A dry, very mild day was forecast (about 13C) so I took the afternoon off with a view to doing a long one. I decided to do the Lower Westbound route, but to take the turn for Rugeley rather than Abbots Bromley. In essence my Wales route, although I wasn’t going to go nearly that far today.
I set off not long after 1100 but had a false start – After about half a mile I realised firstly that I’d forgotten to adjust the saddle on the Boardman like I intended (it came slightly loose and after I’d tightened it, it was about a centimetre too far forward), and secondly that I’d forgotten my phone. So I turned back, adjusted the saddle, went in the house for the phone and set off again.
Bit of a bothersome headwind on the way out. But the sun came out, which I wasn’t expecting. I stopped after about 38 miles (including the superfluous mile at the start) and turned back. I’d done about half of the Wales route.
I missed the turn for Armitage and King’s Bromley on the way back, but only realised some time later. I’m sure I did the same thing on the way back from Wales, last time. But I saw a turn for King’s Bromley a bit later on and took that. My unnecessary detour added about four miles but I didn’t mind – it was well-surfaced and mostly flat, and I had a decent tailwind so I was flying along.
The A51 was resurfaced in part a couple of years ago and it was pretty rough for a few miles but I’m glad to say it’s bedded in nicely now.
I listened to 5 Live, and started the next Reacher novel, 61 Hours.
Back two hours after sunset, on 79.71 miles. Very enjoyable trip.