A good turnout today with 13 club members plus guest rider Hugh Owen out with us for the first time.

Conditions were cooler than of late, but we were lucky enough to stay dry all day apart from a ten minute shower just after the start. The route kept us entertained, passing through some delightful hidden parts of the Cotswolds new to many of us. It also included plenty of short, and not so short, cheeky climbs with payback on the thrilling descents. By my reckoning the gradient went over 10% on at least eight separate climbs and was often much much more.

We took an early lunch in the genteel setting of the Glasshouse Cafe at Miserden Gardens. Although this is tickety-boo, it did receive some criticism for the limited choice of food on offer. Still we managed to get enough falafel rainbow wraps to fuel us for the return leg. After lunch we seemed to be in more of a holiday mood than before, which helped us to ride back to the finish in closer order. Thanks all for your company which helped make this a great day out.