The fourth of July Saturday Spin went to Ross-on-Wye. The route was planned into the wind, which was a brisk westerly. Four riders set off from The Square in cloudy cool conditions. After leaving the City we took to the lanes and meandered our way to Newent and then Gorsley. Once we crossed into Herefordshire we noticed a marked deterioration in road surface quality. After Upton Bishop, we found ourselves at the roundabout at the end of the M50! The ride leader explained that we needed to negotiate a section of dual carriageway to get to the coffee stop at The Engine Shed. It turned out to be straightforward and the café was excellent.
The group was asked whether they wanted to take the planned route back on the A40, or find some lanes. They opted for the fast way. My computer showed 1 hr 45 min riding time to the cafe and 2 hr 30 min as we entered Gloucester. The tailwind meant we had averaged 24mph from Huntley to Highnam Court. The group enjoyed the smooth road surface and high speed.
45 miles in 3 hours at an average of 15 mph with 2400ft of elevation gain. DS