Weather was a bit wet and windy last Sunday, and I chickened out of a ride, so was itching for an outing this weekend.
Out at quarter to seven. Still dark, and about 3C, so wearing full autumn gear. There was forecast for fog, but there wasn't much, and there was already a hint of daylight. What was unexpected was the wind, blustery and annoying in places.
Out up Hatfield Bank, through Stonehall Common, down Pirton and up Kinnersley fairly quickly. By this time there wad almost full daylight, which was just as well, as I realised that the rear light was off, as I had forgotten to charge it.
After Kinnersley went through Earls Croome, and then a left for Baughton. I had a bit of headwind here, and it took a bit more pedaling than it should have. In Baughton I took the right towards Strensham, and through the lanes the wind wasn't as annoying.
Past the M5 services, through Upper Strensham, over the M50, and then down towards Twyning, heading in the direction of the A38. A little before I reached the A38 I could see the sun comming out behind of Bredon Hill.
There are some temporary lights on the A38 just as I joined, which happened to be red. I waited, and waited, until a car stopped at the other end and flashed their lights for me to go, it looks like the lights are stuck on red, and the driver was nice enough to let me through.
From here was a quick descent into Twekesbury, and map my ride says that I reached 44mph down the hill. This would be my fastest ever on a bike, but I don't think it is a real reading.
Past the Avon bridge was a left for Bredon, and slower progress as I gained back part of the altitude lost until Tewkesbury. The sun was now properly out, and the views over the river back towards Twyning were beautiful.
So onwards to Bredon, left to Eckington, and then a right by Eckington church for a visit to the Nafford lock. The path to the lock was rather slippery, and I walk the bike all the way after nearly falling twice.
Last time I was here the trees were full of leaf.
Lift the bike over the gate at the other end, and headed to Birlingham, the track is now full of muddy puddles, and takes a bit of care until you reach the tarmac. After Birlingham was a right for Pershore, then Wadborough, Littleworth and down Norton for home.
35.2 miles at 12.8 mph. Good ride, but hard going at times because of the wind.