2nd June 2016: Market Drayton (brisk)

Ivan and I had proposed essentially the same 52 mile route to Market Drayton so a deal was done; Ivan would lead, and I would write the blog. The Brisk Group are six this week; Ivan, Tom, Steve T, Ken, John W, and myself. We set off up around Burwardsley and Harthill, bound for Bickerton and Aston. The sun peeps through after the chilly start but we're not cold at 20mph! We are soon rounding Audlem down Royal Green Lane and out into beautiful open countryside. Passing Tilleney Pool and Shavington Park, it's a 7 mile run down tiny lanes to the outskirts of Market Drayton. We arrive at the Joules Brewery “Red Lion” pub after 26 miles in 90 minutes averaging 17 mph.No wonder we need that pint of excellent beer.

The Red Lion is as good as ever and we have the panelled “Mouseman” dining room to ourselves as we need the shade whereas the other punters take the tables outside in the full noon day sun. No 3 “P's” this week either (just to prove I read the blog!) but rather wide-ranging non-serious chitchat. 

Photograph by Ivan via the barman

Surprisingly, we set off south, and, after 3 miles, I just check with Ivan when he is planning to veer off left and homewards. The Garmin appears to be playing up, so I offer to lead the pack back to the other side of Market Drayton to get back onto the prepared track. 

Photograph by Clive Albany

This entails a trip down new lanes at Tyrley Lock and a steep climb up onto the canal-side to bypass the town. 

Photograph by Ivan Davenport

Back on track, we motor passing Betton towards Adderley. Ivan has included a canal-side meander towards Audlem, so we bump our way along the grassy track. It becomes clear that, with a further mile or so of this to go, it's attraction is waning. So off we get back onto “smooth” roads wheeling around Audlem bound for Sound and Ravensmoor. Up passing Brindley, we decide a cuppa at Tilly's is required. Off again at a mad pace, we end up back at ICF with 62 miles completed i.e. a full 10 miles further than advertised! 

There is no let up on the pace in the hot afternoon's sun going back to Chester either, as I arrive home with 87 miles on the clock at 16 mph average. 

CA

P.S.  Why is it that when the summer sun is out we tend to ride hell for leather? Is it the lower density air? Is it feeling good in the sunshine? On this ride it was both of these but mainly it was all down to Ivan!

See route map and/or gpx file download.