Having anticipated traffic delays due to the Air Tattoo we all arrived well before the start time - plenty of time to inspect Richard's shiny new bike.

Showers were forecast and they materialised very half hour or so but passed quickly. The only heavy one was at Brimpsfield where we sheltered under a tree (photo). The other weather feature was the fresh Westerly wind which mad e progress hard at times but very easy at others.

In Nailsworth we chanced upon a cafe at a new art gallery (3 Storeys on Old Bristol Road) which provided excellent coffee and cakes to fortify us for the first of the three big climbs - Nailsworth Hill.

After the panoramic views from the top of Minchinhampton Common and the descent to Rodborough we tackled the longest hill which climbs from 35 m up through Whiteshill to the top of Scottsquar Hill at 250 m. After the village of Edge the route follows a lovely single track road along the ridge to Cud Hill from where there are glorious views over Gloucester to Cleeve Hill, the Malverns and Forest of Dean.

At Brockworth, in the face of recurrent showers, it was unanimously agreed to dine inside chez Subway rather than takeaway for an al fresco lunch beyond Birdlip. Somewhat weighed down by our lunches we sweated our way up the third major climb of the day to arrive at Birdlip Village. From there on the ride became progressively easier, finishing with a fast, wind-assisted sweep back to South Cerney.

Many thanks to all for a lovely ride - and to Chris who devised this excellent route.