Words by Alex, Pics by Pete
Crew: El Pres, Slim, Butty, TJ, Mr I, Stunt, Josh
Pub: Coley
Route: BL, Rainbow Bridge, Under White Nancy, Poachers Snicket, Pott Shrigley, Moorside Lane, Chapel descent, Lyme Park W gate, Knob, Lyme Park E Gate, Justins Passage, Mudhurst Lane, Bowstones, Sponds, Diagonal descent to layby, Pott Shrigley, Poachers
Conditions: Sunny, Warm, mostly dry trails, high vegetation!
Notes:
Last minute negotiations with the President lead to a merciful 18:45 meet for northern contingent at Rainbow bridge as skies clear for what will be a glorious evening to be up in the hills.
Mr I arrives with BIG NEWS …apparently he has joined the Smartphone generation…”I have a Nokia” …spontaneous laughter from the cruel cultists of Android and iOS..it’s still a major improvement on the blackberry!
TJ’s bike sporting double test lightage for Brightbikelights next season best sellers..
A rare climb up through Lyme Park is proposed, and Kerridge is ditched in favour of speed to maximise the downhill options from Sponds.
Josh joins us (this time forearmed with tactical mars bars), and Stunts GI style loose chinstrap gets some Joshing from the rest of the crew!
Crew sets off a quite a clip – but soon strings out as the lovely light provides photo opportunities galore.
Chapel descent fast and fun – and low tree shows Stunt why chin straps should be snugger fitting.
Plenty of gratuitous skidding on gravel under braking.
A fully legal entry to the Park!!! passing dog walker & joggers, stunning views from the Knob, whiff of BBQ from the picnic area, long grasses swaying in the golden light, tis truly an evening to savour.
Exiting past the gate house holidayers sensibly sat with wine in hand, we complete our compliance audit and soon turn right up Julians Back Passage ! picking our way between the thistles and nettles, accompanied by our shadow riders.
Last burst of energetic riding to Bowstones, tactical mars bars, and decision on descent.
The White mound back to full size! and a pair of wellies next to the gate… Trig point the better choice than tip toeing through gloop to the stile.
Setting sun right in our eyes on the down and ups across to Sponds. lots of opportunity for “air” from the frolicsome riders.
Stunt ends up chest high in marsh grass taking Not an alternative to the path around a boggy bit!
Rear blinkies on for the road to the Pub (last night of the year into pub without lights?)
Poachers busy, Ramblers excellent, table service even better, beat that photo competition, belgian beers, fiddling with new phones, Joshing and Japery.
Cool heading home – but at least TJ can test his lights.
