- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
After going for it a bit yesterday I needed something a little more sedate today. I took the knockabout bike (being a heavier, slower beast it's easier to resist the temptation to try and push it hard) and headed for Cardington the reverse way to usual.
I started off heading for Meole Brace and Weeping Cross before turning south for Berrington, Eaton Mascott and Cound. My resolution to take it easy didn't get off to a good start as the first couple of miles were wind assisted. Even when I turned back into the wind the speed stayed reasonably high for a while until I hit my first real climb and then it felt like yesterday suddenly caught up with my legs.
Settling down into a gentler pace in lower gears I took in the scenery instead as I wound my way up climbs to Harnage then Harnage Grange. On the road to Harley I decided to actually go into the village for a change as I usually skirt past it. A few photos were taken here and I got barked at furiously by a couple of dogs.
The road to Hughley was next which was quite slow going as it was directly into the wind and it's a little bit undulating. I took a right then left at the end which meant a bit more climbing rewarded by a good bit of descent past Church Preen School.
On the next climb I was caught by another rider who rode with me a short way to chat. He was headed for the Church Stretton area to drop in on a few farmers and get their goodwill for a forthcoming fell race to cross their land.
Reaching the crossroads for Longville I was disappointed to see that the road workers I met in the area last time I was here hadn't touched the massive pothole in the middle of the junction. On top of that, on the stretch of road that they were working on they seem to have only patched random holes and left others close by that were equally bad untouched. I don't get it.
From Cardington I had the biggest climb of the trip but from this side it's fairly steady so I just wound my way up then enjoyed the fast and twisty descent the other side. At the bottom I had the wind at my back, where it would stay for most of the way home and got up some nice quick cruising speeds, only spoiled by a pipe and ramps across the road and needing to give way to a farm vehicle.
33.7 miles this time at 12.8 mph average. That last figure flatters me a bit. If I hadn't had the tailwind to finish it would have been rather slower.
An atmospheric look towards the Wrekin.
Some shots of Harley.
A small gathering of @Speicher's friends.
I started off heading for Meole Brace and Weeping Cross before turning south for Berrington, Eaton Mascott and Cound. My resolution to take it easy didn't get off to a good start as the first couple of miles were wind assisted. Even when I turned back into the wind the speed stayed reasonably high for a while until I hit my first real climb and then it felt like yesterday suddenly caught up with my legs.
Settling down into a gentler pace in lower gears I took in the scenery instead as I wound my way up climbs to Harnage then Harnage Grange. On the road to Harley I decided to actually go into the village for a change as I usually skirt past it. A few photos were taken here and I got barked at furiously by a couple of dogs.
The road to Hughley was next which was quite slow going as it was directly into the wind and it's a little bit undulating. I took a right then left at the end which meant a bit more climbing rewarded by a good bit of descent past Church Preen School.
On the next climb I was caught by another rider who rode with me a short way to chat. He was headed for the Church Stretton area to drop in on a few farmers and get their goodwill for a forthcoming fell race to cross their land.
Reaching the crossroads for Longville I was disappointed to see that the road workers I met in the area last time I was here hadn't touched the massive pothole in the middle of the junction. On top of that, on the stretch of road that they were working on they seem to have only patched random holes and left others close by that were equally bad untouched. I don't get it.
From Cardington I had the biggest climb of the trip but from this side it's fairly steady so I just wound my way up then enjoyed the fast and twisty descent the other side. At the bottom I had the wind at my back, where it would stay for most of the way home and got up some nice quick cruising speeds, only spoiled by a pipe and ramps across the road and needing to give way to a farm vehicle.
33.7 miles this time at 12.8 mph average. That last figure flatters me a bit. If I hadn't had the tailwind to finish it would have been rather slower.
An atmospheric look towards the Wrekin.
Some shots of Harley.
A small gathering of @Speicher's friends.
We parted at Upton and I took my standard run back. Nice sociable outing to grab a few miles. 70 smiles
....and here’s another one, just for you :- 
A short blast along the A1101 takes me over the suspension bridge, along the causeway and into Welney. Sat down on my favourite bench outside the Lamb and Flag and had a banana.
brings us all out of the woodwork.
tasted wonderful. Plus getting the hang of this clipless lark. Clipping and unclipping is getting easier.
The trail was clear and conditions good, I guess it just happens sometimes! Be safe out there, look after yourselves 
