After weather induced calendar changes, five set off for Wickwar. By Stroud Road, it was obvious that the ride leader, still recovering from his crash, couldn’t keep up, and so we split into a three (hares) and a two (tortoises). In the style of Cavendish, gear problems occured, but, as these were not Di2, a well aimed kick freed the front deraileur, which behaved for the rest of the ride.
At Frocester, we turned left onto the Tormalet, and suffered to the top. The rough surface through the woods to the Cotswold Edge Golf Club felt like our own bit of Pavé, before the plunge down to Wotton. At the bottom, we saw the hares fixing a puncture, and after a brief stop, the tortoises decided to push on.
The long climb out of Wotton hurt the legs, and we were as grateful to see the Somerset Monument as the professionals were to see the Temple of Mercury on top of the Puy de Dome today.
Our arrival at coffee was well timed, as the heavens opened soon afterwards. Excellent cake and coffee were consumed during the downpour. We caped up for the return, but soon found the “boil in the bag” capes were wetter than the rain, so removed them, and succeeded in returning without rain (but plenty of spray).
A great morning, and home in time for an exciting afternoon at Headingley. 58 miles, 3,600′ ascent @15.0mph
IW