The Club had several rides this weekend, with a moderate ride to Ledbury and three separate rides to Hay with a choice of routes back: direct, over Gospel Pass, and over Gospel Pass, the Tumble, and the Severn Bridge. A brief review suggests that twenty five Club members and guests between them rode over three and a half thousand kilometres in the time between six in the morning and midnight (yes, one ride really was that long). As well as that there were a few who took the aptly named fast ride into the Cotsolds at 27kph, earning themselves coffee and kudos in the docks, and the team entered in Bath’s Hardrider 25 and gaining valuable points inthe Hardriders’ competition. We haven’t yet got a report of the longest one (perhaps becasue there is so much to cover!) but in addition to the reports already posted here’s what happened to the Gospel Pass group after Hay.
The long, almost never-ending descent from the Gospel Pass, saw a split at Llanthony Priory (the original): The Half Moon Inn was too tempting for five of us. Emma took the others on to Abergavenny where we agreed to rejoin her…great plans. Great cider was available, and a swift pint or half of various beverages were quaffed, along with rolls provided by John W. Around 1.30pm we set off, pausing for a quick photo opportunity at the Priory, to enjoy more descending to the turning for town. The scenery here is outstanding and on a grand scale. Red kites were noted. Here we rejoined reception to be told by our leader they had already set off…destination The Tumble! Yes, really.
This was beyond us mere mortals so Plan B was quickly hatched: head for home! A steep pitch, quite a rude awakening, to the A465, and more or less straight over for a long climb. Taking to new roads for the stand-in leader, a fabulous tiny lane to Pen-y-parc on the slopes of the Skirrid – amazing views and fortunately no traffic. This was at 256m – a challenging descent to 138m and the B4521 followed. Tracking south-east, another delightful and unconquered lane of ‘easy riding’ with a helpful wind saw us at the Abergavenny – Rockfield – Monmouth road. Heading east, the gentle undulations became more exaggerated as the miles ticked by…but Monmouth was soon gained, after a re-grouping at Rockfield: famous back in the day for its world renowned recording studio. Dr Feelgood recorded their 1977 album ‘Sneakin’ Suspicion’ album here, and the group Queen also did something that became quite famous.
The forest hills were on the immediate horizon, so a rest was required: 25 miles had passed since the last. The Punch House won the contract and the chippy made good money from bags of chips and other unmentionable products. Time 4pm. We could linger no longer: Jack took us via a secret route of his, local knowledge is so useful, through some unlikely backstreets and under the A40 to then cross the Wye. It was then an assault of the climb to Staunton: 3 miles all told, with the border into England at around 2.5 miles. The Captain led the way, and despite the best efforts of our youngest rider, a casual sprint to the sign caught Jack napping: experience over youth triumphs again – maybe there is hope for Mark Cavendish in the Tour.
A final regrouping at the top and it was a pleasant tail-assisted ride on the A4136, not overly busy and with a splendid brand-new surface. The final hills of substance were conquered: Bury Hill, Worrall Hill and Plump Hill. Lanes to Blaisdon (a very close call with a speeding van on Velthouse Lane was a wake-up call) and Birdwood for a final dash along the quiet A40 to town. Two riders made the necessary diversion to visit Llanthony Secunda Priory, in memory of those monks that must have walked between the two priories.
7pm; 114 miles. No sun after 10am; chilly throughout. But a Great Day Out nevertheless.
TW