Today's forecast was sunshine and showers and that was exactly what we got. Fortunately the showers didn't last too long and were largely dodged by (a) sheltering behind a lorry, (b) having lunch and (c) hiding in a hedgerow. The sunshine unfortunately didn't last that long either. The changing weather resulted in frequent changes of shirt/jacket, glasses and a change of socks at lunctime.
Setting out from Stourport I picked up the A451 to Kidderminster, leaving George to enjoy the pool at the Stourport Menzies Hotel http://www.menzieshotels.co.uk/ Seeing signs for Bewdley as well, reminded me of all the enjoyable cricket tours we had to the area in the early 90s, although there was no time to see if the Coach and Horses still serves Lumphammer (or Sledgehammer according to KB).
When I was planning this route, today's leg was the one I was least looking forward to. The question was how to negotiate Birmingham? The options as I saw them were to go west via Telford to enjoy a more scenic route but that would add unnecessary miles or to flirt with the outskirts of Birmingham and A449 via Wolverhampton. Certainly not scenic and probably also very busy but more direct. I opted for the latter. Having safely negotiated the route, I am pleased with my decision. Whilst it was certainly busy, the combination of dual carriageway (where cars generally pull over to the outside lane when passing) and cycle paths meant I was able to negotiate the section safely.
From Wolverhampton, it was straight forward cycling along A449, with cycle paths on some sections, to Stafford. From Stafford to Stone on A34. We stopped on the outskirts of Stone for lunch, making use of a brand new Aldi's car park to enjoy our picnic and shelter from the elements. From Stone I took the A520 passing to the east of Stoke-on-Trent and onto Leek. It was along this section of road that Pam and Graham joined us. They have come up for a few day's holiday and will be spending the rest day with us exploring the Peak District.
From Leek, there was another directional decision to take - A523 through Macclesfield and towards Stockport or A53 to Buxton. Whilst A523 looked the most direct route and followed the path of Maclesfield Canal (i.e. realtively flat), I thought the route to Buxton would be far more scenic although it would obviously involve a fair climb. I chose not to take the climb and was glad I did. Whilst Macclesfield itself was a bit grim, the trip along the valley was beautiful and afforded some great views, particularly over-looking the Rudyard Reservoir. We'll enjoy the A53 tomorrow from the car!
From Macclesfield it was a fairly stright forward route up to the A6 and the short journey into Disley. In the closing stages I was making steady progress up the last incline to Disley when a chap came tearing past me on his bike. Halfway up the hill he had to stop for a rest. As I went by at a steady rate I thought to myself: "and I bet you haven't already cycled 80 miles today". Sorry, but can't help being competitive.
So five days completed and definitely looking forward to a rest day tomorrow. I have manged to book a full body massage in the spa hotel we are staying at and looking forward to that.
Huge thanks to Pam and Graham for our dinner at the Ram's Head www.theramsheaddisley.co.uk to celberte our birthdays. The food was absolutely fantastic, washed down (in my case) by a couple of pints of Black Sheep and (by the others) a bottle of Buckingham Palace White Bordeaux. Great food, great company, great wine; now for a great night's sleep.
Today's Mileage: 82.8 miles
Duration: 6 hours 1 minute cycling
Calories burned: 4493
Max speed: 29.2 mph
Av speed: 13.75 mph
Fundraising total to date: £560.00
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