The trailway is open again, now that a pathway has been literally sawn through the nine large fallen sycamores.
Acting on the advice I had been given, I split the hill into three (virtual) stages in order to achieve the summit in one single ride.
Stage two = not at all, despite being ‘cheered’ on by the bleating sheep.
Stage three = mostly
Okeford Hill is the home of the UK Bike Park, sadly now looking for a new owner but I wonder how many of the fit, young riders who jumped, hopped and honed their skills on the trails and slopes managed to achieve the summit without a break. I know a couple who didn't.
Four miles further then on the horizon, darkness, a huge black threatening cloud. Hastily pulling on water proof trousers I continued in the hail and rain, to Ansty where the sign to The Fox was, oh so tempting.
It may not have been a long ride, 27 miles, but it certainly packed a punch with the hills.
The brisk headwind/side-winds made cycling even more challenging, and at times on exposed hills pretty scary too.
Amanda