Words by Alex, pics by Pete & Butty
Crew: El Pres, Slim, Butty, TJ, Dunc, Stunt
Route: Stonyfold lane, Zig, Teggs, White Rabbit ascent, Nessit, Ferriser, Campfire spot.
Conditions: Still, Mild
Notes:
A final TNR before lockdown 2.0 reduces groups to 2.0!
With a favourable weather window, TJ suggests a campfire evening, and together with Slim, they get in the essential logistics (beer and wood) ahead of the ride.
We gather and compare our hefty packs (still with own supplies, extra clothing and dry wood), and it’s a no brainer that we will do a “minimum viable product” to get to the campfire spot.
Butty then adds in a critical parameter of dry backside, and Charity lane is struck from the list of options!
We head up with sporadic fireworks visible over the lights of macc and its surrounds. An early Badger runs across the path by Teggs gate in the lights of the lead riders.
Strange sounds..bongo drums and jungle beats rise up from Langley as we contemplate the Teggs descent..all a bit surreal!
All is revealed as the big marquee at the back of the Leathers has been hosting a lockdown eve event of it’s own!
Lots of lights visible in the forest, and plenty of other riding groups out for a last blast.
Less trees around the campfire spot than when we were last here, our logistics duo have rebuilt the fire circle, and there are plenty of big log rounds lying about to use as seating!
Fire is soon going, beers are opened, Butties are unwrapped, Butty has his tin of frankfurters on fire, and Stunt is extracting his from a flask of hot brine!
The 5th is not going un-marked, and some serious ordanance is being let off in the vicinity, we can’t see it, but it’s loud!
It is very very good to be able to have bants, talk beery boll*cks and feel like life is normal(ish).
The evening is not cold, and not all the extra layers are needed, we do however consume all the beer, and the whisky!
By which time a serious fog is enveloping the land, and its a cautious ride home in suitably legal pairs.
Many admit to feeling the effects of being a bit over refreshed the next day!