Repton – BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking

May 28th – It was a lovely ride to Staunton Harold and Melbourne, but the North East wind, a feature of most of. the last two weeks, was insistent and wearing, but did blow me home down the Trent Valley.

The reservoir itself is fascinating, and has much more character than nearby Forewmark, surrounded by denser woodland, and from the Calke end, where the old road disappears under the water, it feels magical and almost private.

Returning home through Repton along the Trent, I found a great bridleway near Ingleby, and the farmland just east of Battlestead Hillretains it’s magic, despite the impending quarrying there. Netherstowe and Lichfield by night are always a joy too.

Considering how poor the weather forecast for the bank holiday weekend was, and despite SUnday’s deadly storms, it din;t turn out too bad after all.

August 26th – it’s been 7 years since I last rode this way. A fast run through Whittington, Harlaston, Clifton and Overseal, over to Moira where, looking for a cafe, I found Moira Furnace, which looks worthy of a more extended visit. Up through the ex-mining villages, through Blackfordby to Foremark Reservoir, as peaceful as ever it was. Back via Repton, Willington, Burton and Lichfield, a 72 mile ride at a fast pace, finishing under a gorgeous sunset.

It’s the little things you notice, the owl on a gatepost, the view up the Trent of the disused towers that will soon be gone, and the lovingly cared for Ford Escort that seems to look better now than it did when it was a current design.

A great ride.