UK Bikepacking Amble | April/May | 2023 #2

2 May 2023

Ludlow - Bromfield - Onibury - Church Stretton - Much Wenlock

I mentioned that I intended using the Warmshower app on my trip. Cyclists offering their homes and hospitality to other cyclists. You ask and if you are lucky you get an invite. The last two nights I have have been hosted by Mason (Sunday) and Liz and John (last night).

https://www.warmshowers.org/

Amazing concept and if these two experiences are reflective of the norm then this is the way to travel for sure. Lovely people, lekker chats and solid advice on routes etc. There is no money involved, the expectation is to be a good host and equally to be a good guest.

Mason used to successfully row for GB in the World Champs. His twin brother is the holder of an Olympic gold medal in eights. Mason is now a proper cyclist, putting his long levers to good use.

John and Liz retired early and spend their time cycling the world. Their bike workshop would be the envy of my brother Gordon. In the garden every conceivable variety of berry grows. I know this because I had two big helpings of John’s homemade berry pie. Just the right amount of tartness.

In conversation over dinner I spoke about a billboard I had seen during the day that promoted a development in the area that was funded by the European Union. "I was involved in that development" said Liz. This one will be finished but after Brexit no more like that.

I look forward to hosting them all in Maastricht. That’s how it works, you give what you take.