ABC Towns and Villages

[Spinney]

I had some more fun with this today, copping J to P.

To get my only local J, I had to ride down the Severn and through the Forest of Dean. The Severn was fog-bound but the moment I turned into the Forest at Blakeney I was in sparkling sunshine. Sadly this wasn't to be maintained throughout the day, and by the time I reached my objective (totally uncharted as far as I was concerned) I was approaching the big drop down into the Wye. If I'd been luckier I'd've been able to show you clear blue skies and a sea of mist, illuminated by the sun, nestling in the Wye Valley. But that view was a couple of miles back.

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The sticklers will be complaining at the absence of apostrophe. Grrrrr.

The next convenient K is a prosaically named village west of Newent. The fog was showing signs of thinning but it wasn't there yet.

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A much more intriguing name for my L. It's good to see an informative sign, though it's in need of tlc:

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Serious fog problems were now in the past, and the transformation was almost complete by the time I reached my M. This needed a close pass to Gloucester but it fitted well with the ride:

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Next is a satellite of Tewkesbury, but they evidently think themselves sufficiently separate to have their own boundary signs:

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The sign is awkwardly placed for a photograph. The one on the other side of the road is at a better level but enveloped by brambles. They look very odd as you approach. I can only think the one in the picture is raised to discourage vandalism. It a pretty innocuous name so I'm not sure what anyone would do with it. I have a possible U at Uckington, just outside Cheltenham and I wouldn't be surprised if their signs get amended from time to time.

As well as the magnificent blue sky, it was especially nice to see something thoroughly traditional next. A name with a strong cycling heritage, as many will know:

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Heading back to Gloucester with bare arms and legs (but five shirts, the combination seemed to work well) there's an elegantly named P, with a view of the Cotswolds that would've seemed impossible a few hours earlier:

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I've yet to be urged to cycle carefully, but I always try.

Joy's Green is going to have to be my J as well. It's looking like a 70 mile ride, though, so I'm not in a rush to get there (still out of shape from a slothful 2018)

 

[steveindenmark]

 

[13 rider]

You are nicely placed when you get to Z as well.

V is my issue ,140 miler !!!

 

[lazybloke]

I'm late to this party, but first pic done.

An excellent way to get me out and about more than normal, and to do different routes.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

V is my issue ,140 miler !!!

Seems common, my V was 130 miles.

 

[13 rider]

Seems common, my V was 130 miles.

I could wait until July . While in Cornwall there is a V 10 miles away from where I stay

 

[MontyVeda]

Just realising that there is a shortage of D's around where I live & ride.

Do you a swap for a J

Severe lack of J's in Lancashire too

 

[steveindenmark]

On the way to work this morning.

 

[rugby bloke]

Seems common, my V was 130 miles.

130 miles ! Top ride.

V is definitely another challenge, unless you are in the Celtic regions. I am thinking of employing a bike - train - bike combo to bag Vauxhall when I'm working in London.

 

[13 rider]

O and P today

Look at that sky Feb 26th ! . What a great day for a ride .

 

[iandg]

F,G and H. Not sure where there's an I on the island. There is Iochdar but that's right down in South Uist. Heading over to the mainland and south to visit my wife at the weekend. Pass through Inverness (but driving) so it looks like I'll be heading out past Irongray for a ride

 

[rugby bloke]

O and P today
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Look at that sky Feb 26th unbelievable what a great day for a ride

So envious, spent the last 2 days staring out at perfect cycling weather whilst I'm stick in the office.

 

[steveindenmark]

 

[steveindenmark]

 

[steveindenmark]