A WEEKEND IN AND TO CHURCH STRETTON

The Church Stretton weekend away was a classic with many varied ingredients:

1. Turkey fell off twice, both were totally avoidable;

2. a pleasant ride out through the Cheshire and Shropshire lanes;

3. a good brew-stop at a roadside tea-caravan - Turkey's rucksack needing some minor fettling;

4. some good climbs at the Stiperstones and over Long Mynd;

5. Nick Barker's rear inner tube blew-out on his new bike when descending the Long Mynd;

6. a cracking hotel to stay at;

7. a superb curry;

8. a surfeit of beer enjoyed by all;

9. Terry Baker's heroic ride from Nantwich to Church Stretton early on Sunday morning, arriving at 9 a.m.;

10. Terry's bike had rear tyre / brake problems, the rest of us kept warm inside a bus shelter for 30 minutes or so waiting for him to catch-up;

11. Terry's woes continue in trying to adjust his brakes, with encouragement from all of us this time;

12. another good brew-stop in Ironbridge - after 18 miles but at 11:30;

13. a minor navigational error - how big is Little Wenlock? There can only be one road on this earth called "Dog in the Lane" - but we saw it twice;

14. late lunch in the greasy spoon at Long Lane.

As you can see, we packed a lot into the weekend and a good time was had by all.

I have 15 photographs which I'll send to you in stages for inclusion on the website. Brandon also has some photos but his camera broke - I'm sure he will send you what he has.

Regards,

John G