Words by Eric
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| From TNR 10-04-2014 Northern Classic |
Crew;
A Route – Butty, 3 Sheds, TJ, Slim, Eric
B Route – Dunc,
Lame excuses; Easter holidays
Route A; Rainbow bridge, Middlewood Way, Normans Hall Corner, West Park Gate, Lyme Park, East Gate, Bowstones, Sponds Hill, Dale Top, Moorside Lane, Vale Inn.
Route B; Dunc’s house, Vale Inn.
Conditions; Improving by the week but still a little tricky underfoot in places!
Stats; None reported
Offs; None reported or observed
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| From TNR 10-04-2014 Northern Classic |
Notes;
Despite a slightly ominous weather forecast the evening turned out to be just perfect, the route making the most of the spectacular sunset views over Manchester
A small peleton set off for the quick blast along the Middlewood Way to Adlington heading for the West Gate entrance to Lyme Park. Social conscience and a sense of citizenship kept us on the straight and narrow through the park and out of the East Gate. In the park we stopped for the first of a number of photoshoots, the output of which fully justified the delay. It was in fact an evening for savouring the sunset and the views rather than pulling one’s …. out. We all wanted to buy a copy of one of Pete’s photos, but it was two deer.
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| From TNR 10-04-2014 Northern Classic |
We lost the sun on the climb up to Bowstones. The removal of the gravel heap at the top left some serious tractor ruts which caused a little comedy peddling and the use of profanities.
A trig point photoshoot was obligatory before returning to the bikes for a superb descent over Dale Top and down to Keepers Cottage. The gentle timing left us in a bit of a panic and a route grande direct was required to get to the Vale before the Chef threw another tantrum. 3 sheds was the first casualty of the evening, retiring hurt before the pub after being run over by his brother in law’s trials bike earlier in the week. On arrival all was well as the place was still in full swing following a brewery tour. The evening concluded as expected !
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| From TNR 10-04-2014 Northern Classic |
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| From TNR 10-04-2014 Northern Classic |