JOGLE Day 13: Coxbank To Hereford

Within minutes we crossed the border in Shropshire – home sweet home. We cycled a lot of the roads that we know and love. I loved cycling along some of my favourite places – some hills I once pushed a bike up, Buildwas Bypass just 6 miles away and we did joke about a detour over The Burway!!! In all seriousness, it’s amazing that the journey to cycling JOGLE started right here in Shropshire – training in the beautiful Shropshire countryside up and down the undulating hills, building muscles that can take on a 1000+ mile bike ride. I felt nostalgic.

On route we were caught up by a speedy cyclist – he cycled with us for a mile or 2 before heading off to Wem! Pieter was from Keele University and familiar win Shropshire Mind. He tells me he’d like to start bike backing.

Wenlock Spring, one of Clear’s clients had kindly sponsored us and we’re proudly wearing the logo on our shirts, when we saw we were within a mile of the HQ we had to call in! They gave us a tour and of course topped us up with water! The team were lovely and one member told me about a triathlon that includes a tandem-cycle! Consider us opted in for that!

The time in Ludlow was the best!! Poor Stew was run ragged around the town while I caught up with my mum and friends! He dragged the 35kg bike through Ludlow. We visited my mum at work, then as soon as we left, by chance I bumped into my brother casually driving along! Finally we headed to see the friends I made family! It was Jess’ 30th birthday so we called in for a quick catch up before making tracks to Hereford! I never thought we’d make her birthday so that was my day made!

Just as I thought we’d seen everyone we were spotted by 2 friends, one coming out of Ludlow (I was struggling at this point) and by a stroke of luck a second friend also caught sight of us in Leominster! Both gave us a much needed shout of encouragement!

What a day! We’re tired! Just need this footy to end so we can sleep – come on England!