The Weekend Ride: Gedling

Although I’d planned on riding this Saturday, this ride was definitely a spur of the moment ride. Mainly because I was writing some of the upcoming blog posts and kept looking out of the window. Granted, the ground was a little wet but the sun was shining and I’m not sure if it was because of the sun coming through the window or the heating was on, but it looked and felt like it was going to be a nice temperature in which to ride in.

Unfortunately, the last time I went on a road ride I successfully acquired a puncture in my front wheel. So before anything else,  I had to dash out to the bike shop to get a new inner tube. I got back, got the bike and myself sorted and headed out. I didn’t really think about where I was planning on going, so I just started riding. I figured I would make it up as I went along.

I decided that I would head towards Gedling, which unfortunately means heading up a hill, regardless of which direction you come from. Still, it gave me the opportunity to get my legs going and some nice photos when I reached the top.

The ride carried on without much of a hitch, apart from more hills. Lucky me. At just over half way, my ride took me along the river Trent, just after a place called Caythorpe. It’s very picturesque around there as the road runs right next to the river, the downside is that it can be very wet if it’s been raining a day or two before.

I got lucky, and despite a rather large puddle covering the entire width of the road, I stayed dry. The road winds back, away from the river, through some very pretty villages and some lovely country roads. I decided to head over towards Epperstone as I knew that some of the roads around there have been tarmacked over. Finally. They were in dire need of some TLC, so much so that I would avoid cycling that way.

I can safely say that the roads have improved and it makes cycling there much more enjoyable. I even spotted a coffee shop that I didn’t know about. Maybe I’ll make the effort to stop there one day.

A couple of miles later I got back, and just in time. The heavens opened and it chucked it down. Feeling quite pleased with myself, and thinking how much I enjoyed that quick little blast I checked Strava and noticed I had several PB’s. Bonus. A good way to end a pleasant ride.

Where have you been riding this weekend?

Until next time.

Jack

 

OTHER POSTS LIKE THIS:

A Weekend Ride: Belvoir Castle
Planning A Route
Autumn Riding