Words by Eric, pics by Slim.
Crew; El Pres, Butty, Slim, Dunc, Lee, Eric
Route; BL, Zig Zags, Charity, extension, Stanley Arms, Tearooms, Shining Tor, Hooleyhay, Erwin Lane, Blaze Hill, Oakenbank, Poachers
Conditions; Cool but dry as a dry throat just before a cold.
Stats; El Pres – soggy suspension.
Offs; Slim.
A small and nimble group moving swiftly, at least in some places, was tonight’s plan.
Our President was almost a non-starter due to work commitments, but reality prevailed and at the eleventh hour the life presidency was saved.
A second direct climb to the Cat in as many weeks was vetoed in favour of the scenic route and a chance to see Eric risk life and limb down Charity on his “little” bike shod with super skinny Rocket Rons. At the end of the Zig El President was to be found crouched over and pumping in an unseemly manner. The focus of the attention being a saggy rear shock which was soon restored to tumescence courtesy of Butty’s very dinky little pump. (Ed’s note; all innuendo tokens now used for this piece).
Fortunately the conditions under wheel were bone dry and the descent of Charity was achievable on any bike, as demonstrated by the guy on the hybrid. This didn’t prevent Slim falling into the hedge on the extension but as he was last man down due to photographic duties no one witnessed the event.
Spectacular skies and sunset effects followed us on the climb to the Tearooms and it was certainly very clear why Shining Tor is so named. A super dry climb and screaming descent were the just rewards for the evening’s toils, one of those “man and machine in perfect harmony” occasions that you just want it to go on and on.
I don’t know if we are getting slower or the light evenings are encouraging longer rides but it so often seems that beer o clock comes round before everyone has had enough. It was certainly true for some tonight as the team split into two groups, one – get the beers in and two – we can’t not do Oakenbank on the way down. Either choice was good, and we were soon reunited in the Poachers.
Maybe it was the small peloton or the membership but an element of decorum was maintained. After helmets were removed from the table conversation turned to music, and the most disappointing best record you ever bought.