Words by Eric, Pics by Pete
Crew; El Pres, Butty, Stunt, Slim; all Crossed, Coley, Mr I; full lycra, Eric keeping the faith with some nobbles
In the pub; Dunc, El Jellied Eels.?
Lame excuses; 3 Sheds – raining.
Route; BL, Hurdsfield Road, Well Lane and Lidgetts to Bollington, Shrigley Road to Adlington, Bonis Hall towards Mottram St Andrew, Alderley Edge, out towards Warford, A34, Artists Lane, Prestbury – Black Boy.
Conditions; Downpours all afternoon; heavy drizzle on the route to the start but brightening to a coat free finish.
Stats; Multiple minor tweaks to brakes, gears and mudguards for those machines emerging from winter hibernation. Butty pie inhalation issues.
?Offs; None.
Notes;
Europhiles were keen to try out bike and kit before tomorrow’s expedition to meet Les Belges. The absence of PtD’s assertive leadership lead to an outbreak of road rage. Eric however was keen to keep the faith and accompany, MTB only, 3 sheds and arrived suitably hardtailed and able to go both ways. But it was raining so no off road team tonight.
The true roadies were lead by Coley on his tongue and toothbrush clean vintage steed, all Campag and contrasting mongrammes. Mr I was riding a “real racer” on loan from Stunt and Eric was pedaling as fast as he could to keep up with the smoothies.
So what happened – well we rode our bikes round lots of lanes and ended up at the Legh Arms in Prestbury.
Enthusiasm to stay on the Belgian theme rather waned at the prices of the “craft lagers” which reflected those of the local property. The Robinson’s proved better value as did the food with the Gammon getting a very reasonable verdict. The conversation was focused on kit requirements for a self-sufficient and wet few days abroad. El Pres volunteered for a bag inspection and passed with flying colours, possibly even to the point of being over trouser’d.
The arrival of El Pud, long lost and fresh from the rejuvenating sights of the Capital returned the conversation to the base level but only after tales of carbon and steel incompatibility.
Whilst it was by no means a conventional TNR, Slim was heard to giggle late into the evening and after a particularly ribald repost from someone, – “this is turning into a real Thursday night”