Ten set off on a sunny morning, albeit with a cool wind. Over the Old Road then across the A417 to meet and pass another group of GCCC riders at Highleadon and then disaster struck. A cry of “puncture” rang out but for once the diagnosis was incorrect – instead a rider’s front wheel had seized. Attempts to ease the disc brake failed to help (not surprisingly, as it later transpired that the fault was the wheel bearing) and he had to call on “International Rescue” to get home. The remainder pressed on through Dymock Wood to Much Marcle where one rider, intimidated by the prospect of the Marcle ridge, turned for Preston Cross. The others heaved a sigh of relief when the leader turned right at Queen Victoria’s Jubilee tree to avoid the climb past the cider mill, but were dismayed that he continued up hill to and through Rushall.
All were reunited at Trumpet, where the Nest seemed overwhelmed with visitors. Not only were there two groups from GCCC, but Velo Vitesse arrived at the same time with nearly a dozen carbon bikes, not one of which had been able to trigger the lights at Trumpet crossroads! After coffee and cake the sport ride broke up into several smaller groups for the journey back, depending on how quickly they needed to be home. One took the chance of a beautiful sunny morning and dry ground to explore Crowfield Lane to Ketford through the nature reserve. The Leadon looked lovely, and a well placed park bench offered an excellent view across the river to Coleridge Hill from Ketford Bank. Pity about the 20% grade that followed when the road was regained!