Читать книгу Cycling in the Cotswolds. 21 half and full-day cycle routes, and a 4-day 200km Tour of the Cotswolds онлайн

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Day route vs multi-day route

Although no stage in Route 22 is tougher than a ‘challenging’ route, riders should not underestimate the cumulative effect of fatigue on a multi-day outing. On the other hand, its relatively few off-road sections are optional and it is well suited to all types of bike. Keen, fit and experienced riders, particularly those on road bikes, may well wish to compress this route into a two- or three-day challenge.

Wet conditions

After prolonged rain (and often in winter) many routes change character completely from their hard-baked summer surface. Woodland bridleways in particular are notoriously slow to dry. Some route descriptions give suggestions for on-road detours to avoid more awkward off-road sections; it is recommended that you use an OS map in conjunction with these. A few of the routes may be simply impractical in very wet conditions due to the amount and state of the off-road. On all surfaces, remember that braking distances should be considerably extended in the wet.