The roads were wet from overnight precipitation but a rain free, sunny day was promised. Had a date with a cocktail bar later in the afternoon, but I wanted to do about 40. With the wind coming from the south, the plan was to do the southbound route – but detour to Markfield (again) on the way back.
Just for a change I went down through Donington le Heath instead of Ibstock. A shorter route, but involves more climbing. Oddly – just looked at the track on Strava – I seem to have taken a wrong turn, then recovered without realising it.
I got as far as Broughton Astley before deciding to turn back. From Kirkby Mallory I took Peckleton Lane in search of Markfield, but I didn’t find it. I did a bizarre, meandering route through Desford that ultimately led me back to the usual route. So I gave up on Markfield. But I do like to do something a bit different over the Christmas hols, so I took a road to Barlestone rather than coming back up through Bagworth or Battram. Just by following my nose I ended up looping back onto the A47, so I gave up being adventurous and just came home the direct way through Ibstock – apart from a little wrinkle where I took a wrong turn at the double roundabout.
I took this pic near the Caterpillar works at Desford. The aircraft display is intended to commemorate a twin-engine trainer that was built there after WW2, when the site was an RAF airfield. I think the red, white & blue decorations were added for the Platinum Jubilee.
Mild out there, pleasant in the sun. I had to roll through a couple of inches of water once or twice – some of the roads round here turn into shallow rivers after a downpour – but that’s what winter bikes are for.
Back on 44.76 miles. 340 done this month, 5420 this year. I’m sure I’ll get out again a couple more times before the end of the year, but I’m quite happy with that.