Twycrosser

A grey day with a moderate breeze coming from the south. I thought I’d do a good old-fashioned Twycrosser. I rarely do that these days, usually preferring to take a detour that bypasses Twycross to the west.

Didn’t think I’d get to go out today as the forecast was foreboding, even threatening thunderstorms at one point. But by the afternoon even the threat of rain had been withdrawn. Despite this, it was raining very lightly as I set off. I assumed it would pass and it did, although it came back intermittently, and a bit heavier, over the first hour.

I took the Tricross, partly because of the rain and partly because I was going to take the recently-resurfaced route out of the village. It is, after all, a gravel bike. Fortunately as I hoped the resurfaced bit of road out of the village has bedded down quite a bit, though it’s still rough.

I was so engrossed in the tennis on 5 Live that I missed the turn for Packington and went right into Ashby. Did a U-turn and was back on track soon enough.

This was the first time since March that the Tricross had had a run out and the brakes were very ineffectual the first time I used them. Oxidation on the discs? It’s the only disc brake bike I own and I’ve never noticed it before. But the brakes were fine after a few goes.

Very different conditions from my last ride. Grey, damp and not particularly warm. Still an enjoyable run out though.

Saw two pairs of discarded knickers along the main road down to Twycross (it’s actually called Ashby Road, but so many roads around these parts are called Ashby Road that it’s almost meaningless as an identifier). I don’t see them so often these days, maybe the cost of living crisis is encouraging people to hang onto their underwear.

Listened to more of Slow Horses. Very intriguing. Lots of duplicity and counter-duplicity. I like it.

Back on 31.86 miles. 240 this month. I want to get that over 450 if I can, but I’ll probably end up shower-dodging to get there.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9426527050