Summer series of longer Saturday Audax/Challenge rides organised by Sheni & Dylan Well actually it’s a complete lap around the Severn Estuary through some glorious scenery. You get a bit of everything on this ride….. rivers, bridges, forests, nice cafes and an ancient abbey too! We head north on quiet lanes, descending Frocester Hill on our way. Skirting the edge of Gloucester we head along the lovely Severn vale for our morning coffee stop in Tewkesbury. After crossing the Severn we ride towards the edge of the Malvern Hills before cunningly avoiding going up them by turning south. The route then takes us into the Forest of Dean for some lovely riding under the trees and along to our lunchtime stop at the Hopewell Colliery Cafe. After refuelling we continue through the Forest for a steady climb up to St.Briavels where we descend all the way down to cross the River Wye and afternoon tea by Tintern Abbey. One final, steady climb up the Anghidi river valley and then we point our bikes towards the Severn Bridge for the second crossing of the river and a gentle ride back home. Optional end of ride refreshment at the Bell Inn, Yatton Keynell for those celebrating a new distance record and/or needing re-hydration. It’s recommended to bring some food/snacks to eat en route to Tewkesbury as it’s quite a long stretch at 50 miles from Chippenham, though mostly easy riding. Once we get to Tewkesbury the Royal Hop Pole (Wetherspoons) does a good 2nd breakfast and then we have two cafe stops after that in the Forest of Dean and at Tintern. There’s a shop in Olveston on the way home in case any extra snacks/refreshments/bottle refills needed for the final leg. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30324680 A note about Challenge Rides: All riders should be comfortable with the challenge of riding longer distances. It’s intended to ride the routes at a steady pace, so the group can stay together. If some people prefer to ride faster and/or if there are sufficient numbers we’ll split into separate groups. All participants should be competent and completely self-contained, carrying tools, tubes, spares etc, and enough food/drink/money to see them through the day. There is no ride-leader, no back-marker, and no route sheet. Everyone is advised to familiarise themselves with the route in advance and to carry relevant maps and directions (paper or GPS, or both!). Lights are recommended on the longer rides, in case it’s getting dark at the finish. Any questions about this ride, please ask Sheni, sheni@jiwa.me.uk