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| From TNR 9-5-2013 Gradbach under Grey Skies |
Crew: PTD, Doog, G, Stunt, Mr Incredible
Route: BL, Ryles Arms, Wincle, Swythamly Hall track, top of back forest, ridge route past Hanging Stone, back past Luds Church, ford black brook, out past the Gradbach YHA, Road to Burntcliff top, track over the tops to A54, Wildboarclough, Standing stone, choice of forest routes, Sutton Hall.
Conditions: Blustery Wind, Rain held off until 9, trails damped down dryness.
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| From TNR 9-5-2013 Gradbach under Grey Skies |
Stats: BL Suspension Faff from G, Offs from Mr I & PTD, 1 bent rear mech from Mr I
Notes:
The rain finally stopped and the wind eased slightly ahead of this weeks TNR.
A quality not quantity crew looked to take advantage of the dry spell to take on Gradbach.
Despite G’s faff a prompt start and a good pace into a stiff wind on the road to Wincle
(Man running with very dodgy knee providing the only entertainment on the way)
Has mr Incredible been doing some secret training?
An hour later (no Slim stops this week) we are ready to enjoy the ridge singletrack and it’s all worth it! More fast and loose trail down to the ford – Mr I swapping superheroes for a bit of superman dismounting, and subsequent rear mech bodging. PTD has a rare epic fail in the ford, G shows how to do it, and the rest of us have to dab.
Lots of activity at the scout camp for midweek, before more climbing, and somehow the wind is still in our faces 🙁
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| From TNR 9-5-2013 Gradbach under Grey Skies |
By the old Eagle & Child at Burntcliffe top its back off road and lights on, wind to side then tail on the A54 as we crank up the pace to attempt to stay ahead of the rain.
Weary legs up standing stone, and steady rain blown into our faces on the descent.
Wet but happy in Sutton Hall for 9:35.
Amber Necker a marvellous pint. Quality conversation – American and Ancient History the specialist subjects. No Crazy Dutch texts though!?