A Super-7 opted for the ‘easy’ Christmas Eve ride with a mystery destination, and indeed route. We followed, at a discrete distance, the faster crew, taking to the Highnam cycletrack and meandering majestically through the village. Then onto the busy B road, not too bad as it happened and helped at the right turn by a gentlemanly driver of a big Land Rover. There followed a bit of ‘rough-stuff’ at Whitehall Lane, then plain sailing, albeit up hill and into a stiff wind, to Taynton. The sky was threatening and views of May Hill were intermittent, but the wet stuff held off, just. A jig right and left soon had the group at The Glasshouse, and then Clifford’s Mesne. The short climbs were relentless as we pressed on, with care, down to Aston Ingham and into the magic triangle that is Gorsley. What a maze of tiny roads – we tracked westwards, mainly, and by sheer good fortune popped out at The Roadmaker Inn, much to the relief of the Captain. A swing left and then a deteriorating Burrups Lane, passing a grand collection of pallets, found us at the foot of Haywood Pitch. The steep little climb into Dymock Woods had hearts racing and AliG’s chain ‘over the top’, necessitating a bit of pulling to get it out and back where it should be. Time was moving on, so we pressed hard and took in the dip over the old railway for another upwards pitch. Holders Lane beckoned, too good to miss. Another ascent, the final for the morning, soon saw us onto the Three Cities route. It was then a short hop to Roses Garden centre for refreshments. Father Christmas provided the entertainment, but deemed we had all been naughty so no presents for us! It was only 20 miles, but there had been occasional climbs.
Post rest, the seven stuck together, the Captain convincing Jim that there was an easy way home. A short back-track to Birches Lane and then to descend The Scar. It was on the ascent of Strawberry Hill (not to be feared) that John W had his first deflation – a thorn. Quickly repaired, it was back in the saddle and onwards to Stream Lane and The Golden Valley. Here we encountered a tractor busy cutting hedges and liberally spreading the remnants over the road – making a good job of covering the tarmac. Not good. Progress was rapid to Hartpury church, where John once again claimed a deflation. Despite an attempt at a ‘pump and sprint’ to the pub, it needed a full replacement: two points and leadership of the coveted Bruces Bonus trophy at Christmas! A couple of refreshments were required after all this excitement at The Royal Exchange, before the usual route home via Woolridge Hill to observe the flooding in the vale, and then the cycle track along the fast flowing Severn and into Gloucester. Too late to make it to the Pelican to join the fast crew.
A mere 37 miles, but dry.
TW