Who'd have thought that ironbridge would be full of posh toffs, I thought I was getting too far north for that. Atleast Merseyside tomorrow should redress that balance.
I left early today since I had to get my bike repaired, the kink in my front wheel from hitting a drain yesterday really needed looking at. It was pretty shakey whilst braking, a time I want complete confidence in my bike. It was about an hour and a half up to Hereford along busy and hilly roads to the beautiful market city (actually more like a town but it has a cathedral). I found a bike shop and after explaining my ride and the issue they took it into the workshop and repaired it whilst I went for a milkshake and brownie. Amazing service and all for £8 rather than the £50 or so I was expecting to pay for a new rim. Top job guys.
After Hereford the rest of todays ride was almost dead north. I made good progress to Leominster and then my lunch stop and Ludlow with a few big hills but mostly flatish going. Ludlow had a lovely bakery where I indulged in my usual pasty and donut and then made a reservation for accommodation tonight. Since progress was going well I decided to head to Ironbridge which would hopefully slightly shorten my day tomorrow.
I spent much of the ride to Much Wenlock hoping there would be a pub in the next village for a drink and bowl of chips but alas it was always shut or there was no pub at all despite cycling through perhaps 10-12 villages. Much Wenlock seemed like a nice place then just one more hill before descending towards my hostel for the night. The location once again is stunning, right in the gorge next to the river but that does unfortunately mean theres a bugger of a hill (towards Telford) tomorrow right on leaving the hostel. Ill probably walk up since conservation of energy is the key to completing this ride. I went out for food at the Woodbridge Inn, lovely meal and I even got a £12 off voucher for next time I eat at one of their pubs. Grand!
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