I meant to get out for a ride yesterday but events conspired against me unfortunately, but I made up for that this morning with a ride into the hills.
The weather wasn't as good today with quite a strong wind that failed to blow away the mist that has been hanging round the last couple of days.
That wind was also quite cool but it was pleasantly warm anywhere that was sheltered which made judging clothing tricky.
I used the knockabout bike this time, simply because it was easiest to get out, and headed for Condover, Exfords Green, Pontesbury and Minsterley to start with. There was more traffic down the lanes than expected but the roads were dry and clean which was a plus considering there is lots of farm activity.
It was slow going into the wind after Minsterley and more so when I turned off for Snailbeach and started the climb towards the Stiperstones. Just after the turning I had my one close pass of the trip from a clapped out old Transit, with a little jink towards me as he got alongside which I suspect was deliberate.
I kept calm though and gave my attention to dropping through the gears to wind my way up.
A small excursion was taken in Snailbeach to look at the old mine workings (and particularly the remnants of the old railway) then I carried on up the valley through Crowsnest, Stiperstones village and Tankerville to Pennerley where the road flattens out and the wooded hillsides turn quickly to a much more open and windswept landscape.
Having climbed a bit the wind was colder up here and I contemplated stopping for a hot drink at The Bog visitor centre. I decided not to in the end, thinking about trying to complete the ride before the forecast rain arrived later on.
Carrying on climbing I didn't linger at the summit as it was quite exposed and carried on down the other side to The Bridges. Again there was temptation with one of my favourite pubs being down here, but not today and not on my own.
At the start of the ride I'd had an idea about riding up Asterton Bank. This also fell by the wayside as the weather and the heavy bike had taken it out of me today. I did however want to at least try for the summit of the Long Mynd so went up the easier way from the Ratlinghope side. Easy is a relative term and today I needed my very lowest gear to plod up this long climb against the wind.
I made it to Pole Bank where it was properly windy. I had to be careful about propping the bike up as the wind wanted to knock it over. I'd planned to eat my lunch up here but it was too cold to stop for long so I had a sandwich and continued back to Shooting Box and across Wild Moor then down via High Park to Leebotwood.
This was a great descent and the rest of the way back was pretty good too with the wind finally helping me along at a good speed. Just after going through Condover for the second time, a lorry pulled out slowly just ahead of me and I was able to catch the slipstream for a short while, getting up to 28 mph on the flat before he finally accelerated away.
A fraction under 37 miles at 11.4 mph average which isn't too bad for a very hilly ride on this bike. I'd probably have enjoyed it much more on one of the other bikes in hindsight.
The threatened rain arrived 45 minutes after I got back (and an hour and a half before it was expected).
Starting the climb to Snailbeach. As you see the conditions weren't ideal for photography.
The old engine shed at the Snailbeach lead mine.
Further up the valley near Tankerville where usually there would be a good view of where I've been.
En route to The Bog.
You get a glimpse of the Stiperstones on the ridge of the hill.
Still climbing and looking down on The Bog. The visitor centre is in the old school building.
The Horseshoe at The Bridges. A bit quieter than the last time I was here. (They are open though)
Climbing up onto the Long Mynd. It looks particularly wild and bleak in these weather conditions.
Up at Pole Bank. No chance of a view today - you can barely see the edge of the hill.
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I hope the repair is done quickly, and that you will soon be on your way again.
