First Sunday ride since early December. I was eager to get on the bike, but apprehensive after such a long break.
Up early as usual, around quarter to seven, still completely dark. I hadn't really thought where to go as I set off, and decided Droitwich way on the fly, as that route is fairly flat.
Out through St Peters, taking Bath Rd into town, and follow the A38 past Foregate St up to the Claines turn. Left towards Claines, and then a right by the church and over the A449 to take the back lanes that roughly follow the canal to Droitwich. This is a nice ride in daylight, but in the dark it takes quite a bit of care. I will probably not come back this way while the mornings are dark.
I got to Droitwich in one piece, and Hanbury Wharf came quickly. I stopped by the canal junction for a bit of a rest, and now daylight was starting to show.
After a bit of a rest, I continued along, turning right for Himbleton. So far I was a bit slower than usual, but wasn't feeling too bad. The short climbs before Phepson came and went easily, and I got to the turn for Grafton Flyford much quicker than I had expected.
Turn left, and follow the undulating lane, which still bears the signs of the flooding from a couple of months ago, but is now clear. A right at the end, and then a left onto the A442, and then a right for North Piddle.
My lack of miles was now catching up, and the occasional gusts of head wind weren't helping. I slowly made it to the Seaford picnic area, and stopped for a good rest. It was nice there, but the breeze was cool, so I started off again.
Getting to Pinvin was a bit of a drag, so just took it easy. Then over the A44, and a right for Drakes Broughton. The ford is close to cars, but the walkway is open. Steady progress to Drakes Broughton, and then over to Wadborough. The short climb before the village was a struggle, but I just took it easy, and slowly made it home.
32.6 miles at 12.3mph opens the year for me. I need to get some more miles in my legs, and this was a good, if painful, start.
The map
