Amazing Autumn
Colour fest in local Woods
Autumn really is one of my favourite times of the year. This week has been especially great out on the bike. The colours of the leaves are fantastic, so picturesque. It’s like riding in snow but swapping snow for leaves. The ground is covered, and any little wind causes a trickle of falling leaves.
The first trip out this week was early Sunday morning. I’ve been edging to get a longer ride in for ages but have generally slumped back in bed. Sunday, I made real effort and was out by 07:30 just as sunlight appeared. I aimed to do a longer ride and get back before the family had really got up. I headed through Newstead and passed by the house without too many people in sight. I probably passed two runners; it was very quiet. I headed up route 6 to Sherwood Pines. The colours of autumn were in full view. The floor was covered. I took in Tornado Alley as I passed through the pines and on to Vicars water. On the way to the water, I was greeted by a full-grown black stag. It was bounding along the trail away from me. It stopped looked around to check me out and then darted right into the trees and, I guess, onto the golf course. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a black deer before which made it more amazing.
Vicars water was fairly quiet but by this time all the dog walkers had emerged and were filling the route. The water was still and mirrored tree line on the opposite side. I skirted around the lake and on to the many paths that pass through the parks on the way through Mansfield. I passed the Mansfield Town ground going around the lake and was soon on the edge of Kings Mill reservoir. This section is definitely less picturesque and more built up. Before long I was home with the coffee brewing and the bread toasting. A good 27 miles to get the day started.
The second trip out this week was a lunch time ride where I got the full feel of amazing autumn. I did a lot shorter route of 15 miles which started with the same trip through Newstead abbey. However, I turned off route 6 and headed into Harlow woods before heading through Thieves wood. This is where the spectacular views are. It is endless autumn colours, covered trails and floating leaves. I couldn’t help but stop and get some photos. They never do it justice but great for the memory.
Out of Thieves wood I crossed Derby Road and into Cauldwell woods for the fast single track down hill to Cauldwell damn. It seems wildlife is favouring me this week as I sped around the corner and startled a fox in the middle of the trail near the water’s edge. I was shocked as I thought foxes are nocturnal so to see one in the middle of the day was amazing. It was definitely a fox; the tail gave it away. It had a quick glance at me as I slowed down and then darted into the trees, never to be seen again. I cruised home feeling very fulfilled.
The final ride of the week was a full-on hour’s sprint through the felly. I was hoping to get out at lunch again, but work meant I couldn’t on this occasion. So, after work I had to dash to beat the dark. I have a quick sprint route that takes the felly loop and back, under an hour which is perfect to stay in the light. What I didn’t realise was that I was going to get an amazing sunset over my shoulder as I trekked up the steep Felly hill. I stopped at the top, to get my breath, but mainly to turn around and appreciate the sun going down in the distance. I had gone out with the aim of pushing myself to improve my fitness a little, but the plans changed as I stood and took in the view. Never mind maybe next time. I still put in a full effort either side of the rest.
All in all a great week of biking, not because of different trails or fast times, but because of the autumn colours and nature at it’s best. I think Autumn is becoming my favourite season.
