Crew: El Pres, Butty, Dunc, Slim, Bernard, 3 Sheds, Stunt
BBQ: Doog, TJ, Adrian & Billy the Spaniel
Route: BL, novel up past the former Eric residence, Zig zags to Windyways, Charity Lane, Butty’s shortcut into Narnia, Hardingland, Langley Resevoirs, Smithy, Witches cottage, BBQ.
Conditions: some light drizzle early on, warm, dry trails
Notes:
Summer having finally arrived this week we optimistically plan for al fresco eating.
Doog takes charge for a traditional meaty feast, and despite a bit of weather to keep us on our toes, its all go for plan A.
Tis a very warm humid evening, and its not worth donning waterproofs (it’s almost comforting a hint of coolth)
Route is chosen for options, and starts with an unusual suggestion to head up Whitney Croft and climb off road.
Cheeky thoughts of having the BBQ on El Puds front lawn and sending him the pictures (another time!?)
There are a lot of steps, but variety is good, and a heron is fishing in the upper pool. We also discover that one way signs are hard to spot (and blondes in 4×4’s = trouble)
By the time we get to windyways it’s pretty clear that it’s too humid for riding hard, and a single loop is the best plan.
Some lads on very clean bling bikes catch us at Butty’s shortcut, some admiring glances at a cotic rocket in the flesh (steel?!)
One does need to know where the shortcut goes to get the momentum for flow, but some fun in bombholes on sketchy pineneedles.
Two running ladies ask out help to find a pond at witches cottage (we think it might be the pool created on the fire road bend just lower down).
Hardingland dry and fast. Langley resssies very low (for maintenance we think), and three herons are making the most of shallow water (not so good for the fish).
It’s a long long drag up (helped by saying hi to Belgian Andy out walking his dogs), and the anticipation of fire, beer and food.
We set up in the bivvy spot as the grass is very long and very wet. Doog does us proud with a 4 meat feast plus baked potatoes, and beer/lager. The first tins disappear very quickly.
Strange tales of car driving up off road, and man with dog coming our way..turns out to be Adrian coming to join the fun. Billy the 4 month old cocker bitch is a big hit (especially with Butty and Ball) and is very well behaved given the food and fire combo. (she really likes chewing soft pine cones).
Food consumed, a small fire is created (just) on the bbq. With the shelter we are under it’s just right, not too smoky and banter ensues (much of which about whether fiat pandas will get back down in one piece!)
We are grateful for the car assist as it solves the rubbish logistics issue (bin bags that is!)
Responsible and biodegradable dousing – then homeward bound.
No car parts or oil slicks seen on the descent.