- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
I had my first ride out for two and half weeks today (been struggling with motivation and the poor weather). This one was a bit special, being a trip right around the Wrekin with @Pale Rider who was visiting locally. My ride started with a trip across town on lovely quiet roads to the agreed meeting point where pleasantries were exchanged and cake supplied.
Wanting to show off the area a bit I'd come up with a choice of routes and fortunately we agreed on the one I'd hoped for, to Ironbridge via the slopes of the Wrekin.
Starting off we were on easy roads but against a fairly brisk headwind (getting that out of the way early and it should be helping on the way back). Our pace was leisurely but all the better for chatting.
We skirted the edge of Haughmond HIll, through Rodington and Walcot before going round the northern side of The Wrekin and up to Little Wenlock (busy with folk making the most of the Bank Holiday) before taking a new route for me down through Coalbrookdale (where the Industrial Revolution started) to Ironbridge where we had hot drinks (thanks for getting those
) and a break.
The return was along the easier but busier road through Buildwas and Leighton then the quieter back road to Wroxeter. I changed the route slightly here, as the bikes were already muddy, to take the shorter way to Upton Magna then back along the edge of Haughmond Hill and retracing our steps to the start.
We chatted a bit more, then I had to head back, using the reverse of the route out as the darkness gathered (have I mentioned I like my new lighting set up?
)
A nice day out in convivial company. 54.3 miles recorded (actually about three more than that due to me accidentally riding without the speedo connected for a bit).
I needed that ride - It's brought the enthusiasm back.
Heading out in the morning - The Severn is high but surprisingly not properly in flood despite the recent rain in Wales.
A stop with a view on our way round the Wrekin.
In Ironbridge.
And the famous Iron Bridge itself.
On our way back and taking a quick break overlooking The Severn at Leighton Bends .
Wanting to show off the area a bit I'd come up with a choice of routes and fortunately we agreed on the one I'd hoped for, to Ironbridge via the slopes of the Wrekin.
Starting off we were on easy roads but against a fairly brisk headwind (getting that out of the way early and it should be helping on the way back). Our pace was leisurely but all the better for chatting.
We skirted the edge of Haughmond HIll, through Rodington and Walcot before going round the northern side of The Wrekin and up to Little Wenlock (busy with folk making the most of the Bank Holiday) before taking a new route for me down through Coalbrookdale (where the Industrial Revolution started) to Ironbridge where we had hot drinks (thanks for getting those
) and a break.The return was along the easier but busier road through Buildwas and Leighton then the quieter back road to Wroxeter. I changed the route slightly here, as the bikes were already muddy, to take the shorter way to Upton Magna then back along the edge of Haughmond Hill and retracing our steps to the start.
We chatted a bit more, then I had to head back, using the reverse of the route out as the darkness gathered (have I mentioned I like my new lighting set up?
)A nice day out in convivial company. 54.3 miles recorded (actually about three more than that due to me accidentally riding without the speedo connected for a bit).
I needed that ride - It's brought the enthusiasm back.
Heading out in the morning - The Severn is high but surprisingly not properly in flood despite the recent rain in Wales.
A stop with a view on our way round the Wrekin.
In Ironbridge.
And the famous Iron Bridge itself.
On our way back and taking a quick break overlooking The Severn at Leighton Bends .
