Today, (Sunday) with sunshine predicted a long awaited ride into Wales was most definitely order of the day. Out toward Much Wenlock first, then on to Church Stretton on this bright and breezy morning with a temperature at about 8 degrees, stopping for fuel before Wenlock Edge to change my optimistic summer gloves back to warmer ones. I had contacted Mark earlier in the week he was suffering with the 'lurgy' too much for a ride, but he sent word while I was out he was now feeling better and fancied a razz out this afternoon. I called him back and we agreed to meet if we could find each other later at a suitable meet point on the road.
At Church Stretton I decided to take a left down through Little Stretton rather than up and over the Mynd for a change, enjoying the scenery lit with bright sunshine then down the A49 for that slightly boring road before turning right just before Craven Arms out toward Bishops Castle and Knighton. I stopped briefly at the lay-by near the Norman built Clun Castle (pictured above) and picked up messages on my phone - none from Mark so assumed he's on the road somewhere South West of Worcester.
After leaving Clun I rode on to Newtown via that excellent fast-flowing road, eventually coming in along the new by-pass in the direction of Llandrindod Wells. Just outside Newtown I found the left turn road up to Dolfor Hill, the old cut-thru I used to take as a Systems Engineer in the 90's on the way to Knighton. No traffic up here and love that twisty climb with the scary left hander before it tops out with magnificent views across the valley. I pulled into Knighton and parked up at a great little Cafe (JD's opposite the War memorial) and ordered a Ham and Cheese Toastie with a cuppa. Two trail bikes were parked nearby and got chatting to one of the riders. It turns out he does off-road tours around Shropshire and the Marches. I know from reading Adventure Bike Rider there are some great trails near Offas Dyke so I asked for a card. I fancy a day out here on the rougher stuff - little did I know my wish would come true sooner than I thought!
At the Cafe I saw a message from Mark saying he was now in Ludlow. We were able to arrange a meet and he headed down to meet me at the Cafe. We caught up over a brew as you do, then decided to both head off back toward Anchor and Bishops Castle. Mark had seen some lanes he fancied having a crack at, so off we went and took some farm track green lanes that warned us with a notice 'Not suitable for motors'. After a brief discussion, we agreed to go for it and see how far we could get.
The road quickly turned all gnarly and full of long muddy sections. We had to stop to open and close livestock gates but this was great fun, stood on the pegs and steering with my knees, I had flipped to Enduro mode - not sure why but I guess I wanted to see if it helped since the throttle response changes to suit loose surfaces and I did feel comfortable and in control of the bike. That said, Mark wasn't having trouble on his Versys, so I guess I chose to imagine the GS Enduro setting helped, and didn't make all that much of a difference in the end.
After riding almost peg deep in giant puddles the view across the ridge was well worth the adventure before we came back out onto the main road into Knighton where I nipped in front to lead us back toward Kington using the valley road out and on to Shobdon. Another wonderful days ride and good fun with Mark as ever. We parted ways north of Cleobury Mortimer. I can't wait for the next one, and agreed we both fancy a bit of trail riding so may contact Shropshire Trail Bike Tours in the future. 👍
