Todays ride was my longest so far this year, only 56k so not a monster one but the fabulous weather definitely encouraged me to keep going. In a change from my normal approach I also decided to just point in a direction and ride instead of following my usual routes. I intended to head to Norbury Junction for a well cool drink but didnt have a set plan on how I was going to get there. I finally arrived there at around lunch time and was fully expecting the cafe to be really busy but I was surprised to find it was very quiet.

After a very welcome Solero (ice cream) I headed towards the Stafford Greenway for a nice flat ride towards home. The greenway is a fantastic route that follows an old railway line through open countryside and is really well used by dog walkers, cyclists, families and wildlife ! I had a couple of close calls when birds shot across in front of me but again was surprised by how quiet it was compared with other recent rides where I have taken this route.