words by Alex, Photos by Pete
Crews: El Pres, Troll, 3 Sheds, Slim & Dr S, Butty, Stunt
Al Fresco encounters: G, Dunc
Route: Muller Corner, Zig Zag, Charity, Extension, Ferriser
Conditions: Glorious sunshine and warmth, cold wind later.
And so it came to pass that the lockdown endeth and gatherings of 6 outdoors (or more for organised sport) could once again commence…
El Pres returneth to lead the faithful, and celebrate riding and some alfresco dining..on a Wednesday to make the most of the weather.
Scorcio for March, at over 20 degrees at the start of the ride. A slow start with the team assembling eventually and lots of chat to catch up with.
Original route choice from El Pres was either wildy optimistic or a right good wind up, and a sociable pace suitable to the temperature, big backpacks and the varied fitness levels meant it was never going to happen!
A few walkers on the (pretty dry) Zig, and from the Zag a steady stream of dog walkers and others enjoying the sunshine in the evening. Although the views not the best due to a lot of haze.
Covid conspiracy theorists had left their mark on the Tarmac charity grit bins (not exactly mainstream advertising!)
We are overtaken up and down charity by bikers with no packs (cars parked at the bottom of the forest no doubt), and some on e-bikes (as is Butty!)
We arrive at the Ferriser firepit as dusk falls, having picked up beers from the coolbags in Dr S’s motor at standing stone. A mix of logging to the East, and clearing of fallen trees at the circle itself, means it feels more exposed than ususal, but there is the benefit of lots of firewood!
We soon have a blaze underway, and our butties being consumed, and careful selection of the Troll supplied beverages…as the craft artisanal brews are of single, double and triple fermentation topping out at 11%!!!!
It’s been a long time since the last campfire night, and under the watchful gaze of our friend Orion (soon to slip below the horizon for the summer) we put the world to rights, catch up with each other, and simply enjoy some time that feels “normal”.
Some folk head off early with longer journeys home, to be replaced by some latecomers..G bearing Champers, and Dunc after his Duks ride earlier in the evening.
Later with the beer all gone, we manage to tidy up, and head home smelling smoky, smelly and happy!
A great opener to the season of light nights!