Hi guys,
Yes - the cycliste with a penchant for pink is still here..... I thought I'd
share today's trip with you.
My goal, you see, is to do a 50 mile round trip. So, with a happy weather
forecast, and the map in front of me, I sat down last night and planned my
route. It looked like that would do it, and also included a big challenge.
The route from Cheddar to Shipham is one of the biggest longest hills
locally. I've not done it this season, and only once last. So, having done
Burrington Coombe, and Mudgeley Hill and others, it seemed the time had
come.
I set off a little after nine this morning, in hazy sunshine with no wind -
perfect start. Up Shipham Hill, which was as challenging as expected, but
I made it, which was a very good feeling. As was the down that follows.
Wiggled my way via Churchill, to Congresbury, joined the main Bristol road
near Yatton and headed north. A right turn took me up a long steady climb
to Bristol Airport. Very long and continous, but shady and quiet, not too
steep, and actually oddly nice. Over the A38 at the airport, and off to
Chew Magna. A mostly flat meander on country lanes to Chew Magna, to West
Harptree, to Chewton Mendip, with a quick snack stop at Chew Valley Lake to
admire the birds admiring themselves. Now another hard bit - a long long up
and down climb from there, on the A39, to Wells. Long, hot, with too much
traffic, and the shady sections were just dangerous since sun-blinded
drivers enter them at speed and don't see you.... Up and up and up, to the
aerial above Wells, and then.......the glorious down and down and down, with
stunning views, that made it all worthwhile. Finally down into Wells, and
out towards Wedmore, but flagging by now. It's a nice route there, but with
my energy waning it felt a little like a slog to get from there, to the
cycle path at Cheddar and home again...
Got home....climbed off the bike, with every ounce of get up and go truly
cycled out. Only(!!!) 47.65 miles, in 3 hours 27 minutes. Slower average
speed than usual, but that's hardly surprising. So, NOT 50 miles, but
darned close. If I'd had the energy I'd have detoured and squeezed a little
more in.......but nope, not today. Still, my longest solo route so far,
both in distance, and time, so that can't be bad. Next time?
Now that I've recovered, I've got a nice happy glow, and not enough energy
to yell at the mob! Oh, and I'm a bit browner too. Mobile sunbathing -
perfect for me, since I can't sit still long enough for traditional sun
worship!
Can't wait until I can't my hands on the planned new bike - I bet I'll have
even more fun!
Cheers all,
Krys