*** Updated 23rd Sept – Route now finalised, see below and change of start time to 7.15am *** 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 and then skirt around the edge of Gloucester for our morning coffee stop. We’ll then head along the lovely Severn vale before crossing the river and riding 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 (with care) 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. It’s recommended to bring some food/snacks to eat en route as it’s quite a long stretch before our morning coffee stop, though mostly easy riding. Also, please bring lights for this ride as we may not be home until dusk. Please note that attendance of this ride requires advanced booking for COVID track and trace purposes. Please use this simple booking form using the name you are registered with in Rider HQ. Please complete the form for each member wishing to attend. The form is a mandatory for all riders, so we can make our rides as COVID safe as possible for all of us. Your cooperation to complete this in advance of the ride will help the start go smoothly and will be much appreciated. A Google Form has been used to capture the necessary information rather than using any other app or site that requires registration. Any issues with the above process can be directed to leisureride@chippenhamwheelers.org. 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 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 contact the organiser via audax@chippenhamwheelers.orgPre-booking is essential:
A note about Challenge Rides: