Words & Pics by Butty
Riders: Assembly in Banjo territory for 6.30pm, Butty, Pres, PtD, StD, TJ and the hosting Troll.
Party animals: Doog arrived later by Motorbike!
Route: A Troll devised ride through Banjo land
Conditions: Perfect but windy
Notes :
Many delicious food stuffs are piled high and left with the lovely Ruth as we struck out on a fine but windy evening (Apparently it’s always windy up here).
The views over the plains and unusual angle to Shutlingsloe are a marvellous sight.
There are also impressive properties and “posh farms” to see.
As Simon and Phil suggest there are not many decent bridleways in Staffordshire, so we embark on many a naughty trail. Unfortunately, also many a stile, gate, fence to tackle.
Most dodge grumpy dog walkers but Simon at the back overhears some mumblings, “it’s not for bikers”. Somehow, I suspect they may ignore the youths sat on a bench surrounded by a strong funky smell of natural remedies.
As the evening progresses, we are treated to great light and a beautiful sunset, it is a great time of year to ride a bike in the evenings! We take a trip to a mysterious park grotto, whip around a rather nice lake to find the “Staffordshire Way” and struggle over some unique sliding cross bar styles.
A quick poll suggest that the more fun but harder climb may make us late so we opt for a more gentle road ride to recover all the height lost, also the awaiting beers and tucker are a significant draw. The climb is no problem as the sunset is getting better and there are some very interesting rock outcrops which some homes are lucky enough to have as back garden features (these outcrops are huge and dwarf the houses).
Back at Hot Lane, Ruth is putting finishing touches to the “BBQ tapas” and Phil starts to tempt us with many varieties and strengths of beer going up to 8%, maybe more!
A huge fire is built in the “firepits.co.uk” largest offering as the dying sunset offers up a fabulous sight with this interesting fiery foreground and stunning backdrop that many cannot resist to shoot.
As the Doog arrives in Fonz like leathers (he was on Motorcycle) the food is served. As expected, the food quality is second to none across the board, I remember the “Cherry” Gazpacho and the Paella in particular, delicious!
We sit scoffing, drinking, burning knees till late and Doog presents a bottle of fine scotch. The rest is a little fuzzy, I can only remember sloping off after 2am to the couch bed in the guest suite.