In a change to the usual midweek ride format, Andy led this ride on Saturday 11th May to the historic Shropshire town of Ironbridge, often described as the “Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution”. With the aim of being out for most of the day, the route of approx.100 miles was on a mix of A and B roads.

The group of a dozen riders met up at Peartree Services on a chilly but bright and sunny morning. Overcoming a slight mishap with one of the group pulling off from a traffic light (well done Steve Moxey for knowing the art of re-attaching RT mirrors), we headed out of Oxford, on the A44, passing Woodstock, Chipping Norton and Morton in Marsh on fairly empty roads bathed in the early morning sunshine. So how frustrating when the only traffic we encountered in this early section, was right on Fish Hill. But, hey, we can’t have it all!

Our coffee stop was right after Fish Hill at Wayside Farm Shop and with the sun continuing to shine, we enjoyed a pleasant cuppa and slice of cake outside, whilst catching up with everyone’s news. Suitably refreshed, we continued on towards Evesham, dropping onto the B4084 and skirting Worcester on A roads before a quick leg stretch at Laylocks Garden Centre on the A44. We then headed north on the B4197, B4363 and B4373 though the beautiful countryside of the Wyre Forest and wonderful views of the Severn Valley. The final stretch took us through Bridgenorth and onto Ironbridge with a lunch stop at Truffells Café. Thanks to Nick, the owner, for accommodating us all.

After a bite of lunch we had a pleasant walk around Ironbridge and took in the views of the truly impressive bridge, which is the first of its kind fabricated from cast iron, and one of the few which have survived to the present day. Thanks to all for a very enjoyable day and the all-important donations to the Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

All the best. Andy Pryce.