The 8.30am start deterred few, thus a group of eight were assembled and set of north. The increasing urbanisation of our countryside is a concern as we passed the large new estate at Innsworth, to take in Frogfurlong Lane. A puncture for one delayed the group awhile, time to chat to a rider that had joined us mid-stream. Turned out he was aiming for the A cat ride – never mind, we agreed to drop him off at the coffee stop.
The tailwind assist meant good progress past Dowty’s, observing the new cycle path construction with some trepidation for the future. Shortly after our President joined us, making the group 10 strong. Onwards, Boddington, Stoke Orchard and Treddington were soon distant memories. At Gotherington our A rider called time – but with verbal and electronic assistance he was to proceed on to the coffee stop and meet up with Jim’s group. The remaining nine continued, past a large motor bike meet at Prescott and the famous hill climb. Little did we know there is a brewery hiding somewhere in the village. More later…
Having done the 3G’s, it was a spell on the Broadway road, and good-bye to another rider, turning for the early stop. Back down to our starting number the pace, entirely reasonable, continued to the foot of Stanway hill. The ascent is not bad: a little steeper at the foot and the very last section, gentle but unrelenting otherwise. A good rhythm is helpful! At the summit the advance party from the ‘Tempo’ ride were mingling with us – caught already! The road continues up, with the descent on a nice ‘unsuitable for motors’ section – we noticed the fast crew avoided this bit. Having mingled again, the Captain took an unexpected turn for Snowshill, to bag another church: and to enjoy the very beautiful village which we rarely visit. The climb back out was easily the steepest section of the day, but mercifully short.
It was then a gentle drag past the lavender farm – I’m thinking not many saw the lavender fields in full flower: our leader did, a fleeting glimpse through a break in the hedge. Blink and you miss it. A jolly nice descent followed, then an awkward crossing of the A44 led to a long descent to our stage town – the last half mile was particularly rough! Arriving a wee bit late at 11.15, we found the booked stop full, with the fast group happily on our table! No worries, the Captain led the dismayed riders to a hotel / pub with café, just a few doors down: an excellent alternative. Here cakes and hot drinks were consumed.
Six riders opted for the ride to lunch, destination The Star at Ashton under Hill. With a favourable SW wind, we continued NE to make the most of it…hmm. Exiting the town on the B4035 / 4081 in the direction of Mickleton, a cunning right onto a lane was taken, then an even more cunning left, very well hidden and another pave section: our Social Secretary had carelessly got ahead of the leader and missed the turn. Much shouting was to no avail as he sped off down an unnecessary hill. But we know he is quite able to look after himself, so continued on the ‘road’ (some evidence of it having had the benefit of tarmac in the past was observed) to its end: what a delight. Regrouping back on a fully tarmacked road, our wayward rider joined us. Back to six. The descent to Mickleton was steep as we said goodbye to the Cotswolds. Mickleton, by coincidence, was the selected site for Gardener’s Question Time (Radio 4, Sunday 2pm) this week – we could have called in! We were now turning gradually west, but still north, across the Evesham vale, to Broad Marston and Pebworth. North Littleton was our most northerly point, now it was south…and into that wind. Friend became foe.
How many Littletons? We managed three: North, Middle and South, then Badsey, Wickhamford, a spot of A44 and down to Childswickham: home territory now. Crossing the A46 was quite problematic and is really where the Sunday motoring is getting out of hand. It took a while to cross. Away from the madding cars, to Hinton on the Green and ever west towards Elmley Castle. With time running out the Sustrans route 41, another track, named the Salt Way, was enjoyed by most, but maybe not all. We escaped with no serious incident, I’m pleased to report. The pub was gained at 2pm, where we found a pint (or 2) of a lovely brew by The Prescott Brewing Co. was just the ticket. Others chose their favoured tipples. The sun was out, the wind was up. What could go wrong? Nothing, actually.
Once rested and refreshed, the route home, whilst hampered by the wind, was enjoyable nevertheless. A simple return was selected, having had our adventures: Conderton, Kemerton, Aston, Ashchurch (more massive developments), Fiddington and a blast on the A38 to finish. Around 82 miles, with an average speed 13mph. To put that into context, the winner of this year’s Race Across America, a Swiss lady, saw her average 13 mph as well – but that was from start to finish, including all stops, and over 3,000 miles.