With a threat of heavy rain it was a diminished gathering at the Square and seven riders opted for the ‘A’ ride to Berkeley, with the Captain standing in for the absent Social Secretary.
The group set off across the square to take in the coloured houses of “Rainbow Square” – Nettleton Road and Hopewell Street – a good addition to the townscape. Heading out of town by way of the col de Matson some sheep were encountered at Sneedhams Green; then plain sailing into the wind to Four Mile House (old names stick!). Here we were thrilled by the approach of what turned out to be an Airbus A400M Atlas, en route for Fairford and the Air Tattoo. Onwards we pedalled to Haresfield for another sighting of an A400M, then Stonehouse and the usual lanes to Frocester. Keeping to the low ground for the sprinters stage, it was swiftly on to Cam: some were detained by slow-changing temporary traffic lights whilst the Captain and President took to the semi-completed pavement – important to maintain momentum when on a heavy bike!
The route then took in the abandoned road up to Elstub Lane – another new track for Theo. Vital to be in pole position here for mountain points. Spectacular views to the northwest with May Hill and the Malverns beyond; whilst to the southwest, ominous clouds were evident over the Forest.
The wee drag to Stinchcombe gave us the high point of the day, followed by a damp descent to the church and then ever downwards and south. At the junction some attempted to predict the leaders plan, to no avail; a surprise left towards North Nibley caused consternation among the sprinters – but no worry, we hooked right, avoiding the steep climb to the Isle of Rae. Another delightful gradual descent was broken by a pair of wayward sheep: we offered help to the gallant shepherds, but were declined: we left them to their efforts.
Passing the Pepper Pot and under the M5 we were soon at the A38 where a swift right and left took us to the road into our stage town and a halt for refreshments, ready for the next stage. Jane pronounced a successful break with excellent cake.
A reasonably quiet rest saw the group ready to depart at 11.40am – but a short shower caused us to re-evaluate and check for mechanical defects. Three set off for home whilst four took their chances for a looping return ride. Firstly it was south to Ham, to take a right at the Salutation Inn – another road untravelled by our long-term Gloucestershire resident, Theo. This delightfully tracked a stream, exiting on the road linking the town to the former nuclear power station. Back to the town and north, then down to Sharpness docks – we noted very wet roads, a heavy shower just avoided. With heavy clouds to the south, we turned north – but a lack of attention and very poor warning signs meant we hit the double railway line crossing at pace and at the wrong angle: calamity, our sportscar rider, MG, caught his front wheel and came to grief. Thankfully, unlike another famous sprinter, no bones broken, just badly shaken and bruised. Following a struggle to re-align the chain, we continued, gingerly, along portside, over the old bridge to the old hotel, marvelling at the old marshalling yards that were once present. A third new road for Theo!
From here it was along well- travelled lanes to Purton, Halmore and Slimbridge; then Troy Town, Longaston Lane and the A38. It was good-bye to Theo here as the remaining three took to the lane over the M5, retracing our route back to Frocester. Another recent fall of rain was missed near Coaley. Our lead-out man then suffered a front deflation: some assistance was provided in the repair and it was off once more, after a short delay for Emma to remove a quantity of unrequired mud from her cleat. Swiftly now to Eastington, observing a cloudburst ahead. We arrived after the deluge, water everywhere but mainly under tyre. Another one avoided – how much longer could our luck last? The Perry Way saw the lead-out men get some heavy spray from passing traffic, but that did not wet the appetite to reach the next stage – the Ship at Framilode. 2pm, in time for beers and roast. And the sun made a welcome appearance.
Well rested, one struggled to remount their bike – not through drink, but through a stiffening of joints, post slide. Once astride however there was no stopping the MG and he led us home – in the dry. 62 miles.
Toby
