I knew Dave P had a ride, but where was he? To be fair, he is reliable and consistent, so he duly turned up at 10:26, too late for a big breakfast this time. Dave's ride was based upon a previous successful route by Jim. Dave P, the two Steves, Trevor and myself were soon heading for the pretty canal towpath, and then, by contrast, across the dodgy (for cyclists) A5 roundabout. The quiet lanes past Henlle Hall, and southeast through the Franctons, Hordley and Bagley provided classic easy riding. The weather was very pleasant, the scenery lovely and the pace pressureless. We pottered along with Dave using a pencil-marked map to consult here and there. We had the odd off-piste moments, but generally Dave managed less U- turns than the average politician. I have never ridden with Harry, but it felt like I imagined it would be with Harry, timeless, rolling pleasure.
Photograph by Steve Tan
Dave fancied The Queen's Head past West Felton, because they had large plates I think, but we settled on The Talbot at Ruyton, because it was nearer. The food was fine and the service fast and friendly. We sat at the back in the sun, and nearly fell asleep. The return was via West Felton, Maesbury and a devious route through Oswestry. We climbed up to the Old Oswestry Fort, heading north to Weston Rhyn on a narrow lane with great views. We finished alongside the canal, and back to the excellent coffee shop in Chirk to round off a perfect day's cycling. 42 miles.
See route map and/or gpx file download.
DH
No comments:
Post a Comment