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| From TNR 22-08-2013 new steeds |
Crew: G, Eric, Butty, Mr Incredible, Stunt, Coley
Pub: Slim, Dunc, Dan & Nic
Route: BL, Chazza, Wilboarclough to A54, Offroad across to former Eagle & Child, Gated roads to Cut thorne, Descent into 3 Shires, Field/farm out to A54, Chumby, Standing stone, Sutton Hall
Conditions: Warm & Buggy, dusty trails.
Stats: 2 Punctures for G, offs for Eric (2), G (1)
Notes:
Route conundrum of how to do 3 shires without roading to the cat leads to slighty novel route.
Flying ants thick on the ground (and air) all the way to the top of chazza, where a flock of starlings were also doing patterns from the cows field when disturbed.
G has his first mandatory pinch puncture at the bottom of chazza (mind the big tractor parked at the bottom!) and we see some whippet youths whizz down then back up!
Good pace and chat along the valley all the way to the eagle and child track. By ‘eck its a steep start to that there trail, and when it goes rocky both G and Eric end up with rear wheel spin out low speed sideways topplings.
Once at the top – great conditions for a fast thrash (or in the case of stunt on his old school voodoo as not as fast as it feels thrash!)
Time does not allow for the full reverse entry to chazza so we stay on the roads to Cut Thorne.
Steeper climbs now taking their toll on legs and blood sugar levels.
Lights on for the loose rocky trail down where G has his second puncture (and does he have a second tube? ..well we were impressed he had a first one!)
Grippy dew laden grass makes for some pushing on the way out as we start to string out, and fatigue also affects mental state – as half the party head towards danebower hollow at the top!
Chumby is gnarly and wetter than for a while, although still an easy ford at the end.
No time to explore the forest and big rings to the pub.
Pennine Gold goes down lovely, and Slim and Dunc provide new bike goodness to admire.
Other goodies on show – more space tech Gel pads (this time in Transformers yellow on black) that feel like snug arm/leg warmers (no crash testing performed). Alpine kit and spares debates swing from doomladen to Pah! extremes. Dan demonstrates rare Alliance of Moderation willpower, whilst a slight AoE head for another, followed by chasers.
Not sure we actually worked out the height gain – but surely good training whatever!