#curborough

April 2nd - A better ride on the first warm, shirtsleeve day of the year, with thankfully little wind. I rode out into Staffordshire, up through Chorley and Hanch to Blithbury, then a call at Cobwebs for tea and cake. From there, through Abbots Bromley past Bogot Wood, then over along Marchington Cliff to the church of St. John in Marchington Woodlans, at Woodroffes. This church is beautiful, and absolutely in the middle of nowhere.

A run through Marchington, Coton in the Clay, Hanbury, Needwood, Dunstall and Barton then back on NCN 54 to Lichfield and home was a lovely ride in excess of 60 miles.

I had a good average at near 13mph and felt fluid and full of energy - remarkable considering my recent issues.

Spring is here, so is the sun and I’m totally ready for this.

#365daysofbiking Soul food:

December 23rd - Wet but happy, with a pannier full of Christmas goodies, I called in at Curborough Craft Centre to visit an old, old cake cafe stop. Mabels, a favourite of the late, greatly lamented Maurice Purser, can always be relied on for great food and the best, stodgiest deserts.

Today it was a hearty ploughman’s lunch followed by pear and almond tart and custard.

Wonderful food, and fortifying for the wet, hard ride home.