An end to British Summer Time today, and an extra hour in bed before watching the Rugby World Cup second semi final where South Africa just about beat Wales for their place in the final. So pleased England beat the All Blacks yesterday, quite convincingly too, superb match so roll on next Saturday - can't wait !
I couldn't resist a ride into Shropshire, a late morning start out to Bridgnorth then along the Wenlock Edge road to Church Stretton via that golden tree lined Sanders Road for a small breakfast sitting in the sunshine outside my favourite cafe at the foot of Long Mynd.
Quite a bit of loose stuff on the top of the Mynd caused by last weeks rain, so plenty of water run off on the way down. I pulled on to the grass to let a car pass and almost dropped my bike as the front wheel slid in the sodden grass. Wonderful clear sunny view up here, with golden brown colours everywhere with dying bracken lining the road. I'm always a bit cautious passing farm entrances especially this time of year with plenty of tractor activity, mud and now and again the odd dog leaps out as you approach to chase you down forcing an involuntary pull on the brake and possible slip on the gravel. Not so today, but better safe than sorry.
On the other side of the Mynd near Bishops Castle the roads were part covered in several inches of water with the rest of the road caked in mud, but with a bit of care not too much of a problem as I spotted a narrow mucky lane down to a 12th Century church. I turned around and decided to investigate. Quite a view as I parked up outside the church. I was now at Myndtown, where I later discovered quite a bit of historical information on their website about the church itself, its preservation and the village being so old it had been recorded in the domesday book.
While admiring my mud spattered bike I noticed in the distance a few parasailers high above. They looked like they were having a bit of fun, and imagine the views are spectacular from up there. By now, with time pressing on and losing light much earlier now, I decided to press on to Craven Arms. The roads were really bad toward the town, and on one left hand bend the whole bike went out of shape as it started to slide. Not sure if it was mud, gravel or just my worn tyres but quite an adrenaline surge as I felt the ABS and traction control kick in a little. With my warning well heeded, I returned home via a careful run back down to Bridgnorth in time to get the pressure washer out while I still had the light to give my bike and boots a good rinse. 👍
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