Thirteen riders left the Square on a cloudy but warm morning. The dangerous turn into Over Farm was negotiated and led to the Highnam cycle track. Rather than taking the climb up Lassington Hill the leader took the group through the flat Maidenhall road. Whitehall Lane was also taken and no dogs encountered. It was then onto Flaxley via Birdwood and up to Mitcheldean, a long drag into the drizzle that was starting. Drybrook was reached and the rain too but by the time Ruardean and the descent down to the Wye Valley was reached, the rain had stopped. A rough surface took the group to an old railway bridge which took them across the Wye and then a steep ascent to the YHA at Welsh Bicknor. It was then a swift descent down to Goodrich and onto Flanesford Priory (Hen and Dot cafe) for refreshments.
After coffee no more off road was encountered as the always ever pleasant Walford valley was cycled. Bollitree Castle was bypassed en route to Bromsash. The group split at Burton Court, some to go via Linton and the remainder tackled the steep hill up to Aston Crews and the Penny Farthing for a well earned drink. A gentle return to Gloucester was made through Longhope, Huntley and Taynton.
Mileage 58.44 Height 3603 ft
