Those that spent the morning in Gloucester will find it hard to believe that it was wet all morning in the Forest. However, the rain was warm enough that capes were not required.
Six riders set off from King’s Square, and headed to Flaxley, where my cycle computer reported that we had started “hill 1 of 4”. However, according to the computer, this hill went on, not finishing at Dene Magna, nor at the top of Stenders, but on the outskirts of Ruardean. Three hills for the price of one!
The Joy’s Green zig-zags were negotiated cautiously on the slippery roads, and led us to climb 2, the steep Worrall Hill, which has a lovely new surface. As we reached the Mile End traffic lights, the rider leade suggested a divert to Hopewell Colliery, partly because he didn’t fancy the English Bicknor descent on slippery roads, and partly because there was uncertainty as to whether Hen and Dots was going to be open. This was met with widespread approval, and excellent coffee and good cake was consumed.
Conventional return via Parkend and Blackpool Bridge saw conditions get quite dark in the woods around Soudley, and then dry roads from Northwood Green on.
50 miles, 4,000′ ascent @ 15.3mph