I had hoped to try a new route today, but had a last minute change of mind and decided to do a long (for me) ride on a known route instead.
This ride links up a couple of established routes and extends the mileage nicely; so to start I dropped down into Shrewsbury and enjoyed the riverside ride through the Quarry. At St. Julians Friars I had to take a detour as the river has been high so the gates across the towpath have been closed and locked. (Probably just as well as the path will be covered in silt).
After that it was out to Upton Magna, Wroxeter, Cressage, Harley and eventually up to Cardington before heading home via Longnor and Condover. There was a good selection of other riders out which was nice.
On the approach to Harley I felt like there was nothing left in my legs but stubbornly decided to carry on.
The result of this was that I was down to crawl on even the slightest of hills.
I'm so glad I didn't go for the new (hilly) route this time .
On the plus side the Brooks felt much better today and although I'm a bit saddle sore from the mileage it is much better than if I'd used the Spoon.
41.4 miles today and 12mph average which I'm happy with given that I was struggling.
Down in the Quarry with Hercules.
The famous wall at Wroxeter (Viroconium). I'm sure the sky didn't look that moody when I was there.
Still at Wroxeter - looking towards The Lawley and Caer Caradoc (the peaks on the left) and the Long Mynd. They are another hour away yet.....
...but by the magic of the internet, here we jump to near the top of the pass between the Lawley and Caer Caradoc.
This wasn't part of the plan. Do I chance it and see if they are letting bikes through or take a long and hilly detour? My legs said chance it.
Nearly home. Looking towards the Wrekin from Lyth Hill.