After not being able to go out for a long ride and having to make do with short outings for the last couple of weeks, I was quite looking forward to today's ride, and it didn't disappoint.
Out early as usual, 6:30, the forecast was cloudy but dry, so shorts and short sleeve jersey. It was cooler than expected, and it took a few minutes before the exertion overcame the chill.
Down the A38 though Kempsey, and then a left for Kerswell Green at Baynhall, found myself reaching the top of Kinnersley Bank in no time. Swift descent into the village, followed by some swift braking before going into the loose gravel. The council has been dressing roads here and there, and the section between Kinnersley village and the turn for Earls Croome has fallen victim to it. Luckily I scrubbed enough speed before entering the gravelled area.
After Kinnersley took a right for Earls Croome, and then a left for Defford at the main road, past Baughton, over the M5, and then a bit of up and down before the right turn for Eckington. I am getting better at pacing, and my fitness is also improving, so I still have some breath left by the time I reach the top of the ramp before the turn. From here it is all downhill to the bridge.
The lights for the bridge were red as I was approaching, but I could hear a car coming fast behind me, they overtook, but had almost no space left to stop for the lights due to the speed. Lucky for them, no one was coming from the other side, and the light changed just in time. Over the bridge, and a bit of a break in the picnic area, where there were three or four boats moored, which seemed to annoy a couple of anglers that had just arrived. I had the impression that the moorings were not to be used overnight, so probably the anglers were justified in their annoyance.
Anyhow, I set off through Eckington, heading for Westmancote. My legs were feeling good, keeping a rather good for me 15.5 mph. I could have been faster, but I wanted to keep steady, and make sure I had legs left till the end of the ride.
So got to Westmancote, and then headed for Conderton, via Kemerton and Overbury. This is a gentle climb, and I could still keep a reasonable speed. After Conderton there's a quick descent to Beckford, and then again a gentle climb to Ashton under the Hill, followed by a somewhat more demanding climb to Kersoe, which was the highest point of my ride today. Still, it felt a lot easier than last time I was this way.
From Kersoe it is pretty much downhill all the way to Pershore, and I took advantage by pushing a bit to keep my average speed up.
From Pershore i went through the usual route via Wadborough and Littleworth for home.
The map
Just under a year ago I rode my first metric half. Since then my fitness has improved significantly, and I have learnt a lot about how to pace myself and how to approach the ride. I think my average speed on my first metric half was around 12.5mph, today's ride was my longest so far, and also the fastest long ride I have done. Not bad progress in a year.
the girl done good..she says I was good ..now soaking in the bath 
slow time but not a problem 
