LEADON VALE CYCLE CLUB RIDE 372 Sunday 30th May 2021.Well the weather forecast couldn’t have been more correct a beautiful morning greeted us and for the first time the arm warmers, long fingered gloves stayed at home and with the sun shining I arrived at the club to be greeted by Terry.Today’s ride was thanks to Frank its Franks suit ride in reverse and if the suit has turned out to be as good as this ride is then it’s a good suit. So the Sporty group which seems to grow every week with Robs son joining them left the club to head out through Pendock on there way to join us later on. Maggie Terry and Adrian set out on the Advanced and the rest of us left on an Advanced lite. Peddling out though Forge lane we nearly got muddled up with a large Glos city group who followed us through to Upleadon cross leaving us to go on our way through Newent, Oxenhall and the climb up to Queens wood where the field of daffodils have been replaced by fields of buttercups all splendid in the sunshine. Kempley green and left by the church climbing now up to the Kempley ridge with the dark green fields and the vivid blue sky it was dramatic scenery, I’m not sure the sporty ride appreciated the scenery as they shot past us and we’re soon in the distance not to be seen again. Ross Golf course and as Brucie reduced his layers the Glos city group passed by and we rode together up to Linton where we split again and passing the Alma inn the ridge was looking awesome views in all directions. After a quick drink stop to admire the views we were off again finishing off the ridge and now down to Lea a welcome bit of downhill before the drag to Mitcheldean, and the climb to Dean Magna school and now the best bit the drop down to Littledean the payoff for all that climbing, with the road surface good and dry off we went and within a flash we were riding down Flaxley valley and the wild garlic all out in flower passing the church and winding our way around to Blaisdon and a bit more climbing through the lovely countryside to Huntley, Taynton and Tibberton, up till now the wind was very favourable but now in our face through to Highleadon where we said goodbye to Chris and Gill as we made our way down Blackwells end and back into Forge lane and to the club. A brew was in the pot ready for a well earned cup of tea and a chat sat in the sun, we have been very patient for a day like today and we certainly were rewarded. That was a personal favourite ride of mine with a little bit of everything and with some good company to enhance the experience it didn’t let me down. Thanks to everyone who rode today and I hope you all enjoyed it as I did. I just want to say a very big well done to Mat Fuller on his epic 175 mile ride in one day, I don’t think there will be many that will beat that, but if you have please share your experience and I’m sure if you haven’t already sponsored him I’m sure he still would welcome your support. Well done Mat. Yellow Leader.
