lumpy (adjective) /ˈlʌm.pi/: covered with or containing lumps:
In cycling terms we’d probably define a lumpy ride as one with more than the usual number of significant climbs. That certainly describes today’s Tempo ride to Coleford. Any route that gets to the cafe via May Hill, Puddlebrook, Ruardean, and Lydbrook is definitely lumpy, as far as I’m concerned.
steep (adjective) /stiːp/: (of a slope) rising or falling at a sharp angle:
Whilst we might disagree about the exact percentage, we all know a steep climb when one rears up in front of us. Proberts Barn Lane from Lower Lydbrook was undeniably steep, it was also wet, mucky, grassy, and paved with appalling tarmac. Most of us had to suffer the ignominy of pushing for some of it. Our guest rider from Ipswich (who rode very strongly and was good company throughout) must have thought he was in cycling purgatory, or on the President’s gravel ride by mistake. Dark words were muttered about the ride leader’s choice of route. All such things were forgiven and forgotten by the time we’d enjoyed coffee and toasted teacake in Kaplans. We set off homeward with only the prospect of climbs at Parkend and Soudley as remaining challenges. Or so we thought.
misfortune (noun) /ˌmɪsˈfɔː.tʃuːn/ :bad luck, or an unlucky event:
With a puncture near Ruardean, the forced return home of the ride leader at Lea, and a second puncture just before Coleford, you would think we’d have had our fair share of misfortune for one ride. No such luck. The spectacular failure of a rear derailleur near Upper Ley called for the combined skill, ingenuity, and saddlebag tools of the whole ride. A single speed arrangement was jury-rigged and progress resumed, albeit at a reduced speed. Everyone made it home without further incident, with plenty to bore the family about over a well earned dinner.
SP
55.1 miles, 4,580 ft, 13.5 mph (I told you it was lumpy).