At precisely 8.30 8 riders left King’s Square to be quickly joined by an additional three members. Perhaps a couple of minutes delay would have been more generous. They made their way along the cycle path from the Docks to Maisemore (Route 45). It was very overgrown and in need of attention. It did require some concentration, but nobody came to grief and the dreaded Over roundabout was avoided.
It was then the familiar route up Woolridge Hill and a whizz down to Hartbury with a swift right hand turn towards Ashleworth where the potholes have at last been repaired. Wickridge Street presented a steady climb but with the amount of chatter I heard nobody seemed stressed. There was then a good descent down Drapers Lane to the ham. At Tirley we tangled with some motor bikes but crossed into the “street” to rise up to a good view of the yellow sun dried grass fields. A loop to Eldersfield meant passing the Bull, an expensive gastro pub. The lanes were deserted except for horses and their deposits but friendly waves meant safe passage for all. The loop brought us back to Chaseley and Forthampton and the unnoticed climb to Bushley Green and views of golden fields and the Abbey in the distance. It is hard to believe Tewkesbury was almost submerged in flood water 10 years ago with Mythe waterworks flooded, resulting in no water in Gloucester and Cheltenham for three weeks . Is this climate change?
The coffee stop were expecting us and had signs up for our reserved tables. Excellent service and cakes.
The ride split with most returning to Gloucester and the remainder touring round Dixton Hill, carefully avoiding the Prescott Hill Climb in progress. A little of the Bishop’s Cleeve to Stroud cycle path was experienced but a turn off at Swindon Lane traffic lights, with a long wait for cycles, took us back to deserted lanes and on to the House in the Tree where we were met by an ex President. Refreshments were had in the garden to the accompaniment of a noisy band.
Home via the cycle path and 50 miles of lovely scenery.
AG