I still stand by my thought of it being a bit boring. After hearing hints that CX bikes might find it tough and it was going to be more exciting this year. Then riding an 82km ride last week that took in the descent down to Hailes, then up from stanway and down to stanton then up the same laverton climb.
Should definitely have gone with a CX bike, no matter the weather. On-road down to buckland was a shame, if you’re going slow due to corners on roads why not go slow off-road?
If it was Hellish I’d have expected more climbs/descents and less flat roads, especially riding along the edge of the cotswold escarpment.
Even my 64yr old dad said it was all too easy.
On the plus side – The organisation at beginning and end, the mid-ride stop at guiting, the cake at the laverton loop. Even the parking (after hearing about possible problems). Really very top notch. That all far exceeded my expectations. Thanks for all that.
Just a better route is wanted really. Was there reasons for not taking some bridlepaths and routes? too fast/narrow/technical?