After being well fed and cared for by Dover and Stella, we set off up the lane in the direction of Clee Hill, after about 1/2 mile we had to climb a 1:5!! What a wake up. Rode it sitting down, using a low gear. An undulating lane eventually led us to the not insubstantial climbed to the impressive Clee Hill (1260ft), excellent views panoramic views form the west Mildlands, Malvern Hills, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Black Mountains.
We were then rewarded with a 3 mile downhill reaching speeds of around 46mph. Headed South on the busy A49 which took us to Hereford. Still heading South on what was to prove one of our hottest days we eventually took a B road to Monmouth, this involved one very large and overheating climb before a welcome descent and lunch at Monmouth. Phil changed his back tyre after a fourth puncture and one of my cleats came off my shoe, but managed to replace it at the local bike shop.
Took the quieter B road to Chepstow via Mitchel Troy, which described as undulating and Brian likened to Nepalese mountains, this involved a 3 mile climb which disposed of lots of our water supply and provided superb views over the Sugar Loaf mountain (now from the South side), Brian was unimpressed as it had nothing to do with Malt loaf.
We managed to slipstream a tractor for several miles, cruising at about 27mph on the flat!! ( Don't do this at home children, do it at a friend's house) It had a slighty dodgy looking impliment on which would have been interesting in the event of an emergency stop.
Long downhill from Devauden to Chepstow and the on over the Severn Bridge for some photos and sdaly left the 'Land of my Father's' behind us.
South West now to our expensive accommodation at the picturesque (not) Cribbs Causeway. Ate at TGI Fridays, noisey music allowed for swift transformation into grumpy old men. 85 miles and quite tired.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment