As I said in my 'Emerald Isle by Ural' Ride Report,I probably ride more during Autumn/Winter than in the height of Summer,due to my aversion to hot weather.
This last week or so of frosty mornings has been fantastic for me....and I`m awaiting eagerly the first 'proper' frosts and the snowfall which other parts of the country have had,yet which has eluded the Wirral up to now.
However,I`ve been on 12hr night shifts and although I`ve detoured on my home to enjoy some crisp morning riding,I`ve not really felt up to going very far after such long shifts.
Anyway...last night I was off.....went to visit Glambabe for the night but set an early alarm clock for this morning.
For some strange reason,she didn`t leap out of bed excitedly like I did....she merely pulled the quilt over her head and mumbled something about 'Have a nice day....maybe see you later'.
A rather 'fresh' pedal bike ride home,then quickly don my bike gear (full Hein Gericke Goretex gear at the moment).
I do own and ride solo bikes.....but I`m totally addicted to my Ural combos and simply can`t resist the chance to get out and about on them.
Frost and ice make the Urals even more of a temptation than ever,so I wheeled trusty Skaya out (she`s my all weather/no worries 650cc one).
If you turn right from my house,it`s typical town scene of shops,pubs and chippies,etc etc.
However,turn left and only five minutes later this greets you............
I think I`m quite lucky to have such a mix of pleasurable countryside and suburban convenience within a few minutes of each other.
The distant hills and mountains in this photo are North Wales...and where I was heading for.
It was 'destination North Wales' because The Ponderosa at the top of the Horseshoe Pass was calling...along with one of their very nice coffees and an...erm...ahem....'Lax approach to Vegetarianism Bacon Butty'.
(As approved by Tuned In and now also ChrisKelley
).
Here`s the view from the top of the Horseshoe Pass looking towards Llangollen....sorry it`s a bit dark,due to being silhouetted against the strong morning sun.
I love being out and about at this time of day...or even earlier....you`ve seemingly got the world to yourself.
I hadn`t seen any other bike while I was riding.....sometimes that`s how it is when on minor roads,but it`s unusual to see none on my route to the Horsehoe Pass....... and on arriving at the Ponderosa,it was surprise to see it totally devoid of bikes.
Looks like the 'six month insurance and tax brigade' is on the increase....
In the Summer,there would be dozens of bikes just within the length of my shadow in this photo..........
Ah well...it gave me plenty of space to enjoy the reason for my visit.....
Despite the tile of my Thread,the butty wasn`t frosty at all...it was nice and hot.
But look at the bench........
The sun melted off a fair bit of the frost,but the air was still rather fresh...very invigorating and full of 'feel good' factor.
Here`s another scenic view on the way home....for those who haven`t been out today.
Not quite an epic ride...but I enjoyed myself....hoping anyone reading this does too.
This last week or so of frosty mornings has been fantastic for me....and I`m awaiting eagerly the first 'proper' frosts and the snowfall which other parts of the country have had,yet which has eluded the Wirral up to now.
However,I`ve been on 12hr night shifts and although I`ve detoured on my home to enjoy some crisp morning riding,I`ve not really felt up to going very far after such long shifts.
Anyway...last night I was off.....went to visit Glambabe for the night but set an early alarm clock for this morning.
For some strange reason,she didn`t leap out of bed excitedly like I did....she merely pulled the quilt over her head and mumbled something about 'Have a nice day....maybe see you later'.
A rather 'fresh' pedal bike ride home,then quickly don my bike gear (full Hein Gericke Goretex gear at the moment).
I do own and ride solo bikes.....but I`m totally addicted to my Ural combos and simply can`t resist the chance to get out and about on them.
Frost and ice make the Urals even more of a temptation than ever,so I wheeled trusty Skaya out (she`s my all weather/no worries 650cc one).
If you turn right from my house,it`s typical town scene of shops,pubs and chippies,etc etc.
However,turn left and only five minutes later this greets you............
I think I`m quite lucky to have such a mix of pleasurable countryside and suburban convenience within a few minutes of each other.
The distant hills and mountains in this photo are North Wales...and where I was heading for.
It was 'destination North Wales' because The Ponderosa at the top of the Horseshoe Pass was calling...along with one of their very nice coffees and an...erm...ahem....'Lax approach to Vegetarianism Bacon Butty'.
(As approved by Tuned In and now also ChrisKelley
).Here`s the view from the top of the Horseshoe Pass looking towards Llangollen....sorry it`s a bit dark,due to being silhouetted against the strong morning sun.
I love being out and about at this time of day...or even earlier....you`ve seemingly got the world to yourself.
I hadn`t seen any other bike while I was riding.....sometimes that`s how it is when on minor roads,but it`s unusual to see none on my route to the Horsehoe Pass....... and on arriving at the Ponderosa,it was surprise to see it totally devoid of bikes.
Looks like the 'six month insurance and tax brigade' is on the increase....
In the Summer,there would be dozens of bikes just within the length of my shadow in this photo..........
Ah well...it gave me plenty of space to enjoy the reason for my visit.....
Despite the tile of my Thread,the butty wasn`t frosty at all...it was nice and hot.
But look at the bench........
The sun melted off a fair bit of the frost,but the air was still rather fresh...very invigorating and full of 'feel good' factor.
Here`s another scenic view on the way home....for those who haven`t been out today
.
Not quite an epic ride...but I enjoyed myself....hoping anyone reading this does too.
