Day one of tour to Shropshire.
12 happy souls gathered after a hearty breakfast, had we had too much or not enough, only time would tell and as the photos already posted I don’t think any of us at the time really realised what was infront of us.
It all started reasonably flat as we followed the river out of a windy Shrewsbury and the gently undulating countryside, but ever present in the distance were these hills looking very much like mountains and around every corner getting closer and knowing what was coming was like torture not wanting to use too much energy too soon but soon enough we were climbing like we had never climbed before and when I say climbing sometimes that was on foot much too steep for some cycle up but the scenery while climbing was magnificent and changing as we got higher followed by the odd decent but then the Stiper stones appeared above us as we started climbing again they seemed to get very close but thankfully we didn’t climb up to them before another decent and a lovely road with cattlegrids meant the start of the climb up the long Mynd this is where a moment of confusion with Ken not knowing weather to cross the cattle grid or come through the gate I was holding open and in the end he did neither he just toppled off luckily no damage to him or his bike just a bit embarrassed. But on up we went not knowing the climb we were undertaking it seemed to go on forever the trees finished they were replaced by ponies and heather and craggy rocks but the views and scenery were breathtaking and when eventually we peaked and started to descend into Church Stretton a very famous climb but luckily for us we were going down it, I say lucky but I haven’t really had to walk down a hill but today I did the brakes were smelling and not working and the drops off the side of the road were steep so walking seemed safe but once in Burch Stretton we were greeted and made to feel really welcome in the Holy Bush cafe for Coffee and cake but always warned by Maggie that a sharp climb out of there was ahead but it didn’t stop us enjoying the fare and Tony even having the parsnip soup.
But on we went on as the average speed so far was only 8mph and 25 miles had been covered and the climb or walk Maggie had warned about didn’t disappoint it had everything cramp, potholes and maybe some tears but once we started the decent into Much Wenlock it was all forgot with smoothies toasties and milk shakes all on the menu and the way we were feeling we took advantage sat outside in the sun. We all knew now that the mountains/ hills were behind us but we also knew that there was more to come so with caution we pushed on with a full stomach but we still had 30 miles to go in the Shropshire countryside but the going a little easier we made good time with David Price playing rear guard keeping everyone’s spirits up and soon signs for Shropshire appeared 3 1/2 miles ahead but our Garmin said 8 miles to go and for one final time we found another climb this one I was promised was the last and at last the road went downandgotbusier as we approached Shrewsbury dripping the lion crew off before making our way back to the hotel.
We left at 9.0 am and got back at 5.30 pm that was a long day in the saddle we have been and seen places we would never had seen or been if it wasn’t for this tour, so for that reason I personally am very proud of what I have done and I’m sure every one of us feel the same.
Looking forward to Day 2.