Today’s forecast was fairly dire with thunder showers forecast intermittently over the afternoon. But the weather has put a stop to a lot of cycling already this month, so I decided to man up, put a rainproof top on and take the consequences.
The wind was coming from the west, as it has done consistently for the last couple of weeks. I decided I’d do 15 miles or so of the Lower Westbound route and come back.
Within 100 metres of setting off I noticed a persistent, regular, bump.. bump.. bump from the rear tyre. Uh oh .. but on closer inspection it was just a small stone that had stuck to it. I removed it. End of problem.
The weather was kinder than I expected – just a couple of short, very light showers. It was surprisingly warm. So I kept going until I’d done 20 miles, then instead of turning back I took a left turn to go exploring for a bit. This took me to a place called Fradley Junction, a picturesque spot on the Trent and Mersey canal. A couple were operating a lock there to let their boat through as I arrived.
I turned back from this point. Came back home through Heather and Ibstock (I’d come out through Alton Hill and Packington on the way out).
Listened to the rest of Laurence Krauss’ excellent book, The Physics of Climate Change. A very lucid and objective view of the climate crisis and a real eye-opener. Then I listened to The Yes Album. For some reason Bill Bruford’s drumming stood out for me in a way it never has before, particularly. Brilliant.
Back on 43.51 miles. Very satisfying run out. And that takes me to 402 this month.