We had a day of the bikes yesterday and needed it. I know the distances have not been great but with the hills and headwinds we were tired. Anyway we had a great day poking around Stow-on-the-Wold.
The Horse and Groom, we had dinner here
A garden in Stow....
The B&B
Today we just wanted to get some miles under our belts so the first not so good choice toward that end found us on a very scenic back road that had the steepest climbs so far. The second not so good choice was to ride a portion of the A429 from Northleach to Cirencester, sure it was a more direct route and the grade less angry but very stressful, lots of cars and very little shoulder. I noticed something that may contribute (and readers are welcome to offer comments on this), the big 'A' roads have a surface like grooved concrete. The closest I've seen to it is on airport runways and I assume it's to provide more traction in icy conditions....someone please let me know if I'm on the right track. Anyway I think those grooves make the road noise of the vehicle much higher.
We left the B&B and rode on very undulating back roads, sure they were quiet but we faced some steep climbs today, at least they were only short climbs. Somewhere near Clapton-on-the-Hill we saw our first deer. It was in a paddock/field and ran for the the wood. I was stoked, I know what people new to Australia feel when they see their first Kangaroo. I must look like a prize pillock pointing and shouting with glee
everytime I see a rabbit or pheasant.
Burton-on-the-Water
Just another English village we rode past, and no they dont get boring, I am loving it.
We rode into Cirencester looking for a park so we could cook our lunch and as we rode through the traffic we came across a Welsh Pasty shop (they are a chain here) so naturally the healthy cook-it-ourselves option was thrown out and we ate a big pasty each :) yummy!!!!
From Cirencester to headed toward Swindon again on a big 'A' road. About 10km down we noticed a small road on the side running parallel so we jumped on it relieved to be away from the noise and traffic. It was on this road that we saw a eagle/hawk/falcon/harrier??? swoop down and catch a rabbit, very cool I had not seen anything like that before. We had a look at the map at this stage as neither of wanted to be near the 'A' road and we turned into Crikdale and headed for Purton.
Not as pretty now and things are definiately less touristy which means we have less accomodation options. It's not like Australia that has a caravan park in every town. Even if we wanted to camp there is nowhere to camp. So Sandy called into the pub in Purton and they gave us a card for a B&B 3km back down the road. Now I dont normally like riding back the way we came but that 3km saw us riding with the wind for what feels like ages and we sat on 26-28kph with no effort. It made me realise that we had put in a bit today for our 63km.
1 comment:
Hey Sandy & Gary
great blog i am thoroughly enjoying it but must remember to read regularly not leave it and then take an hour to catch up.
had flash flooding here yesterday morning all of Aprils rain has been dumped on us and it is only day 6 take care and keep up the GREAT work Gary.
Gaye in not so sunny Darwin
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