Monday 16th June.
Loughborough - Southwell 57kms 1,027'
I forgot to mention yesterday the warm welcome and the sorting of the bike storage. Everything was done with a smile and efficiency. Does make all the difference. So well done the Link Hotel in Loughborough.
Today has been very hot and fascinating. I think we were both a bit worried about traversing Nottingham so we made the most of the tranquil countryside in the morning. Found a delightful spot for coffee on a traditional village green, the name of which eludes me. It wasn't long before we made the outskirts of Nottingham and the increase in the volume and the noise of traffic. While the way through entailed a lot of stopping and checking, the guys in the office had made a good job finding the interesting and the picturesque. Very noticeable is the amount of new housing areas being developed and thus a few roads going in new directions. Master Navigator was on top of the job and made never a wrong turn and believe me, there was plenty of opportunity for that to happen. We followed paths through houses, paths through playing fields, tracks along the river and the canal and along the tramway - we crossed the river over a stunning bridge to which folk had added padlocks - not sure what that is all about but very pretty they looked glinting in the sunshine. We passed lots of university residences and colleges, all of which looked well cared for. Lots of cycle tracks and lots of, mostly young fit guys, using them. You may have guessed, we were impressed with Nottingham although once we got onto the main drag out of the city, we must have passed an Aldi or a Lidl at every roundabout and the traffic was incessant. The good news was that cycle lanes ran alongside the road.
We did manage to find a haven of peace in a churchyard with a shaded bench and a lot of dead people. It was at this point that we made the, very sensible decision, to not ride another 30 kms. Instead, we opted for a much less ambitious destination at 12 further kms. A bit disappointing not to have added another monster ride, but good sense prevailed and in view of the hills we encountered on the way to Southwell, it was a decision well made.
I think tomorrow may be hot again and we do have to factor that in when we attempt the next stage. Still, much easier to manage than the rain!
The padlock on the bridge symbolises ‘everlasting’ love. The padlocks are personalised and locked and the key is dramatically thrown into the river! 🙄
ReplyDeleteYou missed an opportunity! I wonder how many of the couples are still together?