I have been itching to get out on my mountain bike for a few weeks to ride some of the tracks I first visited in spring last year. One particular bridalway where I had to turn back because I couldn't follow the correct route due to farm machinery and undergrowth concealing the way. I solved that particular problem and couldn't believe that I had given up so easily last year! 🤔.
The routes I use are generally bridalways which pass through fields, farmyards and other private property. This inevitably means lots of gates to pass through, being careful to close them after passing through.
One track was closed due to a dodgy bridge. The notice said it would be closed for 21 days but the date of the notice was back in March so I assumed that the bridge had been repaired.
When I arrived at the bridge it had been taped off and one end was completely blocked with a metal fence panel. I managed to squeeze my bike through the railings and across the bridge. The wooden planks were old and rotten but held my weight ok.
Further along the route the river bank was subsiding into the river due to undercutting by the water on a bend. The trees had died off because their roots had literally been sheared off!
Here in the Uk we have several invasive plants that are causing some problems. One is called the Giant Hogweed. In my pictures you can see that these young plants have been sprayed by the authorities to kill them off.
They may have slowed the spread a little but I think this is a losing battle as I spotted just as many healthy plants as poisoned ones.
Today I covered a distance of 28 miles in a circular route. A very nice route through some gorgeous countryside. I'll be back out here again soon to extend or explore more of these tracks.
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