Seven riders left the square on a relatively mild December morning, heading out of Gloucester over Westgate Bridge and toward Maisemore village. Once at Maisemore the ride leader took the Over Old Road, which many riders had not used previously. Once at the top of the climb we descended Hiam’s Lane towards Hartpury College and Murrell’s End. Continuing on the lanes, we eventually turned right onto the Gloucester Road to Upleadon, passing two new rather splendid glamping pods in a field overlooking the valley. Once at Upleadon a right turn in the village took us along the lanes to eventually cross the main A417 at Hethelpit Cross. Once across the main road we were back on the quiet lanes, with some resembling furrowed fields that put cycling skills to the test: staying upright was an achievement. A shout from the club Captain, “all rubber down” meant we had all made it safely. On to Pendock we travelled, again using the quiet back lanes, and onto Cook’s Lane, King’s Green Lane and the Back Lane through to Camer’s Green. A quick dash on the Gloucester Road to Rye Crossroads where we turned right, and then left, into another quiet back lane. Rye Street took us onto the Longdon Marshes Road where the sun decided to fully come into view, shining off the vast amount of flood water that was still in the fields resembling small lakes, which made spectacular viewing. Again, a short dash down the Corse Lawn Road before turning left and going through Piper’s End, Bushley Green and finally to Mythe Bridge and the coffee stop at Café au Chocolate, Tewkesbury.
Once suitably refreshed we collected our bikes from the back yard, where one rider discovered a hose pipe and took the opportunity to give his bike a quick wash. Leaving Tewkesbury we headed back the normal route through the back lanes of Northway, Fiddington, Stoke Orchard, Piff’s Elm, Boddington, Staverton, and Churchdown, when the riders split up to head to their respective homes. Four of the riders met up a little later that afternoon, to have a Xmas lunch at Mister’s Café in town, and were joined by Marie and Neville.