Words by Pete, Photos by TJ , Lee & Pete
Crew : Pete, El Pres, Dunc, Bern, Lee , Butty , 3 Sheds , TJ
Route : RB – War Memorial – North End Farm – Waulkmill Wood – Poachers Snicket – Ormes Smithy – OakenBank – Jumper Lane – Highwayman – Gritstone Trail (refusal) – Brickworks Layby – Capped Mines – …..The Poachers
Conditions : Dry-ish and Cool ..occasionally a bit damp
Notes:
The route was a Pete Production apart from the Gritstone Trail refusal and re-route (a Butty edit) .
This week we had Lee’s birthday to celebrate and a first time mid ride stop at the bench on Jumper Lane .
Not only did we get to toast Lee’s birthday with a half bottle of Jim Beam ..but Bern had brought posh glasses, the ceremonial kitchen towels and some freshly made Parkin. A special moment indeed.
Onward and upward with fuel and liquor to spur us on. At the top of Bakestonedale Rd we stopped to take the planned route along the Gritstone Trail towards Sponds ..but Butty halted the party handled us on an alternative route ..down to the Layby above Brickworks , a short push /grind up to the capped mines near the end of Dale top …then down the great rock strewn descent to Moorside Lane .
A sub set of the full crew arrived at the Poachers and took up residence in the back yard – as the new rules have come into effect.
On the plus side : We had shelter and it kept the rain off . Food was good – Liver for Bern , halloumi burger for Lee and pies for the rest of us . Very welcome , as was the service and the beer. Speed Wobble was Hazy and tasty at 4.7% but over £5 a pint …
On the downside : By 10pm we were getting a bit chilly despite our down jackets ….keeping warm post ride in the fresh air will need some inventive solutions