Riders: El Pres, PTD, Adrian, Bern, Butty, Coley, Croxy, Doog, 3 Sheds, Troll, Lee, Shaun, Slim, TJ, Rick J, Stunt, G, Mark McD
Pub: Dunc, Nick, Mawds, Simon, El Pud, Dr S
Route: Bl, Zig Zags, Saddlers Way, Lower Teggs, Smithy, reverse ressie to Bob’s Bench, Sutton Hall
Conditions: Mild but very windy
Notes:
A top turnout for this years cocktail caper, although the lack of Christmassy weather may have accounted for the lack of decorated bikes and riders. A lone Father Christmas on El Pres’s backpack was the sum total of our efforts!
Good to see some next generation too, with guest appearance from Shaun, and a first ride for Rick Jackson.
Weather yet again playing a strong part in route choice, with the Teggs top and Teggs cocktail bar both being exposed to the full force of the SE wind.
So the shelter of Bob’s bench was the target, and a bit of up hill and down dale to get there…with a procession of lights somewhat strung out by the time the spearhead arrived.
Menu:
Champagne on arrival (G)
Taster of 18 month old grain spirit (Shaun) …its getting better and better!!
Roasted Chestnuts (heated back to warmth with a blowtorch!), Pigs in blankets with Salted caramel & Soy, or Dark and tangy dipping sauces. Troll
Spanish pigs in blankets Doog
East Side Gin Cocktail, Gin, sugar syrup, lime, cucumber Rick Jackson
“Red one” Bourbon, Chambeaurd, cranberry juice, bitters Troll
Scapegrace New Zealand craft gin & tonic Lee
Green Goblin: Vodka, rum, blue curaco, cointreau, pineapple juice PTD
(not needed in the end, spare cake from saturday night!) Bern
A top selection of sips and snacks, PTD needing to repair a pedal, and many a toast!
Just time to recover glasses and head downhill to meet the non riding fraternity in the chapel bar at Sutton Hall.
Three tables, crackers, table service for drinks, much merriment and chat!
Probably the largest bill in TNR history (first use of a £50 note??) but a smooth settling in the end.