A gaggle of eight, then nine, set off for the deep dark Forest with the Captain taking the leadership from an indisposed AliG. We were reasonably loyal to his published route, but with diversions at the whim of the deputy lead. Mainly to keep people guessing…
The beauty of an 8.30am departure is that the main roads are that bit quieter when leaving the city – and so it proved, the A40 and section of Newent road being not too fearsome. The cycle lane to Highnam and the wiggle through the village is always a welcome diversion from the main roads in any event, and with plenty of time it mattered not the speed of the group. We were honoured and surprised to be confronted by a Red Kite playing in the breeze and keeping a careful eye on our progress.
Whitehall lane had its gate closed, but a handy gap facilitated progress – the many missing elements of tarmac called for awareness at all times, no change there.
So onwards to Tibberton, Bully Lane and a staggered crossing of a vehicle-free A40 to take the lane down, very down, to the A48. Again, little traffic bothered us until our left turn back onto the lanes to Rodley. Just one van was encountered, plus a couple of horses, a dog with walker and two cyclists: heaven.
Keeping true to AliG’s desires, we took in the view of the Golden Cliffs at The Strand – and a fine vista over the low Severn to Arlingham. Some speculated if they could cross on foot…
Back to the A48 and a diversion – straight over and up, up to Northwood Green on a little used lane with an interesting un-level crossing of the railway. Proceeding towards Flaxley the Tempo trio sped past and soon disappeared. We however were saving ourselves for the big climb: avoiding the Flaxley Valley (well, one rider chose this route) it was up and up again to Pope’s Hill – magnificent views over the Severn. A mutiny meant a bonus descent and climb were missed, for a straight forward route to Littledean. Now here’s a thing: the clock on the church tower is wrong, and I don’t mean just the time (which as it’s not working will be correct twice a day): the photo provides the answer, look carefully! Well, fancy that!
Coffee etc at a quiet Heritage Centre in Soudley was a welcome break. So far we had the comfort of cloud – but would it last?
All attendees that had made it to coffee (one rider had turned for home, as planned) decided the day was too good to head directly home, so eight took off south along the beautiful road to Brain’s Green and Blakeney Hill – more untravelled roads for the Captain, meaning highlighting his maps for a second Sunday in a row, a rare event. This delightful excursion dropped us eventually to the valley floor, to be followed of course by a long gradual ascent, then up Blackpool Bridge road to descend again. An inspection of the recently ‘repaired’ surface where a senior member had come to grief recently indicated the repairs were sub-standard. Take great care, riders, when descending here.
Thence to Ruspidge, lower edges of Cinderford to Drybrook. The climb here must be one of the easiest in the Forest, a delight on a good surface. Wigpool and its common was next up (mainly up) and presented us with more wildlife – two deer with their two fawns: lovely to see. Mitcheldean saw two riders head for home, leaving six to climb to Lee for a smashing fast descent back into Gloucestershire, Longhope, Blaisdon and The Red Hart. Arriving around 1.30pm we had missed the Intermediate riders, but were greeted by the Senior Section in the form of MG and Nev: great to see them out, all be it via four wheels.
The heat was now full blast and the ride home, with a helpful wind, was on the lanes. Another Grand Day Out. 61 miles.