words by Alex, Pics by Slim
Crew: PTD, El Pres, G, TJ, Butty, Slim, Mr I, Stunt
Route: BL, Old Road, Zig Zags, Walker barn, Chazza, Narnia, Chazza again, short cut to Narnia, Witches cottage, Leathers Smithy, Sutton hall.
Conditions: Cool, breezy, heavy rain at the end.
Stats: A stat free night?
Notes:
Another TNR where the rain gods are playing with us, late afternoon rain is mostly gone by the time we assemble.
Butty obviously thinks it’s not going to be too wet (in T shirt and lightweight aldi waterpoof only) having said that he would only be riding if it were dry (optimistic?)
Whatapp updates from Slim – late to don waterproof, G – be here at the rather precise 6:39….and he was!!
Its a stick to the forest kinda night with many route options..
to start with it all improves, layers removed on the climbs up the zig zags (enormous puddles though!)
Layers back on at chazza as the wind begins to bite (more big puddles)
Splashy down, then right turn into a slightly muddy narnia – with washed out gravel at the bottom. Butty leads a split to do some exploring – its deemed good enough for a second go, regrouping at witches cottage its back up and round, a bit tricky under the trees to find the route again (3rd time lucky).
A good spot to stop for PTD specials (Happy Birthday!) absinthe then abelour and lots of assertive discussion on the state of the nation…time to get going and continue in the pub as the leaden skies finally let go again.
Narnia 2.0 is much greasier , thoughts of hardingland are shelved by some, and its everyone for themselves to the pub. Hardinlanders much damper it must be said.
Leffe discontinued SHOCKER! but ales reliably good Zi Man nice and light (unlike the weather), Lord Lucan reliable as ever. Weather means its quiet and we are looked after very well. We are weak when it comes for puddings, red wine makes an appearance with cheese!
Dry ride home…