Spurning the opportunity to join a springtime adventure to Tintern, ten riders set out for the more modest destination of Hopewell Colliery. At the Highnam turn we diverged from the adventurers to seek the quiet of the lanes to Tibberton and Bulley on our way to Birdwood, Flaxley, Soudley, and Blackpool Bridge. Along the way more hindrance was provided by stretches of standing water than by motor vehicles: a blessing, perhaps, of Easter Sunday retail closures. So, enough empty road to observe the rarely seen Westbury Brook waterfall in the often busy Flaxley valley.
Though, for the most part, the group held together well – after the leader’s initial enthusiasm – from Flaxley onwards the odd pause was required for regrouping. By the time Blackpool Bridge was gained it was clear to the leader that a strategic route adjustment would be necessary at Parkend. On reaching the Speech House T-junction two off-roaders opted for that choice, while the remainder delayed their turn until Parkend itself.
Thus it was that, within a throat clearing pause of the eleventh hour, all arrived safely at the café, only to be upstaged by the earlier arrival of the club’s elder statesman. It is worth noting that Hopewell Colliery Cafe then proceeded to amaze us all with the speed of their service, managing to feed ten of us within as many minutes with some really tasty food. Chapeau!
Well refreshed, the combined group then divided into three parts: five straight home, one direct to the lunch stop and five seeking more miles before the lunch stop. The latter group set off to Broadwell (a climb, indeed), Mile End, and Five Acres before descending Joyford Hill to English Bicknor to gain the Wye valley. Familiar roads through Walford to Lea before Warren Lane – last resurfaced in the sixties? – and reunification at its summit with the solo rider. He, out of breath from some extended footwork, and a passing dog-walker shared time before descending through the Gorsley maze to the Kilcot Inn to find space to relax and refresh. Thence via the Golden Valley home. A day that became increasing chilly as it wore on.
Some 61 miles of so
MG