roubaixtuesday
self serving virtue signaller
WFH today, so a chance to take the MTB out over the icy Moss before breakfast.
Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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footloose crow
Veteran
- Location
- Cornwall. UK
15 Dec Once more into the freezer......
My wife was not happy. She pointed out that I have Zwift set up in the back bedroom, that the roads are full of Xmas shoppers and there is still a lot of ice so I DO NOT NEED TO GO OUTSIDE. I haven't known it this cold in Cornwall since the 'Beast from the East' in 2017. We just don't do 'cold' here. We do beaches, loose limbed guys with surfboards and the wetsuit pulled down to the waist, tanned ladies ripping the waves barefoot even in January. It only snows once a decade and melts within hours. So having had some rain and sleet creating a long, thin lane wide tongue of water the current frosts and refusal to rise above 0c have created some issues. This weather perplexes me - I don't understand how to cycle in it. What do you do when the lanes are icy, unsalted and the air is thick with cold? It is an effort even to push your way through this dense cold air. Even breathing is like imbibing frozen treacle. My lungs struggle to get any sustenance from it, the bike is held back as if we were cycling underwater. I haven't even got to the first hill yet.
Setting off from home - really it is cold. I know there isn't snow or frost but it is BELOW freezing and we are just not used to it. in Cornwall.
But even without wifely approval I need to get out in the open. The sun was visible for the first time in a clear blue sky and although it offered as much warmth as a smile from a Russian president, it was nevertheless a real sun and not something on Zwift. I told my wife that Tony and Ian were coming and I couldn't let them down although in truth, I had spent a day wearing down their excuses not to go out and I suspect they told their partners they were only going to keep me happy. And I was happy, even though wrapped up in four layers made it hard to breathe or even turn my head.
Ian, as usual, assured me he had done very little cycling lately and was tremendously unfit - and then disappeared quickly up the first hill. He and Tony waited for me at the Coop where they were busy assisting various older ladies who were falling over on the ice. They asked me where I wanted to go next and we didn't go there on the basis of their opinion that all my route choices were s**t. Instead we had to find some unnecessary hills which involved me breathing deeply and cold scorching my lungs to the point that I couldn't feel my chest. At least I didn't need to worry about the pain of a heart attack.
Looks colder in black and white eh?....an alternative explanation is its hard taking a photo with your gloves in your mouth, one hand on the brakes whilst trying to avoid potholes and find the right buttons on the camera.
A cafe stop with an underperforming wood burner just made me colder and stepping outside afterwards really took my breath away. The cafe is perched part way up St Agnes Beacon, over looking the sea from an elevated position. The entire coast from Stepper Point near Padstow in the north to St Ives to the south was clearly visible, every detail brilliantly etched in the clean bright light; the sea a deep blue, moving slowly and comfortably, the sky a lighter blue, a few wisps of cloud drifting gently past. The cliffs shone in the light, each section a different hue of purple, grey, brown and black. An old mine shaft was silhouetted against the light. Frost sparkling in the hedgerows and lines of sparkling old snow in the ploughed furrows across the fields
I saw all of that but didn't take a photo. I had just had my breath taken away by how much colder the air had become.
A photo of someone you don't know riding downhill with a bit of sea in the corner....I have excuses. At least it's in colour this time.
Time to head for home now, into the dropping sun which made spotting cars and potholes difficult and I hit a few of one of those and was missed, although not by much, by the other. The cold was finding every small gap in my clothing going down hill, braking cautiously, one foot unclipped and ready to break a fall. The back wheel squirrelled around from time to time as it found patches of ice, hidden to me until that floating feeling that precedes a long slide down the road. My bike handling skills must have improved as today I didn't do more than wobble and make small piteous noises.
Truro fortunately was gritted and salted and the traffic wasn't too bad. Lots of Cornish won't go out when its frosty as we are not used to it and anyway no one likes city driving on Truro's half mile of dual carriageway and the complexity of our three lane roundabout being a frequently heard excuse to take the bus instead, even in summer.
We parted with fist bumps and happy smiles and promises to get out again next week. We spoke of Lanzarote and spring time and made fervent vows to cycle long distances, tackle big hills, travel to new places..... but only when it warmed up again. We three are all pensioners - we need to dream: but we also need to get on with it before we can't.
Cold again tomorrow.
Statistics : 48.9km. 850 m of uphill. Sorry not to have done made it 50K @13rider but its only a number.......
My wife was not happy. She pointed out that I have Zwift set up in the back bedroom, that the roads are full of Xmas shoppers and there is still a lot of ice so I DO NOT NEED TO GO OUTSIDE. I haven't known it this cold in Cornwall since the 'Beast from the East' in 2017. We just don't do 'cold' here. We do beaches, loose limbed guys with surfboards and the wetsuit pulled down to the waist, tanned ladies ripping the waves barefoot even in January. It only snows once a decade and melts within hours. So having had some rain and sleet creating a long, thin lane wide tongue of water the current frosts and refusal to rise above 0c have created some issues. This weather perplexes me - I don't understand how to cycle in it. What do you do when the lanes are icy, unsalted and the air is thick with cold? It is an effort even to push your way through this dense cold air. Even breathing is like imbibing frozen treacle. My lungs struggle to get any sustenance from it, the bike is held back as if we were cycling underwater. I haven't even got to the first hill yet.
Setting off from home - really it is cold. I know there isn't snow or frost but it is BELOW freezing and we are just not used to it. in Cornwall.
But even without wifely approval I need to get out in the open. The sun was visible for the first time in a clear blue sky and although it offered as much warmth as a smile from a Russian president, it was nevertheless a real sun and not something on Zwift. I told my wife that Tony and Ian were coming and I couldn't let them down although in truth, I had spent a day wearing down their excuses not to go out and I suspect they told their partners they were only going to keep me happy. And I was happy, even though wrapped up in four layers made it hard to breathe or even turn my head.
Ian, as usual, assured me he had done very little cycling lately and was tremendously unfit - and then disappeared quickly up the first hill. He and Tony waited for me at the Coop where they were busy assisting various older ladies who were falling over on the ice. They asked me where I wanted to go next and we didn't go there on the basis of their opinion that all my route choices were s**t. Instead we had to find some unnecessary hills which involved me breathing deeply and cold scorching my lungs to the point that I couldn't feel my chest. At least I didn't need to worry about the pain of a heart attack.
Looks colder in black and white eh?....an alternative explanation is its hard taking a photo with your gloves in your mouth, one hand on the brakes whilst trying to avoid potholes and find the right buttons on the camera.
A cafe stop with an underperforming wood burner just made me colder and stepping outside afterwards really took my breath away. The cafe is perched part way up St Agnes Beacon, over looking the sea from an elevated position. The entire coast from Stepper Point near Padstow in the north to St Ives to the south was clearly visible, every detail brilliantly etched in the clean bright light; the sea a deep blue, moving slowly and comfortably, the sky a lighter blue, a few wisps of cloud drifting gently past. The cliffs shone in the light, each section a different hue of purple, grey, brown and black. An old mine shaft was silhouetted against the light. Frost sparkling in the hedgerows and lines of sparkling old snow in the ploughed furrows across the fields
I saw all of that but didn't take a photo. I had just had my breath taken away by how much colder the air had become.
A photo of someone you don't know riding downhill with a bit of sea in the corner....I have excuses. At least it's in colour this time.
Time to head for home now, into the dropping sun which made spotting cars and potholes difficult and I hit a few of one of those and was missed, although not by much, by the other. The cold was finding every small gap in my clothing going down hill, braking cautiously, one foot unclipped and ready to break a fall. The back wheel squirrelled around from time to time as it found patches of ice, hidden to me until that floating feeling that precedes a long slide down the road. My bike handling skills must have improved as today I didn't do more than wobble and make small piteous noises.
Truro fortunately was gritted and salted and the traffic wasn't too bad. Lots of Cornish won't go out when its frosty as we are not used to it and anyway no one likes city driving on Truro's half mile of dual carriageway and the complexity of our three lane roundabout being a frequently heard excuse to take the bus instead, even in summer.
We parted with fist bumps and happy smiles and promises to get out again next week. We spoke of Lanzarote and spring time and made fervent vows to cycle long distances, tackle big hills, travel to new places..... but only when it warmed up again. We three are all pensioners - we need to dream: but we also need to get on with it before we can't.
Cold again tomorrow.
Statistics : 48.9km. 850 m of uphill. Sorry not to have done made it 50K @13rider but its only a number.......
Spartak
Powered by M&M's
- Location
- Bristolian
Cycled into Bristol this morning to drop off a letter, fortunately the cycle track from Staple Hill into town was well gritted.
You could tell its been well below freezing in these parts for a few days now as the Harbour was partially frozen... ❄️
You could tell its been well below freezing in these parts for a few days now as the Harbour was partially frozen... ❄️
galaxy
Guru
- Location
- Middleton On The Hill
Good Morning everyone. Not been on since September. We made a few changes in life regarding work. The plan was to have more Cycling gine amongst other things. Took a while but it’s now starting to happen. Must admit it’s been hard last few days.
I was driving down the A49 on Thursday afternoon and see a familiar face from the Forum. Can’t remember your user name on Hear. You were just up from
lower Pulley.
Some amazing pictures from all you loveliest cyclists.
Enjoy
I was driving down the A49 on Thursday afternoon and see a familiar face from the Forum. Can’t remember your user name on Hear. You were just up from
lower Pulley.
Some amazing pictures from all you loveliest cyclists.
Enjoy
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
First longer ( more than 45 mins )outdoor ride in 10 days today . Did a version of my standard 50km loop out to Wymeswold sticking to busier and gritted roads and I didn't quite get to Wymeswold . On the way back I realised I was a tad short so unlike @footloose crow I added a bit on as to me 50km is always the target no 48 and a bit ( rant over) . Yes it was cold but not as bad as the last few days lovely sunshine though .
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Wednesday: Although I'd prepared the knockabout bike for the wintery weather earlier in the week, it took too long to swap the wheels and do some other fettling that was needed. I missed that chance to get a ride in so made sure of getting out at the next opportunity. I just had a couple of hours or so to spare so aimed to do a variation of the longer Acton Burnell route.
Traffic was really busy on the A49 meaning it took a while to get a gap to join the road and I was glad to get onto the quieter roads, as usual. I thought I'd do the ride clockwise this time but for a change took a right at the end of Lyons Lane to head for Cantlop and Pitchford. The bright, frosty day looked lovely, however I realised I'd left my phone behind so couldn't get any photos which was a little frustrating.
Before Pitchford I turned left towards Cound onto a lane I had pretty much to myself. The ungritted roads had all been dry so far which made me think that I needn't have bothered with the ice tyres. Flag of the day at Cound was wishing everyone a Merry Christmas (as far as I could see at least, since it was hanging limp in the still air) then on the climb to Harnage I found a little bit of snow remaining in the centre of the lane - still not enough to justify spikes really.
The long straight to Cound Moor looked damp and hadn't been gritted as far as I could tell so the tyres were reassuring for this bit, also for the climb on the way to Acton Burnell which had slush where water had run across the road. I was back onto gritted roads on the way to Frodesley and Longnor. It was nicely uneventful heading back to Ryton and Condover. As the sun got lower I was feeling the cold seeping through all my layers. I thought I'd head over Lyth Hill on the way back as the traffic would likely still be busy on the main road - it was, so I was glad to only be on it for a couple of hundred yards or so.
25.4 miles at 12.2 mph average. Chilly but it felt good to have got out.
------------------------------------------
Thursday: I had a little more time available in the afternoon so aimed to do something a little longer. I thought that heading to Cardington then around some of the hilly lanes there would be good. It was another start along the A49 (
@galaxy) and into Condover, without having to wait as long to join the main road this time. After a hard overnight frost the surface of the lane after Ryton was sparkling in the sunshine and at Longnor there was slush across the road by the school despite it having been gritted. The old Roman road to Hollyhurst had more obvious ice along it so I was quite happy about having the studded tyres fitted. The climb to Folly Bank was slow and steady then I was glad I'd put on an extra layer for this ride as the descent into Cardington was pretty chilly. As I passed a group of walkers I heard a comment about ice in the village - I was taking it carefully anyway but the extra warning was appreciated.
I turned towards Plaish next. The lane heading there was empty except for me and dry to start with, however about halfway along, the layer of dry mud seamlessly turned into a thick layer of sheet ice and I was going a bit quicker than was entirely sensible. The studs did their job though and I crossed that without any drama. After Plaish I turned onto the undulating lane towards Lower Chatwall and then climbed over the hill to Church Preen. There were some great views on the way and a couple of motorists who seemed surprised to see me.
I was feeling the cold a bit despite the extra layer so aimed to take the most direct route back from here, to Kenley, then down the hill past Bull Farm (some good bits of ice on the road around here so I tempered my speed) and on towards Acton Burnell. The sun set when I was somewhere near Pitchford. Getting back to Condover I thought I'd take the flat way back. The A49 was a little busy so I had to wait to get onto it but it wasn't as bad as the previous day.
Just over 28 miles at 11.4 mph average. Again, great to get out but a hot drink was very welcome when I got back.
The view of the Lawley from thr old Roman road.
Cardington.
En route to Church Preen.
The view to High Fields with Brown Clee in the background.
The setting sun gives a nice glow to The Wrekin.
A couple of miles to home and looking back to the afterglow over Caer Caradoc and the Long Mynd.
--------------------------------------
Friday: Another chance to get out in the afternoon and I thought I'd try my Wilderley and Pulverbatch route. I was heading round clockwise so to start with it was the same roads as the day before. Joining the A49 there was plenty of traffic headed south but not a lot going north - I didn't think too much about it at the time. The road to Condover seemed a bit busier than normal but not enough to cause any bother and the lane from Ryton to Longnor had a few more cars than I'm used to as well.
Reaching Longnor I knew there was a problem as not only was there more traffic than usual but when it got to the crossroads most of it was turning right onto the old Roman road. Something must have happened on the A49. At Green Farm everything came to a stop and talking to some of the stuck motorists I was led to understand that the police had been suggesting this single track lane as the nearest diversion from both directions.
Two lorries had met somewhere in the middle and brought the whole lot to a grinding halt. Fortunately though, someone was organised enought to try and sort it out and the one lorry had been backed down the drive to Lawley Farm while other motorists were turning round where they could to retrace their steps. While walking the bike through all this chaos one of the drivers enquired what I wanted for it.
At least people were keeping their sense of humour.
At the next turning for Leebotwood, more drivers were coming from the direction of the A49 but most seemed to be headed on the road to Cardington so perhaps word about the problem on the lane had filtered through. I carried on to Hollyhurst and found the next blockage less than a mile up the road. This one wasn't so bad though and they were able to sort themselves out. It was stop-start to my crossing of the A49, which was very quiet and easy to get over.
I did wonder if there would be the same issues on the road through Dudgeley but this wasn't too bad. I do hope that the articulated lorry didn't get stuck - the lane I'd just come from is narrower and twistier than the one where I met it. I saw a couple of vehicles I recognised from the earlier jams and the one driver did a proper double-take when he saw me.
Turning towards Smethcott I left all but the local traffic behind. The ice tyres proved their value as there were a few slippy bits on the climb. I was running a lot later than planned by now and my legs were feeling really fatigued so I decided to cut the ride short when I reached the Picklescott road, so turned to head down the hill into Dorrington. I had assumed that this road would have been gritted but it didn't appear to have been so I took it carefully on the long descent. There was traffic queueing for the closure of the A49 in Dorrington but it didn't hinder me crossing over to head for Ryton and Condover.
The flat route home seemed the obvious choice, made easier by there being little traffic headed north still.
22.7 miles at 11 mph average. Not the ride I had in mind when I set out. The A49 closure was caused by a serious accident involving two lorries. At the time of writing, one of the drivers is reported as being in a critical condition.
Looking towards Caer Caradoc from the lane to Walkmills.
At the top of the climb after Smethcott.
Traffic was really busy on the A49 meaning it took a while to get a gap to join the road and I was glad to get onto the quieter roads, as usual. I thought I'd do the ride clockwise this time but for a change took a right at the end of Lyons Lane to head for Cantlop and Pitchford. The bright, frosty day looked lovely, however I realised I'd left my phone behind so couldn't get any photos which was a little frustrating.
Before Pitchford I turned left towards Cound onto a lane I had pretty much to myself. The ungritted roads had all been dry so far which made me think that I needn't have bothered with the ice tyres. Flag of the day at Cound was wishing everyone a Merry Christmas (as far as I could see at least, since it was hanging limp in the still air) then on the climb to Harnage I found a little bit of snow remaining in the centre of the lane - still not enough to justify spikes really.
The long straight to Cound Moor looked damp and hadn't been gritted as far as I could tell so the tyres were reassuring for this bit, also for the climb on the way to Acton Burnell which had slush where water had run across the road. I was back onto gritted roads on the way to Frodesley and Longnor. It was nicely uneventful heading back to Ryton and Condover. As the sun got lower I was feeling the cold seeping through all my layers. I thought I'd head over Lyth Hill on the way back as the traffic would likely still be busy on the main road - it was, so I was glad to only be on it for a couple of hundred yards or so.
25.4 miles at 12.2 mph average. Chilly but it felt good to have got out.
------------------------------------------
Thursday: I had a little more time available in the afternoon so aimed to do something a little longer. I thought that heading to Cardington then around some of the hilly lanes there would be good. It was another start along the A49 (
@galaxy) and into Condover, without having to wait as long to join the main road this time. After a hard overnight frost the surface of the lane after Ryton was sparkling in the sunshine and at Longnor there was slush across the road by the school despite it having been gritted. The old Roman road to Hollyhurst had more obvious ice along it so I was quite happy about having the studded tyres fitted. The climb to Folly Bank was slow and steady then I was glad I'd put on an extra layer for this ride as the descent into Cardington was pretty chilly. As I passed a group of walkers I heard a comment about ice in the village - I was taking it carefully anyway but the extra warning was appreciated.I turned towards Plaish next. The lane heading there was empty except for me and dry to start with, however about halfway along, the layer of dry mud seamlessly turned into a thick layer of sheet ice and I was going a bit quicker than was entirely sensible. The studs did their job though and I crossed that without any drama. After Plaish I turned onto the undulating lane towards Lower Chatwall and then climbed over the hill to Church Preen. There were some great views on the way and a couple of motorists who seemed surprised to see me.
I was feeling the cold a bit despite the extra layer so aimed to take the most direct route back from here, to Kenley, then down the hill past Bull Farm (some good bits of ice on the road around here so I tempered my speed) and on towards Acton Burnell. The sun set when I was somewhere near Pitchford. Getting back to Condover I thought I'd take the flat way back. The A49 was a little busy so I had to wait to get onto it but it wasn't as bad as the previous day.
Just over 28 miles at 11.4 mph average. Again, great to get out but a hot drink was very welcome when I got back.
The view of the Lawley from thr old Roman road.
Cardington.
En route to Church Preen.
The view to High Fields with Brown Clee in the background.
The setting sun gives a nice glow to The Wrekin.
A couple of miles to home and looking back to the afterglow over Caer Caradoc and the Long Mynd.
--------------------------------------
Friday: Another chance to get out in the afternoon and I thought I'd try my Wilderley and Pulverbatch route. I was heading round clockwise so to start with it was the same roads as the day before. Joining the A49 there was plenty of traffic headed south but not a lot going north - I didn't think too much about it at the time. The road to Condover seemed a bit busier than normal but not enough to cause any bother and the lane from Ryton to Longnor had a few more cars than I'm used to as well.
Reaching Longnor I knew there was a problem as not only was there more traffic than usual but when it got to the crossroads most of it was turning right onto the old Roman road. Something must have happened on the A49. At Green Farm everything came to a stop and talking to some of the stuck motorists I was led to understand that the police had been suggesting this single track lane as the nearest diversion from both directions.
Two lorries had met somewhere in the middle and brought the whole lot to a grinding halt. Fortunately though, someone was organised enought to try and sort it out and the one lorry had been backed down the drive to Lawley Farm while other motorists were turning round where they could to retrace their steps. While walking the bike through all this chaos one of the drivers enquired what I wanted for it. At least people were keeping their sense of humour.At the next turning for Leebotwood, more drivers were coming from the direction of the A49 but most seemed to be headed on the road to Cardington so perhaps word about the problem on the lane had filtered through. I carried on to Hollyhurst and found the next blockage less than a mile up the road. This one wasn't so bad though and they were able to sort themselves out. It was stop-start to my crossing of the A49, which was very quiet and easy to get over.
I did wonder if there would be the same issues on the road through Dudgeley but this wasn't too bad. I do hope that the articulated lorry didn't get stuck - the lane I'd just come from is narrower and twistier than the one where I met it. I saw a couple of vehicles I recognised from the earlier jams and the one driver did a proper double-take when he saw me.
Turning towards Smethcott I left all but the local traffic behind. The ice tyres proved their value as there were a few slippy bits on the climb. I was running a lot later than planned by now and my legs were feeling really fatigued so I decided to cut the ride short when I reached the Picklescott road, so turned to head down the hill into Dorrington. I had assumed that this road would have been gritted but it didn't appear to have been so I took it carefully on the long descent. There was traffic queueing for the closure of the A49 in Dorrington but it didn't hinder me crossing over to head for Ryton and Condover.
The flat route home seemed the obvious choice, made easier by there being little traffic headed north still.
22.7 miles at 11 mph average. Not the ride I had in mind when I set out. The A49 closure was caused by a serious accident involving two lorries. At the time of writing, one of the drivers is reported as being in a critical condition.
Looking towards Caer Caradoc from the lane to Walkmills.
At the top of the climb after Smethcott.
galaxy
Guru
- Location
- Middleton On The Hill
That was very likely me.
Just about to write up the ride reports including that one.
I’m sure it was Mt. I remember you wearing Glasses. Looked like you were about to turn right on the A49.
@Rickshaw Phil Great write ups. Very impressed and a bit envious you were able to get out. Iced in here for 10 days now. Keep up the good work!
footloose crow
Veteran
- Location
- Cornwall. UK
I will do 51 and a bit next time to make up for it….that better? 😀
It’s still only a number……🧮
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Yes, I did have glasses on and it is a right turn onto the A49.
Thanks.
I was very fortunate a few years ago to get hold of some Marathon Winter tyres when Planet X had them at a huge discount. They make a big difference when it gets slippy.
HLaB
Marie Attoinette Fan
The group ride was cancelled yet again, tbh it would have been suicide on the Northamptonshire lanes if it had went ahead. So I was left with the choice of:
Or wait until it had warmed up. The cabin fever had me opt for the latter.
I decided to load a TrainerRoad workout and headed along Oundle Rd out of Peterborough, before cutting down Bullock Rd in Northamptonshire. I then cut across to the old A1 in Huntingdonshire. I went south on it at first to the Sawtry roundabout, before doubling back to the Stilton flyover. I still had a couple of minutes left on the workout so I headed into the village to finish it on nice quiet roads. I then had a nice cool down into Peterborough.
Before going back to the flat I stopped and took my gloves off for a pic (I hadn't dated before)
The rowing lake was more icy still with being still water 🧊
View: https://youtube.com/shorts/6Wp2zzkWPJY?feature=share
Or wait until it had warmed up. The cabin fever had me opt for the latter.
I decided to load a TrainerRoad workout and headed along Oundle Rd out of Peterborough, before cutting down Bullock Rd in Northamptonshire. I then cut across to the old A1 in Huntingdonshire. I went south on it at first to the Sawtry roundabout, before doubling back to the Stilton flyover. I still had a couple of minutes left on the workout so I headed into the village to finish it on nice quiet roads. I then had a nice cool down into Peterborough.
Before going back to the flat I stopped and took my gloves off for a pic (I hadn't dated before)
The rowing lake was more icy still with being still water 🧊
View: https://youtube.com/shorts/6Wp2zzkWPJY?feature=share
Dave 123
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire alps
No ride for 2 weeks due to a visiting friend, then the lurgy.
Almost 14 miles on my mountain bike. As I’d not been out for a while I wandered the lanes and bridleways, then I decided to be naughty and go around the Warren. Little did I know they burned and flailed the gorse yesterday…. It was messy in places.
Bloody lovely to be on my bike again!
https://www.strava.com/activities/8259935481
Almost 14 miles on my mountain bike. As I’d not been out for a while I wandered the lanes and bridleways, then I decided to be naughty and go around the Warren. Little did I know they burned and flailed the gorse yesterday…. It was messy in places.
Bloody lovely to be on my bike again!
https://www.strava.com/activities/8259935481
Last edited:
galaxy
Guru
- Location
- Middleton On The Hill
Wednesday: Although I'd prepared the knockabout bike for the wintery weather earlier in the week, it took too long to swap the wheels and do some other fettling that was needed. I missed that chance to get a ride in so made sure of getting out at the next opportunity. I just had a couple of hours or so to spare so aimed to do a variation of the longer Acton Burnell route.
Traffic was really busy on the A49 meaning it took a while to get a gap to join the road and I was glad to get onto the quieter roads, as usual. I thought I'd do the ride clockwise this time but for a change took a right at the end of Lyons Lane to head for Cantlop and Pitchford. The bright, frosty day looked lovely, however I realised I'd left my phone behind so couldn't get any photos which was a little frustrating.
Before Pitchford I turned left towards Cound onto a lane I had pretty much to myself. The ungritted roads had all been dry so far which made me think that I needn't have bothered with the ice tyres. Flag of the day at Cound was wishing everyone a Merry Christmas (as far as I could see at least, since it was hanging limp in the still air) then on the climb to Harnage I found a little bit of snow remaining in the centre of the lane - still not enough to justify spikes really.
The long straight to Cound Moor looked damp and hadn't been gritted as far as I could tell so the tyres were reassuring for this bit, also for the climb on the way to Acton Burnell which had slush where water had run across the road. I was back onto gritted roads on the way to Frodesley and Longnor. It was nicely uneventful heading back to Ryton and Condover. As the sun got lower I was feeling the cold seeping through all my layers. I thought I'd head over Lyth Hill on the way back as the traffic would likely still be busy on the main road - it was, so I was glad to only be on it for a couple of hundred yards or so.
25.4 miles at 12.2 mph average. Chilly but it felt good to have got out.
------------------------------------------
Thursday: I had a little more time available in the afternoon so aimed to do something a little longer. I thought that heading to Cardington then around some of the hilly lanes there would be good. It was another start along the A49 (
I turned towards Plaish next. The lane heading there was empty except for me and dry to start with, however about halfway along, the layer of dry mud seamlessly turned into a thick layer of sheet ice and I was going a bit quicker than was entirely sensible. The studs did their job though and I crossed that without any drama. After Plaish I turned onto the undulating lane towards Lower Chatwall and then climbed over the hill to Church Preen. There were some great views on the way and a couple of motorists who seemed surprised to see me.
I was feeling the cold a bit despite the extra layer so aimed to take the most direct route back from here, to Kenley, then down the hill past Bull Farm (some good bits of ice on the road around here so I tempered my speed) and on towards Acton Burnell. The sun set when I was somewhere near Pitchford. Getting back to Condover I thought I'd take the flat way back. The A49 was a little busy so I had to wait to get onto it but it wasn't as bad as the previous day.
Just over 28 miles at 11.4 mph average. Again, great to get out but a hot drink was very welcome when I got back.
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The view of the Lawley from thr old Roman road.
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Cardington.
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En route to Church Preen.
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The view to High Fields with Brown Clee in the background.
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The setting sun gives a nice glow to The Wrekin.
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A couple of miles to home and looking back to the afterglow over Caer Caradoc and the Long Mynd.
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Friday: Another chance to get out in the afternoon and I thought I'd try my Wilderley and Pulverbatch route. I was heading round clockwise so to start with it was the same roads as the day before. Joining the A49 there was plenty of traffic headed south but not a lot going north - I didn't think too much about it at the time. The road to Condover seemed a bit busier than normal but not enough to cause any bother and the lane from Ryton to Longnor had a few more cars than I'm used to as well.
Reaching Longnor I knew there was a problem as not only was there more traffic than usual but when it got to the crossroads most of it was turning right onto the old Roman road. Something must have happened on the A49. At Green Farm everything came to a stop and talking to some of the stuck motorists I was led to understand that the police had been suggesting this single track lane as the nearest diversion from both directions.
At the next turning for Leebotwood, more drivers were coming from the direction of the A49 but most seemed to be headed on the road to Cardington so perhaps word about the problem on the lane had filtered through. I carried on to Hollyhurst and found the next blockage less than a mile up the road. This one wasn't so bad though and they were able to sort themselves out. It was stop-start to my crossing of the A49, which was very quiet and easy to get over.
I did wonder if there would be the same issues on the road through Dudgeley but this wasn't too bad. I do hope that the articulated lorry didn't get stuck - the lane I'd just come from is narrower and twistier than the one where I met it. I saw a couple of vehicles I recognised from the earlier jams and the one driver did a proper double-take when he saw me.
Turning towards Smethcott I left all but the local traffic behind. The ice tyres proved their value as there were a few slippy bits on the climb. I was running a lot later than planned by now and my legs were feeling really fatigued so I decided to cut the ride short when I reached the Picklescott road, so turned to head down the hill into Dorrington. I had assumed that this road would have been gritted but it didn't appear to have been so I took it carefully on the long descent. There was traffic queueing for the closure of the A49 in Dorrington but it didn't hinder me crossing over to head for Ryton and Condover.
The flat route home seemed the obvious choice, made easier by there being little traffic headed north still.
22.7 miles at 11 mph average. Not the ride I had in mind when I set out. The A49 closure was caused by a serious accident involving two lorries. At the time of writing, one of the drivers is reported as being in a critical condition.
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Looking towards Caer Caradoc from the lane to Walkmills.
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At the top of the climb after Smethcott.
Yeah. It was definitely you. I’d love to of stopped and had a chat
