Illston circular via Burton Overy, Little Stretton, Kings Norton

Led by me, with Maureen and Eddie. Very hot, good underfoot. Same as walk a week ago. About 8 miles.
The same route as last Thursday's walk, but without the unintentional strayings. I won't describe the route in detail here.
If you look at the photo above really really carefully, you may just see the waymarked yellow post among the leaves. This is at grid ref SP691984. To be fair the path is now clear on the ground, as the hay has been harvested. Last Thursday I was distracted by a wide opening in the hedge about 50 yards to the right!



After crossing the minor road close to a cattle grid, we cross a field with cows, and another piece of grassland, then join the minor road again as it goes downhill to Burton Overy. We've cut a corner off by footpath.

These cows had no intention of leaving the shade of the trees - wise beasts.

Burton Overy church lies to the west of the path

We walk through Burton Overy, noting that the Bell is open later. We find the path and take this as far as the footpath to Little Stretton. It's not very clear through the last cornfield.
Little Stretton Church was and is dependent on Kings Norton.
There is a bench in the sun, but in today's heat we decide to shelter in the porch for our break.
Then its through cornfields and pasture to Kings Norton, where we have a peep inside the church.

This is a photograph of an eighteenth century painting of the Fortrey family. William Fortrey was responsible for the rebuilding of Kings Norton Church between 1757 and 1775. For more about the village British History Onlinehas a page with loads of information.This monument was erected by William Fortreyin memory of his parents, William (d. 1722) and Anne (d. 1733).

More tagged cows, with Kings Norton Church on the horizon.

We make our way back past Illston Grange and its horses - who are all thirsty today.We drive by a slightly roundabout route to Burton Overy - a pint of iced lemonade!

Day 2 - BHFTF

Saturday was race day. I was thinking of riding the Fuel EX7 during the day. Dressed in cycling jersey and shorts. But, with race delays (The Super D start was delayed some 1 hour and 20 minutes). The hill climb held right after the end of the Super D.
I had a very good vantage point for shooting the Super D and Hill Climb. Normally, I would post a photo of one of the racers on the course. But today we had a trail pixie near me. Anna, who I met 2 years ago on the Centennial Trail ride.
By the time I got back to Headquarters, it was almost time for the Downhill to start. No time to stop by for some lunch.
As it turned out, the start of the Downhill race was delayed at least an hour. I was too tired from walking and climbing to go up the hill for a jump vantage point. Caught most of the racers as the get near the end of their race.
At 4pm. they were still racing - but I needed to eat before the Film Festival. Off to the motel, change clothes, and headed for the Gas Light. While up on the hill, knowing I would miss lunch, I decided it was a great evening to have a good dinner at the Gas Light (and they are a sponsor of the festival).
For those of you that have not attended BHFTF - you get chances to win swag if you spend money at one of the Festival sponsors. That's the Beer-Muda Triangle raffle.
Saturday ended with the BHFTF Film Fest, featuring amateur films, awards, and swag. (I think mountain bikers thrive on beer, bikes, and swag!) Special film was "Follow Me" - a freeriding film.

In The Shadow of Giants

These huge redwoods are awe-inspiring.

FMR

Friday night was the March Full Moon Ride. My count was 18 riders (per a photo). Weather was nice when we headed out. We rode the trails from Xtreme Wheels to Riverside Grille.
At the Riverside Grille, we celebrated Blaine's birthday. Then headed up to the Bob Bridge.
Turned cold while we were eating. My fingers, toes, and face were pretty cold when I got back to the shop. A 27 miles ride - but took a lot out of me. Did nothing all day Saturday.
BTW - Photos of the March and February FMRs are on my photo site.

Lewis & Clark Crusher

Saturday was the last race of the Psycowpath Series for the year. The race was held at Lewis & Clark Monument trails, Council Bluffs. This is a tough course. Many riders succumbed so "Never Rest" hill near the end of the race lap.

My photos of the race are posted on my race & event web site:

http://win-photo.photoreflect.com

THOR BYOK MTB Day

Photos I took at the THOR Bring You Own Kid mountain Biking day are posted.
BYOK MTB