To make the most of the sunny weather I decided to retrace my ride up Okeford Hill.
The trailway is open again, now that a pathway has been literally sawn through the nine large fallen sycamores.
The trailway is open again, now that a pathway has been literally sawn through the nine large fallen sycamores.
Heavy overnight rain had created more even surface water and large puddles featured all along the route. The ride through Okeford Fitzpaine was pleasant enough but Okeford Hill once again loomed.
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.
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 one = almost
Stage two = not at all, despite being ‘cheered’ on by the bleating sheep.
Stage three = mostly
Stage two = not at all, despite being ‘cheered’ on by the bleating sheep.
Stage three = mostly
After Tuesday’s HIIT session my legs were still trying to recover, they would not cooperate and unfortunately refused to work as a team. The summit of Okeford Hill is exactly five miles from my starting point. My legs finally got the message at ten!
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.
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.
On through Hazelbury Bryan, over the pretty little flint bridge and the water splash at Fifehead Neville (where the waters were flowing higher and faster than last time), Sturminster Common, Okeford Fitzpaine again, Child Okeford, Hammoon and home just dodging another heavy downpour.
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
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