We were all looking forward to trying “The Nuttery” in Notgrove, as we had received good reports. Six riders set off from King’s Square up Nut Hill, Fiddlers Elbow, and Buckholt Road to Birdlip. However, the forces from the crosswind on the wheels as we passed turnings and gateways between Birdlip and Brimpsfield led the Vice Captain to declare that conditions were too dangerous to continue, and that Notgrove was not to be.One rebel, however, persevered and took a phoograph of the manor to prove it!
A cautious return was made to Brockworth for coffee and cake. As we said our farewells, those young enough to remember said that it felt like the end of school term, with the second Covid lockdown making group rides unlikely for at least four weeks. We managed to resist the temptation to sign each others shirts. Let’s hope we can all ride together again before Christmas. No punctures or falls, just submission.
The Captain, wisely as it seemed to turn out, opted for a ride in the vale, deciding the wind velocity too high for risking a Cotswolds outing. The group of 6 set off south into the gales teeth, navigating the cycle paths of Kingsway without error and absent artificial aids. This impressed Marie, but she abandoned at the edge of the countryside. Five ploughed on up Naas Lane to Haresfield, Stonehouse, Frocester and turning north had benefit of the breeze to Eastington and Whitminster. Then, back into the wind to Saul for a well-earned coffee (although they do not provide proper milk). The mood was optimistic, and all being dry, four set off for Arlingham and The Passage – where we found Paul B looking rather confused. The view to the forest was fine – and the hills being visible told us rain was not imminent… Indeed the return to the city was dry and with the helpful wind was soon covered in record time. A stop at Peppers for refreshments ensured two Dancey Trophy points for three riders. 42 miles covered – better than none, and more than the rest of November with group rides, these now being disallowed until December.