The Club President has a reputation for disappearing and riding his own ride, but today he assured me that he would stay with the group. While I was suspicious that this may be a politician’s promise, I was rather surprised when he left us in Maisemore. The remaining nine settled down as we headed over to Much Marcle, although it was obvious that some were better on the flat and others better on the climbs. The smell of apples filled our noses as we attacked our first climb, Cider Mill Hill. We all enjoyed the beauty of the Wye valley as we rode along the Hole in the Wall road, although some were less impressed by the wall at the end.
Our cake consultant, who had sheltered in the pack to this point, took the front on the run in to the cafe. However, her plan to be first to the cakes was thwarted as another rider showed us a much better place to park the bikes. Excellent cakes and coffee were consumed, and we met with the President who had arrived about 10 minutes earlier. The return ride took in some more scenic favourites of the Walford and Flaxley valleys, although the autumn colours had largely finished in Herefordshire. Good teamwork made light of the headwind on the A40 for the final return. A great morning out.
58 miles, 3,200′ scent @14.8mph
SP