A tidy thirteen met up at the Square for a prompt 8.30am depart, once again deep into the Cotswolds. With the Captain having failed again to publish the route, it meant the riders had to be well behaved and stay with the ride leader.
Out via the newly surfaced London road; a spot of kerb-hopping onto Oxstalls Lane, and speedily but sensibly to Frogfurlong Lane and Dowty’s. A surprise turn to pass the airfield, and a Joker card played just over the M5: an immediate right to follow NCR 41 – a new route for many!. This cut the corner, so on to Shurdington, Leckhampton and eventually the A40. This was disputed by one seasoned rider, adamantly claiming it was the road to Cirencester. No! However, he enjoyed the gentle and actually quiet ride up to Withington, where a mechanical for Les (loose cleat) allowed for a re-grouping.
Now into the Cotswolds and the climbs. The President took some riders astray at Syreford but all soon were together on another newly surfaced road, the A436. Not for long: first right and a gentle climb past the Three Turnips (sadly not open on Sundays, but highly recommended by Theo). At the top, the second Joker was played: whilst some assumed a right for Northleach (clearly forgetting this was a Captain’s Lead) when actually it was left, soon to be followed by a right and a badly surfaced descent. Too many bits missing to call them all out! Another surprise, for some, right turn at the estate’s War Memorial, for a gradual climb back up, passing the Big House (Salperton Park) and exiting the grounds – just yards from the top of the hill previously gained. Entirely gratuitous but very scenic, even if the grass was far from green. A feature of the area due to the remarkably dry summer.
Just one more hill was required (really?) and so it was provided: into the wee village of Hazleton, a jig and a jag and down, to be presented with an arrowed climb back up to the A40. Numerous buzzards and Red Kites were noted – awaiting the weakened cyclist! The raptors were disappointed and all proceeded on across the A40 and down to Northleach via the perfect village of Hampnett.
Passing the Prison, but avoiding it due to bad experiences on a previous visit, we spied the President, having taken an alternative, allegedly easier, route for the final three miles (shocking behaviour!). Too late to save him, we entered town and feasted in the two fine establishments in the square. All were well satisfied with this decision – a relief for the ride leader! Our arrival was bang on 11am, quite remarkable.
Post refreshments, six took off for home, leaving seven to further explore this part of the Cotswolds. An immediate climb out of town, under the A40 and into yet another gem, Farmington. We noted the bus stop was built in 1951 to celebrate the Festival of Britain. And what a bus stop it was, too. Then a long descent and along the Sherbourne Brook valley to the village of this name, where right to climb back up to the A40 for a final, rather difficult crossing. There followed a series of wonderful lanes, with signs to Northleach at each junction suggesting we were going nowhere fast. A low passing plane entertained us, which we saw parked up on a field – but no sign of a landing strip as such. Interesting. At a confusing six way junction we were further entertained by a miss-spelt sign (below) before opting for the road to Coln St Denis; then to Fossbridge.
This is always a bit tricky, involving a left and then a right on a steep climb out of the valley – timing and courage required. So to Chedworth, all along the elongated village built on the spring line. Amazing to think it once had a railway going through. The pub is currently closed, the locals seeking funds to buy it. Here we inadvertently split: those avoiding a steep climb out of the village were confused, turning left and not as instructed. Never mind: three proceeded to The Jolly Brewmaster, arriving at 2.30pm to meet up with Neville; two more arrived half an hour later and the final two a further 20 mins back. But all made the selected venue.
The route home was the tried and tested Cold Pool Lane and Churchdown. A smashing day out with great company in grand scenery, if rather brown. Rain required! 65 miles.
TW