For some reason more riders arrived early in the Square today, on a day where the mild temperatures arrived but the forecast rain didn’t – well not until much later in the day. Some overnight rain had left damp patches here and there but overall the road surfaces were generally good and not too leaf-strewn and slippery. Eight set off on the steady ride and were later joined by a ninth who found us after various failed attempts.
Leaving the city via Westgate Bridge and thence to Over, we encountered a large group of runners coming the other way on the cycle path to Highnam – luckily not on the really narrow section so all was well. A fine and very autumnal morning had really brought people out of their homes early it seemed!
Shortcutting through Hignam and onto the Newent road we soon arrived at the Tibberton turn off and continued to head north-west. After Kent’s Green we noticed a suspicious looking individual with a Trek bicycle emerging from the woods clutching a bulging bag. He did look surprised to see us! I won’t speculate on what he might have been doing but for some reason I found myself thinking about poached eggs shortly thereafter.
After Anthony’s Cross we turned towards Newent and then down Conigree Lane, where we encountered our only OS map arrow of the day – fortunately downhill. A short hop along the main road to Kilcot took us to a sweeping left turn after a short descent and then into the mysterious lanes of the Gorsley triangle – but easy navigation today, taking the first fork right and thence straight on. The Linton Ridge loomed high above us but we were heading towards the church whose steeple we could see in the distance, at a slightly lower altitude, and this climb was not too onerous although I believe some Garmins were showing slightly alarming colours. Talking of colours, this was a lovely autumnal section with the leaves glowing all around.
Regrouping near the church we briefly admired the fine vicarage, commissioned by Michael Palin’s great-grandfather and finished in 1867 at a cost of £2150. Setting off again towards the M50 but not crossing it, we descended steeply on a very well surfaced lane, then climbed back out on a not quite so well surfaced one, with the golf course on either side. Continuing on to Bromsash and Bollitree, we then headed for Rudhall, on the way clashing with a driver who was coming at us much too fast for the width of the lane, and who committed the same offence twice as we were in two groups at the time.
Continuing, this time we did cross the M50 and then crossed the Ross-Newent road shortly followed by the Ross-Ledbury road, up to Brampton Abbotts and curving round to cross the bypass on the high bridge and descend to Ross. Here we stopped at four minutes to eleven and waited by the remains of the old viaduct until precisely eleve o’clock in order to hold a respectful two minutes silence on Remembrance Sunday. From here it was just a short hop to the café, but not without its peril as two members were almost taken out by a car coming off the roundabout – it did not appear to be indicating, but it was – however, disaster was narrowly averted and we were able to continue and enjoy the very good fare at the Engine Shed café.
After elevenses, the group stuck together most of the way home and retraced some of the original route – and stayed dry once more. A lovely morning’s ride with much to contemplate.
