Words by Alex, Pics by Pete.
Crew: El Pres, Slim, Butty, TJ, Coley, Stunt
Pub: Dunc
Route: BL, New Road, Cat, Danebower Hollow, Cumberland Clough/Brook, Standing Stone, LH & RH sides, Ressies, Sutton Hall
Conditions: Dry, clear, cold, huge amounts of surface water!
Notes:
It had rained all day, then cleared, with an interestingly low temperature that might freeze higher up??
Slim begs forgiveness for a later start, then is still late, presidential grumblings on sanctions are deferred due to promise of mid ride refreshment!
Coley bring shiny new tyres (on always shiny bike)
Lack of wind suggests we go big, big badger crosses in front of some of us early on.
The reward for the slog up are the moonlit clouds and incredibly clear views, we spy multiple red light lit masts not normally visible.
One towards Whaley Bridge (possibly Emley Moor!?), one towards North Wales (Moel-y-Parc?), and three visible from Danebower hollow southwards…(Rugely Power station Chimney?, Sutton Coldfield TV mast?, Lichfield TV mast?) (ref list of tallest structures in UK on Wikipedia)
Off road the puddles are immediately many and deep, full waterproof trousers the only right option! Many with damp legs and rears.
Big burning on the right hand side post the gate gives Danebower a slightly spooky feel.
Chumby part 1 – choose either slippy greasy mud/grass or chunky rocks!
Slim provides cooking brandy to sooth the nerves 😉
Just as well as Chumby part 2 = chunky rocks or chunky rocks!! Something big and tracked has been up and uncovered big things! Although the big pothole at the top by the gate has now been filled in.
Some tired legs on the standing stone ascent, fast and fun with extra wet leaves on the LH side, splashy and muddy on the lower RH side to follow. Consensus to head for pub, quick whizz around the ressies and down to Sutton Hall.
Hipster beard behind the bar, fire out, but radiators on 🙂
Butty chooses where to sit based on dark chair covering less likely to show the inevitable damp patch!
TJ reviews his upcoming Singletrack advert (Joe you are a star!)
Dunc arrives and gets the beers in…then demonstrates the internet of things by changing the thermostat on his unsuspecting family back home! (was that wise?)
We are not the loudest table (shocker) the lively ladies out do us, and also wind up a small dog!
Cold on the way home!!