When planning a mountain bike ride in the countryside, it can be a challenge. Usually, because the route is unfamiliar and things can get confusing with bad sugnposting, etc.
Sometimes, like today as it happens, it can mean oborting the whole thing and taking a different route home.
As you can see by my screenshot, I tried to find a way through the maze of farmers' fields and fences. I now realise my mistake after carefully studying the map. I missed a gate early on and found myself the wrong side of a fence in a large field where I got totally confused by other footpaths, and at one point finding the main road where I had to do a 180!
However, it was lovely weather out there. I enjoyed the ride as always, even when faced with a whole herd of cattle in my way! 🤣
You simply can not beat the English countryside in summertime.
Unfortunately, there was no alternative route unless I back tracked a long way, and I had wasted too much time now, so after returning to the first minor road, I opted to ride on tarmac roads to get me home via the quickest way but without using main roads which I hate doing (far too dangerous).
As always, there were some nice features to this ride which helped to make it very enjoyable indeed.
The ride was 20 miles in distance and a little under four hours in duration. My Garmin app tells me that I have done enough to maintain my fitness overall, and when it's so enjoyable, that can't be bad! 😁 This report was published via Actifit app (Android | iOS). Check out the original version here on actifit.io
25/06/2025
21060
