NCN 54 – BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking

May 25th – A 93 mile dayride that was very, very challenging.

It was a nice day – not too hot, but sunny enough to get a tan, and I set out mid morning, to follow cycle route 54 to Derby – from there on route 6 to Worthington and Cloud Quarry, then back via Packington, Measham, Harlaston and Whittington.

The day was lovely and the ride excellent, with plenty to see: NCN 54 has some very pointless twiddly bits, but I did them all for old times sake and enjoyed every inch. Sad to see the development at Tattenhill, but time must crawl I guess. Falling in love with Derby again was a bonus.

NCN 6 is still one of my favourites: The run out of Derby then past Melbourne is one of the best routes in the country and a genuine joy. My only criticism is it’s time to cut the vegetation back from the viewing area at the quarry again – that stunning view should be maintained if possible.

The challenge was I’ve only ever ridden this in the opposite direction, and all the hills came at the end, and on top of some grim stomach cramps. But I prevailed and it was fantastic.

A lovely day.

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April 24th – A long ride today. I had an early meeting in Leicester, so I decided to take advantage and ride home – via Derby. I followed National Cycle Route 6 up through Leicester, Mountsorrel and Loughbourough, through Shepshed and Belton and from Worthington up the old rail line to Swakestone; from there, short hop on the canal, then up the old canal line that’s now a cycle trail right in to Derby.

I left Derby on route 68 through Mickleover and Mackworth, to Etwall; from there to Burton, then Barton and Lichfield. A bit shy of 100 miles, but the wind was punishing and I’m not yet back to peak condition.

I loved the whole thing. Route 6 is ace and I saw lots of places I need to go back to – not least Mountsorrel which looked gorgeous. Derby was as wonderful as ever.

The sun disappeared at lunchtime, but it was a nice enough day, and the ride reminded me of places I’d forgotten and needed back in my life.

Enjoyable, but tiring, I was glad to get home.