- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
As is often the case with me, some catching up to do.
Boxing Day: A misty morning turned into a foggy afternoon but I wanted to get out and do my traditional ride regardless, especially as I hadn't managed to get on the bike at all for the previous week and a half. I thought that a bit of altitude might get me above the fog so opted for the route to Oaks and Pulverbatch.
I really needed my lights to start with as I headed up Lyth Hill. I was disappointed to find it was as foggy here as anywhere else (walking the dog in the morning I'd been above the cloud). I dropped down to Exford's Green and as I went along the sun was trying to break through in places. Reaching Plealey I just rode out of the fog and it was nice sunshine that was to last for the bulk of the ride.
The climb to Oaks was the same as ever but I did find the lane busier than I'm used to. There was more traffic about on a few of the other lanes too. The views were great heading over the Broom Hill climb which encouraged me along to Pulverbatch, Wilderley and Smethcott.
By Leebotwood the legs were complaining a little bit so I decided not to extend to Dudgeley as I normally might but to head back via the old Roman road. I took it at an easy pace, enjoying the sunshine while it lasted as I could see the bank of fog was still hanging round the Shrewsbury area and I'd have to ride back into it at some point. That point was right at the edge of Bayston Hill. I'd opted to take the flatter main road way back, hoping that the traffic wouldn't be too bad. There wasn't a lot of traffic but the one driver gave a fast and close pass which felt quite deliberate as everyone else gave me loads of room.
24.3 miles at 11.1 mph average. A pretty good ride apart from that one moment. The lanes were pretty muddy so the bike will want a good clean soon.
No views from Lyth Hill this time.
By Plealey though, it could be a different day.
From Oaks you can see where the fog still lingers.
En route to Wilderley.
View to The Lawley as I drop down towards Leebotwood.
The Pound at Leebotwood, which became something of a favourite over the summer.
At Ryton, looking back to the Stretton Hills.
From the same location you can see that I'm going to be riding back into the fog.
Boxing Day: A misty morning turned into a foggy afternoon but I wanted to get out and do my traditional ride regardless, especially as I hadn't managed to get on the bike at all for the previous week and a half. I thought that a bit of altitude might get me above the fog so opted for the route to Oaks and Pulverbatch.
I really needed my lights to start with as I headed up Lyth Hill. I was disappointed to find it was as foggy here as anywhere else (walking the dog in the morning I'd been above the cloud). I dropped down to Exford's Green and as I went along the sun was trying to break through in places. Reaching Plealey I just rode out of the fog and it was nice sunshine that was to last for the bulk of the ride.
The climb to Oaks was the same as ever but I did find the lane busier than I'm used to. There was more traffic about on a few of the other lanes too. The views were great heading over the Broom Hill climb which encouraged me along to Pulverbatch, Wilderley and Smethcott.
By Leebotwood the legs were complaining a little bit so I decided not to extend to Dudgeley as I normally might but to head back via the old Roman road. I took it at an easy pace, enjoying the sunshine while it lasted as I could see the bank of fog was still hanging round the Shrewsbury area and I'd have to ride back into it at some point. That point was right at the edge of Bayston Hill. I'd opted to take the flatter main road way back, hoping that the traffic wouldn't be too bad. There wasn't a lot of traffic but the one driver gave a fast and close pass which felt quite deliberate as everyone else gave me loads of room.
24.3 miles at 11.1 mph average. A pretty good ride apart from that one moment. The lanes were pretty muddy so the bike will want a good clean soon.
No views from Lyth Hill this time.
By Plealey though, it could be a different day.
From Oaks you can see where the fog still lingers.
En route to Wilderley.
View to The Lawley as I drop down towards Leebotwood.
The Pound at Leebotwood, which became something of a favourite over the summer.
At Ryton, looking back to the Stretton Hills.
From the same location you can see that I'm going to be riding back into the fog.
it's just as well I wasn't in the car.
