This day's ride to Melton Mowbray was the longest I went in a single day: 63+ miles. It was a tough day that took me along the edge of Derby and between Leicester and Nottingham, all large population centers. I rode past two nuclear power plants and crossed the River Trent several times.

Here are two river pictures from the ride.

As with most of the riding I did, the roads were up and down all day. Here is a typical view that I saw going forward.

There must be a genetic code that requires English people to reply to the name Melton Mowbray with the words "Pork Pie." Virtually everytime I said that I was going (or had gone) to Melton Mowbray, the reply was "Oh, that is where they make Pork Pies." Needless to say, it wasn't a big thrill for me.

In fact, I found Melton Mowbray not worth the effort. The main attraction seems to be the church. Here are two nice church pictures that I took. The first one is from just beyond the graveyard surrounding the church.

This one was from the other side looking back at it.

Apparently, the Anne of Cleaves house is a big historic site. It is actually a pub. But, the plaque on it said that this building was part of the settlement that Henry VIII gave to Anne of Cleaves. It wasn't real exciting.

Another problem with Melton Mowbray is that it didn't have much in the way of B&B accommodation. I ended up staying at a place that wasn't quite ready for business. I had an indian meal where I ordered Vegetable Vindaloo but the waiter refused to serve it to me saying he thought it would be too hot for me! I would have done better to not ride as far and stopped in a more tourist-friendly place.

Thursday, August 8: Melton Mobray to Spaulding
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