‘catch them up’ towards Frocester. Additional mountain points to Daryl!
The old Ebley road was swiftly ridden, then over the canal and to King’s Stanley. Here we spied three riders ahead – there should have been five. A chase ensued, the joining being made at Frocester. Turned out the leader, not on top form, had turned for home, taking one rider with her (to be fair, that rider had ‘enjoyed’ a 150 mile ride on the Saturday in very wet conditions).
Time was pressing so it was direct to Dursley, via Cam and the newish estate, to find welcome space at The Bank. Just about dry, too. We waved to the Tempo riders, in pairs for some reason.
The return leg was again through the estate, taking advantage of a Greenway to join Church Road (so avoiding an unnecessary rise); past St George’s church and up the relatively gentle climb to Upthorpe and Ashmead Green. Thence Far Green and Coaley, to retrace back to Frocester. So much water everywhere! Several impromptu fords and cascades off the fields added to the entertainment. The new surface to Eastington was much appreciated, even if the hedge cuttings liberally applied were not: happily no punctures. Through the new estate to Stonehouse, then easy with a tailwind to Haresfield. Views of May Hill and the Malverns were good to see after so many days of low cloud. But behind us was lots more of the wet stuff. As we reached the lunch destination it has just started to rain. Four stopped, three went speedily home.
The final leg was in light precipitation and a noticeably lower temperature: no matter, not far to home. All in all, a worthwhile outing – and goes to show you have to take a pinch of salt with some weather forecasts! 42 miles.
TW/EVdW