Ride Around Dorchester (Continuation)
August 1, 1998

It was just outside of Abbotsbury that I encountered the second major hill of the day. This one was a 600-foot whopper, most of it gained in the first 3/4 mile on a fairly busy road. The downhill sign on the other side indicated "17%"--no argument here. I looked back after cresting, for the view of Lyme Bay to my left was quite pretty.

(Below: At the top of the steep climb out of Abbotsbury, with Lyme Bay to the right)

The climb was followed by a long descent down to Swyre, the road running parallel to the water. Though the views (the bay to my left, beautiful hills to my right) were very attractive, I had to focus on the road ahead since the downhill motor traffic was moving very fast. I got to the bottom, and turned right to head back north away from the water.

The road to my next destination, Askerswell, was a quiet one. It went up on a ridge above green pastures (if they weren't green, they couldn't be pastures, could they?). This one also had its share of steep sections, though nothing like the one out of Abbotsbury. I got reacquainted with the cow-dung olefactory sensation. There were a couple of cattle grids, and I had to dismount to walk over these grids.

(Above and Below: The road to Askerswell)

From Askerswell I followed another ridge road and headed in a northeasterly direction, towards Eggardon Hill, the intersection point of my figure-eight route. Eggardon Hill is located up at 1,000 feet. The road is a little rough, though very rideable. The view is panoramic and the blowing breeze was quite refreshing. Shortly after cresting, it plunged quickly down towards Powerstock (sounds like an sports energy bar or a heavy-duty tool, doesn't it?).

(Above: Eggerdon Hill, looking north)

Thankfully, Powerstock didn't quite deliver on the promise of its masculine monicker. Instead of shirtless burly guys wielding chainsaws and leather-clad men in Harleys, Powerstock is a quaint town of B&Bs and impeccable houses, with a river running through it.

(Below: A nice uphill road out of Powerstock)

The influence of the river was very evident on the road towards West Milton, a road that parallels the river. The area is very lush, with healthy ferns and other water-loving vegetation growing on both sides of the road.

(Above: The lush stretch towards West Milton)