rmw
Viscount
Posts: 143 
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Post by rmw on Jul 12, 2016 20:36:12 GMT
I headed out on Friday evening for a ride taking in Packwood House (pictured) and Anne Hathaway's cottage. It was a super ride, reasonably challenging in rolling terrain. I covered 53km / 33 miles. The lanes were very, very quiet. I saw hardly any cars, but enjoyed sneaking up on deer and, as I rode through a wooded section between Shrewley and Mousley End, an owl flew past.  |
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rmw
Viscount
Posts: 143
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Post by rmw on Jul 12, 2016 20:39:34 GMT
On Sunday I rode over to Tile Hill with Stella, then did a loop round to Meriden. I went to the green to pay my respects at the Cyclists' War Memorial, as mentioned by Sprockit, and to enjoy being in the centre of England. Just outside Meriden, at the top of a big hill, is a Farm Shop with large cakes. Those meringues are 6" diameter and the Eccles cakes are at least double the normal size.  |
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rmw
Viscount
Posts: 143
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Post by rmw on Jul 12, 2016 20:44:27 GMT
I passed through Berkswell, the church is well worth a visit, it is a Norman Church with a lovely crypt and plenty of Robert Thompson furniture. The Village Shop window display celebrated Maud Watson, the first ever Wimbledon Ladies Champion, who lived in the village. I looped back through Burton Green and onto the Greenway, the converted railway line that we went up on Saturday. That took me well on my way towards Coventry. From the railway line a Sustrans track across the fields (a wide, concrete surfaces track) got me to the University of Warwick, where a large screen was showing the Wimbledon final. The NCN route was well signposted into the centre of Coventry, it brings you out at a statue commemorating James Starley and his achievements.
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Post by cusqueno on Jul 13, 2016 9:22:35 GMT
You prompted me to look up James Starley and he certainly had a busy and interesting 50 year life. 'Father of the British Cycle industry' indeed. A West Sussex boy born & bred, but went to Coventry. His son & nephew founded what became the Rover car company - initially making bikes of course.
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rmw
Viscount
Posts: 143
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Post by rmw on Jul 13, 2016 12:03:30 GMT
Inventor of the differential gear.
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Post by sprockit on Jul 14, 2016 10:33:11 GMT
Lots of interesting places to see and visit, whilst travelling pollution free in near silence through beautiful countryside listening to the birdsong and other country sounds, and catching the occasional glimpse or having a chance encounter with some of the more timid creatures of the wild.
There's a lot to be said for riding a bicycle.
And your bikes get some hammer too, with the number of miles you ride!
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