For Easter 2023 I took the, perhaps odd and not carefully considered plan to cycle to Gemma's parents place instead of the more traditional method of using the 'car'.
 |
| Or train, perhaps the train would have been a better option. |
I put at least a few minutes thought into this idea when I looked out the window on Good Friday and said, 'its sunny'.
 |
| It was sunny. Also hilly. Very hilly. |
Suffice to say it was harder and longer than I expected, but despite the perils was a 45 mile cycle that took me through Rutland and was chock full of Leicestershire country side and (unfortunately) Leicestershire hills.
 |
| Finally I get to visit Oakham. |
The ride started okay as I smashed it south east through East Leake, but trouble started to brew as I realised there were some mud trails that google maps considered traversable by bike.
 |
| Baiky, of course, found time to play. |
First up was Klondyke Ln which was a paved road that got smaller and smaller and then just disappeared..
 |
| Klondyke Lane, the road that was not a road. Even worse, it was the best option in the area. |
The I was sent up Newbold road, which apparently went all the way to Owston (which admittedly I am sure was signposted at Burrough on the Hill) but I cam up to a dirt tranck and locked gate halfway down the road, so turned off to Somerby instead.
 |
| Viaduct! |
From here is was relatively smooth sailing where I go to go past/through the Welland viaduct (twice!) before fighting my way over some hills to Gretton and finally meeting Gemma and Jessie at Priors Hall where they were visiting Nanny!
 |
| Baiky has a play while we wait for Gemma and Jessie |
True to form on all my cycke trips, I found a way to nearly lose Baiky/leave him behind. Lucklily this time I noticed only a few minutes after throwing off my bike.
|
| Yup, it was right here. I literally forgot to take off my pannier, just picked up my bike and off he flew into the grass. |
