It was a damp and breezy start from the square as eleven intrepid explorers set off en route to Cirencester, little did they know the ride leader had made a slight alteration to the planned route.
A brief shower was encountered on leaving Gloucester. Only two opted for the ascent via Nuthill, with the bulk of the ride deciding Portway was better and much more fun. So it proved as they had a short wait at Cranham for the leader and his rider. On through Cranham woods and all the way into Bisley, passing a flock of guinea fowl safe in a field. Left at Eastcombe led us into the alternative route, a very steep decent down Chalford hill – luckily the conditions were dry and grippy. One rider commented that they had never clung onto their brake levers to the extent their hands would be aching tomorrow! Numerous inclines followed in order to climb out of the Chalford vale, enjoying the magnificent viaduct on the ascent to Frampton Mansell. The group circled around to Kemble and then Cirencester for breakfast at the usual eatery where the tempo ride was already well established.
A slight change to plans meant returning to the designated lunch stop along a scenic route south and east, including a wonderful grassy lane even AliG and Theo had not been along before!
Speeding along the southern edge of Chalford Vale we approached the lunch stop at a sudden left turn upon which JW narrowly avoided a dismount via scraping a solidly built cotswold stone wall.
All riders returned home safe without injuries with the exception of one who dismounted into a hedge at speed – fortunately only scratches on body and forks. All in all an eventful 70 miles.
TP