After a long dry summer, the Tour of Britain arrived this week, and with it the rain. A forecast of 60% chance of moderate rain (pictured) guided route planning for the intermediate ride, which was intended to pass through Birdwood, Cinderford, Pedalabikeaway, Hopewell, and Coleford on its way to Monmouth. Not by coincidence, there is a café in each of these locations!
The plan started to go wrong when the rain came in sooner and heavier than expected, at Highnam Court. Unperturbed, our two participants caped up thinking they could stop at Birdwood. Alas, it was not yet open! Pressing on, Cinderford seemed a long way away. More, it was the wrong side of Littledean Hill and though climbing in the wet might not be too bad descending its far side would be unpleasant.
So it was that after a vote, in which the ride leader cast his deciding vote, the ride diverted to Soudley. While our jackets were still dripping, who should appear but a bedraggled tempo ride, appropriately coming in two by two.
Another coffee was duly ordered; thunder and lightning were duly admired. The presence of ducks in the mill pond confirmed the suitability of the weather, while Abu disturbed the peace indoors with an electric pump to reinflate his tyre. After coming joint first for Bruce’s Bonus last year, he was keen to get off the blocks for this season’s competition. Finally, the majority ran out of excuses to stay and headed out in the continuing rain. “It’s only an hour’s ride to get home” said one, putting a brave face on the situation.
The ride leader instead took advantage of the adjacent heritage museum, which proved very interesting, before enjoying lunch in the same café. His ride home was dry and became sunny. It took an hour and a quarter though, making the day’s average speed exactly 22kph, a thoroughly intermediate speed.
MT