Covid 19 is the worst pandemic for 100 years with no lives untouched by its devastating consequences. For well over a year now people have had to live with restrictions which need to remain in place until vaccinations can finally win through and offer some sort of normality to people's lives.
In my case the restrictions to travel out to the Far East have compelled me to suspend my travel blog for that region yet like many other people I have learnt to adapt to the new conditions. Over the winter when I would certainly have been travelling, I was cooped up but determined to engage in daily exercise on my exercise bike. Even so a health issue cropped up and bringing my weight down became a burning necessity. I achieved good results mainly down to a controlled low carb’ diet but work on the exercise bike had also gained intensity. It was a logical step with Spring weather to acquire a road bike and in early June I began setting up the bike for use in improving fitness and general health. Then on 11th June I prepared for my 1st major bike ride which will be classified in future as covering a distance of at least 10 miles. I figured that my body was now in condition to do this but it was still a journey into the unknown.
Tour #1
The idea for today is to put me in a position to take refreshments at the half-way point around lunchtime so 11am seems a reasonable starting point. I started by following the Great Western Way, the route of a disused railway line south of Hereford. This stretch I had used a few times in training.
Reaching the railway bridge at Grafton, the cycle track ends but the country lane beyond that is quiet. From Grafton, Grafton Lane is undulating but so far so good as I reach Portway and the junction with the A449 Hereford to Ross Road. However, just before that junction a minor road heads southwest towards Knockerhill Wood. According to the Ordnance Survey map this road rises 150 metres to the summit and will provide the sternest test yet. Thankfully, I make it without pushing the bike but I do take two rest stops to relieve the pain in my legs. From the next junction I take a right the left heading through Haywood. There is little traffic and there is a relatively easy run now until I read the B4348. This road connects the A465 Abergavenny Road to the A49 Hereford to Ross Road passing through Much Dewchurch and Wormelow. Unfortunately, although I have satellite navigation, I don’t use it and mistakenly turn left at the junction, instead of right. I’ve gone a mile reaching Kivernoll before I realise my mistake. With another hill climb ahead I stop to get my bearings. I need to make a U-turn and head back past the junction and on past Allensmore Nurseries to the railway crossing at the Tram Inn. Well, the Tram Inn seemed to be that suitable half-way point to take refreshments but little did I know that the Tram Inn is closed. A simple search would have revealed that this pub is closed permanently. At this point I’ve covered 8 miles but fortunately I have a plan B to take those refreshments.
With the junction with the A465 not far away, I head to and across it where just a couple of hundred yards is The Three Horseshoes Pub. Securing the bike, I’m not about to miss this opportunity. It’s a pint of course but as I find a seat in a practically deserted dining area, I consider ordering food as well. The interior of The Three Horseshoes is tastefully laid out with various compartments all furnished in vintage style. The ambience is just perfect after my endeavours today and selecting a small rump steak that will do nicely thank you; good enough for at least an hour.
Well, at 2.30pm it’s time to head back after my steak and a pint and a half of Butty Back, a local beer. It will be shorter going back and there will be downhill sections but how will that work out. Again, I needn’t have worried, making it back the six miles non-stop arriving home an hour later.
Of course, I’m delighted with the trip which would have been beyond my wildest dreams six months ago. The fourteen miles covered was more than I intended and I’m quite surprised at my level of fitness for my age. Well, it was yesterday’s dream but I continue to dream of more exotic adventures and already have trips planned for the future so watch this space!
In my case the restrictions to travel out to the Far East have compelled me to suspend my travel blog for that region yet like many other people I have learnt to adapt to the new conditions. Over the winter when I would certainly have been travelling, I was cooped up but determined to engage in daily exercise on my exercise bike. Even so a health issue cropped up and bringing my weight down became a burning necessity. I achieved good results mainly down to a controlled low carb’ diet but work on the exercise bike had also gained intensity. It was a logical step with Spring weather to acquire a road bike and in early June I began setting up the bike for use in improving fitness and general health. Then on 11th June I prepared for my 1st major bike ride which will be classified in future as covering a distance of at least 10 miles. I figured that my body was now in condition to do this but it was still a journey into the unknown.
The idea for today is to put me in a position to take refreshments at the half-way point around lunchtime so 11am seems a reasonable starting point. I started by following the Great Western Way, the route of a disused railway line south of Hereford. This stretch I had used a few times in training.
Reaching the railway bridge at Grafton, the cycle track ends but the country lane beyond that is quiet. From Grafton, Grafton Lane is undulating but so far so good as I reach Portway and the junction with the A449 Hereford to Ross Road. However, just before that junction a minor road heads southwest towards Knockerhill Wood. According to the Ordnance Survey map this road rises 150 metres to the summit and will provide the sternest test yet. Thankfully, I make it without pushing the bike but I do take two rest stops to relieve the pain in my legs. From the next junction I take a right the left heading through Haywood. There is little traffic and there is a relatively easy run now until I read the B4348. This road connects the A465 Abergavenny Road to the A49 Hereford to Ross Road passing through Much Dewchurch and Wormelow. Unfortunately, although I have satellite navigation, I don’t use it and mistakenly turn left at the junction, instead of right. I’ve gone a mile reaching Kivernoll before I realise my mistake. With another hill climb ahead I stop to get my bearings. I need to make a U-turn and head back past the junction and on past Allensmore Nurseries to the railway crossing at the Tram Inn. Well, the Tram Inn seemed to be that suitable half-way point to take refreshments but little did I know that the Tram Inn is closed. A simple search would have revealed that this pub is closed permanently. At this point I’ve covered 8 miles but fortunately I have a plan B to take those refreshments.
With the junction with the A465 not far away, I head to and across it where just a couple of hundred yards is The Three Horseshoes Pub. Securing the bike, I’m not about to miss this opportunity. It’s a pint of course but as I find a seat in a practically deserted dining area, I consider ordering food as well. The interior of The Three Horseshoes is tastefully laid out with various compartments all furnished in vintage style. The ambience is just perfect after my endeavours today and selecting a small rump steak that will do nicely thank you; good enough for at least an hour.
Well, at 2.30pm it’s time to head back after my steak and a pint and a half of Butty Back, a local beer. It will be shorter going back and there will be downhill sections but how will that work out. Again, I needn’t have worried, making it back the six miles non-stop arriving home an hour later.
Of course, I’m delighted with the trip which would have been beyond my wildest dreams six months ago. The fourteen miles covered was more than I intended and I’m quite surprised at my level of fitness for my age. Well, it was yesterday’s dream but I continue to dream of more exotic adventures and already have trips planned for the future so watch this space!
Summit, Knockerhill Wood
Level Crossing at the Tram Inn
The Tram Inn
Signal Box at the Tram Inn
At the Three Horseshoes, Allensmore