Seven early risers met at the Square at around 8:30 in quite weird weather that was dull, quite breezy yet fairly warm and muggy. We embarked on a well-used route via Old Cheltenham Road, Pirton Corner, Morley Avenue, Parton Road etc to Badgeworth where the ride leader felt it prudent to remove his rain jacket as it was rather unlike a September morning. At least the roads were pleasantly quiet. Catching up by the top of the Cold Pool Lane climb, the leading position was reclaimed and we skirted Cheltenham via Greatfield Lane, Farmfield Road and Kidnappers Lane. Through Charlton Kings there was the option to avoid the steep climb by going up the A40 and regroup at Whittington, but all decided that they would attempt the Ham Hill option – quite steep but OK if you have the right gearing, or are especially light and/or talented! With only a bit of pedestrianism we reached the top and whizzed along through the village where a little further on we encountered a large herd of cows noisily gathering by their gate and about to take to the road en masse. The farmer remarked that we were just in time and we were able to avoid being messily held up…
Somewhere around here we lost one rider who had to return due to work commitments and the remaining half dozen headed for the ford at Syreford which was rather slippery and caused the sudden downfall and drenching of our new companion who was trying out his first club ride with us! However he’s obviously made of the right stuff and was able to continue undaunted. Not long after passing through Hawling his resolve was further tested by a puncture in the valley near the Tally Ho climb. This was quickly attended to and we continued past the former Foxhill pub and along to Aylworth where the down and up was enjoyed (probably the down more than the subsequent up) but very soon we arrived in the unspoilt village of Notgrove for elevenses at 11:10.
About 25 miles were thus covered from the Square to coffee, and we met a few other members there from the rather smaller than usual tempo ride. The President was there first and evidently so carried away by his achievement that he forgot to pay his bill. Restitution had to be made by the Captain! On the way back the unfamiliar lanes were enjoyed around Turkdean but were in fact so unfamiliar that we missed the turning to Hampnett and had to use a bit of the A429 towards Northleach – shame!. More hills and descents were enjoyed and a visit was made to the Compton Abdale crocodile. On the climb from here towards Withington the leader and the Captain were just in the right spot to see a red kite fly out of the hedgerow – we were lucky to get an excellent view of it as it turned in a rare patch of sunlight. Continuing towards Andoversford (nice tailwind!) and descending via Dowdeswell the group then split in two with one half returning home and the other heading to the hostelry.
Arriving back after a total of 54 miles and 1000 metres of climbing, I was fortunate enough to miss the rain too.
TB
