A sudden incapacity for the designated ride leader, our previous President, meant the Captain was called upon to lead. No time to post a new route, and upon checking the original plan, some alternatives were applied: I call this the ride leaders prerogative!
Ten set off from the Square, with some concern being articulated from those that had downloaded route: would it be the same? Would there be hills? In the fullness of time, the outcome was clear: no and just a few little ones.
I think the start was as published: Maisemore and Woolridge Hill. The diversions: down to go through the Hartpury College zone; back on track at Blackwells End. A short stop to shed clothing at The Tailors – also to admire the miniature railway, some riders not having spotted this before – really! One day I will see it in operation – I’ve been waiting 35 years now!
Anyway, along and down towards Hethelpit Cross – an encounter here with a fairly determined driver of a certain age (not young) who, possibly, did not spot 10 riders approaching. Time for a visit to that eye test establishment and for a driving test!
Dipping into Worcestershire for a short while at Gadfield Elm Chapel, then back into our home county to take in Lowbands: a most interesting settlement, Founded by the Chartists in 1848, the concept was to provide homesteads and a degree of self-sufficiency for working-class families. There are many original and distinctive cottages, all of the same design. A truly interesting area.
Having enjoyed a trip back in time, we needed to press on: Cook’s Lane gave us a taste of a cool headwind. Two good sized buzzards flew alongside us for a while: checking out for a weakened rider, or escorting us off their territory? Whatever, they were quite splendid. A host of small birds also entertained us, but their type was unknown. JW said Rooks – I said no.
Eggs Tump was up next, then the sheltered lane to Bromsberrow. Here one rider left us – leaves at home to count, apparently. The remaining 9 proceeded to the county border with Herefordshire at the Clencher’s Mill ford. Deep and fast-running, only four took to the waters, with an appreciative audience on the other side. The handy bridge was taken advantage by the others – safety first!
Once past Eastnor we joined the A438 – just resurfaced, what a delightful surprise. And not before time. At top of the pitch it was right for a final dip down with care (not much surface on this road) over the railway and up to our destination, The Malbury Café. Arriving bang on 11am, 22 miles covered; and just ahead of the Tempo crew. Fortunately we were able to secure tables indoors. Service was somewhat chaotic, but all were fed and watered eventually. A note to cyclists: you have to say, at the point of ordering: ‘Lycra10’. This secures a 10% discount. This we did not know, so all missed out on the discount. Next time!
Post coffee, seven took off for home, apparently quite fast; the other two felt it best to take it easy. Back down the newly surfaced road, up and over the Hollybush (easy if taken gently); then down over Castlemorton common – wonderful views of the Cotswold escarpment across the vale. Vigorous side-gusts had to be taken into consideration on this exposed descent. Then past the 1,000’s of ant hills at Welland, to backtrack to Birtsmorton. The wind was unhelpful, but the twisting lanes afforded some protection. We passed the Farmers Arms, deciding to press on to a venue closer to home considering the conditions. Usual roads to Berrow, Pendock, Eldersfield were taken. A couple of final additional twists, including Drinkers End lane, saw us into Tirley and The Haw Bridge for a well earned rest in front of a roaring stove. This did nothing to ensure we left too early…
Local knowledge confirmed Wainlodes was likely impassable, but The Haw was fine…and it was, but only just: two sections well under water, but you could see the exit point, always reassuring. Home as dusk arrived, and no wet feet a bonus.
53 miles.