After a rare few days without rain the temptation to ride the trails in the Forest of Dean and join the Tempo riders in Coleford was too great to resist. Perhaps the early start, perhaps the promised dirty bike, but whatever the reason the ride leader was the Lone Ranger today.
A brief burst of sunshine at Birdwood offered hope that the day might warm up, but it was quickly dashed by further clouds: the day never got above 3˚. Unfortunately, the forecast had been for six, dressing for which proved inadequate.
Leaving the road at Gun’s Mill an attractive looking trail led to an immediate diversion from the planned route onto the Greenway to Longhope. Tarmac again for Gloucester Road and Stenders before taking to the woods and staying there. Eschewing the Colliers Trail, Trafalgar Avenue and Speech House led eventually past Point Quarry and Darkhill Ironworks, both now disused and to the cycle track from Milkwall to Coleford.
Kaplan’s was warm, and a table was duly bagged by the radiator. It was much appreciated by the Tempo group on their eventual belated arrival – riding the roads made for a greater wind chill so they and their gloves were frozen.
Facing the outdoors again, the weather seemed still colder. A short road stretch warmed up the legs, at least, before entering the woods above the Cannop cycle centre. So many bikes! The trails were all busy but fortunately rideable, even after recent logging activity. The Colliers trail proved crowded with families, some picnicking(!), but the Lydford link proved a quieter option to reach Nailbridge and rejoin the blacktop.
After all the climbing the run down from Huntley was a relief, though the Three Peaks of Birdwood, Churcham, and Highnam on this occasion seemed at least as severe as the famed Dymock Mountains of the Three Cities route. Despite them, HIghnam Court roundabout was safely reached for a last section of cycle route into Gloucester.
84km with 1,256m elevation gain and a max gradient of 21.4% (probably would have been more if I could have faced the Old Hill out of Longhope)
MT