Crew: 3 Sheds, Stunt
Route: RB, Endon House, Lidgetts lane, back of Kerridge, Poachers Snicket, Pott Shrigley, Bakestonedale road, Layby climb to Dale top, Quarry descent, Poachers
Conditions: Dusty Dry, warm & a bit buggy
Notes:
Who needs sweet spanish singletrack when the dusty dry trails of cheshire beckon?
The TNR tradition is upheld by Stunt and the very welcome return of 3 Sheds astride his bike to test out the still recovering knee.
Disaster is almost upon us before the start, on the middlewood way bend at the start of the footy pitches behind Rugby Drive a careering gravel biker narrowly avoids us!
Early grimaces and a pedestrian pace is needed to ensure that no undue risks are taken, but the Endon House climb give encouraging signs that an early bath is unlikely.
Back of Kerridge is a bumpy ride in superdry conditions making it all the more pleasurable.
Arriving into Ingersley Vale the knee is up for a crack at a bigger climb, whipping up the snicket (inhaling the odd insect!) and heading across to Pott Shrigley.
A lot of catching up to be had and good conversation when riding as a pair 🙂
Some sleek and fast roadies whoosh past us as we turn into Bakestonedale road, we are happy to spin a low gear, but it’s not too long before we are at the layby.
Never seen the moor so dry, lots of scorched brown grass where the soil is thinner, vegetation is high, but the path is not overgrown. A lot of ragged sheep rubbing the remnants of their winter coats off on whatever they can find – including the gate and bottom of the stile we need to cross.
Short dry grass = easier riding on the final climb to dale top. Views suffering from haze and overcast skies, but a great place to be!
Along the ridge then down the quarry descent, the brown grass emphasising just how many rocks there are…but giving great grip!! Down at the gate all too soon.
We have earned a pint, and re retire to the poachers, Peroni and Dortmund Pilsner feel the right reward for a warm night, and a knee that has eased into the ride.
Conversation continues to flow (lubricated by a second pint) before heading home (still almost light!)
Hopefully the leg was not too stiff the next morning!!